The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly will soon gather world leaders in New York under the banner “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
This milestone session arrives at a pivotal moment for multilateralism, aiming to renew the global commitment to solidarity and shared action for people and the planet. With mounting geopolitical tensions, a deepening climate crisis and uneven progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN’s high-level week from 20–30 September is designed to spotlight practical solutions and galvanize fresh momentum toward 2030.
Two flagship platforms frame this year’s activities. The SDG Media Zone, produced by the UN Department of Global Communications from 22–26 September, will feature dynamic interviews and panel discussions showcasing SDG solutions from across sectors and regions. Meanwhile, the Goals Lounge, convened by the UN Deputy Secretary-General and hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships, will run from 20–26 September to provide unscripted dialogues, deep dives into vital issues, and interactive experiences. Together, these spaces reflect a growing emphasis on transparency, innovation and people-centered engagement in the UN’s work.
Celebrating Eight Decades of Multilateralism
The week’s formal proceedings begin on 22 September with a High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations in the General Assembly Hall. Over a one-hour session, Heads of State and Government will reflect on eight decades of UN achievements, from decolonization and peacekeeping to the codification of human rights, while charting a course for a more inclusive and responsive multilateral system. This is more than a symbolic milestone; it is a call to reinvigorate the spirit of the UN Charter at a time when collective action is urgently needed.
Accelerating Progress on the SDGs.
Later that day, attention will turn to the annual SDG Moment (2–4 pm, ECOSOC Chamber), mandated by the 2019 SDG Summit. This year’s edition marks a critical juncture: the world has passed the two-thirds point on the road to 2030, with many targets off track. The event will showcase transformative action from communities, countries and regions — from renewable energy transitions to advances in gender equality — showing how just and inclusive policies can accelerate progress even amid global challenges. The SDG Moment embodies the UN’s evolving strategy of highlighting real-world examples to inspire replication and scale.
Confronting Longstanding Conflicts
Also on 22 September, the General Assembly Hall will host the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution (3–6 pm). Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference seeks to reaffirm international commitments and mobilize support for implementing the two-State solution, a cornerstone of Middle East peace efforts. By situating this discussion within the high-level week, the UN signals the urgency of reinvigorating diplomatic pathways to resolve one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.
Advancing Gender Equality.
Gender equality will be in the spotlight as the UN commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women at the 1995 Beijing Conference that produced the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Scheduled across 22 September in both the General Assembly Hall and the Trusteeship Council Chamber, the high-level meeting will focus on recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating implementation of the Beijing agenda. Leaders will examine achievements, best practices, gaps and ongoing challenges in advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls worldwide, underscoring that gender equality remains central to sustainable development.
General Debate
From 23–27 September and again on 29 September, Heads of State and Government will take the podium for the annual General Debate, setting out their national priorities and responses to global challenges. Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session, has emphasized unity and collective action under the theme “Better Together.” As leaders navigate an increasingly interconnected landscape, climate disruption, rising inequalities, and rapid technological change, the debate presents a rare global stage for articulating visions of shared solutions.
Climate Action Ahead of COP30
On 24 September, the UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit (2–6 pm, Trusteeship Council Chamber) to accelerate momentum ahead of COP30 in Brazil. The Summit will provide a platform for world leaders to unveil new national climate action plans and highlight the benefits of transitioning to a clean energy economy. With the pace and scale of the climate crisis intensifying, the meeting aims to demonstrate renewed political will to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and safeguard vulnerable populations.
Financing a Sustainable Future
Also on 24 September, the First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy (9 am–6 pm, ECOSOC Chamber) will convene leaders from multilateral institutions alongside Heads of State and Government. Mandated by last year’s Pact for the Future, this summit seeks to align international financial systems with sustainable development priorities, take stock of commitments on SDG financing, and explore ways to strengthen collaboration for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The focus on financing reflects a growing recognition that achieving the SDGs requires not just political will but robust, predictable resources.
Health, Youth and Emerging Technologies
On 25 September, health and youth take center stage. In Conference Room 1, leaders will meet for a High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being (10 am–6 pm), aiming to craft a new, ambitious political declaration to guide global efforts beyond 2030. Meanwhile, in Conference Room 4, the UN will mark the 30th Anniversary of the World Program of Action for Youth (9 am–5:30 pm) under the theme “WPAY at 30: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration.” Both meetings emphasize the importance of investing in human capital and ensuring intergenerational partnerships in policymaking.
Later that day (3–6 pm, Trusteeship Council Chamber), the UN will launch the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, a high-level informal meeting bringing together Member States, UN agencies and stakeholders to explore inclusive and accountable AI governance. As AI reshapes economies and societies, the UN aims to position itself as a convener for establishing global norms that protect human rights and promote equitable access to technological benefits.
Disarmament and Human Rights.
On 26 September, the UN will hold its annual High-Level Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of nuclear weapons (10 am–1 pm / 3–6 pm, Trusteeship Council Chamber). Nuclear disarmament was the subject of the General Assembly’s first resolution in 1946, and achieving it remains the UN’s highest disarmament priority. This plenary session will underscore the urgency of eliminating weapons of mass destruction at a time of renewed nuclear tensions.
Finally, on 30 September, the General Assembly will convene a High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar (10 am–1 pm / 3–6 pm). The meeting will sustain international attention on the crisis, review the conditions on the ground, and propose a time-bound plan for a sustainable resolution, including the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of displaced communities. By ending the high-level week with this issue, the UN highlights its enduring role as a defender of human rights and humanitarian principles.
Written by Dr. Florence Omisakin
