United Nations General Assembly

FP’s guide to UNGA 80

Follow along at the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly with FP’s reporting team and contributors, catch up on our archival U.N. coverage, and receive special editions of Situation Report, our newsletter focused on security and defense, reported on the ground from New York.

From left, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
From left, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Trump Makes U-Turn on Ukraine Rhetoric

Trump says Ukraine can win back all of its territory.

Report
Sam Skove
U.S. President Donald Trump holds papers as he watches Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speak on screen.
U.S. President Donald Trump holds papers as he watches Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speak on screen.

UNGA Deals Latin America Some Surprises

From Trump’s “chemistry” with Lula to a U.S. bailout of Argentina.

Latin America Brief
Catherine Osborn
A U.N. peacekeeper in a blue helmet is seen in profile as he holds the pole of a blue U.N. flag in front of a razor wire border fence. Three other blue-helmet troops are visible behind him, holding rifles and peering at the camera. The landscape beyond the fence is a dusty hill spotted with sparse plants.
A U.N. peacekeeper in a blue helmet is seen in profile as he holds the pole of a blue U.N. flag in front of a razor wire border fence. Three other blue-helmet troops are visible behind him, holding rifles and peering at the camera. The landscape beyond the fence is a dusty hill spotted with sparse plants.

At 80, the U.N. Is Down but Not Out

Despite its many failings, the 80-year-old institution still has a vital role.

Argument
Richard Gowan
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva leans on his left elbow while listening via an audio device on his left ear. He is wearing a striped tie and is seated at a green desk among other dignitaries.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva leans on his left elbow while listening via an audio device on his left ear. He is wearing a striped tie and is seated at a green desk among other dignitaries.

Lula and Trump’s Backstage Breakthrough

The apparent thaw between the two leaders is a reminder of why the U.N. still matters.

Analysis
Andre Pagliarini
Antonio Guterres is sitting down in front of a UN flag and gestures toward Donald Trump, who is sitting down in front of a United States flag.
Antonio Guterres is sitting down in front of a UN flag and gestures toward Donald Trump, who is sitting down in front of a United States flag.

UNGA Beyond the Conflicts

The U.N. forges ahead on climate and AI despite U.S. ambivalence and mixed messaging.

Situation Report
Rishi Iyengar, John Haltiwanger
Guterres is shown at a podium.
Guterres is shown at a podium.

It’s Not Too Late to Fix the U.N.

The organization’s current cash crunch is a historic opportunity for reform. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Suzanne Nossel
Foreign-Policy-Marketing-Homepage-SitRep-UNGA-1000x400-hex5B92E5
Foreign-Policy-Marketing-Homepage-SitRep-UNGA-1000x400-hex5B92E5

Situation Report at UNGA

Reporters John Haltiwanger and Rishi Iyengar are on the ground, providing an inside look at one of the most consequential gatherings of the year. Enjoy daily editions Sept. 22-26.

FP at UNGA: From FP Events

  • Foreign-Policy-Event-POP-Site-1500x1000 (2)
    Foreign-Policy-Event-POP-Site-1500x1000 (2)

    The Power of Purpose

  • Foreign-Policy-Event-FOF-Site-1500x1000
    Foreign-Policy-Event-FOF-Site-1500x1000

    Foundations of the Future

    New frameworks for Justice, Accountability, and Multilateral Cooperation

  • Foreign-Policy-Event-FoudationS-Site-1500x1000
    Foreign-Policy-Event-FoudationS-Site-1500x1000

    Risk, Resilience, Results

    The Power of Investing in Locally-led Climate and Health Solutions

  • Foreign-Policy-Event-Health-Forum-2025-Site-FINAL-1500x1000
    Foreign-Policy-Event-Health-Forum-2025-Site-FINAL-1500x1000

    Health Forum at UNGA80

    Renewed Investment for Maximum Impact

  • Foreign-Policy-Event-Tech-Forum-2025-Site-FINAL-1500x1000
    Foreign-Policy-Event-Tech-Forum-2025-Site-FINAL-1500x1000

    Tech & AI Forum at UNGA80

    Reimagining Cooperation in a Digital Age

  • Foreign-Policy-Event-Energy-Forum-2025-Site-FINAL-1500x1000
    Foreign-Policy-Event-Energy-Forum-2025-Site-FINAL-1500x1000

    Energy Forum at UNGA80

    Security, Sustainability, and Growth

  • Counterpoint-Site-Email-1500x1000
    Counterpoint-Site-Email-1500x1000

    Counterpoint @ UNGA80

    Live in New York City

  • Her-Power-2025-Site_6552c4
    Her-Power-2025-Site_6552c4

    Her Power at UNGA80

    Progress Under Pressure

Image of a dove on a globe
Image of a dove on a globe

UNGA80 = $80/year

Special offer! A year of global insights for just $80.

