Following the presentation of his annual report United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres lays out his priorities for 2026 during a briefing to the UN General Assembly on 15 January at 10 a.m. (EST). Watch the event on UN Web TV.

Eight decades ago, representatives of 51 nations came together for a moment that would reshape global cooperation, the very first session of the United Nations General Assembly, held at Methodist Central Hall in London. To mark this milestone and look ahead to the future of global cooperation, the United Nations Association–UK hosts a conference (17 January) at the same historic venue, with speeches and panels focused on practical reforms and a stronger multilateral system and the participation of the UN Secretary‑General, António Guterres.

Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock is a new face at the United Nations. Sworn in as President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, she brings experience and energy at a time of challenges and new beginnings – including the selection of the next Secretary-General.

“We need this place where countries, big and small, rich and poor, are coming together and have an equal say and an equal vote.”

Shaped by her nation’s turbulent past and successful reunification Annalena Baerbock entered politics at a young age. In this episode of Awake at Night, she reflects on the importance of female pioneers, the impact of online harassment and shares why the UN Charter can still move her to tears.

“It meant really a lot to me, personally to be sworn in on the original document of the charter. And if people could see, I was too afraid to touch the charter. So my hand was kind of one centimeter above it.”

Photo: ©UN Photo/Manuel Elías

From 23 to 29 September, Heads of State and Government address the United Nations General Assembly, raising topics of global importance on behalf of Member States. The debate, chaired by Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly at its 80th session, focuses on the theme: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” Watch it live or on-demand in any of the six official UN languages—and if you're curious about how it all works, our FAQ walks you through the traditions, timing, and the voices that shape the world stage.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks with UN News in the lead-up to the 80th General Assembly High-level week. The Interview was conducted by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications.

UNGA80 marks the 80th session of the General Assembly and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, where world leaders gather at the high-level week in New York to discuss global issues. 

After selecting a High-Level Advisory Body on AI and establishing a comprehensive Digital Compact, the UN continues to push the boundaries of virtual AI engagement. On 25 September, it is convening a significant High-level informal meeting to launch the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance. This event, part of the General Assembly High-Level Week 2025, brings together Member States, Observers, UN specialized agencies, and diverse stakeholders to explore key dimensions of inclusive and accountable AI governance and to share their expectations for the first Global Dialogue in 2026.

Following the presentation of his annual report, Secretary-General António Guterres lays out his priorities for 2025 during a briefing to the UN General Assembly on 15 January at 10 am (EST). Watch the event on UN Web TV.

From 24 through 30 September, Heads of State and Government will address the General Assembly raising topics of importance to the Member State. Watch the debate live and on-demand in any of the six official languages! Chaired by H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session, the debate will this year focus on the theme "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations".

Opening on 10 September 2024 at 3pm (local time in New York), the 79th session of the General Assembly will be presided by His Excellency Philemon Yang. The overarching theme for the session will be “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone, everywhere”. It will be marked by high-level meetings, such has the Summit for the Future, a plenary on addressing the existential threats posed by sea-level rise and the commemoration of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, among other events.

The preamble to the United Nations Charter brought to life a new organization for countries to maintain international peace, build friendly relations, and solve global challenges, known as multilateralism. International agreements like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change are examples of successful multilateralism. The United Nations General Assembly, which meets annually, provides a forum for countries to address shared challenges and foster unity. For example, the upcoming Summit of the Future aims to breathe new life into the multilateral approach, proposing a "Pact for the future" to strengthen the international system.

Following the presentation of his annual report, Secretary-General António Guterres lays out his priorities for 2024 during a briefing to the UN General Assembly on 7 February at 10am (EST). See the event on UN Web TV.

His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session, will open the general debate on 19 September at 9am (local time in New York). This year, the debate will focus on the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.” Member States are invited to address the General Assembly - it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism. Watch the debate live, check the live blog and join the conversation #UNGA!

The 2023 SDG Summit (18-19 September, New York) kicks off the UN General Assembly High-level Week, a pivotal moment when world leaders converge to address global challenges. With the Agenda for Sustainable Development at midpoint, this summit will propel accelerated actions for the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN's vision for a better world by 2030. The summit will respond to the impact of multiple and interlocking crises the world faces, and it aims to rekindle hope and optimism. It is a moment to recommit to a vision of the future that ensures no one is left behind.

The General Assembly opens its 78th session on 5 September, at 3pm local time in New York. The President, his Excellency Dennis Francis, of Trinidad and Tobago, will guide the workings of the General Assembly under the overarching theme of “Peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability”. The 78th session will focus on the sustainable development goals, “objectives whose successful accomplishment would open up the possibilities of a world of boundless opportunity, in which nations and people live in harmony with each other and in harmony with nature.”