The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced on September 9, 2025, with the overarching theme "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights." Annalena Baerbock, former German Foreign Minister, assumed the presidency, initiating the session with a call for unity and collective action. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the critical need for solidarity among member states to navigate the complex global landscape.
The High-Level Week, running from September 22 to 29, 2025, saw world leaders gather in New York to address pressing global issues. A significant focus was the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. This conference aimed to revitalize support for a two-state solution amidst ongoing conflict.
In a notable diplomatic development, France, along with Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Andorra, formally announced their recognition of Palestine. This initiative followed similar declarations made by the United Kingdom, Portugal, Canada, and Australia. These recognitions were met with strong opposition from Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the establishment of a Palestinian state would jeopardize Israel's existence and criticized the recognitions as a reward for terrorism. U.S. President Donald Trump also voiced opposition, characterizing the recognitions as "performative gestures" and emphasizing his administration's focus on Israel's security and the release of hostages.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted the importance of multilateralism in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development, aligning with Brazil's commitment to environmental stewardship. Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar emphasized the necessity of multilateral cooperation, advocating for greater representation of women in leadership roles and calling for UN reform, including addressing the veto power within the Security Council.
The General Debate provided a platform for world leaders to articulate their priorities on critical global issues, including climate change and international conflicts. Secretary-General Guterres also convened a Climate Summit, encouraging nations to present updated climate action plans and accelerate progress in the clean energy sector. The session also marked the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, underscoring the ongoing importance of gender equality in global affairs.