PM Modi to skip General Debate at high-level UNGA 80th session, EAM Jaishankar to represent India

UNGA 80th session highlights and other speakers

The session opens amid major global crises, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine conflict. Traditional first speaker, Brazil will begin the General Debate, followed by the US President Donald Trump’s address on September 23, marking his first UN speech in his second term. Other notable speakers on September 26 include heads of government from Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The UNGA’s theme this year is ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights’.

India's representation and broader UNGA agenda

India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, a seasoned diplomat expected to deliver India’s perspectives on global issues, including peace, development, and multilateral cooperation. The session will also feature significant meetings such as the Commemoration of the UN’s 80th anniversary, a Climate Summit led by the UN Secretary-General, and high-level discussions on gender equality, economic sustainability, AI governance, health, and minority rights. The UNGA remains the busiest diplomatic event of the year, providing a platform for collective solutions to pressing global challenges.