United Nations General Assembly 2025 – Thematic Report
- Darn
- Sep 27
- 13 min read
Introduction
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) convened in New York from 22–30 September 2025. Marking eight decades since the UN was founded in the aftermath of World War II, the session carried the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”[1]. Secretary‑General António Guterres and President Annalena Baerbock of the General Assembly underscored that today’s global challenges—climate change, pandemics, war and technological upheaval—cannot be solved by any one nation acting alone. The UN’s 80th anniversary therefore became a call to reinvigorate multilateralism, deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and uphold human rights[2]. During “High‑Level Week,” heads of state and government joined civil‑society leaders to deliberate on peace and security, sustainable finance, climate action, health, gender equality, youth empowerment and digital governance. This report distils the key themes and outcomes, organizing them into ten thematic “pages” to reflect the depth and breadth of UNGA 80.
Peace and Security: Middle East & Two‑State Solution
Focus: Resolving the Middle East conflict and supporting the two‑state solution
The General Assembly opened high‑level week with a High‑level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two‑State Solution. Co‑chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference reaffirmed international commitments to a negotiated two‑state solution and sought to mobilize diplomatic support[3]. European Council President António Costa used his UNGA address to urge a ceasefire, the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian access and an end to illegal settlements[4]. He stressed that “there is only one way forward—a secure and recognised State of Israel and an independent, viable State of Palestine”[5].
Key actions and statements
Item | Date/Location | Description |
Peaceful Settlement Conference | 22 Sept 2025 – General Assembly Hall | Co‑chaired by France and Saudi Arabia; reaffirmed commitment to the two‑state solution and mobilised support for its implementation[3]. |
EU call for ceasefire | 23–25 Sept 2025 – UNGA & Security Council | President Costa called for the unconditional release of hostages, an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access and the end of illegal settlements[4]. |
Middle‑East resolutions | Throughout UNGA 80 | Delegates urged renewed negotiations, adherence to international law, and humanitarian support for Palestinians. |
Discussion
Speakers argued that a two‑state solution remains the only sustainable path to peace. The EU emphasised multilateralism and pledged to be a steadfast defender of the UN Charter[6]. Civil‑society representatives urged an end to double‑standards and demanded accountability for human‑rights violations. The conference concluded with a call for urgent diplomatic engagement and humanitarian assistance to avoid further escalation.
Peace and Security: Ukraine & Global Conflicts
Focus: Ukraine and the wider security landscape
The war in Ukraine remained a focal point of UNGA 80. President Costa condemned Russia’s invasion and underscored that “there is only one root cause to this war – Russia’s refusal to accept Ukraine’s right to choose its own destiny”[7]. The EU reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called on Russia to return to negotiations, while urging China and the broader international community to actively support peace efforts[8]. The EU also signalled readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine[9].
Beyond Ukraine, leaders highlighted conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, Ethiopia and the Central Sahel. Many called for strengthened peacekeeping, mediation and humanitarian assistance, emphasising that geopolitical rivalries must not undermine humanitarian principles.
Key actions and statements
Item | Date/Location | Description |
Security Council session on Ukraine | 23 Sept 2025 | EU urged Russia to negotiate and called for a just peace; emphasised broader consequences of the war[10]. |
UN Security Council debate on AI & international peace | 25 Sept 2025 | President Costa warned about disinformation and misuse of digital technologies, calling for global standards and human‑centric AI[11] (linking security and technology). |
Conflict hotspots | Throughout UNGA 80 | Delegates discussed crises in Sudan, Myanmar, Palestine and the Sahel, underscoring the need for preventive diplomacy and humanitarian access. |
Discussion
UNGA 80 demonstrated growing concern that prolonged conflicts and geopolitical fragmentation are eroding trust in the international system. Discussions stressed the importance of multilateral diplomacy, adherence to the UN Charter, and collective security arrangements. Calls were made for more inclusive peace processes that involve women and youth, and for increased funding for peacebuilding and reconstruction. Leaders warned that unresolved conflicts threaten not only regional stability but also global economic recovery.
Responsibility to Protect & Atrocity Prevention
Focus: Reflecting on 20 years of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
UNGA 80 hosted a plenary debate commemorating the 20th anniversary of R2P, assessing both achievements and persistent gaps. The Secretary‑General’s 17th annual report, “Responsibility to Protect: 20 years of commitment to principled and collective action,” warned that despite unanimous pledges to prevent genocide and atrocity crimes, such crimes have increased[12]. Member states cautioned that the core promise of R2P is under threat; Uruguay declared that paragraphs 138 and 139 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document remain the most effective framework for action[13]. Ghana emphasised that R2P faces a “crisis of confidence” because of inconsistent implementation[14].
