Mark's Personal UNGA Preview

I’ve covered 19 General Assemblies—here’s my guide to the speeches, deals, and surprises that will shape this UN High-Level Week.

UN Photo/Manuel Elías — Annalena Baerbock (right), President of the 80th session of the General Assembly, takes the oath of office on the original Charter of the United Nations.

UNGA is here! The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly kicked off on September 9th, with former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock taking the gavel as President. But the real action doesn’t start until “High-Level Week,” beginning Monday, September 22, when hundreds of presidents and prime ministers will descend on New York for a whirlwind of speeches, high-stakes diplomacy, and yes—plenty of canapés.

This year is extra special: it’s the UN’s 80th anniversary. And for me, it’s the 19th General Assembly I’ve covered in 20 years, going all the way back to the UN’s 60th anniversary in 2005.

I’ll be on the ground in New York with my press credentials, sensible shoes, and a water bottle in hand—ready to bring you the news, analysis, and insider insights you won’t find anywhere else. As we get closer to High-Level Week, I’ll share details of the major speeches and side events I’ll be covering. (And if you spot me, come say hello!)

For now, I want to give paying subscribers an exclusive preview of the four storylines, events, and meetings that I expect will define this year’s UNGA. To celebrate UNGA season—and the UN’s 80th—I’m offering a special discount throughout September. It’s the perfect time to upgrade so you don’t miss a thing.

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And now, here is my personal preview of the big stories I’ll be following for UNGA80.