September 23, 2025 | 10:16 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - World leaders are gathering on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the UN General Assembly against the backdrop of the Gaza genocide, the war on Ukraine, divisiveness, and debate over a Palestinian state.
In his opening speech as reported by Al Arabiya, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned world leaders that humanity had entered "an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering."
Referring to the Israeli genocide in Gaza, Guterres said there was no justification for Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, and no justification for the collective punishment of Gaza's residents.
He emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages.
Guterres added that aid budgets are "wreaking havoc" as he opened the annual meeting with world leaders, painting a grim picture of the world order.
"But development aid cuts are wreaking havoc. They are a death sentence for many. A stolen future for many more," he said without mentioning the United States, which is responsible for many of these cuts, whose president would speak right after Guterres.
Heads of state and government of member countries will take turns to address the forum in front of the gilded backdrop to the Assembly Hall to elaborate on their priorities to a global audience.
As reported by Anadolu, the 80th General Assembly's General Debate opened on Tuesday and will close on September 29.
Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock became the fifth woman in history to lead the General Assembly.
Brazil became the first member country to speak at the General Debate since the 10th session of the General Assembly in 1955, except in 1983 and 1984.
Following Brazil, the host country, the United States, will take over with the highly anticipated speech by President Donald Trump for the international public.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will represent Turkey and be the fourth speaker on the first day.
President Erdogan, who will address the General Assembly for the 15th time, is expected to highlight the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, recognition of Palestine as a state, and international actions to be taken against Israel.
Two non-member observer states—the Holy See and the State of Palestine—and one observer member, the European Union, have also been given the opportunity to speak before the General Assembly.
However, this year, Washington has refused to grant a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for direct travel to New York.
Recently, the General Assembly adopted a resolution by majority vote allowing Abbas to speak through a video address.
Meanwhile, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will make his debut at this year's UN General Assembly, in his first appearance before the UN after the US granted him an entry visa. He will be the first Syrian leader to address the assembly since 1967.
The agreed and voluntary time limit for each speech is 15 minutes, but it is rarely strictly adhered to.
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