UN General Assembly tackles wars, AI risks, and climate shocks

World leaders are gathering at the United Nations this week to address major global crises, including wars, climate shocks, and growing fears that runaway artificial intelligence could threaten humanity. The annual high-level General Assembly meeting will focus on conflicts in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, and Myanmar. The agenda also includes UN reform, as the Security Council still reflects post-World War II powers, and the organization faces financial difficulties after the U.S. paid $725 million in dues to retain its vote. Around 130 heads of state will speak, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, while leaders from China, Russia, and India are absent. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is attending his final assembly, with his term ending December 31 and no clear successor. AI has pushed to the forefront, with the Security Council adding a high-level meeting on the technology, though Trump dismissed industry warnings about its risks as a hoax.