The General Debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly concluded on Monday, marking a week of impassioned speeches, high-level diplomacy, and renewed calls for collective global action.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted that 189 UN member states participated in the debate, including 124 heads of state and government. In her closing remarks, she described the UN as a “house of diplomacy and dialogue,” stressing that the high-level week proved the world body remains relevant amid global challenges.

“This week showed we are capable of lifting up our common leadership and taking the right path at the crossroads,” Baerbock said. “Let us be inspired by our legacy and daring for a better future — unafraid, unbroken, united.”

The session coincided with the UN’s 80th anniversary, providing leaders with an opportunity to reflect on eight decades of multilateralism while addressing pressing issues such as ongoing wars, major-power rivalry, the climate crisis, and the lagging progress on sustainable development.

The High-level Week also included a series of events: a climate summit, a Sustainable Development Goals Moment, a conference on Palestine and the two-state solution, a meeting on women’s rights, and discussions on artificial intelligence governance. Several countries, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, recognized Palestinian statehood, leaving Israel and the United States increasingly isolated on the issue.

Controversies also marked the week. US President Donald Trump criticized the UN in his speech while facing technical glitches. Fox News host Jesse Watters later apologized after controversial remarks about bombing the UN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address saw a mass walkout by delegates, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was barred from attending due to US visa restrictions.