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United Nations General Assembly

The latest news and top stories on United Nations General Assembly. A prominent New York City-based international governmental body, the United Nations General Assembly is the main deliberative policymaking and representative organ of the UN. Its primary mission is to discuss debate and make recommendations on international peace and security, development, human rights and international law. Comprising all 193 member states, it serves as a unique forum for multilateral discussion. Notable contributions include promulgating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and adopting the Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Photo: AFP

United Nations

‘World stands at a crossroads’: UN chief issues grim New Year message

Antonio Guterres laments US$2.7 trillion global arms race and urges leaders to choose ‘people and planet over pain’ in 2026.

30 Dec 2025 - 11:21AM

Women and gender

Opinion | Together, we can move closer to eliminating violence against women

25 Nov 2025 - 9:30AM

Israel-Gaza war

UN Security Council approves Trump plan for the future of Gaza

18 Nov 2025 - 5:17PM

United Nations

Language Matters | How multilingualism can help us work towards global peace and tolerance

Inclusion of and support for diverse languages are crucial for fulfilling goals of tolerance, peace, justice and building a future together.

26 Oct 2025 - 8:15AM

Multilingualism is vital for global cooperation, says Lisa Lim, and it has developed to be a core UN value. Photo: Shutterstock

Israel-Gaza war

ICJ rules Israel must allow UNRWA access to Gaza for aid

ICJ demands Israel permit UNRWA aid to Gaza, citing famine risks and humanitarian obligations under international law.

22 Oct 2025 - 11:15PM

Indonesia

From pledges to policy: Indonesia’s Prabowo marks 1 year in office

His energetic diplomacy is boosting Indonesia’s profile abroad, but concerns over civil liberties and the economy remain.

21 Oct 2025 - 7:04PMvideocam

United Nations

UN to slash 25% of global peacekeeping force due to funding strains

The US, the UN’s largest donor, reduced its contribution by hundreds of millions, forcing cuts to peacekeeping missions.

9 Oct 2025 - 12:23PM

UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January. File photo: Reuters

China-Latin America relations

Argentina tightens sorghum rules to boost China trade, risking new clash with US

Buenos Aires updates grain standards to meet Chinese demand, shifting exports from once-dominant US suppliers.

6 Oct 2025 - 11:11PMvideocam

Diplomacy

US retreat from UN may create ‘tremendous opportunity’ for nations like China

Global body is at a crossroads, and observers say a ‘leaderless’ era could emerge during second Trump administration.

5 Oct 2025 - 7:05AMvideocam

TikTok

Just Saying | Here’s proof that the world has gone mad

In a world that feels increasingly like the twilight zone, where not much makes sense anymore but everyone carries on with business as usual, here are some prime examples of madness.

2 Oct 2025 - 1:18AM

Palestinians struggle to get donated food in the Gaza Strip’s Khan Younis. Photo: AP

United Nations

Letters | UN must confront its paralysis or risk becoming a stage for posturing

Readers discuss the United Nations’ crisis of credibility, a fireworks stunt in the Himalayas, and the US-Russia-China nuclear impasse.

30 Sep 2025 - 11:30AM

US President Donald Trump speaks at the general debate of the UN General Assembly on September 23 in New York. Photo: dpa

Israel-Gaza war

Trump says Netanyahu agreed to US-sponsored Gaza peace proposal at US talks

The 20-point plan does not require people to leave Gaza and calls for the war to end immediately if both sides accept it.

30 Sep 2025 - 6:08AMvideocam

Israel-Gaza war

Hamas says it lost contact with 2 hostages as fighting intensifies

The fate of the two hostages could cast a shadow over a meeting between Israeli PM Netanyahu and US President Trump on Monday.

28 Sep 2025 - 11:06PMvideocam

Russia

Russia tells West any aggression will be met with ‘decisive response’

Foreign Minister Lavrov warned against attempts to shoot down aircraft in Russian airspace and accused Germany of militaristic rhetoric.

28 Sep 2025 - 7:05AMvideocam

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a press conference after addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

New Zealand

New Zealand bucks trend, won’t recognise Palestinian state ‘for now’

The surprise move puts New Zealand out of step with traditional partners such as Australia, the UK and Canada.

