New Delhi: The United Nations general assembly (UNGA) is set to begin its 81st session against a backdrop of prolonged geopolitical conflicts and growing economic pressures, with the external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, scheduled to present India’s national statement on September 26. He will address the afternoon session of the general debate, which is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28.
The 193-member UN general assembly’s year-long session will formally begin on September 8. Bangladesh’s foreign minister, Khalilur Rahman, who was elected in June, will preside over the assembly during the 81st session.
The high-level week will take place amid concerns over the wider economic impact of continuing geopolitical disruptions. The ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to rising food and fuel prices, with the consequences extending to countries across the Global South and the least developed nations.
Alongside these immediate concerns, the UN general assembly will take up several issues with wider global implications. The high-level programme includes discussions on the existential threats posed by sea-level rise, pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, climate action and the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
The programme will also include a high-level session commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. Another meeting will focus on climate action and the just transition.
The opening day of the general debate on September 22 will see Brazil take the traditional first speaking slot, followed by the US. The US president, Donald Trump, is scheduled to address world leaders that day, marking his second address to the UN session during his second term in the White House.
The heads of government of Bangladesh and Nepal are scheduled to address the general debate on September 24. Pakistan is scheduled to speak on September 25, a day before Jaishankar’s address.
Jaishankar had also addressed the general assembly from the UN lectern last year. His scheduled appearance this year comes during what is considered the busiest diplomatic period at the UN headquarters.
The 2026 high-level gathering will also be significant for the UN leadership as it is set to be the final high-level general assembly session for UN secretary general, António Guterres. His second five-year term as head of the global organization will end in December.