The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opens today in New York, with the annual General Debate beginning at 9:00 a.m.
New York time (4:00 p.m. Somalia time). World leaders will use the platform to outline their countries’ priorities and positions on major global issues.
As is traditional, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will first present his annual report, followed by UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, who will formally open the debate.
The first national leader to address the Assembly will be Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Brazil has traditionally delivered the opening national speech since 1955, after volunteering to speak first when no other country wished to do so.
He will be followed by U.S. President Donald Trump, representing the host nation. Trump is expected to focus on major international security challenges and U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Other prominent leaders expected to speak during the opening sessions include:
- José Antonio Kast – President of Chile.
- Emmanuel Macron – President of France.
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – President of Türkiye.
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
- Cyril Ramaphosa – President of South Africa.
- Several other heads of state and government from across the world.
This year’s General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Key topics expected to dominate discussions include international conflicts, climate change, artificial intelligence, economic challenges, and global security.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to address the General Assembly on 24 September, where he is expected to discuss Somalia’s security situation, political developments, counterterrorism efforts, and the country’s priorities for international cooperation and support.