"UN General Assembly: Global Leaders Convene Amidst Deepening Divides and Ukraine Spotlight"

The 78th session of the UN General Assembly is set to open with no single clear crisis dominating the General Debate. The meeting will take place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts, political crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, widening inequality, and natural disasters. The theme for this year's General Debate is "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all." Heads of state and government from at least 145 countries are expected to attend, with notable absences from the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, China, and Russia. The General Debate, which allows countries to broadcast their agendas and grievances, will run for six days, with Brazil speaking first as a tradition. Non-UN members, such as the European Union, Palestine, and the Holy See, are also allowed to attend as permanent observers. The Associated Press will provide extensive coverage of the General Debate.