New york: The United Nations has announced that 73 Heads of State and 45 Heads of Government are expected to converge in New York for the 81st General Assembly high-level week, which will take place from September 22 to September 28. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric revealed these details during a briefing with correspondents in anticipation of the annual congregation of global leaders at the UN Headquarters.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria will be among the countries presenting its national statement on Wednesday, September 23. The country has moved up to the eighth spot on the provisional list of speakers, advancing from its previous tenth position. The high-level week will also see the participation of 49 ministers, 11 vice-presidents, and one crown prince, highlighting the event’s diplomatic importance.
Dujarric emphasized the significance of the General Assembly high-level week, noting that it transforms the UN Headquarters into a hub of global diplomacy. The General Debate, scheduled fro
m September 22 to September 26 and on September 28, will provide a platform for Heads of State, governments, and senior representatives to present their positions on pressing international issues, including political, economic, security, and development challenges.
Alongside the main events, 168 additional activities have been planned. Member States have submitted approximately 1,000 requests for bilateral meetings, with arrangements also being made for meetings involving UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The high-level week will address major themes such as development, climate action, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness, and racial justice.
The session, held amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and development financing challenges, is being presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The UN has accredited thousands of journalists to cover the gathering, issuing 3,225 media passes in a
ddition to those for journalists permanently stationed at the UN.
Dujarric noted that the figures are subject to change as further delegations, events, and media arrangements are finalized. The General Assembly high-level week stands as the largest annual diplomatic gathering at the United Nations, facilitating speeches, negotiations, bilateral engagements, and discussions on global challenges.