UN General Assembly opens in New York with focus on trust and leadership change

World leaders gather in New York today for the UN General Assembly's General Debate, with the 81st session focused on restoring trust and managing transformation. The meeting is considered critical as the UN faces a leadership transition and growing doubts about its effectiveness. The summit occurs amid significant challenges, including the Gaza conflict, Ebola crisis in Congo, and AI concerns. Notable absentees include Belgium's Prime Minister, China's President Xi Jinping, and Russia's Vladimir Putin, while US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Zelensky will attend. The UN is under financial strain and faces calls for Security Council reform, particularly regarding the veto power of permanent members. Secretary-General António Guterres is departing after ten years, with succession talks expected to be a key focus this week.