UN General Assembly convenes in New York

The United Nations General Assembly’s annual high-level meeting is under way in New York. Leaders and ministers are addressing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Iran, Sudan, the Congo and Myanmar, alongside artificial intelligence, climate change, economic pressures and reform of the UN system.

• About 130 leadersExpected heads of state and government — Plus dozens of ministers
• 193 member statesCountries represented at the United Nations — Reform discussions include key institutions
• 81 heads of stateScheduled speakers during the general debate — Alongside 50 heads of government

Q1

What is the General Assembly?

It is the UN’s annual forum where member states set out positions, debate global issues and hold diplomatic meetings outside formal Security Council decisions.

Q2

Why is UN reform prominent?

Member states have agreed a reform package aimed at modernising key bodies, including the Security Council, amid questions about the organisation’s influence.

Q3

Which major leaders are absent?

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are not expected to attend, while other heads of state, government leaders, ministers and vice-presidents will participate.

Q4

Why is artificial intelligence on agenda?

The meeting places AI among priority issues for the first time, alongside warnings about its potential effects on humanity and governance.

• El Tiempo
• La Razon
• El Pais Uruguay
• La Tercera
• Europa Press
• Infobae
• BBC News
• Clarin