World leaders are set to gather at the United Nations headquarters in New York for the annual General Assembly.

Key issues on the agenda include the ongoing war in Gaza, rising tensions in the Middle East, the civil war in Sudan, and the protracted conflict in Ukraine, on Sunday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the critical nature of this gathering, stating that it comes at a time of multiplying conflicts and a growing sense of impunity.

He expressed optimism that the world can avoid escalating to a larger war, despite the challenging landscape.

The assembly, often referred to as the “World Cup of diplomacy,” will feature significant figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Analysts predict that discussions surrounding Gaza will dominate the dialogue among leaders.

The summit will kick off with Guterres’ “Summit of the Future,” aimed at addressing pressing global challenges.

While there is hope for meaningful outcomes, some critics suggest that the drafted pact lacks ambition and may fail to produce significant change.

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As the assembly approaches, heightened security measures are being implemented around the UN, with local communities preparing for disruptions caused by the influx of dignitaries.

The high-level meetings will begin with speeches from various leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who is expected to focus on ceasefire discussions in Gaza and other pressing issues.