Key messages
• Progress and gaps – The debate acknowledged progress in developing early‑warning mechanisms and a better understanding of risk factors such as hate speech, discrimination and weakened state institutions[15]. Yet speakers decried selective engagement and double standards, particularly in responses to crises in Gaza, Sudan and Myanmar[16].
• Strengthening prevention – Delegates urged mainstreaming atrocity prevention across the UN system, enhancing national prevention mechanisms and expanding the Global Network of R2P Focal Points[17]. There were calls for increased political will, consistent action and investment in mediation and peacebuilding.
Discussion
The R2P debate revealed a tension between normative commitments and political realities. While the principle has been cited in more than 215 resolutions[18], implementation remains inconsistent. Several states argued that the credibility of R2P—and by extension the UN—depends on consistent action, not selective interventions. The session concluded with a call to renew collective responsibility and to ensure that “never again” becomes a reality rather than rhetoric.
Human Rights & Minority Protection: The Rohingya Crisis
Focus: High‑Level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar
The humanitarian plight of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar was a central concern at UNGA 80. A High‑level Conference on 30 September 2025 examined the deteriorating situation. An OHCHR update noted that decades of discrimination and statelessness have worsened since hostilities resumed in November 2023; the military’s aerial bombardments of residential areas and denial of humanitarian access have caused widespread suffering[19]. The report highlighted that over a quarter of the remaining Rohingya population has fled Myanmar since 2023[20]. OHCHR recorded 2 351 conflict‑related incidents, including 554 airstrikes and 330 artillery barrages between November 2023 and August 2025[21]. At least 610 civilians were killed, an underestimation of actual casualties[21]. Hunger levels remain alarming: the World Food Programme reported in July 2025 that 57 % of households in central Rakhine could not meet basic food needs[22].
Key points of the conference
Denunciation of atrocities – Speakers condemned atrocities committed by Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, including airstrikes that killed dozens of schoolchildren[23]. Both state and non‑state actors have killed, arrested and forcibly recruited Rohingya while destroying property[24].
Call for accountability – Delegates urged referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court and called for sanctions against perpetrators. They emphasised safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.
Humanitarian access – Participants demanded unhindered humanitarian access, increased funding and regional cooperation, noting that movement restrictions and donor funding cuts exacerbate the crisis[22].
Discussion
The conference underscored that the Rohingya crisis is a litmus test for the international community’s commitment to human rights. Many speakers linked the crisis to the broader theme of collective responsibility and criticised double standards that allow atrocities to continue unchecked. The urgency of addressing the root causes—including citizenship rights, discrimination and militarisation—was stressed.
Sustainable Development & Financing the 2030 Agenda
Focus: Delivering on the SDGs and financing sustainable development
Midway through the 2030 Agenda, UNGA 80 assessed global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG Moment highlighted inspiring actions and transformative national stories—showcasing initiatives ranging from renewable‑energy expansion to gender equality[25]. Yet delegates acknowledged that the world is off track: poverty reduction has stalled, inequalities are widening, and climate impacts threaten hard‑won gains.
On 24 September, the UN convened the First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy. Mandated by the Pact for the Future, the summit gathered heads of state and multilateral institutions to take stock of financing commitments and strengthen collaboration among financial institutions for implementing the SDGs[26]. Participants discussed reforming the international financial architecture, addressing debt sustainability and scaling up concessional finance. The EU called for progress on reforming the financial architecture and emphasised the link between peace, security, human rights and development[27].
