UN leaders face wars, AI risks, and climate crises at annual assembly

World leaders gather at the UN General Assembly this week facing crises in wars, AI, and climate, with questions over their ability to resolve major conflicts. The annual meeting opens Tuesday under a cloud of global divisions and economic shocks. About 130 heads of state will speak, including US President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron, while leaders from China, Russia, and India are absent. The UN faces financial strain, though the US paid $725 million in dues, and reform of the Security Council remains unresolved. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers his final assembly address, warning of "three existential threats" and urging cooperation. AI safety is a new focus, with a Security Council meeting added, as the UN struggles with an "open-ended crisis" amid calls for change.