Overview

• Presiding over the opening session, Annalena Baerbock introduced the 80th General Debate after António Guterres, while President Donald Trump attacked the UN’s effectiveness, claimed to have ended multiple wars, denounced recent recognitions of a Palestinian state, and urged Europe to cut Russian energy purchases.
• U.S. authorities said they dismantled a large telecom network near the UN that could have disrupted communications, and the State Department restricted movement and luxury purchases by the Iranian delegation during the week.
• France, the UK and Canada joined others in recognizing a Palestinian state, the U.S. denied a visa to Mahmoud Abbas who will speak by video, and Germany held off on recognition while pledging about €30 million to the Palestinian Authority and promoting its 2027/28 Security Council bid.
• With Germany, France and the UK having triggered the Iran ‘snapback’ mechanism in August, diplomats warned UN sanctions could be reimposed if no agreement is reached during the assembly week as tensions with Tehran remain high.
• UN officials highlighted acute budget shortfalls with many members behind on dues, warning that planned cuts will force reductions in humanitarian assistance for tens of millions of people.