New York, September 16, 2025 – The United Nations is navigating a complex landscape of international conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, and calls for institutional reform as its 80th General Assembly (UNGA) session progresses. Opened on September 9 under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” the assembly coincides with the final five years to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Amid declining support from key member states like the United States and escalating tensions in the Middle East, the UN faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive, neutral overview of recent developments based on official UN statements and reports.
One of the session’s early milestones came on September 12 when the General Assembly adopted a resolution endorsing the “New York Declaration” on advancing a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The declaration, passed with 142 votes in favor, 10 against (including Israel and the United States), and 12 abstentions, outlines “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. It condemns the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and calls for the group’s disarmament, while emphasizing the need for renewed diplomatic efforts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation in Gaza as “at a breaking point,” urging global leaders to prioritize political dialogue. The U.S. and Israel boycotted the event, citing concerns over bias, while supporters hailed it as a critical push for peace. A related summit is scheduled for September 22 on the UNGA sidelines.
In a related development, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on September 11 to address Israeli strikes on Doha, Qatar, which targeted Hamas leaders. The council issued a unanimous statement condemning the attacks—without directly naming Israel—and warned that they represent “a new and perilous chapter” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Qatar’s Prime Minister addressed the session, highlighting risks to regional stability and the potential disruption to mediation efforts. The resolution received support from all 15 council members, including the U.S., despite its alliance with Israel. This comes amid broader Middle East volatility, with an Arab-Islamic summit set for September 15 in Doha to discuss responses, including the possible suspension of the Abraham Accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Human rights concerns in Gaza remain a focal point, with UN experts issuing urgent calls for action ahead of a September 17 deadline. In statements from September 5 onward, independent experts affiliated with the UN Human Rights Council demanded an emergency General Assembly meeting to enforce the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. They cited evidence of “genocide and a man-made famine” in Gaza, where access to food, water, and medical aid has been severely restricted. Reports indicate that over 351 million women and girls worldwide could face extreme poverty by 2030 if current trends persist, with Gaza exemplifying the dire intersection of conflict and gender inequality. The experts criticized international “silence and inaction,” noting recent incidents where 10 buildings operated by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were hit in Gaza City over four days, including schools and clinics serving displaced populations. Israel has denied allegations of deliberate targeting, attributing strikes to military necessities against Hamas infrastructure.
The broader UNGA session, presided over by incoming President Annalena Baerbock, former German Foreign Minister, opened on September 9 with addresses emphasizing global priorities. Discussions highlighted nuclear risks on the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, advocating for strengthened support to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to mitigate threats from nuclear-armed states. The assembly is also addressing U.S. visa restrictions on some Palestinian officials, which have drawn accusations of obstructionism. Analysts from organizations like the International Crisis Group have described the UN as in “advanced disarray,” exacerbated by U.S. aid cuts under the current administration. Side events include the launch of the “Gender Snapshot 2025” report by UN Women and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) on September 15, underscoring women’s pivotal role in achieving the SDGs.
Looking ahead, the Security Council—under the presidency of the Republic of Korea—has a packed agenda. Actions include the extension of Sudan’s sanctions regime, which was likely voted on September 12, and deliberations on reconfiguring a multinational security mission in Haiti to address gang violence, with the U.S. and Panama as co-penholders. The council will also review a report on children in armed conflict, marking the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1612, which established a monitoring mechanism to protect minors. Additional items encompass peacebuilding evaluations and elections for non-permanent council seats.
On the humanitarian front, UN officials have repeatedly stressed that aid operations are “underfunded, overstretched, and under attack.” Global Goals Week, from September 19 to 28, aims to mobilize over 170 partners to accelerate SDG progress. UN Women is hosting events such as the “Peace Is All of Us Summit” on September 23 and a business accountability forum on September 24 to advance women’s rights and gender equality.
As world leaders prepare for High-Level Week starting September 22, the UN’s ability to foster cooperation amid divisions will be tested. While critics argue the organization is hampered by veto powers and funding shortfalls, proponents view the current session as an opportunity for meaningful reform.