# UN General Assembly tackles global crises

> World leaders gather in New York to address Ukraine, Middle East conflicts, and artificial intelligence.
- Title: UN General Assembly tackles global crises · Vaticannews
- Summary: World leaders gather in New York to address Ukraine, Middle East conflicts, and artificial intelligence. The UN's 81st General Assembly is prioritizing AI…
- Keywords: united nations, general assembly, antonio guterres, ukraine, middle east, israel gaza, iran, artificial intelligence, donald trump, luiz inácio lula da silva, volodymyr zelenskyy, new york
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-09/united-nations-81st-general-assembly-opens-in-new-york-usa.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-22T09:17:54.194+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: united nations, general assembly, antonio guterres, ukraine, middle east, israel gaza, iran, artificial intelligence, donald trump, luiz inácio lula da silva, volodymyr zelenskyy, new york
## UN opens amid global uncertainty
The 81st General Assembly convenes September 22 with world leaders addressing security tensions, economic challenges, and artificial intelligence. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describes the moment as an era of profound uncertainty.

> an era of profound uncertainty
## Brazil leads speeches, Trump follows
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will deliver the traditional opening address, followed by US President Donald Trump. Other speakers include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
## Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran dominate
The five-year Ukraine war, Israel's Gaza operations, and US-Iran tensions top the agenda through September 26. Iran's conflict disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, affecting global oil prices.
## France pushes for Hormuz resolution
France is working on a new UN Security Council resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ensure freedom of navigation. Bilateral meetings away from the main chamber are expected to drive real progress on conflicts.
## AI gets top billing for first time
The General Assembly has placed artificial intelligence at the top of its agenda for the first time, seeking a global agreement on limits for its development and use. Guterres calls AI one of three existential threats alongside climate change and inequality.
## Putin, Meloni, Modi skip the meeting
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a delegate but is expected to meet Trump separately in Washington.
## Key takeaway

The UN's 81st General Assembly is prioritizing AI regulation for the first time while grappling with ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.