UN headquarters New York

The President of the United Nations General Assembly has formally closed the general debate of the Assembly's 81st session at UN headquarters in New York. The closure ends the annual stretch of speeches by heads of state and government, in which world leaders typically address conflicts, climate change and global cooperation. No further details about remarks or outcomes were given.

Costa Rica's Permanent Representative to the United Nations addressed the General Assembly during its 81st session debate. The country used the annual high-level forum to set out its positions before the 193 member states, a traditional fixture of the September gathering at UN headquarters in New York. Costa Rica, which abolished its army in 1948, typically emphasizes disarmament, human rights and multilateralism in its UN statements.

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is under way at UN headquarters in New York City, bringing together delegations from member states for the annual high-level debate. The gathering typically features speeches by heads of state and government, alongside diplomatic meetings on conflicts, climate and global development. The assembly comes at a moment of heightened international tension, drawing attention to what world leaders prioritize on the UN's main stage.