UNGA

India and Pakistan exercised their rights of reply during the United Nations General Debate on 25 September, at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The exchanges, part of the annual gathering of world leaders in New York, drew attention as the two neighbours used the UN floor to respond to each other's statements.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley drew attention at the United Nations General Assembly for remarks criticising the veto powers held by permanent members of the Security Council. Speaking on the issue from Bridgetown's perspective, her intervention has resonated widely, with many viewing it as part of a broader push by small states and African nations to reform the UN's decision-making structures.

Political scientist Ian Bremmer has offered a statistical snapshot of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Among the figures: the longest speech came from the United States under Donald Trump at 5,203 words, while Nicaragua delivered the shortest at 574 words. Artificial intelligence was mentioned by 116 of the 194 delegations, with four referencing 'super intelligence'.

Fröken Snusk, the masked Swedish singer and rapper known for her party-influenced epadunk-pop style and hits like 'Unga & free', is being widely mentioned in Sweden right now. The character, fronted by a performer who kept her identity secret before revealing herself, remains a popular but polarising figure in Swedish music, drawing both a young fanbase and debate among adults about her suggestive lyrics.

Iran's mission to the United Nations has dismissed reports about the timing of its delegation's departure from New York. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the mission said the Iranian delegation left New York on Monday evening, in line with a schedule that had been communicated in advance, rejecting claims that the departure was unexpected or early during the UN General Assembly period.

The Prime Minister of Nepal has delivered an address to the United Nations General Assembly during its 81st session in New York. The speech is part of the annual gathering of world leaders at UNGA, where heads of state and government outline their countries' positions on global issues. Details of the specific points raised in Nepal's address have not yet been widely reported.

Russia has ordered the expulsion of Hungarian diplomats, in a reciprocal response to Budapest's earlier expulsion of Russian diplomats. The move marks a further deterioration in diplomatic ties between Moscow and one of the European Union's more Russia-friendly members. It follows a pattern of reciprocal diplomat expulsions between Russia and European countries in recent years amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine.

Russia has ordered the expulsion of a group of Hungarian diplomats from Moscow, describing the move as a reciprocal measure. The decision follows a similar expulsion of Russian diplomats by Hungary, and marks a further deterioration in relations between Moscow and Budapest, which had until recently maintained comparatively close ties within the EU and NATO.

The United Nations General Assembly's high-level week concluded with what observers describe as a vigorous defence of multilateralism. World leaders gathered in New York amid ongoing global conflicts and mounting pressure on international institutions, using the annual debate to reaffirm support for the UN system and rules-based cooperation. The strong multilateral messaging is being noted as significant at a time of rising geopolitical division.

The United Nations General Assembly held a high-level meeting at UN headquarters in New York to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. The annual observance brings member states together to renew calls for disarmament and push progress toward a world free of nuclear arms amid ongoing global tensions.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister delivered a national address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The remarks were broadcast live, drawing attention from audiences in Bangladesh and abroad. Specific details of the speech's content have not yet been widely reported, so the key themes and any responses from other delegations remain to be seen.

Pakistan's Prime Minister has taken the floor at the United Nations General Assembly during the general debate of its 81st session in New York. Leaders from member states are using the annual gathering to set out their countries' positions on global issues, and Pakistan's address is drawing attention among viewers following the session's proceedings.