UN General Debate to bring world leaders together in New York under ‘restoring trust’ theme

Law enforcement provides security around United Nations headquarters in New York on September 21, 2026, on the eve of the start of the UN General Assembly. — AFP pic

First Published: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 9:34 AM MYT

ISTANBUL, Sept 21 — The high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly is set to open Tuesday in New York under the theme “restoring trust”, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Heads of state and government will convene for the 81st edition of the meeting to address key international security, geopolitical, and economic challenges.

“Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all” serves as the official theme guiding this year’s gathering.

Proceedings will begin in the General Assembly Hall, following a long-standing diplomatic tradition in which Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivers the opening address, followed by host-nation leader United States President Donald Trump.

The opening morning roster features major global figures, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

Later in the session, the assembly will hear remarks from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

The General Assembly session formally commenced on September 8, the centerpiece General Debate, runs through September 26 before concluding with final addresses on September 28. — Bernama-Anadolu