world leaders

World leaders, including Iran's representative, are delivering speeches on the second day of the 2026 UN General Assembly in New York, with proceedings carried live by news outlets. The annual gathering draws global attention as heads of state address conflicts, including Ukraine, and broader diplomatic tensions in front of a worldwide audience.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly that Iran 'will never seek to build a nuclear bomb'. The statement comes as world leaders prepare to gather in New York, with Iran's nuclear programme and ongoing talks over sanctions and inspections expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations summit in New York, addressing an audience of world leaders. His remarks were broadcast live by major US outlets and drew large audiences, with coverage focusing on his messaging to the international community on issues including security and terrorism.

The UN General Assembly, the largest annual gathering in world diplomacy, is underway in New York as of September 22, 2026. Coverage is focusing on what to expect from this year's session, including the annual leaders' addresses and the diplomatic meetings held on the sidelines as heads of state and government converge for the week.

United Nations leaders have renewed calls to combat racism and discrimination, marking 25 years since the 2001 World Conference against Racism held in Durban, South Africa. Officials reaffirmed commitments to equality and urged member states to strengthen action against racial discrimination. The anniversary has prompted reflection on progress made and the persistence of racism worldwide.

The 81st UN General Assembly general debate has concluded in New York, with speeches dominated by artificial intelligence, the situation in Palestine, and ongoing wars around the world. Delegates used the annual gathering to argue that these issues are increasingly interconnected, framing rapid technological change alongside prolonged conflicts as defining challenges for international cooperation.

Donald Trump delivered a full address to the UN General Assembly in New York, covering the war with Iran, his tariff policy, and a blunt warning that 'Cuba will fall.' The speech drew wide attention as it set out his administration's foreign policy stances directly to world leaders gathered at the United Nations.

World leaders, citing climate change as an existential threat, are demanding that the United Nations function effectively on the issue. The call reflects frustration among governments over stalled international climate action and the UN's struggles to deliver coordinated global responses to warming, extreme weather and rising sea levels affecting member states.

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.

Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron clashed publicly at the United Nations over Gaza, exposing a sharp divide between the US and France on how to address the conflict. The confrontation between the two leaders has drawn wide attention, highlighting growing international disagreements over the war and the path to a resolution.

The United Nations is hosting a live session where world leaders assess progress in the global fight against racism. Speakers are taking stock of commitments made against racial discrimination and what remains to be done. The high-level meeting is drawing international attention as governments outline their national efforts and calls grow for stronger action against racism worldwide.

The UN General Assembly's General Debate has concluded after six days of speeches from world leaders, with the final edition of The Takeaway summarising the messages that dominated the podium. Peace emerged as the word most repeated across addresses, and organisers closed the debate with a call for governments to turn their rhetoric into concrete action.

World leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly told one another that humanity is 'in this together', a message of shared responsibility on global challenges. The line has been picked up widely across US and international outlets, but commentary is focusing on the practical question: how that solidarity would actually operate in practice on issues like conflict, climate and cooperation.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino appeared at the World Leaders Forum, where he addressed national sovereignty, migration, and climate change. The remarks come as Panama faces sustained pressure over migration routes through the Darién Gap and growing climate concerns affecting the country, including drought-related constraints on the Panama Canal. His appearance drew attention from students and regional observers.

UNESCO has unveiled its ONE OCEAN installation in New York during the United Nations General Assembly. The installation highlights the state of the world's oceans and is intended to draw the attention of world leaders and the public to ocean protection during high-level UN proceedings.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature used the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week to advance its agenda on nature protection, ocean conservation and climate action. The organisation says the gatherings offered a key moment to push for stronger commitments linking biodiversity and climate policy ahead of upcoming global negotiations.

The sixth and final day of the UN General Debate has concluded, with a closing appeal for member states to translate their speeches into concrete action. The takeaway highlights the gap between rhetoric and delivery as world leaders wrap up a week of addresses at the United Nations, with calls for follow-through on commitments made during the debate.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, South Sudan's UN envoy Cecilia Adeng called for international sanctions against the country to be lifted. The appeal was made during the annual gathering of world leaders, where Juba argued the measures should be removed. The intervention drew attention as South Sudan continues to press for normalised relations with the international community.

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.

South Sudan has used its platform at the United Nations General Assembly to call for international sanctions imposed on the country to be lifted. The appeal, made during the annual gathering of world leaders in New York, marks Juba's latest push to normalize relations and ease economic and political restrictions. Details of the specific measures targeted and the international response remain limited.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Congo addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The address forms part of the annual gathering where member states set out their positions on international peace, security and development. Details of the minister's specific remarks have not yet been widely reported.

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.

The Atlantic has published a piece titled 'The Art of Dealing With Trump', examining how world leaders, diplomats and business figures navigate negotiations with the US president. The article is drawing attention for its analysis of the tactics and accommodations different actors use when engaging with an unpredictable White House.

The University of Bristol has announced that government and civic leaders will take part in the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit in September 2026. The summit brings together university leaders, policymakers and industry figures to discuss the future of higher education and research. The announcement highlights the event's aim of connecting academia with public sector decision-makers.