The UN General Assembly’s high-level week is dominated by the issue of Palestine. Ahead of Tuesday’s main session, leaders are holding a summit on Palestinian statehood on Monday. Britain and several Western nations announced their recognition of Palestine on Sunday. Additionally, France will follow suit.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will address the summit via video link after the US denied him a visa. Moreover, the Assembly voted 145 in favor, six abstentions, and five against, showing strong global support for Palestine. However, US opposition limits the recognition to a symbolic gesture, while Israel continues settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, the UN faces other pressing issues, including financial challenges and declining global trust. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pushing the UN80 initiative, which focuses on peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Nevertheless, key leaders, including India’s PM Modi, Russia’s Putin, and China’s Xi, will not attend the high-level session.
Beyond the Assembly hall, nations are conducting crucial diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral meetings. For instance, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar started discussions with the Philippines, emphasizing strategic cooperation in political, defense, and maritime sectors. Consequently, countries are seeking ways to navigate global polarization and urgent international crises.
