Navigating the 2025 United Nations General AssemblyWhat is the United Nations General Assembly? Everything You Need to Know About UNGA 80.
Each September, world leaders convene at UN Headquarters in New York City for the UN General Assembly. For decades, UNGA has remained an essential forum to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, these issues include climate change, poverty and inequality, peace and security, and global health.
But when is UNGA? What does the General Assembly do — and how can you get involved?
Answers to these frequently asked questions and more below.
The UN General Assembly is the main legislative and policymaking body of the United Nations. A cornerstone for multilateral engagement and consensus building, the General Assembly meets to discuss international issues covered by the UN Charter.
The term also refers to the Assembly’s High-level Week of meetings that typically take place annually in late September.
The 80th Session of the UN General Assembly will open on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at UN Headquarters in New York City.
On September 9, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will open the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
This year, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, of Germany, was elected as the President of the General Assembly.
Beginning September 23, Heads of State and government leaders will deliver speeches during the General Debate as part of High-level Week.
In addition to the General Debate, which features addresses by world leaders, the General Assembly will hold its fourth high-level meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, a high-level meeting on the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, and a high-level meeting on the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. Many organizations typically host events on the margins of UNGA, virtually and across New York City.
The Sustainable Development Goals—or “SDGs” or “Global Goals”— are the world’s shared plan to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Adopted by all 193 United Nations Member States, the Goals are a plan to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth by 2030. September 2025 also marks the 10th anniversary of the SDGs.
Global Goals Week, from September 19 – 28, 2025, mobilizes more than 170 supporters from civil society, business, academia, and the UN system, to accelerate action on the SDGs.
In March 2025, the Secretary-General launched the UN80 Initiative – an ambitious effort to build a stronger, more efficient UN in a rapidly changing world. In July, the General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution in support of the UN80 Initiative and recognized the role of Member States in the reform process.
Most General Assembly meetings are livestreamed and available on demand. For other opportunities to engage, check out a full calendar of UNGA events or follow UN Foundation on social media.
Last updated August 19, 2025.