Key actions and initiatives
Initiative | Description | Sources |
SDG Moment | Showcased community‑level transformations and called for a just, inclusive transition to achieve the SDGs[25]. | UNGA 80 |
Biennial Summit on Financing | Provided a platform to take stock of SDG‑related financial commitments and foster dialogue between heads of state and multilateral institutions[26]. | Pact for the Future |
Global Partnerships | EU emphasised building a powerful global network of partners and promoting fair trade and investment[28]. | EU statement |
Discussion
Delegates agreed that achieving the 2030 Agenda requires mobilising trillions of dollars, reforming the financial system to better serve developing countries, and ensuring that investments are aligned with climate and development goals. Calls were made for debt relief, innovative financing (including blended finance and special drawing rights), and stronger partnerships between governments, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Climate Action & Environmental Initiatives
Focus: Climate Summit 2025 and solutions dialogues
Climate change loomed large over UNGA 80. The Climate Summit 2025, held on 24 September, brought together nearly 100 countries—including close to 40 heads of state and government—to announce or commit to finalising new climate targets[29]. For the first time, major emitters such as China and Nigeria unveiled economy‑wide targets covering all greenhouse gases[29]. Other nations announced ambitious renewable‑energy goals, methane‑reduction strategies and plans to phase out fossil fuels[29]. Secretary‑General Guterres declared that “the science demands action. The law commands it. The economics compel it. And people are calling for it”[30].
The summit was preceded by a series of Solutions Dialogues that delved into specific aspects of climate action:
Early Warning and Extreme Heat – Assessing progress on the Early Warnings for All initiative and strengthening heat‑resilience[31].
Climate Adaptation – Elevating adaptation on the political agenda, strengthening country‑driven action and expanding access to finance[32].
Digital Public Infrastructure – Exploring how digital identity and payment systems can accelerate climate action and sustainable development[33].
Climate Finance – Renewing momentum for scaling up climate finance to $1.3 trillion per year by 2035[34].
Non‑State Actors – Highlighting the role of businesses and cities in delivering credible net‑zero transition plans[35].
Information Integrity – Combatting disinformation to protect climate policies[36].
Tropical Forest Forever Facility – Proposing a finance mechanism to reward countries for preserving tropical forests[37].
Industrial Decarbonisation and Methane Reductions – Identifying tools and financing for clean industry and cutting methane emissions[38].
Energy Transition – Focusing on actions needed to accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels[39].
Discussion
The Climate Summit underscored the growing momentum toward COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Participants stressed that national targets must align with the 1.5 °C pathway, while adaptation and loss‑and‑damage finance must be significantly scaled up. Developing countries urged wealthier nations to fulfil and exceed their $100 billion annual climate‑finance pledge, while civil‑society groups demanded the phasing out of fossil fuels. The dialogues signalled a shift toward multi‑stakeholder approaches, integrating technology, finance and community‑led solutions.
Health and Well‑being: Non‑communicable Diseases & Mental Health
Focus: Fourth High‑Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health
On 25 September, heads of state and government convened for the Fourth High‑Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non‑communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well‑being. The meeting aimed to adopt a new Political Declaration that would set a fresh vision for preventing and controlling NCDs and improving mental health toward 2030[40]. The World Health Organization noted that halfway to 2030, progress toward reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one‑third (SDG 3.4) is off track, and underinvestment in health services has created a significant equity gap[41]. Unless urgent action is taken, the health of individuals, households and societies will be severely affected[42].
The declaration being negotiated is grounded in human rights and aims to accelerate global NCD prevention and mental‑health promotion[43]. WHO called on countries, civil‑society organisations and people living with health conditions to join forces—through stronger whole‑of‑government and whole‑of‑society collaboration, sustainable financing and tackling the social, economic, commercial and environmental determinants of health[44].
Discussion
Delegates emphasised integrating NCD and mental‑health services into universal health coverage, increasing taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks, regulating alcohol marketing and investing in community‑based mental‑health services. Countries shared experiences of innovative financing mechanisms, such as solidarity taxes and blended finance, to support health systems. Civil‑society organisations highlighted the importance of including marginalised groups and people living with NCDs in decision‑making processes.
Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment
Focus: Beijing +30—Thirtieth Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women
On 22 September 2025, the General Assembly commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, convened in Beijing in 1995. The high‑level meeting’s theme—“Recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”—reflected an urgent call to close persistent gender gaps[45]. Speakers celebrated progress in areas such as girls’ education and women’s political participation while acknowledging enduring obstacles, including gender‑based violence, unequal pay and limited reproductive rights.
Participants stressed the need for robust financing for gender equality and for mainstreaming gender perspectives across all UN policies. Several heads of state announced national initiatives to combat gender‑based violence and promote women’s economic empowerment.
Discussion
Delegates also highlighted the intersecting challenges facing women in conflict zones, in climate‑affected regions and in digital spaces. Calls were made to ensure women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes, climate negotiations and technology governance. The meeting served as a reminder that achieving the Beijing Declaration’s aspirations requires concrete actions and resources.
