Overview

• The 80th General Debate opened in New York under Annalena Baerbock’s presidency, with speeches centered on Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and eastern DR Congo.
• President Donald Trump criticized the UN and has sharply reduced U.S. payments and participation, with Human Rights Watch citing near‑zero transfers and exits from WHO, UNESCO, UNRWA, the Human Rights Council and UNFPA this year.
• Facing revenue shortfalls, the UN Secretariat is considering thousands of job cuts and program reductions.
• Reporting from the gathering says more than 80 percent of UN members now recognize Palestine, with new recognitions in recent days, while Security Council resolutions on Gaza continue to be blocked by U.S. vetoes.
• Delegations renewed calls to reform the Security Council and pursued offstage diplomacy, including Trump’s meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders on potential steps to end the Gaza war.