UNITED NATIONS (AP) — World leaders are meeting at the United Nations this week amid ongoing conflicts and concerns regarding artificial intelligence and climate change. The U.N. General Assembly's annual high-level gathering will address major wars in countries including Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, and Myanmar, raising questions about the potential for resolution.
The assembly will also focus on the impacts of climate change, rising inequalities, and economic shocks due to disrupted shipping routes and supply chains.
The future of the United Nations is on the agenda as well, with discussions around reforming key institutions like the U.N. Security Council, which currently reflects the power dynamics of World War II rather than contemporary global realities. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' term ends on December 31, and speculation surrounds his potential successor.
Approximately 130 heads of state and government are expected to participate in the General Assembly, which begins on Tuesday. Notable speakers include U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who will address the assembly following Guterres' opening remarks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will speak on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the assembly on Thursday, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will participate via video due to visa issues with the U.S.
China's President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend, with Xi sending a vice president instead. Indian President Narendra Modi has also canceled his attendance.
France's U.N. ambassador, Jerome Bonnafont, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and cooperation among nations during this polarized time.
The U.N. has faced challenges in fulfilling its role in maintaining international peace and security, compounded by the U.S.'s outstanding financial obligations to the organization. Recently, the U.S. paid $725 million towards its dues, helping to stabilize its voting rights within the General Assembly.
Concerns regarding artificial intelligence have gained prominence, with leaders from major AI companies advocating for regulatory measures. The U.N. Security Council has added a meeting on AI to its agenda, reflecting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Guterres has stated that international cooperation is crucial in light of the existential threats facing the world. The assembly will also cover various global issues, including climate change, education funding, and gender equality.
Esther Brimmer, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted the importance of in-person meetings for fostering international collaboration.
Edith M. Lederer has covered international affairs for The Associated Press for over fifty years.