By Ene Mary McDickson
Editor, Frontline Daily

The 81st United Nations General Assembly opened its General Debate on Tuesday in New York, according to UN officials, with nearly 130 heads of state and government expected to address the session over the coming week as the Iran crisis, the Gaza war and Russia's war on Ukraine dominate proceedings.

Reports indicate sessions are running in two blocks daily — 9am to 2:45pm and 3pm to 9pm local time — through Saturday, resuming Monday after a break on Sunday. US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron were named among Tuesday's speakers.

Trump was quoted as saying he faces a decision on Iran between securing a negotiated deal or taking far tougher action, suggesting an agreement looks more likely once the US midterm elections are past. He was reported to have met separately with leaders of Persian Gulf Arab states on the next phase of the standoff with Tehran, with a briefing for his Gaza-focused "Board of Peace" said to be scheduled during the week.

On Gaza, Qatar and Turkiye were reported to have used their platforms at the Assembly to criticise Israel's conduct in the territory, adding to the international pressure building around the war. France is said to be convening a follow-up meeting this week on the two-state solution, having recognised Palestinian statehood alongside other Western governments last year.

Trump is also expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York, according to statements from the US side, which said Washington continues working with both Kyiv and Moscow toward ending the war.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is being represented at the session by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who travelled to New York ahead of the debate to lead Nigeria's delegation. Shettima's national address is scheduled for Thursday.

As world leaders gather in New York for the General Assembly, the focus remains on finding peaceful and diplomatic solutions to some of the world’s most pressing conflicts, with calls for dialogue and renewed efforts toward lasting peace taking centre stage.