Global Conflicts Cast Shadow on UN Summit

World leaders are gathering in New York for the annual UN General Debate, with around 130 heads of state and government in attendance. This year’s summit takes place against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The Gaza war, ongoing for a year, and the spiraling violence in Lebanon are major concerns. The war in Ukraine also remains a central topic.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently highlighted the dire consequences of these conflicts, emphasizing the urgency of preventing a third world war. US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, underscored the critical timing of the summit, urging against cynicism and despair despite the numerous global crises.

High-profile leaders from conflict zones, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Iranian President Massud Peseschkian, are expected to attend. Discussions around Gaza are anticipated to dominate, though experts like Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group doubt they will lead to immediate changes on the ground.

The suffering of millions of civilians continues unabated, with recent explosions in Lebanon attributed to Israel adding to the tensions. Notably absent from the summit are the Russian and Chinese leaders, though prominent figures like US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be present.

Zelenskyy is set to meet Biden in Washington to propose a “victory plan” for ending the war with Russia. Prior to the General Debate, a two-day Future Summit will focus on a comprehensive pact addressing 21st-century global challenges, with Germany and Namibia playing key roles in its formulation.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will address the Future Summit, while Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will speak during the General Debate. The Future Summit aims to shift the narrative from division to collaboration, offering a pathway for international cooperation amidst prevailing crises.