External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to speak at the annual high-level session of the UN General Assembly on September 26. This information was confirmed following the release of a revised provisional list of speakers on Friday. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly will officially commence on September 8, with the General Debate taking place from September 22 to 28.

Jaishankar’s address is set for the afternoon session of September 26, marking his return to the UN podium, where he previously spoke to world leaders last year. This session is widely regarded as the busiest diplomatic occasion at the United Nations Headquarters, especially given the current geopolitical tensions worldwide.

On the first day of the General Debate, Brazil will speak first as per tradition, followed by the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to deliver his second address to the UN session during his current term in office, further establishing the significance of this annual gathering.

Global Context and Ongoing Conflicts

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is presided over by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who was elected in June to lead the assembly of 193 member nations. Leaders from Bangladesh and Nepal will address the assembly on September 24, with Pakistan following on September 25. The timing of this session is crucial, occurring amidst ongoing global conflicts.

One significant issue remains the prolonged conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which reportedly has had devastating repercussions for countries in the Global South and least developed nations. These nations are grappling with increased food and fuel prices due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Several high-level meetings are scheduled during the General Assembly session. Topics include the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, climate action and a just transition, and the existential threats from rising sea levels. Meetings addressing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, as well as a plenary session for the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, are also on the agenda.

Future Leadership at the UN

This session will mark the final high-level General Assembly for current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes in December. The process for electing the next UN chief is already underway, with particular attention paid to whether a woman will be selected to lead the organization for the first time in its history.

As such, the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly is poised to attract world leaders grappling with significant global challenges. Jaishankar’s participation on September 26 is anticipated to be a notable element of the week-long General Debate, bringing attention to India’s stance on various pressing issues.

The convergence of global leaders presents an opportunity for discussions that highlight the pressing need for collaborative efforts in addressing these enduring challenges. S. Jaishankar’s address will contribute to a broader dialogue concerning international cooperation and diplomacy amidst complex international landscapes.

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