On the Agenda at UNGA80

A Finnish defender is seen near the front during the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in early 1940.
A Finnish defender is seen near the front during the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in early 1940.

The Ghost of Finlandization Is Haunting the Ukraine Debate

A 1944 armistice that traded land for peace is a poor precedent for ending Russia’s war. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Kristi Raik
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, and International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi sign a protocol concerning nuclear inspections in Cairo.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, and International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi sign a protocol concerning nuclear inspections in Cairo.

The Iran Deal That Isn’t Quite Yet

Analysis
Keith Johnson
The wrecked bodies of cars are strewn about a bridge beneath a hazy blue sky, some on the cracked road, others leaning on the barrier fence. Sheets of metal cover large potholes on the road.
The wrecked bodies of cars are strewn about a bridge beneath a hazy blue sky, some on the cracked road, others leaning on the barrier fence. Sheets of metal cover large potholes on the road.

Washington Can Keep Sudan’s Civil War From Getting Worse

Argument
Cameron Hudson
Husam Zomlot, the British ambassador to Palestine, lifts a new plaque for the Palestinian Embassy in London.
Husam Zomlot, the British ambassador to Palestine, lifts a new plaque for the Palestinian Embassy in London.

The Two-State Solution Takes Center Stage at UNGA

World Brief
Alexandra Sharp
Two people a near a fallen tree in a flooded area.
Two people a near a fallen tree in a flooded area.

The Only Way to Make Climate Progress

Argument
Samir Saran, Danny Quah
A digital image of a soldier wearing a helmet in profile in various blue hues appears above silhouettes of figures attending a conference.
A digital image of a soldier wearing a helmet in profile in various blue hues appears above silhouettes of figures attending a conference.

The Window for Combating AI Propaganda Is Closing

Analysis
Lukasz Olejnik
Polish police and army personnel inspect damage to a house destroyed by debris from a Russian drone shot down over the village of Wyryki-Wola, Poland, on Sept. 10.
Polish police and army personnel inspect damage to a house destroyed by debris from a Russian drone shot down over the village of Wyryki-Wola, Poland, on Sept. 10.

Russia Just Attacked NATO. Again. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Christian Caryl
Foreign-Policy-Marketing-Sailthru-SitRep-UNGA-200x110-hex5B92E5-v2
Foreign-Policy-Marketing-Sailthru-SitRep-UNGA-200x110-hex5B92E5-v2

Situation Report

FP’s security and defense newsletter

A wide shot shows Netanyahu standing at a lectern addressing the UN meeting room, with many seats in the large chamber vacant.
A wide shot shows Netanyahu standing at a lectern addressing the UN meeting room, with many seats in the large chamber vacant.

Netanyahu Faces Icy Reception at UNGA

Antonio Guterres is sitting down in front of a UN flag and gestures toward Donald Trump, who is sitting down in front of a United States flag.
Antonio Guterres is sitting down in front of a UN flag and gestures toward Donald Trump, who is sitting down in front of a United States flag.

UNGA Beyond the Conflicts

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa concludes his remarks during the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York City on Sept. 24.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa concludes his remarks during the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York City on Sept. 24.

Sharaa’s Successful UNGA PR Tour 

From the Magazine

An illustration of a tattered flag with a globe waving from a makeshift stick flagpole/
An illustration of a tattered flag with a globe waving from a makeshift stick flagpole/

The End of Development

The West’s aid model was always a mirage. It’s time for a realistic alternative.

Essay
Adam Tooze
A child walks across a dirt road carrying a canister of water.
A child walks across a dirt road carrying a canister of water.

Why the World Turned on NGOs

Essay
Suparna Chaudhry
Two women work at a sewing machine in a booth filled with patterned fabrics. A man is seen working on fabric at a table on the left.
Two women work at a sewing machine in a booth filled with patterned fabrics. A man is seen working on fabric at a table on the left.

Africa Is Now Calling the Shots

Essay
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
An illustration shows a stock ticker encircling and squeezing a globe.
An illustration shows a stock ticker encircling and squeezing a globe.

How Big Finance Ate Foreign Aid

Essay
Daniela Gabor

More on the United Nations

Donald Trump at UNGA with one finger pointing toward the audience.
Donald Trump at UNGA with one finger pointing toward the audience.

Trump’s United Nations Grievance Airing

The U.S. president used his lengthy speech at UNGA to rail against immigration, climate activism, escalators, and more.

Situation Report
Rishi Iyengar, John Haltiwanger
U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a trilateral signing with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, left, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a trilateral signing with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, left, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C.

