President Biden is scheduled to deliver remarks at the United Nations General Assembly as leaders and representatives from 134 countries gather in New York City for the convention. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will not be in attendance.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to speak despite international pushback due to Tehran's support for terrorism, interference in the U.S. election, and threats against American politicians.
Biden aims to rally global action on pressing challenges and outline his administration's priorities in his final U.N. address as president. The U.S. will focus on ending wars, supporting humanitarian aid, and reforming the international system by proposing new U.N. Security Council seats for African nations and Small Island Developing States.
Despite calls for hope, there is a sense of gloom as conflicts persist worldwide. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted geopolitical divisions, conflicts, climate change, and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
The absence of top leaders like Xi and Putin raises questions about the U.N.'s legitimacy. However, the U.N. Security Council remains significant in global affairs, with ongoing divisions between major powers.
While some criticize the U.N.'s focus on future challenges, others stress the need for accountability and efficiency within the organization. The Summit of the Future serves as a platform to address urgent global issues and foster cooperation among nations.
