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The 2026 United Nations General Assembly opened in New York as diplomats and world leaders gathered amid conflicts, economic uncertainty and disputes over the international order. The article adds concerns about funding shortfalls, Security Council gridlock and the UN's relevance, alongside calls for reform.
The United Nations has 193 member states.
The UN General Assembly elected 15 countries to three-year terms on the Human Rights Council in an uncontested vote. Human rights groups criticised the process, saying it allowed countries with poor records to win seats.
Countries elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council
UN Special Representative Najat Maalla M’jid briefed journalists in New York after presenting her final report to the General Assembly. She said violence-prevention efforts are not keeping pace with risks including conflict, poverty, food insecurity and technology-facilitated abuse.
Children displaced by conflict, natural disasters and the climate crisis
Flash floods and landslides in Nepal killed 27 people.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. Wadephul urged Russia to end its escalation, pursue a ceasefire and support Black Sea grain exports; Lavrov said he heard nothing new.
Length of the meeting
At the UN General Assembly, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan linked Gulf security to global stability, accused Iran of attacks, urged freedom of navigation, and called for regional de-escalation and security arrangements.
AllegedSaudi Arabia provided more than 29000000000 USD in humanitarian and development assistance to Yemen, according to Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
China’s representative Han called for the UN-centered international order and international law to be upheld, and urged dialogue on global disputes. He also outlined China’s positions on Gaza, Ukraine, development, AI and UN reform.
AllegedChina drove around 30% of global growth in recent years, according to Han.
Iraq’s prime minister outlined plans to attract investment, expand energy links and shift cooperation with strategic partners from military to economic and development ties. He also called for regional integration, diplomacy and shared management of water resources.