**UN General Assembly: Who is Attending, and What’s on the Agenda?**
*By Snehil Singh | September 23, 2025 | 02:29 PM*
World leaders have gathered in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. The debate will open on Tuesday, continue through Saturday, and conclude on Monday, September 29.
Traditionally, Brazil will speak first, followed by the United States as the host country — a custom maintained since 1955, when Brazil offered to speak first at the 10th General Assembly.
### Key Discussion Points: Focus on Global Tensions
This year, the assembly is expected to center its discussions on pressing global tensions, particularly the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump is slated to address the UNGA on Tuesday, the first day of the debate, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak later in the week.
### Representation: Major Powers Sending Trusted Delegations
Several major powers are participating with high-level delegations, though some leaders will be absent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will miss the assembly for another consecutive year, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov leading Moscow’s delegation in his stead.
China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang, rather than President Xi Jinping. Likewise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delegated External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to represent India at the assembly.
### Bilateral Talks: Strengthening Strategic Cooperation
In parallel with the assembly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on Monday. Their discussions focused on enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries across areas such as trade, defense, energy, and critical minerals.
Jaishankar also held talks with European Union foreign ministers at an informal meeting in New York. The exchange covered multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, Gaza, energy, and trade.
### New Attendees: Significant Firsts
This year’s session features notable new attendees. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will address the assembly, marking the first time a Syrian head of state has done so since 1967.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also attending, following Tehran’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: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights”
The theme for the 80th session 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 this session, has framed the gathering as a critical moment for international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of preserving the UN’s achievements since 1945 and adapting the organization to future challenges with the rallying cry: *”Better Together!”*
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Stay tuned as the assembly progresses, with world leaders addressing urgent global issues and seeking common ground to foster peace and development worldwide.
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