The United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week 2025, held in New York this September, marked a unique moment for global diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Convened within the framework of the 80th session of the General Assembly, the week brought together heads of state, ministers, diplomats, civil society leaders, academics, and private sector representatives to discuss the most pressing issues facing the international community. Under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”, the event highlighted not only the achievements of the UN system but also the persistent criticisms and shortcomings that have marked its eight decades of existence.
At the heart of the High-Level Week was the General Debate, which ran from 23 to 29 September. Over 150 world leaders took the podium to deliver statements that reflected national priorities as well as shared concerns such as climate change, inequality, conflicts, technological disruption, and global health.
This year’s debate was particularly charged, given the rising geopolitical tensions and the urgency surrounding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The speeches underscored the tension between the need for collective action and the persistence of national interests, while also revealing a growing recognition that global challenges cannot be addressed without cooperation.
In addition to the General Debate, the week featured a series of high-level meetings and thematic events. Leaders discussed the necessity of revitalizing multilateralism in an era of fragmentation and mistrust, stressing that peace, human rights, and development must be pursued in an integrated manner. Still, the debates often reflected the fragility of the current system: many criticized the slowness, bureaucracy, and limited effectiveness of the UN, particularly in preventing conflicts and delivering on its mandates.
Health was another key focus, with a high-level meeting addressing noncommunicable diseases and mental health. Delegates endorsed a new political declaration committing countries to stronger policies and resources for prevention, treatment, and equity in health systems. Yet, some voices questioned the gap between ambitious declarations and actual implementation, emphasizing the risk of repeating cycles of unfulfilled commitments.
Sustainable development remained a cross-cutting theme throughout the week. Several sessions highlighted the slow progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and the urgent need to accelerate implementation. Governments and stakeholders stressed that halfway through the 2030 Agenda, many targets remain off track, particularly in areas related to climate action, gender equality, and poverty reduction. Calls for innovative financing, stronger partnerships, and more effective data systems echoed across panels and bilateral meetings. Civil society organizations reminded governments that their credibility depends on action, not just promises.
Geopolitical crises inevitably influenced the tone of the week. Ongoing conflicts, regional instabilities, and the erosion of trust between major powers were recurrent themes in both public statements and private negotiations. The United Nations was repeatedly described as indispensable but weakened — an institution in need of reform, yet at risk of being delegitimized by those who seek to undermine multilateral cooperation. The danger, as many warned, is that discrediting the UN could accelerate fragmentation and instability rather than deliver solutions.
The High-Level Week also provided fertile ground for bilateral diplomacy. Dozens of side meetings created opportunities for advancing negotiations on trade, security, humanitarian assistance, and climate finance. Civil society groups organized hundreds of side events, from youth forums to academic panels, broadening the debate beyond official speeches.
In conclusion, the UNGA High-Level Week 2025 reaffirmed both the importance and the fragility of multilateral dialogue at a time of deep uncertainty.
It showcased the contradictions of the international system and the urgent need for reform, but also underlined that meaningful change must be structured, cooperative, and carefully designed — not driven by crisis or by the agendas of those who would prefer the weakening of international institutions.
The world is entering a decisive period: while there is openness to dialogue and multilateralism, the United Nations remains under pressure, and some statements delivered demonstrate that there is nothing but consensus. The challenge now is to reform without destroying, and to ensure that global cooperation does not fall victim to the very forces it is meant to contain.
Have a Great and Impactful week!
Natália Cantarino, Researcher at the Center for Responsible Business & Leadership