Recent Highlights
Earlier in 2025, the UN hosted the Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, focusing on marine conservation and sustainable ocean use.
UN General Assembly & Zelenskyy Speech
During the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a strong warning, saying Ukraine may be “only the first” target of global aggression and calling for tougher action against Russia. Reuters+1 He also stressed the urgency of regulating AI weapons and drone warfare.
Trump’s UN Address & Relations With the UN
Donald Trump used the UNGA platform to sharply criticize the UN, calling it ineffective and “empty words.” ABC News+1 He also alleged “sabotage” around his UN appearance (e.g. teleprompter, escalator) and demanded investigations. Sky News+1 Meanwhile, he reaffirmed support for Ukraine.
UNAIDS Proposed Closure
The UN is proposing to close UNAIDS by the end of 2026 due to severe funding constraints and to integrate its functions elsewhere in the UN system. This has drawn concern, given the ongoing global challenges in HIV/AIDS response.
Resignation of Syria Envoy
Geir Pedersen, the UN’s Special Envoy for Syria, announced he will step down after over six years in the role. Reuters His departure comes at a sensitive time in Syria’s post-conflict transition.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Confirmed
The U.S. Senate confirmed Mike Waltz as the U.S. Ambassador to the UN. AP News He’s expected to play a role during Security Council meetings and high-level assemblies, though procedural objections may limit immediate participation at the UNGA.
UN Under Pressure: Funding & Structural Strains
Many UN agencies are feeling budgetary stress, especially amid U.S. foreign aid cuts. Crisis Group+1
The organization is pushing new governance on AI. For instance, a “Global Dialogue on AI Governance” is being launched during the UNGA timeframe.
The 80th GA session began on 9 September 2025, with Annalena Baerbock (Germany) as President of the Assembly.
The UN is also hosting high-level meetings on health issues like noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health during this GA session. World Health Organization
Attacks on UN Assets in Yemen
In August 2025, Iranian-backed Houthi forces raided UN buildings in Sanaa and Hudaydah, detaining staff from UN agencies (e.g., WFP, WHO, UNICEF). Wikipedia The UN has condemned the attacks and demanded immediate release of detained personnel.
Climate & Ocean Commitments
At the UN’s climate summit, 120+ countries announced new pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, analysts warn these pledges are still insufficient to stay on a 1.5 °C trajectory.
