The 80th UN General Assembly opens this week, the most important diplomatic gathering on the international calendar. Over six days, heads of state will deliver speeches from the iconic green marble podium, while side conferences and summits attempt to shape the global agenda. This year's theme, "Better Together: 80 Years and Beyond for Peace, Development and Human Rights," comes against a backdrop of major crises: the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, growing tensions around Iran, and criticism of the UN's effectiveness. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "the world is in unprecedentedly turbulent waters" unseen in decades.
Beyond the general debate, a key event will be the "Two-State Conference" on Monday, jointly led by France and Saudi Arabia. Building on a July meeting, it aims to establish an "irreversible" road toward an independent Palestinian state.
The "New York Declaration," drafted in July and endorsed by 142 countries, calls for a temporary administrative mechanism in Gaza, reconstruction of the Strip and steps toward a permanent settlement. Among the signatories are Britain and Canada, which are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the conference. Israel and the US strongly oppose the move, calling it a unilateral initiative detached from reality and a "reward for Hamas."
As tradition dictates, Brazil will open the general debate on Tuesday, followed immediately by President Trump's highly anticipated address. It will be his first UN speech since returning to the White House this year. Trump is expected to tout his foreign policy achievements, including what he calls "the ending of seven wars," and highlight the confrontation with Iran, in which the Islamic Republic saw three of its main nuclear facilities bombed by the US.
This will come alongside Trump's continued drive to slash aid and cut funding to agencies such as UNRWA and UNESCO, while maintaining his tough stance against UN institutions. He will be joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and newly confirmed UN ambassador Mike Waltz, approved by the Senate just last Friday.
On Wednesday, Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, will deliver his maiden speech to the General Assembly after Bashar Assad's regime collapsed late last year. His address will be a bid for international legitimacy, as he calls on the world for "patience and support" in stabilizing Syria, rebuilding its shattered economy and forging new international ties after years of isolation during the civil war.
The very fact that his delegation received visas and a speaking slot is seen as an initial sign of recognition, despite ongoing violence and regional suspicion. Recent reports suggest progress in security talks between Damascus and Jerusalem, possibly paving the way for a historic US-backed security accord. However, for now, there is no clear sign that such a deal will be finalized during the assembly.
On Thursday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will speak by pre-recorded message, after the Trump administration denied visas to his senior officials. The General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to allow him to address remotely. Abbas is expected to thank countries that have recognized a Palestinian state, outline his vision and issue sharp condemnations of Israel over the war and beyond. His appearance, timed with the Franco-Saudi conference, is meant to boost global momentum toward recognition and increase international pressure on Israel and the US.
Friday will see Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliver his 14th General Assembly address, at a time of mounting global pressure on Israel: A UN commission of inquiry has accused Israel of "genocide" in Gaza, the International Court of Justice is weighing that charge, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Alongside the recognition drive, Netanyahu is expected to reject the allegations, remind the world of the hostages still held by Hamas, and urge nations to stand with Israel against what he has called "lies and international hypocrisy." For him, this will be a moment of unparalleled personal and political reckoning.
Later that same day, French President Emmanuel Macron will speak, presenting the "Two-State Conference" as a historic achievement and urging full implementation of the "New York Declaration." His expected announcement of French recognition of a Palestinian state will be the climax of Paris' diplomatic push, but risks a sharp clash with Israel and the US. Macron hopes to position France as a leading force in restoring trust in the international system, even as he faces a historic collapse in domestic support since entering the Élysée Palace in 2017.
Throughout the week, New York will serve as the capital of the world, with high-stakes confrontations, dramatic proclamations and renewed attempts to revive the two-state solution. For Israel, it will be a uniquely fraught moment of unprecedented global pressure—tempered only by the solid backing it continues to receive from the US president. As the UN chief put it: "This is the World Cup of diplomacy." For Israel, no one yet knows which side will emerge the victor.
