What is the United Nations General Assembly? Everything You Need to Know About UNGA 81.
Every September, world leaders gather at UN Headquarters in New York City for the UN General Assembly. For over eight decades, UNGA has remained an essential forum to address the world’s most pressing global challenges.
Today, these issues include climate change, global health, sustainable development, and humanitarian response. This year, the race for the next UN Secretary-General is set to dominate the agenda.
But when is UNGA? What does the General Assembly do? Who can attend?
Keep reading for answers to these frequently asked questions.
The UN General Assembly is the main legislative and policymaking body of the United Nations. The term also refers to the Assembly’s High-level Week of meetings that occur annually in September.
Each year, the General Assembly convenes to discuss vital international issues. The UN is at the center of the multilateral system, and is the only place in the world where each of the 193 Member States has a seat at the table.
The General Assembly adopts resolutions and makes recommendations on the world’s most pressing priorities, including peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. Also, it approves the UN budget, elects members of key UN bodies, and more.
The 81st Session of the UN General Assembly will open on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at UN Headquarters in New York City. High-level Week, when flagship events and meetings take place, will run from September 22 to 28, 2026.
On September 8, 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will open the 81st session of the UN General Assembly for the final time in his role, before a new leader of the UN is selected.
This year, H.E. Khalilur Rahman, of Bangladesh, was elected as the President of the 81st session of the General Assembly. Over his one-year term, H.E. Rahman will preside over all General Assembly session proceedings, set thematic debates and high-level meetings, and act as a public voice for the Assembly.
Beginning September 22, Heads of State and government leaders will deliver speeches during the General Debate — a central part of High-level Week.
In addition to the General Debate, which features addresses by world leaders, the General Assembly will hold meetings on the 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, the High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, the High-level Plenary Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise, and more. Many organizations host events on the margins of UNGA, virtually and across New York City.
The Sustainable Development Goals — “SDGs” or “Global Goals” — are the world’s shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Adopted by all 193 UN Member States, the 17 Goals are an action plan to improve health and education, reduce inequality, protect our planet, and spur economic growth by 2030. During UNGA 81, world leaders will aim to give a critical push for the Goals.
Global Goals Week, from September 19 to 27, 2026, mobilizes more than 100 supporters from civil society, business, academia, and the UN system, to accelerate action and awareness on the SDGs during UNGA.
The next UN Secretary-General will be appointed by the General Assembly to serve a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
The selection process formally began in April 2026, when the President of the General Assembly and Security Council jointly invited Member States to nominate candidates.
Candidates have been participating in interactive dialogues with Member States and civil society, while the Security Council have been conducting informal straw polls to gauge candidates’ support. The Security Council will recommend one candidate to the General Assembly, which will confirm the appointment.
Many events taking place alongside UNGA are open to the public, including side events hosted by governments, UN entities, civil society, and other partners. Most General Assembly meetings are also livestreamed and available on demand. Explore the UN Foundation’s full calendar of UNGA events to find opportunities to attend in person or participate online. Also, follow the UN Foundation on social media for updates throughout UNGA 81.
Last updated: September 22, 2026.