The "boys" are back in town. They come for business, to network, to see the city, and to party. Is the fate of the world in the hands of these people and their personal agendas for money, power and control? When you strip away the polished public relations and global banners, that is the exact question that lingers over New York City during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week.

For seven days, the world's ultimate power players - presidents, prime ministers, tech titans, and billionaires - gather in an insulated luxury bubble. While their public speeches preach unity and humanitarian progress, their private, high-security meetings in five-star hotel lobbies are driven by a far older currency - leverage, survival, and dominance.

The uncomfortable truth is that global policies on climate, finance, and warfare are often dictated by an elite class deeply focused on consolidating their own authority. They hold the levers of global governance, yet remain entirely shielded from the real-world fallout of their choices - ultimately, leaving the future to the personal ambitions of a select few creates an incredibly fragile world. The ultimate test of multilateral diplomacy is whether global systems can survive when they are run by individuals who mistake their own thirst for control for the greater good.

What do you think they're saying about Trump behind his back? Do they worry about his erratic behavior? Are they placating him? Are they counting the days until he's out of office? Are they looking forward to Trump destroying democracy as we know it? Do they trust him based on his propensity to lie and tell people what they want to hear? Years ago they laughed at him when he spoke at the UNGA. Do they consider him a joke, now to be taken more seriously?

Tuesday 9/22/26

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his wide-ranging final annual address to world leaders in the morning to open the high-level general debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Watch his speech on UN Web TV

CNN: Full Highlights of Trump Speech

Trump sounded like a dictator spouting off at the mouth with empty threats and broken promises. His rhetoric was not well received by foreign dignitaries as well by Americans who worry about the consequences of his policies. His poll numbers are tanking as costs rise and the threat of a prolonged war with Iran looms. ~ Ellie

Wednesday

Iran's president Pezeshkian laid out Tehran's demands to the world, from a podium in New York pushing back against threats from Trump declaring that Iran will never "bend the knee" or surrender to a "bullying mentality". Pezeshkian balanced his defiance by signaling that Iran remains open to dialogue and diplomatic negotiations, provided they are conducted without the threat of force. He reiterated that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, but firmly stated that the country will not give up its right to a civilian, peaceful nuclear program.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine): Reiterated the need for immediate, enforceable collective security measures to stop ongoing aggression and alleviate mass displacement and civilian casualties, indicating readiness for multilateral negotiations. Zelenskyy focused primarily on Ukraine's defense, upcoming winter hardships, and international diplomacy.

Thursday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in Gaza war as he brings feud with NYC Mayor Mamdani to UN

His speech triggered a wide-scale diplomatic walkout inside the General Assembly hall, as well as major pop-up street protests organized by groups like Jewish Voice for Peace outside the UN headquarters, resulting in over 100 arrests. Late last night, delegates from Iran, Turkey, and Qatar formally utilized their "right of reply" to sharply criticize his remarks.

Friday

The General Assembly continues today with scheduled addresses from the leaders and representatives of several prominent nations, including Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Egypt, Mexico, Haiti, Norway, and Sweden.

Weekend:

The high-level General Debate for the 81st UN General Assembly is scheduled to run on Saturday, September 26, 2026. It will then pause for Sunday, September 27, before resuming and concluding its final day of speeches on Monday, September 28, 2026. <

On Saturday, the assembly will follow its standard routine of two daily blocks - a morning session from 9:00 AM to 2:45 PM and an afternoon session from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM - as foreign ministers and heads of state wrap up the bulk of the week's general statements.

Autumn Equinox