Opening of the 81st Session

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres spoke at the opening of the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on September 8. As Guterres approaches the end of his term, he attends his last high-level week with world leaders. He will deliver opening remarks, followed by speeches from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and President Trump. The event will feature various international leaders and officials until September 28.

Key Issues Highlighted by Guterres

Guterres aims to address significant global issues during meetings with world leaders.

• De-escalation in the Middle East
• Ensuring freedom of navigation in strategic waterways
• Advocating for a ceasefire in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict

Observers do not anticipate major breakthroughs.

Iran’s Participation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to speak at the General Assembly. The delegation faces restrictions, including reduced size and limited movement, due to visa issues. Guterres attempts to negotiate openings for vital exports from the Strait of Hormuz.

Ukraine and Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address the assembly. Russia continues to utilize veto power to limit U.N. intervention. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov plans to speak and meet representatives, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Israel and the Palestinians

The U.S. continues denying a visa for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The General Assembly supports Abbas delivering his speech via video. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the assembly in defense of his policies.

Absent Leaders

Some significant leaders will miss the assembly, including representatives from India, Germany, South Africa, and China.

Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group comments on the impact of these absences, indicating the perceived shift in global power dynamics.

Venezuela’s Role

Delcy Rodríguez, interim leader of Venezuela, will speak at the U.N., following developments such as a substantial oil deal with the U.S. President Trump plans to meet Rodríguez, exploring potential benefits from the oil agreement.

Race for U.N. Secretary-General

The U.N. Security Council continues the selection process for Guterres’ successor. Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett are prominent candidates, emphasizing the tradition of a Latin American leader. With the U.S. holding veto power, the process might be prolonged, requiring further consensus among the council.