A challenging global backdrop
NEW YORK — World leaders are converging on the United Nations headquarters as the annual General Assembly opens against a backdrop of continuing conflict, geopolitical rivalry and economic uncertainty.
The gathering brings together presidents, prime ministers, diplomats and senior officials from around the world at a time when international attention remains focused on the wars affecting Ukraine and the Middle East.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the changing international order and the need for global institutions to adapt as political and economic power shifts.
Diplomatic discussions during the gathering are expected to cover international security, energy, trade, humanitarian crises, climate change and emerging technologies.
Diplomacy takes centre stage
US President Donald Trump is scheduled for an extensive series of meetings with international leaders alongside his address to the General Assembly.
His programme includes discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leaders from Europe, the Gulf region and other parts of the world.
The Ukraine conflict is expected to remain an important subject of diplomatic discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron said following talks with Trump that the two discussed proposals aimed at securing a moratorium on attacks involving energy infrastructure.
The Middle East will also feature prominently as governments assess the economic and security consequences of continuing regional instability.
The gathering provides governments with an opportunity for direct diplomacy at a moment when several major international disputes remain unresolved.
