The 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) opens on September 8, 2026. Two weeks later, General Debate kicks off Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Leaders will convene in New York to discuss solutions to the world’s most pressing global issues, from climate change to global health to peace, security, and humanitarian response. This year during UNGA 81, the race for UN Secretary-General is certain to dominate the conversation, as momentum builds toward the selection of the organization’s next leader.
Explore this page for updates on events and expert commentary on UNGA 81.
Access resources and explainers for everything you need to know about the selection of the next UN Secretary-General.
[Re]Group is a platform for ideas, analysis, and perspectives on the future of global cooperation. Curated by the UN Foundation, it focuses on the future of the UN and the race for Secretary-General.
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World’s Toughest Job is an eight-part podcast series co-produced by Foreign Policy and the UN Foundation. Through immersive storytelling featuring diverse voices, it explores how the next UN Secretary-General will make a difference on pressing issues facing the world’s 8 billion people.
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Even in the best of times, the United Nations Secretary-General is said to have the most impossible job in the world. But these are not the best of times. The UN is facing fierce geopolitical divisions, protracted wars, and threats of financial insolvency. So what should the 10th Secretary-General do in their first 100 days … and beyond? And when almost everything feels like a crisis, how does the next SG figure out what to tackle first?
Join Foreign Policy and the United Nations Foundation for a live taping of the World’s Toughest Job — and explore the challenges awaiting the next Secretary-General.
UN Foundation’s [Re]Group Playbook is teaming up with Mark Goldberg’s Global Dispatches for a new series launching ahead of the UN General Assembly. Stay tuned for expert perspectives, real-time discussions, and special UNGA 81 coverage.
September 24, 2026
This high-level event will showcase how critical actors are responding and committing to adaptation and resilience.
September 18-28, 2026
At UNGA 81, world leaders will explore solutions to revitalize global cooperation and advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
September 19-27, 2026
During Global Goals Week, over 100 supporters across civil society, business, academia, and the UN system will mobilize to push for progress on the Global Goals and scale up solutions for people and planet.
Check out the latest news and resources to help you prepare for the 2026 UN General Assembly.
