UN chief calls on world leaders to “deliver” at the 80th General Assembly

World leaders are arriving in New York for the start of the 80th United Nations General Assembly — a milestone year for the global body.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged leaders to “get serious – and deliver,” warning that global divisions and crises have pushed international cooperation to its most fragile point in decades.

He said the gathering should not be a “World Cup of diplomacy” where countries score points, but rather a chance to solve problems and forge solutions.

The 80th session officially opened on September 9th, with the high-level debate beginning next Tuesday, September 23rd. This year’s theme is ‘Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.’

The UN says the week will focus on renewing commitment to multilateralism, tackling global challenges, and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals.