EAM Jaishankar to Address UNGA on September 26, Spotlight India’s Global Priorities

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the annual high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, as India prepares to put forward its diplomatic priorities at a UN gathering unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying geopolitical conflicts, pressure on the multilateral system and an impending change of leadership at the world body.

According to the revised provisional list of speakers released Friday, Jaishankar will address the General Debate during the afternoon session on September 26. The 81st UN General Assembly opens on September 8, with its high-level General Debate running from September 22 to 28. The annual gathering brings together representatives of all 193 UN member states and is considered the busiest diplomatic period at UN headquarters.

The session comes amid continuing conflicts, including the US-Israel war against Iran, whose repercussions have extended to energy markets and developing economies. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns over food and fuel costs, particularly for countries in the Global South and least developed nations.

India is expected to use the platform to reinforce its emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral reform. New Delhi has repeatedly called for greater representation for developing regions, with Jaishankar recently arguing that the existing UN structure reflects an earlier era and needs stronger representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The agenda includes high-level meetings marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, climate action and a just transition, threats from sea-level rise, pandemic prevention and preparedness, and nuclear disarmament.

Brazil will traditionally open the General Debate on September 22, followed by the US, with President Donald Trump scheduled to deliver his second UNGA address of his second term. Bangladesh and Nepal will speak on September 24, followed by Pakistan on September 25.

The session will be chaired by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, elected in June by 99 votes to 91.

It will also be the final high-level UNGA session for Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term ends December 31. The succession process is underway, with attention focused on whether the UN will appoint its first woman Secretary-General.

For India, Jaishankar's September 26 address will offer a key platform to outline New Delhi's priorities on global conflicts, Global South concerns, UN reform, climate, development and nuclear risks.