UN General Assembly 2025: 5 Key Storylines to Watch This Week

More than 140 world leaders are in New York this week for the annual UN General Assembly, seeking common ground on global peace and security amid widening divides. Nearly 90 heads of state, 43 heads of government, and one crown prince will step onto the UN stage beginning Tuesday to outline visions for ending conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, tackling the climate crisis, and addressing the risks of artificial intelligence.

The summit comes as the UN marks its 80th anniversary against the backdrop of deep financial strain and mounting questions over its relevance. US aid cuts and reassessments of humanitarian contributions by other nations have sharpened the debate about the body’s efficiency.

Here are five storylines to watch:

1. Two-State Push Gains Momentum
A high-profile meeting chaired by France and Saudi Arabia opened the week with renewed backing for Palestinian statehood. France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco announced recognition of Palestine, a day after the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal did the same. The US and Israel boycotted, arguing recognition rewards Hamas and complicates efforts to end the Gaza war and free hostages. On the ground, Israel continues its Gaza offensive and West Bank settlement expansion, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows more unilateral steps.

2. Climate Pledges on the Line
Wednesday’s UN climate summit will feature over 110 leaders pressed to submit overdue five-year emission-cutting plans. Only 47 of 195 nations have complied so far. China and the EU are expected to outline new commitments this week. “Don’t believe the doomsters… the world is not moving away from climate action,” UK climate chief Ed Miliband said, as governments and businesses promote clean-energy strategies in side forums.

3. Trump’s Return to the UN
US President Donald Trump, now in his second term, will deliver his first UN address since January. Allies and rivals are watching for signals on Washington’s stance toward the wars in Gaza and Ukraine — and whether more funding cuts to the UN are coming. In his first term, Trump pulled the US from the WHO, the Human Rights Council, and ordered reviews of dozens of multilateral bodies. Last week he said of the UN: “There are great hopes for it, but it’s not being well run.”

4. Spotlight on Iran and Syria
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks Wednesday as a deadline looms to avoid reimposed UN sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program. European leaders accuse Iran of noncompliance, while last-ditch talks continue in New York. Hours later, Syria’s new leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa will debut on the UN stage, the first Syrian head of state to do so in nearly 60 years. His past leadership of a group once designated a terrorist organization by the US will draw scrutiny.

5. Diplomacy Behind Closed Doors
Much of the real action may unfold in private. More than 1,600 bilateral meetings are scheduled, alongside countless receptions and dinners across Manhattan. These backroom talks could shape trade deals, ceasefires, and normalization efforts beyond what’s said at the podium.