During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Brookings experts highlight key topics, including the U.S. leadership crisis, Trump’s ban on Palestinian leadership at the UNGA, and agile global governance of AI. Emphasis is placed on defending human rights, labor mobility, and climate change without involving the world’s largest economy.
The 80th UN General Assembly focuses on Africa and its development. Cristina Duarte, UN Special Adviser for Africa, highlights the importance of African policymakers engaging in global politics due to globalization and the involvement of international financial and trade systems in Africa. She also highlights the positive impact of her 10 years as Minister of Finance and Planning in Cape Verde during the financial crisis.
Smotrich announces new settlements in E1 of the West Bank, hindering the creation of a Palestinian state and accelerating annexation, defying international protests and support for the Palestinian cause, ignoring the possibility of a future state and land continuity between the occupied north and south.
The U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO means losing the opportunity to participate in global conversations on education, culture, and science, as well as collaborating on peaceful solutions to global challenges. UNESCO promotes international cooperation in these fields and its membership has benefited the U.S. in terms of security, artificial intelligence, educational planning, data, and world peace.
In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis worsens with deaths from malnutrition, particularly among children. Europe is criticized for inaction. Israel denies using hunger as a weapon and accuses Hamas of poor food management. Negotiations for a ceasefire are difficult and international actions are demanded.
