81st UN General Assembly Session Opens with World Leaders

Leaders from around the world are gathering in New York this week for the UN General Assembly sessions. Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are expected to take centre stage in discussions, along with questions of artificial intelligence regulation.

The general debate of the 81st session will begin on September 22 under the theme "Restoring trust and managing transformation: A UN that delivers for all." Bilateral meetings and diplomatic consultations will take place in parallel.

Middle East crisis and Trump meetings

Among the key topics is the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and its implications for regional security and energy markets. US President Donald Trump will meet with leaders of six Gulf states to discuss the regional situation, including threats linked to the Houthis in Yemen. Talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are also scheduled.

Ukraine, Sudan and climate

Zelenskyy seeks to strengthen international support for his country. Discussions will address the war's impact on food and energy security, as well as the need to ensure exports via the Black Sea.

Diplomats expect high-level meetings on the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, the war in Sudan and the humanitarian crisis there. Countries most affected by climate change will call for accelerated international action.

Artificial intelligence and new secretary-general

Artificial intelligence issues are attracting increasing attention. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said AI will be a central theme in his talks with world leaders. He has called on states leading in technology development to establish common rules to mitigate associated risks.

Corridor negotiations will also touch on the selection of a new secretary-general to replace Guterres, whose term expires at the end of December.

Source: bbc.com

Prepared by:Abdulrahman Sadikhli