**UN General Assembly: Who is Attending, and What’s on the Agenda?**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 02:29 PM*
World leaders have gathered in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The debates will commence on Tuesday, continue through Saturday, and conclude on Monday, September 29.
Traditionally, Brazil opens the general debate, followed by the United States as the host nation—a custom maintained since 1955 when Brazil volunteered to speak first at the 10th General Assembly.
### Focus on Global Tensions
This year’s assembly is expected to focus heavily on pressing global tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as Russia’s war in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump is slated to address the UNGA on the first day, Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also scheduled to speak later in the week, highlighting the significance of these conflicts on the agenda.
### Who’s Representing the Major Powers?
Several major powers are sending trusted delegations, although some notable absences continue. Russian President Vladimir Putin will miss the UNGA for the second consecutive year, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov leading Russia’s delegation.
China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has designated External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to represent India at the assembly.
### Bilateral Talks and Strategic Discussions
Ahead of the assembly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries across sectors such as trade, defense, energy, and critical minerals.
Jaishankar also held discussions with European Union foreign ministers during an informal meeting in New York. The talks covered multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, energy security, and trade relations.
### Notable New Attendees
This session features significant new appearances. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will address the assembly—the first time a Syrian head of state has done so since 1967.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend as well, following Tehran’s recent 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, marking a noteworthy participation from the Gulf state.
### Theme of the 80th UNGA
The theme for this year’s assembly is **“Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.”**
Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former foreign minister and the president of the 80th session, framed the gathering as a critical moment for international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of preserving the UN’s achievements since 1945 while adapting it to future challenges, with a rallying call of **“Better Together!”**
As world leaders convene, the coming week promises intense dialogue focused on fostering peace, development, and upholding human rights amid a complex geopolitical landscape.
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