**UN General Assembly: Who is Attending, and What’s on the Agenda?**
*By Snehil Singh | September 23, 2025, 2:29 PM*
World leaders have gathered in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. The debate for this landmark session will open on Tuesday, continue through Saturday, and conclude on Monday, September 29.
### Traditional Opening Speakers
As per tradition since 1955, Brazil will speak first, followed by the United States as the host country. This longstanding custom began when Brazil offered to deliver the opening statement at the 10th General Assembly.
### Key Discussion Points: Global Tensions in Focus
This year, the assembly will primarily focus on pressing global tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
– **U.S. President Donald Trump** is scheduled to address the UNGA on the opening day, Tuesday.
– **Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu** will speak later in the week.
### Representation by Major Powers
Several major countries are sending trusted delegations, though some leaders will be absent:
– **Russia**: President Vladimir Putin will miss the session for the second consecutive year. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will lead Moscow’s delegation.
– **China**: Premier Li Qiang will represent China instead of President Xi Jinping.
– **India**: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delegated External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to attend.
### Bilateral Meetings and Strategic Talks
Ahead of the formal sessions:
– **U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken** met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss strengthening strategic cooperation across trade, defense, energy, and critical minerals.
– Jaishankar also engaged with the European Union’s foreign ministers during an informal meeting in New York, covering topics such as multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, Gaza, energy, and trade.
### New and Notable Attendees
This assembly will see significant firsts and anticipated appearances:
– **Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa** will address the assembly, marking the first time a Syrian head of state has spoken at the UNGA since 1967.
– **Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian** will attend following Iran’s announcement to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency amid UN Security Council sanctions.
– **Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani** will also be present.
### Theme of the 80th Session
The theme for this year’s General Assembly is **”Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.”**
Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former foreign minister and the current president of the 80th UNGA session, framed the gathering as a critical moment for international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of preserving the achievements of the UN since its founding in 1945 and adapting the organization to meet future challenges. Her rallying cry for the session is simply: **”Better Together!”**
—
The 80th United Nations General Assembly represents a pivotal opportunity for world leaders to address ongoing conflicts, enhance diplomatic ties, and reinforce global cooperation in pursuit of peace and human rights. Stay tuned for further updates as the session progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/un-general-assembly-who-is-attending-what-s-on-agenda/story