Archive · 5 Sep 2026
North Korea Likely to Send Vice Minister to UN Assembly
North Korea may send a vice foreign minister to an important United Nations meeting.
The meeting will happen in New York.
Kim Son-gyong is expected to represent North Korea and give a speech.
His speech is scheduled for September 28.
The larger debate will happen from September 22 to 26 and again on September 28.
North Korea did not send a high-level official to the meeting from 2019 through 2024.
During those years, its ambassador to the United Nations gave the speeches instead.
People will watch closely to hear what message North Korea gives, especially because Donald Trump has said he may meet Kim Jong-un.
North Korea is expected to send a vice foreign minister to the UN General Assembly in New York.
Kim Son-gyong is considered the likely representative and may speak on September 28.
The General Assembly’s high-level debate is scheduled for September 22-26 and September 28.
North Korea largely sent its UN ambassador instead of a high-level official from 2019 through 2024.
The speech could draw attention because Donald Trump has said he is willing to meet Kim Jong-un this year.
- Who
- North Korea, likely represented by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong.
- What
- A North Korean vice minister-level official is expected to attend and deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly.
- When
- The speech is scheduled for September 28; the high-level debate is scheduled for September 22-26 and September 28.
- Where
- United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Why
- To represent North Korea at the General Assembly and deliver its national statement; observers will also look for its message amid discussion of a possible Trump-Kim Jong-un meeting.
- Likely representative
- Kim Son-gyong, North Korea’s vice foreign minister in charge of international organisations
- Scheduled speaking date
- September 28
- Venue
- United Nations headquarters in New York
- General debate dates
- September 22-26 and September 28
- Recent attendance pattern
- North Korea did not send a high-level official from 2019 through 2024
- Previous participation
- Kim Son-gyong led a North Korean delegation to the General Assembly last year, the country’s first such delegation in seven years
- Context
- Donald Trump has expressed willingness to meet Kim Jong-un this year