United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to renew their commitment to international cooperation, peace, human rights and sustainable development as nearly 130 heads of state and government prepare to gather in New York for the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The 81st session of the General Assembly officially opened on September 8, 2026, with the high-level week scheduled to run from September 18 to 28. The General Debate, which brings together heads of state and government, will take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28.
This year's General Assembly is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Ahead of the meetings, Guterres said the gathering comes as the world faces deep uncertainty, changes in global power and shifts in international institutions.
Speaking at a press conference on September 16, the UN chief said efforts to reform international systems must continue to respect the values and principles that guided the creation of the United Nations.
“The United Nations is not just a platform; it is a promise. So my message to leaders comes down to this: Keep your promises. Live up to the UN Charter. Be true to the ideals you pledged to uphold. Defend international law. Protect human rights. Invest in sustainable and inclusive development. And push for peace. Now more than ever,” he said.
Guterres said the Middle East would be among the main areas requiring urgent international attention, calling on all sides to reduce tensions and protect civilians.
“At this crucial moment in the Middle East, de-escalation must be priority one, priority two and priority three. All parties must cease any actions that harm civilians and ensure that humanitarian operations can proceed safely and without obstruction.”
He also called for the restoration and respect of navigation rights and freedoms around the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, in line with international law.
On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Guterres said the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank must remain a focus despite the wider crisis affecting the region.
“The peace plan for Gaza must be fully implemented with unrestricted humanitarian aid. And the creeping annexation of the West Bank must stop. There will be no peace in the Middle East without realizing the Two-State solution,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General also pressed for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, saying Russia's full-scale invasion had entered its fifth year while civilians continued to suffer and the conflict continued to affect the wider world.
“It is time for an immediate ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace – in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions.”
Artificial intelligence will also feature prominently among the issues facing world leaders, with Guterres saying the technology could bring major benefits while also creating new risks that require global action.
“AI has enormous potential – to accelerate sustainable development, enhance learning, strengthen health systems, boost climate resilience, and so much more,” Guterres stated.
He said governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens from possible risks linked to artificial intelligence, but national action alone would not be enough because both the technology and its risks extend across borders.
Guterres said the UN's Independent International Scientific Panel on AI would play a role in ensuring that decisions and policies on the technology are guided by scientific evidence.
“We need guardrails to build trust -- and that make AI safe, transparent, accountable, with human dignity at the centre,” he said.
The high-level week will also bring together leaders for discussions on climate action, rising sea levels and preparedness for future pandemics.
A climate action meeting is scheduled for September 23, followed by a high-level meeting on sea-level rise on September 24. A meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response will be held on September 25.
Guterres said the range of challenges facing countries showed why stronger international cooperation was needed, pointing to runaway artificial intelligence, the climate crisis and growing inequalities as major threats that require countries to act together.
With the high-level meetings approaching, world leaders are expected to address peace, development, climate, health and other global challenges during the gathering in New York.