27 Sep 2025 - 2:19PMvideocam

New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters speaks at the UN General Assembly on Friday. Photo: AFP

US-China trade war

Exclusive | India-US trade talks on UN sidelines fail to break impasse

US officials say India’s tariff rates will only be lowered if it curbs its crude oil imports from Russia.

27 Sep 2025 - 4:18AMvideocam

United Nations

Calls grow for first female UN chief in 80 years: ‘let’s make history’

All nine people to hold the top job have been men, including Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose second term ends next year.

27 Sep 2025 - 2:40AM

Israel-Gaza war

Trump says Gaza deal near, hostages could soon be freed

The US president is set to meet Israeli PM Netanyahu on Monday in a bid to reach a framework for the agreement.

27 Sep 2025 - 12:42AMvideocam

Supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza demonstrate at the Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

Israel-Gaza war

Netanyahu defies UN walkout, vows to ‘finish the job’ in Gaza

The speech was given amid ICC accusations and a genocide case, leading many delegates to walk out just as Israel’s leader was about to speak.

26 Sep 2025 - 10:40PM

TikTok

Trump’s TikTok sign-off, China climate target, Zijin Gold IPO

This week: Trump approves planned US TikTok deal, Xi unveils 2035 emissions targets, super typhoon batters Hong Kong. Next week: September PMI, golden week travel rush, K-type tech visa, world’s biggest indoor ski centre opens and more.

26 Sep 2025 - 5:00PM

South Korea

South Korea’s Lee among leaders stuck in New York traffic by Trump’s motorcade

During the chaos of the UN summit, France’s Macron and Turkey’s Erdogan were also delayed by traffic as Trump’s motorcade took priority.

26 Sep 2025 - 5:20PMvideocam

Pedestrians wait as the presidential motorcade of US President Donald Trump drives by during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

Trump administration ties Argentina support to rollback of China credit line

Washington warns US$18 billion China swap endangers Argentina’s sovereignty and boosts Beijing’s sway in South America.

26 Sep 2025 - 2:43AM

Argentine President Javier Milei leaves the podium after speaking at the general debate of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. Photo: Zuma

Israel-Gaza war

Abbas tells UN: no room for Hamas in post-war Gaza, calls Israeli war ‘genocide’

Mahmoud Abbas spoke to UN General Assembly via video after his US visa was revoked, offered a vision for a Gaza run by Palestinian Authority.

25 Sep 2025 - 11:10PM

Donald Trump

Trump says Secret Service probing ‘sabotage’ of escalator at UN

The US president also cited a teleprompter failure and sound problems during his speech, calling them ‘very sinister events’.

25 Sep 2025 - 7:38AM

United States

Editorial | Trump’s speech raises questions about the future of the UN

There is an urgent need to restore the credibility of the organisation through reform, particularly of the Security Council.

25 Sep 2025 - 7:15AM

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks to the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York on September 23. Photo: Getty Images

US-China relations

US reaffirms India as China counterweight despite trade rifts, Pakistan concerns

State Department official stresses New Delhi’s role in the Indo-Pacific, even as tariffs and Russian oil disputes strain ties.

25 Sep 2025 - 6:24AM

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) meets with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday. Photo: AFP

Israel-Gaza war

Trump envoy Witkoff expects Gaza ‘breakthrough’ in coming days

The US president has shared a 21-point plan for peace with a group of Arab and Islamic countries.

25 Sep 2025 - 5:06AM

China-India relations

India and China vie for Global South leadership at UN gatherings

Parallel diplomacy highlights rivalry as Beijing pledges WTO reforms and New Delhi touts democratic alternatives.

25 Sep 2025 - 2:53AM

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United Nations General Assembly

‘World stands at a crossroads’: UN chief issues grim New Year message

Antonio Guterres laments US$2.7 trillion global arms race and urges leaders to choose ‘people and planet over pain’ in 2026.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Together, we can move closer to eliminating violence against women

UN Security Council approves Trump plan for the future of Gaza

Language Matters | How multilingualism can help us work towards global peace and tolerance

Inclusion of and support for diverse languages are crucial for fulfilling goals of tolerance, peace, justice and building a future together.

ICJ rules Israel must allow UNRWA access to Gaza for aid

ICJ demands Israel permit UNRWA aid to Gaza, citing famine risks and humanitarian obligations under international law.

