Post by : Sameer Farouq

Trump to Address UN as Wars and Crises Test Global Unity

The United Nations is preparing for one of its most challenging gatherings in years, as leaders from around the world meet in New York for the annual General Assembly. With wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine, famine warnings in the Middle East, and tensions between global powers, the session has been described as the “World Cup of diplomacy.”

This year’s spotlight will fall heavily on Donald Trump, who is set to speak on Tuesday in his first General Assembly appearance since returning to the White House for a second term.

Guterres Warns of “Uncharted Waters”

Ahead of the high-level meetings, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres painted a grim picture of the world.
“Geopolitical divides are widening, conflicts are raging, impunity is escalating, our planet is overheating, and international cooperation is under strain,” he said.

The gathering will include six days of speeches from nearly 150 heads of state and dozens of ministers, alongside more than 150 bilateral meetings.

Trump’s Approach to the UN

Trump, who has long criticized the United Nations, arrives with a history of skepticism toward global institutions. During his first term, he cut U.S. funding for several UN agencies, withdrew from UNESCO, and halted support for the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA. He also pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate deal and the World Health Organization.

Now, in his second term, Trump has again slashed U.S. foreign aid, raising fears of worsening humanitarian crises. Yet, he describes the UN as having “great potential” if it can “get its act together.”

Observers expect Trump to use his speech to highlight his foreign policy achievements and perhaps even argue he deserves global recognition, such as the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gaza Conflict Dominates the Agenda

The war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza has dragged on for nearly two years, leaving devastation in its wake. Hunger monitors warn famine is already taking hold in the Palestinian enclave and could spread widely by the end of the month.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by international courts over alleged war crimes—allegations his government denies—will also address the Assembly on Friday. Israel launched a major ground assault on Gaza City just days before the UN meeting.

Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, stated firmly: “This war will not end with the hostages left behind in Gaza.”

Before the Assembly speeches begin, France and Saudi Arabia will host a special summit on Monday to push for progress on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Several countries, including Britain, France, Belgium, Canada, and Australia, have pledged to recognize a Palestinian state, though some with conditions.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not attend in person, after being denied a U.S. visa. He is expected to appear by video both for the summit and his scheduled UN speech. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said: “Palestine will be the elephant in the room this session.”

Ukraine War Still a Sticking Point

Alongside Gaza, the war in Ukraine remains another major focus. The conflict, now more than three years old, has left little hope for quick resolution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will deliver his speech, while Russia will be represented by its foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. Russian President Vladimir Putin, as in previous years, is not expected to attend.

The UN Security Council, responsible for international peace and security, is likely to hold separate meetings on both Ukraine and Gaza during the week. However, progress is doubtful, as the U.S. and Russia—both veto powers—remain deeply divided.

Other Global Flashpoints

Iran’s nuclear program will also be debated in New York. With sanctions looming by the end of September, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are expected to attend in hopes of avoiding renewed restrictions.

Meanwhile, humanitarian groups warn that global hunger crises, worsened by conflict and climate change, could dominate side discussions.

Trump and Guterres to Meet

Guterres confirmed he will hold a formal meeting with Trump next week, their first since Trump’s return to office in January. The UN chief said combining U.S. power with UN mediation could help move stalled peace processes forward.

Still, Trump’s critics argue his cuts to aid and funding have weakened the UN’s ability to respond to crises, leaving millions at risk.

What This General Assembly Means

This year’s gathering is more than just speeches. It is a test of whether the international community can unite in times of extreme division. With famine looming in Gaza, the Ukraine war dragging on, and mistrust growing between major powers, the world body faces one of its most urgent challenges yet.

For Trump, the Assembly offers a stage to reassert U.S. influence, shape global debates, and present himself as a leader capable of managing crises. For Guterres and many other leaders, it is a chance to push for cooperation before conflicts spiral further out of control.