Leaders of the United Nations General Assembly strive for consensus amid ongoing crises.

The annual United Nations assembly in New York is facing numerous challenges that are highlighting divisions among world leaders. Issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the global cost of living crisis, the climate emergency, and the impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence are causing disagreements over priorities and solutions. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres recognizes the need for leaders to address these challenges, but geopolitical divisions are hindering effective responses. Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, will use his address to rally support from world leaders and to seek fresh backing from countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, many of whom have not condemned Russia's invasion. However, leaders from the Global South are more focused on the climate crisis and economic difficulties rather than the war in Europe. The UN Secretary General is hosting separate summits to discuss efforts to reduce poverty and tackle climate change, as the pandemic, rising debt, and global inaction have hindered progress on sustainable development goals. Therefore, leaders are looking for a new economic stimulus and financial reforms to prioritize the needs of developing countries. Western leaders, including President Joe Biden and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, have pledged action on global development issues. However, some Western leaders, like Emmanuel Macron and Rishi Sunak, have chosen not to attend the UN assembly, which could affect efforts to convince neutral countries about the impact of Russia's aggression on their economies. The assembly will be a critical moment for leaders to meet and discuss various crises, but unity within the organization may be limited.