Youth & Intergenerational Collaboration
Focus: World Programme of Action for Youth at 30
To amplify the voices of young people and leverage intergenerational collaboration, the General Assembly convened a high‑level plenary meeting on 25 September marking the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY). The theme “WPAY at 30: Accelerating global progress through intergenerational collaboration” underscored the importance of meaningful youth engagement in policymaking[46].
The meeting featured two intergenerational multi‑stakeholder panel discussions: one on advancing the implementation of WPAY to leave no one behind and another on ensuring full and meaningful youth participation at national and international levels[47]. Representatives of non‑governmental organisations, academic institutions and the private sector were invited to participate[48].
Discussion
Speakers—including youth activists—called for integrating youth perspectives into climate action, peace processes, digital policy and economic recovery. They emphasised the need for accessible quality education, decent jobs, mental‑health support and digital connectivity. Governments pledged to create youth advisory councils, remove legal barriers to youth participation and invest in youth‑led initiatives. The meeting highlighted that intergenerational partnerships are essential to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
Digital Governance, Disarmament & UN Reform
Focus 1: Launch of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
Technological disruption was a recurrent theme at UNGA 80. On 25 September, the Secretary‑General launched the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, describing it as a universal platform where every country has a seat at the table[49]. His remarks outlined three pillars for a global AI ecosystem—policy, science and capacity[50]. The dialogue’s goals are to build safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems grounded in international law and human rights; promote interoperability between governance regimes; and encourage open innovation accessible to all[51].
To inform this dialogue, the UN is establishing an International Independent Scientific Panel on AI. The panel of 40 experts will provide independent insights into AI opportunities, risks and impacts[52]. The Secretary‑General also proposed creating a Global Fund for AI Capacity Development to narrow the AI divide by supporting computing power, data, research and education in developing countries[53]. The EU, meanwhile, called for global standards, transparency and accountability measures to counter disinformation and misuse of digital technologies[11].
Focus 2: Non‑Proliferation & Disarmament
UNGA 80 commemorated the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons with a high‑level plenary meeting. Delegates recalled that the very first UN General Assembly resolution in 1946 called for the elimination of atomic weapons[54]. Speakers urged states to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, reduce nuclear arsenals and strengthen disarmament norms. The meeting underscored the link between disarmament, sustainable development and humanitarian principles.
Focus 3: UN 80th Anniversary & Institutional Reform
The General Assembly convened a one‑hour meeting on 22 September to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Officials and heads of state reflected on eight decades of multilateral achievements and emphasised the need for a more inclusive and responsive multilateral system[55]. The European Union reaffirmed support for the UN80 reform initiative and the Pact for the Future, calling for reforms to make the UN more representative and effective[56]. The EU also stressed that democracy must remain a shared commitment across ideological divides[57].
Discussion
The launch of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance highlighted the UN’s role in shaping technology governance, ensuring that AI development respects human rights and reduces inequalities. Disarmament debates reminded delegates of the existential risks posed by nuclear weapons and the importance of fulfilling disarmament obligations. Finally, the UN’s 80th anniversary served both as a celebration of past achievements and a call to reform the organisation to meet 21st‑century challenges.
Conclusion
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly underscored that global challenges require global solutions. From conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, to the climate crisis, to digital disruptions and public‑health threats, leaders repeatedly emphasised the interdependence of peace, development and human rights. The overarching theme “Better together” encapsulated a collective aspiration: that by harnessing multilateral cooperation, respecting human rights and empowering all people—women, youth, and minorities—the international community can build a more sustainable, inclusive and peaceful future.
The outcomes of UNGA 80 reveal both progress and persistent gaps. New climate commitments, financing dialogues, AI governance frameworks and political declarations on health and gender equality signal momentum. Yet ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises and under‑funded development goals highlight the need for greater political will, resources and accountability. As the UN enters its ninth decade, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained engagement from governments, international institutions, civil society and individuals worldwide.
Sources
[12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] Summary of the 2025 UN General Assembly Plenary Meeting on the Responsibility to Protect - Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
[26] First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy – SDG Knowledge Hub
[40] [41] [42] [43] [44] Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing (HLM4)
[45] High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women | United Nations
[46] [47] [48] High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth | United Nations
$50
Product Title
Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button. Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button
$50
Product Title
Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button. Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button.
$50
Product Title
Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button. Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button.
Comments