From pledges to policy: Indonesia’s Prabowo marks 1 year in office

His energetic diplomacy is boosting Indonesia’s profile abroad, but concerns over civil liberties and the economy remain.

UN to slash 25% of global peacekeeping force due to funding strains

The US, the UN’s largest donor, reduced its contribution by hundreds of millions, forcing cuts to peacekeeping missions.

Argentina tightens sorghum rules to boost China trade, risking new clash with US

Buenos Aires updates grain standards to meet Chinese demand, shifting exports from once-dominant US suppliers.

US retreat from UN may create ‘tremendous opportunity’ for nations like China

Global body is at a crossroads, and observers say a ‘leaderless’ era could emerge during second Trump administration.

Just Saying | Here’s proof that the world has gone mad

In a world that feels increasingly like the twilight zone, where not much makes sense anymore but everyone carries on with business as usual, here are some prime examples of madness.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | UN must confront its paralysis or risk becoming a stage for posturing

Readers discuss the United Nations’ crisis of credibility, a fireworks stunt in the Himalayas, and the US-Russia-China nuclear impasse.

Trump says Netanyahu agreed to US-sponsored Gaza peace proposal at US talks

The 20-point plan does not require people to leave Gaza and calls for the war to end immediately if both sides accept it.

Hamas says it lost contact with 2 hostages as fighting intensifies

The fate of the two hostages could cast a shadow over a meeting between Israeli PM Netanyahu and US President Trump on Monday.

Russia tells West any aggression will be met with ‘decisive response’

Foreign Minister Lavrov warned against attempts to shoot down aircraft in Russian airspace and accused Germany of militaristic rhetoric.

New Zealand bucks trend, won’t recognise Palestinian state ‘for now’

The surprise move puts New Zealand out of step with traditional partners such as Australia, the UK and Canada.

Exclusive | India-US trade talks on UN sidelines fail to break impasse

US officials say India’s tariff rates will only be lowered if it curbs its crude oil imports from Russia.

Calls grow for first female UN chief in 80 years: ‘let’s make history’

All nine people to hold the top job have been men, including Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose second term ends next year.

Trump says Gaza deal near, hostages could soon be freed

The US president is set to meet Israeli PM Netanyahu on Monday in a bid to reach a framework for the agreement.

Netanyahu defies UN walkout, vows to ‘finish the job’ in Gaza

The speech was given amid ICC accusations and a genocide case, leading many delegates to walk out just as Israel’s leader was about to speak.

Trump’s TikTok sign-off, China climate target, Zijin Gold IPO

This week: Trump approves planned US TikTok deal, Xi unveils 2035 emissions targets, super typhoon batters Hong Kong. Next week: September PMI, golden week travel rush, K-type tech visa, world’s biggest indoor ski centre opens and more.

South Korea’s Lee among leaders stuck in New York traffic by Trump’s motorcade

During the chaos of the UN summit, France’s Macron and Turkey’s Erdogan were also delayed by traffic as Trump’s motorcade took priority.

Trump administration ties Argentina support to rollback of China credit line

Washington warns US$18 billion China swap endangers Argentina’s sovereignty and boosts Beijing’s sway in South America.

Abbas tells UN: no room for Hamas in post-war Gaza, calls Israeli war ‘genocide’

Mahmoud Abbas spoke to UN General Assembly via video after his US visa was revoked, offered a vision for a Gaza run by Palestinian Authority.

Trump says Secret Service probing ‘sabotage’ of escalator at UN

The US president also cited a teleprompter failure and sound problems during his speech, calling them ‘very sinister events’.

Editorial | Trump’s speech raises questions about the future of the UN

There is an urgent need to restore the credibility of the organisation through reform, particularly of the Security Council.

US reaffirms India as China counterweight despite trade rifts, Pakistan concerns

State Department official stresses New Delhi’s role in the Indo-Pacific, even as tariffs and Russian oil disputes strain ties.

Trump envoy Witkoff expects Gaza ‘breakthrough’ in coming days

The US president has shared a 21-point plan for peace with a group of Arab and Islamic countries.

India and China vie for Global South leadership at UN gatherings

Parallel diplomacy highlights rivalry as Beijing pledges WTO reforms and New Delhi touts democratic alternatives.

Opinion | Together, we can move closer to eliminating violence against women

Letters | UN must confront its paralysis or risk becoming a stage for posturing