Overview

• President Donald Trump is slated to speak on Sept. 23, casting himself as a champion of an America First approach even as many leaders seek bilateral meetings with him.
• The United States has exited UNESCO, reduced contributions to humanitarian agencies including the World Food Program, and unveiled an America First global health strategy that cuts funding for family planning and women's health.
• Marking its 80th year, the UN confronts a cash shortfall and a reorganization led by Secretary-General António Guterres that is tied to a roughly 30% budget reduction.
• Palestinian statehood moves are set to feature at a Sept. 22 conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, with France expected to recognize Palestine after Australia, Britain, and Canada did so on Sept. 21, a step opposed by the United States and Israel.
• Guterres and Trump have not spoken since January, the Senate has confirmed Mike Waltz as U.S. ambassador to the UN, and analysts say China is expanding agency-level influence without replacing the U.S. as the UN’s primary funder.