UN at 80: Can the General Assembly Still Drive Change?

As the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly prepares to open on September 9, 2025, the world once again looks toward New York, where diplomacy, politics, and international priorities intersect.

The General Assembly, one of the UN’s six main bodies, offers an equal platform to all 193 member states. During "Leaders’ Week" starting September 23, global leaders will deliver speeches outlining their nations’ priorities, challenges, and political messages to the world.

Key Issues on the Table:

War & Peace: Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and across the Sahel region will dominate conversations.

Climate Crisis: As scientific warnings escalate, global commitment remains fragile.

Sustainable Development: Can the world still meet the 2030 Goals amid economic uncertainty?

UN Reform: Calls to restructure the Security Council and update voting systems continue to grow.

While often criticized for inefficiency, the UN General Assembly remains a key arena for multilateral diplomacy—offering smaller nations a voice alongside global powers.

In its 80th year, the UN faces a critical question: Can it still shape global outcomes—or has it become merely a symbolic stage in an increasingly fragmented world?