India's Jaishankar to address UN General Assembly on September 26

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will take the podium at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, addressing world leaders during the afternoon session of the annual high-level gathering. This marks his second consecutive appearance at the UN lectern, following his address last year.

Session Details and Schedule

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly begins on September 8, with the General Debate running from September 22 to 28. Brazil will open the debate on September 22, maintaining its traditional first-speaker position, followed by the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the assembly on September 22, his second UN speech during his second White House term.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will preside over the year-long 81st session after his election in June to head the 193-member body. South Asian representation continues through the debate schedule, with the heads of government of Bangladesh and Nepal addressing delegates on September 24, and Pakistan on September 25.

Geopolitical Context

The session unfolds against a backdrop of sustained global crises, including the months-long US-Israel war against Iran, which has triggered cascading consequences for Global South and least developed nations through rising food and fuel costs linked to continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

The gathering, described as the "busiest diplomatic season" at UN Headquarters, will feature several high-level meetings. The agenda includes a session commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, discussions on climate action and just transition, a meeting addressing existential threats from sea level rise, sessions on pandemic prevention and response, and a plenary commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

Leadership Transition

This General Assembly session carries additional significance as the final high-level meeting under current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes in December. The selection process for the next UN chief is underway, with attention focused on whether the 80-year-old organization will appoint its first female leader.

Source: The Hindu