Nobel Peace Prize for Department of War President?

Trump cites peace deals, but most are false wins.

Argument
Damian Murphy
Drones fly above grass in an open field dotted with trees and small sheds.
Drones fly above grass in an open field dotted with trees and small sheds.

How Russia Is Escalating the Drone Arms Race

Routine strikes involve smaller, daily launches designed to keep steady pressure on Ukraine. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Yasir Atalan
The new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, speaks at a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting to discuss Russian incursions into NATO airspace, in New York.
The new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, speaks at a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting to discuss Russian incursions into NATO airspace, in New York.

UNGA Kicks Off Against Backdrop of Budget Crisis

As 150 leaders gather in New York, the serious diplomacy will happen on the sidelines.

Analysis
J. Alex Tarquinio
Trump signs a document at a desk, next to a child also writing on a desk.
Trump signs a document at a desk, next to a child also writing on a desk.

Trump Is Learning Geopolitics 101 in Real Time

A guide to pushing the U.S. president more quickly up his learning curve. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Suzanne Nossel
Morgan Ortagus, a woman in her 40s wearing an orange suit jacket, raises her right hand while voting. Other officials and aides sit beside her at a long desk.
Morgan Ortagus, a woman in her 40s wearing an orange suit jacket, raises her right hand while voting. Other officials and aides sit beside her at a long desk.

America’s Infuriating and Irreplaceable Role at the U.N.

Trump (probably) won’t leave the international body—he will just continue to make its life difficult.

Analysis
Richard Gowan
An illustration shows the seal of the United Nations with a shadow across it. Laurel leaves fall onto the ground from the seal as a person sweeps them up.
An illustration shows the seal of the United Nations with a shadow across it. Laurel leaves fall onto the ground from the seal as a person sweeps them up.

The Golden Age of Multilateralism Is Over

And it cannot be revived by China, Europe, post-Trump America, or the global south.

Analysis
Jo Inge Bekkevold
Former U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, nominated to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington on July 15.
Former U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, nominated to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington on July 15.

Mike Waltz Gears up for a New Role at the U.N.

Diplomats in New York are debating the meaning of the former national security advisor’s pledge to “make the U.N. great again.”

Analysis
J. Alex Tarquinio
The U.N. Security Council holds a meeting on the theme of “Leadership for Peace” at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Sept. 25.
The U.N. Security Council holds a meeting on the theme of “Leadership for Peace” at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Sept. 25.

The United Nations Is Still the Biggest Platform for Global Cooperation

Despite its failure to stop wars, the U.N. has made progress on issues from disease eradication to climate change.

Situation Report
Amy Mackinnon, Jack Detsch
A view of the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sept. 22.
A view of the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sept. 22.

Can the United Nations Still Be Effective?

War tends to stymie the international body, but smaller technical agencies still play a crucial role in running the world.

Insider
Ravi Agrawal
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on Sept. 24 in New York City.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on Sept. 24 in New York City.

Biden’s UNGA Goodbye

The outgoing U.S. president had little to offer on Ukraine and Gaza.

Situation Report
Amy Mackinnon, Jack Detsch
U.S. President Joe Biden waves from a podium.
U.S. President Joe Biden waves from a podium.

The World Is Leaving Biden Behind

In his valedictory speech at the United Nations, the president declared that the center was holding. But things are falling apart faster than he can keep up.

Analysis
Michael Hirsh
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at a press conference in New York.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at a press conference in New York.

UNGA Kicks Off Amid Dysfunction

As world leaders descend on U.N. headquarters, a Russian gambit on Sunday underscored tensions at the summit.

Analysis
J. Alex Tarquinio
A view of the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sept. 22.
A view of the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sept. 22.

Middle East Tensions Overshadow United Nations Summit

The threat of a second Middle East war is taking away from the "Super Bowl" of diplomacy.

Situation Report
Jack Detsch, Amy Mackinnon
An overheard view shows the large central room at the U.N. headquarters. Representatives of members of the Security Council sit at a large horseshoe-shaped desk at center as they attend a meeting.
An overheard view shows the large central room at the U.N. headquarters. Representatives of members of the Security Council sit at a large horseshoe-shaped desk at center as they attend a meeting.

The United Nations Prepares for a High-Stakes Summit

Along with wars in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, the issues of sustainability, pandemic prevention, and nuclear weapons are on the agenda.

Situation Report
Amy Mackinnon, Jack Detsch
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at the General Assembly to present priorities for 2024 at the U.N. headquarters in New York.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at the General Assembly to present priorities for 2024 at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

Can the West Revive Multilateralism?

A new survey reveals that support for international cooperation among global south countries is dismally low.

Analysis
Sophie Eisentraut
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