Archive · 22 Sep 2026
UN General Assembly 2026 To Address Iran War, AI, Leadership
The United Nations is holding a major meeting in New York.
Leaders from more than 130 countries are expected to attend.
They will talk about wars involving Iran, Ukraine, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
They will also discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the world and what risks it may create.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet several foreign leaders.
Iran’s president is expected to attend even though Iran and the United States are fighting.
The meeting is also important because António Guterres will soon leave his job as UN secretary-general.
Countries will discuss who should replace him and whether the UN is working effectively.
The UN General Assembly’s high-level week begins Tuesday in New York under a theme about restoring trust and managing transformation.
Leaders are expected to discuss the Iran war, conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Gulf leaders, Volodymyr Zelensky, and representatives involved in a proposed Greenland security agreement.
Artificial intelligence, UN leadership succession, and the organisation’s financial position will be major topics.
More than 130 heads of state or government are expected, while António Guterres prepares to leave as secretary-general.
- Who
- More than 130 heads of state or government, diplomats, António Guterres, Donald Trump, Masoud Pezeshkian, and other international leaders.
- What
- The United Nations General Assembly’s 2026 high-level week will feature speeches, diplomatic meetings, negotiations, and discussions on conflicts, artificial intelligence, leadership, and UN finances.
- When
- The high-level week begins Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with events continuing throughout the week.
- Where
- United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Why
- Countries are meeting to address global conflicts, AI risks, the UN leadership transition, financial concerns, and questions about the organisation’s effectiveness.
UN Supporters
UN Critics
The UN’s global role
UN Supporters
Supporters argue that the UN remains the only institution with the legitimacy and mandate to bring every country together, address global conflicts, and establish international rules.
UN Critics
Critics question the UN’s relevance and effectiveness, including its ability to influence conflicts and enforce international decisions.
US conditions for new leadership
UN Supporters
The United States says candidates for secretary-general should publicly commit to changes sought by Washington.
UN Critics
The article reports that the United States has not formally backed a candidate, leaving its position in the leadership race unresolved.
- Theme
- “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
- Expected attendance
- More than 130 heads of state or government are expected.
- UN leadership
- António Guterres is expected to leave as secretary-general at the end of 2026.
- AI events
- The UN Security Council and the United States are scheduled to hold AI-related events on Wednesday.
- US payment
- The United States sent the UN $827 million in dues, while reportedly owing approximately $4 billion.
- Iranian attendance
- Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to attend despite ongoing combat between Iran and the United States.
- Proposed Greenland agreement
- Donald Trump is expected to sign an agreement with Denmark and Greenland concerning permanent US control over Greenlandic security.