World leaders gather at UN amid wars, climate crisis and AI concerns
Heads of state assembled at the UN General Assembly this week, confronting ongoing wars, accelerating climate change and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Around 130 heads of state and government are speaking at the United Nations General Assembly as wars in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe continue to flare. Climate change and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence are also high on the agenda, prompting a Security Council meeting on AI for the first time. Member states have agreed to a broad reform package that would modernise the Security Council’s structure, but implementation remains uncertain.
The gathering comes as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres prepares to leave office at the end of the year, with no clear successor identified. Prominent speakers include Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Masoud Pezeshkian and Benjamin Netanyahu, while leaders such as Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi are absent, sending deputies instead. The UN’s financial strain and questions about its relevance in a multipolar world are also being discussed.
How this was covered
- The two sides describe this in almost entirely different words
- Coverage peaked at 6 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The summit determines how the world will address wars, climate threats and AI while shaping the UN’s future role.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 Trump predicts Iran conflict will cease right after U.S. midterms
- Sep 14 President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States is willing to discuss a settlement with Iran to halt the ongoing Middle-East conflict.
- Sep 14 Iranian cargo vessel hit near Qeshm Island, killing one crew member and prompting Oman to delay the Hormuz talks.
- Sep 16 The House of Representatives voted 220-204 to adopt a resolution that orders President Trump to end the ongoing war in Iran, marking a rare bipartisan effort. Seven Republicans—Thomas Massie (KY), Tom Barrett (MI), Warren Davidson (OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Nancy Mace (SC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA) and Zach Nunn (IA)—joined Democrats in supporting the measure, three more than in prior votes. Rep. Jason Crow led the push, emphasizing that both parties are fed up with the conflict, now in its seventh month. On the same day, Rep. Massie, who lost his primary, filed impeachment articles against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, accusing him of executing unlawful war orders. Public sentiment remains strongly against the war, with an Ipsos poll indicating 71% of Americans favor withdrawal. The resolution reflects growing congressional pressure to rein in presidential war powers.
- Sep 16 Seven Republicans voted for the resolution, three more than in earlier votes.
- Sep 17 Trump announced a side meeting with Gulf leaders at the UN General Assembly to discuss a post‑war strategy.
- Sep 17 The United States will permit a reduced Iranian delegation headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian to join the UN General Assembly High Level Week, despite the ongoing seven-month conflict with Israel and the United States.
- Sep 18 The United States granted visas to Iran’s president and foreign minister for the UN meeting.
- Sep 18 UN fact‑finding mission reported that two February U.S. strikes knowingly risked civilians and noted Iranian crimes against humanity.
- Sep 19 Iran has reportedly reached out to the United States directly seeking a deal.
- Sep 20 The Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters announced it possesses information about an imminent US offensive and warned that any new strike would provoke sustained attacks on American installations and regional allies. Secretary-general Mohsen Rezaei added Iran could hit US vessels anywhere in the Indian Ocean. The statement referenced unverified reports of a meeting in Europe and suggested some Arab states had approved the plan. The US State Department issued a security alert warning of possible escalation.
- Sep 21 Iran sent demands to the United States and Houthis launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
- Sep 21 Iran added that any regional country assisting the United States would be considered a participant in the conflict.
- Sep 21 Trump announced he would seek a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UN General Assembly.
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