By Michelle Huang
The 2026 UN General Assembly (UNGA) just wrapped up in New York City on September 28. This year marks the 81st session, with UNGA President Khalilur Rahman formally opening the conference on September 8th under the theme of “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
UNGA opened with General Debates on September 22, marking the start of high level week. First, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres gave his report on the Work of Organization and then, UNGA President Khalilur Rahman opened the debate by giving a speech. General debates were only open for heads of states, and many topics were discussed, such as the wars in the Middle East, the future of AI, the war on Ukraine, and more.
Palestine
The issue of Palestine was a key component in the debates between the country heads. Countries like France, UK, Canada, and Iraq called for Palestinian sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron said, “What credibility do we have if we continue to remain inactive in the face of Gaza… Some boast of a supposed peace, but this peace hasn’t reopened humanitarian routes for a single second…Must we stand by and watch this spectacle that shames us all.”
Other countries such as Comoros, Portugal, and Ghana called for an end to the war as its effects have started to spread beyond the region.
Many delegates seemingly echoed this sentiment. When Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took to the podium to make his UN address, representatives from roughly 70 to 77 countries out of the total 193 that attended reportedly walked out of the room. Many countries that left were from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Muslim-majority countries. In response to the walk-out, PM Netanyahu called the delegates “moral cowards” and urged anyone else who felt the same way to step out.
The Picture
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was caught scrolling Instagram during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s speech at the UN. A video capturing the moment shows President Ahmed al-Sharaa covering the top of his phone with his hand while his other hand quickly scrolls through the homepage of his feed. His nonchalance towards such a major event came with a greater shock when it was revealed that he formerly had a 10 million dollar bounty placed on him by the United States as a former Al- Qaeda member and insurgent. He has since distanced himself from those affiliations and later became the first Syrian leader to be invited to the White House by President Donald Trump.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a major topic of discussion this past week, with more than 60% of countries mentioning it. Organizations such as the EU have called for greater “safety and regulations,” while the Finnish President emphasized cooperation when navigating this “most consequential technology.” The United States, however, took a different position. President Trump argued that AI should not be controlled by international regulations and that the U.S. should maintain control over its own AI sector.