World leaders meet at UN amid crises, conflicts and uncertainty

Leaders from around the world began arriving today (22 September) at the United Nations as it faces one of the most turbulent periods in its 80-year history.

The global challenges are immense: ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, shifting US foreign policy, widespread hunger, and rapidly evolving technologies that outpace global governance.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week, "International cooperation is straining under pressures unseen in our lifetimes."

Despite these challenges, the annual high-level General Assembly gathering brings together presidents, prime ministers and monarchs from roughly 150 of the 193 UN member states.

Guterres emphasised the importance of the meeting even in difficult times. "We are gathering in turbulent -- even uncharted --  waters," he said, citing "our planet overheating, new technologies racing ahead without guardrails, inequalities widening by the hour."

He plans to use more than 150 one-on-one meetings with world leaders and ministers to encourage dialogue, bridge divides, mitigate risks and seek solutions -- from conflicts and climate change to regulating artificial intelligence and funding UN 2030 goals, including ending poverty and ensuring quality education for all children. "Leaders must make progress, not merely engage in posturing and promises," he said.

But observers remain sceptical. With no ceasefires in Gaza, Ukraine or Sudan, whether the high-level meeting can achieve meaningful outcomes is uncertain. Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group, said three issues will likely dominate: US President Donald Trump's first appearance in his second term, the crisis in Gaza, and the UN's financial and staffing challenges following cuts to US contributions.

Gowan noted the nearly two-year Gaza conflict is central, as Israel has launched a major offensive in Gaza City and a UN-commissioned report accused Israel of committing genocide -- a claim Israel rejected as "distorted and false." Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasised, "Palestine is going to be the huge elephant in this session of the General Assembly."

Abbas will address the assembly via video after the US refused him a visa, following a resolution allowing it. More than 145 countries already recognise Palestine, and Mansour told The Associated Press, "it's going to be 10 more" at today's meeting. The assembly also plans a Security Council discussion on Gaza.

Other key topics include Trump's speech tomorrow, climate change, Sudan, Somalia, Haiti and UN reform. Guterres aims to rally support to make the UN more responsive amid a 15% budget cut and a 19% reduction in staff for 2026.

Gowan said the UN remains vital despite its struggles: "The UN's resonance on peace and security issues is unquestionably not what it was, but I think that the organisation will continue to muddle through."