The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) kicks off today in New York, with a high-stakes General Debate drawing over 150 world leaders, amid ongoing global tensions and shifting power dynamics.
The opening address will be delivered by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a key moment in his renewed presidency as attention turns to the United States’ evolving global role.
Also slated to speak on Day One are:
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
French President Emmanuel Macron
The debate will begin at 9:00 a.m. (1300 GMT), with introductory remarks from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock.
Topping the global agenda are the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and concerns over the UN’s financial instability.
A UN Security Council session focused on Ukraine is also scheduled, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to be in attendance.
Nigeria is being represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who arrived in New York earlier to lead the nation’s delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The week-long summit is set to serve as a critical forum for diplomacy, dialogue, and debate — as the world navigates a period of uncertainty, realignment, and rising geopolitical tensions.
