Muhammed Yasin Güngör
21 September 2026•Update: 21 September 2026
The high-level General Debate of the UN General Assembly is set to open Tuesday in New York under the theme "restoring trust."
Heads of state and government will convene for the 81st edition of the meeting to address key international security, geopolitical, and economic challenges.
"Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all," serves as the official theme guiding this year's gathering.
Proceedings will begin in the General Assembly Hall, following a long-standing diplomatic tradition in which Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivers the opening address, followed by host-nation leader US President Donald Trump.
The opening morning roster features major global figures, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
Later in the session, the assembly will hear remarks from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, and Angolan President Joao Lourenco.
The General Assembly session formally commenced on Sept. 8, the centerpiece General Debate runs through Sept. 26 before concluding with final addresses on Sept. 28.