Inside UNGA 81: Artificial Intelligence, Middle East Conflicts, and Global Power Struggles Shape the General Debate

The general debate of the 81st session of the UNGA concluded on Monday, with artificial intelligence (AI), the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the US-Israel war on Iran dominating world leaders’ addresses at the UN headquarters in New York, US.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his final address before his term concludes, warning that the future of the world will be shaped by four critical tests: AI, climate change, wars, and inequality. “Across all four tests, the decisive issue is power. Power over force, money, energy, technology, rules and the future. That is why the UN Charter – and the work of the United Nations – matter more than ever,” Guterres stated.

Speeches ranged from calls to reform the UN to appeals for upholding international law, as the global body faces challenges from unilateral foreign policies. Here are the biggest takeaways from this year’s summit:

Palestine

The situation in Palestine emerged as a central issue among members amid Israel’s ongoing military actions on Gaza and escalating settler activities in the occupied West Bank. Leaders from France, Canada, Iraq, the United Kingdom, and other nations called for Palestinian sovereignty during their addresses.

“What credibility do we have if we continue to remain inactive in the face of Gaza,” French President Emmanuel Macron asked in his address. Alongside Macron, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud chaired a meeting at the UNGA focusing on Palestinian statehood.

Meanwhile, the US-led Board of Peace unveiled a reconstruction blueprint for the Gaza Strip on the sidelines of the summit, though the plan excludes the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Dozens of delegates left the hall in protest as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech declaring that Israeli forces would continue fighting against Hamas and Iran.

Trump Defends Military Actions

In his address, United States President Donald Trump emphasized that he “made peace” and defended his administration's actions in Venezuela and the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Trump reiterated his stance on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and discussed potential future decisions regarding the Islamic Republic.

Popular Iranian Officials

Iranian officials were in high demand during sideline talks and bilateral meetings. In his address to delegates, President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran had only defended itself amidst attacks. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with various international counterparts, including a four-hour meeting mediated by Qatar with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

AI Dominance

World leaders utilized their podium time to call for a global approach to utilizing artificial intelligence. Finnish President Alexander Stubb described AI as the most consequential technology in human history. While figures like Guterres and the European Union advocated for international rules and safety standards, Trump argued that AI innovation should not be constrained by international regulation.

Xi Skips the UNGA

Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the UNGA, sending Vice President Han Zheng to attend in his place. Han reiterated Beijing’s position regarding the sovereignty and security of Middle Eastern countries, governance of the West Bank, post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza, and a people-centred approach to artificial intelligence development.