The conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago has exposed geopolitical fault lines that stretch across continents. Tensions between east and west, and between north and south, have become central topics in public discourse. In the next days, these divides will be visible in New York, where the United Nations headquarters anchors global diplomacy. As world leaders gather for the General Assembly, the moment underscores both the power and fragility of international institutions when confronting climate emergencies, development gaps, and war-related crises.
Questions about the United Nations’ capacity to act as a guardian of peace and security persist in this era of shifting alliances and rigid institutional structures. Yet the body remains a critical arena for addressing urgent global challenges and for validating the legitimacy of collective action. It provides a platform where concerns from both developed and developing nations can be voiced and where proposals for reform—especially in climate finance, pandemic preparedness, and universal health coverage—are laid on the table for debate and decision.
Zelensky in New York and Washington
Much attention will be directed to Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine. After delivering a video address to the General Assembly last year, he is set to address the assembly in person this year. The day will begin with remarks from the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, followed by speeches from leaders including representatives from Brazil and the United States. Zelensky’s participation signals Ukraine’s ongoing appeals for international backing and accountability.
Zelensky is also slated to join a Security Council meeting on the war, with expectations of the presence of Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov. The scene is expected to feature sharp exchanges, even as other players abstain from direct participation in certain moments of the discussion.
In addition to his remarks in New York, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with the U.S. president in Washington. The meeting, planned for Thursday, will occur as global leaders discuss a range of security and humanitarian topics. Reports indicate that Washington is nearing approval of long-range missile transfers, reflecting a broader debate over how best to deter aggression and support Ukraine while managing wider regional and strategic concerns.
The Weight of the Global South
Beyond Ukraine, the General Assembly agenda highlights the role of the global south. This bloc—comprising many developing nations—seeks greater influence in international decision-making and a fairer distribution of financial and technical resources. Western powers and blocs in opposition often frame the conflict around competing interests, yet dialogue continues about how to align development with security and climate goals. In anticipated remarks, President Biden is expected to reiterate a commitment to multilateralism and to reforms that give developing nations a stronger voice at international institutions, a point echoed by American ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who has stressed that the current structure does not reflect today’s global reality.
Developing countries have pressed for reform of financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, so they can respond more effectively to their needs. Discussions extend to climate finance, pandemic readiness, and universal health coverage—areas where major summits this week are signaling a demand for greater equity in decision-making. The urgency is clear: the voices of the global south must be central to shaping policies that affect energy, food security, and health outcomes across continents.
The summit also spotlights how regional alignments will shape future governance. The push for more inclusive governance structures is tied to talks about reforming borrowing terms, lending practices, and the allocation of concessional funding. These conversations matter not just for balance of power but for practical outcomes in climate resilience, adaptation programs, and the capacity to meet global health and development targets.
As the day-to-day push of policy debates continues, the 2030 development agenda remains a frame for action. The 2030 goals, established in 2015, are reaching a critical juncture where progress has stalled in key areas such as universal internet access, universal electricity, and reductions in infant mortality. With some targets proving stubborn to advance, experts warn that it could take centuries to achieve gender equality if current trends persist. The UN’s focus in these discussions is to catalyze momentum and to align financing, governance, and technical assistance with nations’ genuine needs.
Presence of Pedro Sánchez
Pedro Sánchez, the acting president of Spain, will be present in New York for a series of discussions starting this Sunday. He is expected to participate in Wednesday’s deliberations, with Moncloa stressing that the trip signals political stability and a readiness to engage with partners on shared challenges. Sánchez will join meetings related to sustainable development goals, a forum convened with France to discuss international financial architecture, and climate initiatives that push for more ambitious commitments. He will also address the agreement concerning the conservation of biodiversity in high seas waters and will participate in a Security Council session focused on the war in Ukraine, reaffirming Spain’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security needs.
The day’s schedule includes bilateral talks with leaders from regions such as Mauritania and Iraq. While those dialogues unfold, high-level representatives from Saudi Arabia are also expected to be involved, reflecting shifting regional dynamics and the role of energy producers in global governance. The meetings sketch a broad picture of multi-party diplomacy where climate, security, and development intersect in evolving ways. (Source: General Assembly proceedings)