United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses a media conference on the eve of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 21, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AP

In his first meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres after beginning his second term as U.S. President in January, Donald Trump on Tuesday (September 23, 2025) said, “Our country is behind the United Nations 100%.”

Also Read | UNGA Trump address highlights

After lashing out at the UN in his address to the General Assembly, Mr. Trump said he supports the world organisation even though he may disagree with it at times.

“I think the potential of the United Nations is incredible, really incredible. It can do so much. So I’m behind it. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it, because I think that the potential for peace with this institution is so great,” Mr. Trump told Mr. Guterres.

“Thank you very much. It’s always an honour to be here. We’ve done this before, and this was a little more exciting because of the escalator and the teleprompter. These things happen,” Mr. Trump said in his bilateral meeting with Mr. Guterres.

Earlier, Mr. Trump addressed world leaders from the iconic UNGA podium at the General Debate of the 80th high-level session of the UN General Assembly, his first address at the UN in the second term of his presidency.

Mr. Trump, who had begun his address by criticising that the teleprompter at the UNGA hall was not working, said, “All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up, stopped right in the middle. If the First Lady wasn’t in great shape, she would have fallen, but she’s in great shape. We’re both in good shape,” Mr. Trump said amid laughter from the world leaders.

“And then a teleprompter that didn’t work. These are the two things I got from the United Nations, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much,” Mr. Trump said.

The UN chief, in his opening remarks ahead of the bilateral meeting with Trump, said the United States was absolutely essential in the founding of the organisation.

“I believe there are many areas where we can cooperate in a positive way, and I would think that the most important is peace. You have selected peace as a central objective of your mandate,” Mr. Guterres said to Mr. Trump, to which the U.S. President responded “true”.

Mr. Guterres said that Mr. Trump has been going “north and south, east and west, in all possible situations, getting or trying to get ceasefires, alleviating tensions, making peace agreements”.

“And I want to reassure you that the United Nations, from me to our teams on the ground, to our mission, we are entirely at your disposal to be able to work together for just peace in the world,” he added.

The UN chief also expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its major political and financial support.

“And one thing is, for me, extremely important is that the suffering, the horrible suffering, of millions of people can be stopped,” Mr. Guterres said.

In his UNGA address, Trump claimed that he had stopped seven wars in his second term in the White House, including the one between India and Pakistan, and blasted the UN for its failure to offer any help in ending these raging conflicts.

“In a period of just seven months, I have ended seven ‘unendable’ wars. They said they were ‘unendable, you are never going to get them solved’,” Trump said, adding that some of the wars he helped end were going on for decades.

“I ended seven wars, and in all cases they were raging, with countless thousands of people being killed. This includes Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda – a vicious, violent war that was, Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia and Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Mr. Trump said.

“No president or prime minister, and for that matter, no other country has ever done anything close to that. And I did it in just seven months. It’s never happened before,” Mr. Trump said.

“It’s too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them. And sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them,” the U.S. President said.

In his speech, Mr. Trump added that he didn’t think about it at the time because he was “too busy” working to save millions of lives and stopping these wars.

“But later I realised that the United Nations wasn’t there for us. They weren’t there.” “That being the case, what is the purpose of the United Nations? The UN has such tremendous potential. I’ve always said it, it has such tremendous, tremendous potential, but it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential for the most part,” Mr. Trump said.

“At least for now, all they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It’s empty words, and empty words don’t solve war. The only thing that solves war and wars is action,” he added.

Published – September 23, 2025 11:19 pm IST

The opening to a Hezbollah tunnel shaft which Israel’s military says is 200 metres away from a UN post and within 1km from Lebanon’s border with Israel, in southern Lebanon, on October 13, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

In the backdrop of back to back attacks on the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres cautioned that attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law and “may constitute a war crime.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin, in a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL forces and Lebanese armed forces.

“The safety of UN personnel & property must be guaranteed. The inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law and may constitute a war crime. UNIFIL personnel & premises must never be targeted,” Mr. Guterres said on social media X.

As Israeli forces in Lebanon were hit by a drone attack by Hezbollah which killed four soldiers, Mr. Austin reinforced the need to “pivot from military operations in Lebanon to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible.” “I also raised the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed that steps must be taken to address it. I reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering, enduring, and ironclad commitment to Israel’s security,” he said in a post on X at 7 a.m. on Monday.

Also read | Israeli forces kill two Lebanese soldiers and injure two U.N. peacekeepers in separate strikes

Against the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and despite attacks that have hit U.N. positions, injuring a number of peacekeepers in the past several days, “UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly,” Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General said in a statement.

He said that UNIFIL continuously assesses and reviews all factors to determine its posture and presence and the mission is taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of its peacekeepers. “UNIFIL’s role and its presence in southern Lebanon is mandated by the UN Security Council. In this context, UNIFIL is committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701, which is the only possible way forward.”

Referring to Sunday’s incident in which the entrance to a U.N. position was breached by Israeli armoured vehicles, Mr. Dujarric said, “The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times without qualification.”

The Spokesman said that the SG calls on all parties, including the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), to refrain from any and all actions that put our peacekeepers at risk.

The UNIFIL which has over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries was hit on four consecutive days from Thursday to Sunday injuring several peacekeepers.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at a global event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.
| Photo Credit: PTI

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with his global counterparts on the sidelines of the high-level United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, exchanging views on reforming multilateralism and cooperation in G20.

He held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Armenia on September 24. Jaishankar said it was a “real pleasure” to meet with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Bárcena of Mexico.

“Discussed taking forward our Privileged Partnership focussing on business, science & technology, education, economy and traditional medicine. Also exchanged views on reforming multilateralism and our work together in G20,” he said in a post on X.

The External Affairs Minister also met his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konakovic and discussed growing bilateral ties with a focus on trade and economy.

Terming his meeting with Konakovic on the sidelines of the UNGA session as “good”, Jaishankar said, “Discussed growing our bilateral ties with (a) focus on trade and economy.” Jaishankar also met with his counterpart from Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan.

“Appreciate his sharing assessment of the current situation in the Caucasus. Affirmed our strong bilateral relationship,” he posted on X.

Jaishankar is scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the 78th UN General Assembly session, Dennis Francis, on Monday.

On Saturday, Jaishankar called on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and discussed the progress of the bilateral development partnership and the situation in Myanmar. The two leaders met on the margins of the high-level UN General Assembly session in New York.

“Pleased to call on Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed the progress of our development partnership,” Jaishankar posted on X.

“Noted as well our expanding defence and cultural cooperation. Exchanged views on Myanmar,” he added. Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Egypt, Guinea Bissau, Cyprus and Uganda on Saturday.

He began a nine-day visit to the U.S. on Friday, primarily to attend the annual session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and to host a special event on Global South. He would also participate in various plurilateral and bilateral meetings in New York.

He is scheduled to address the General Debate from the UN General Assembly hall on Tuesday.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at a global event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.
| Photo Credit: PTI

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with his global counterparts on the sidelines of the high-level United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, exchanging views on reforming multilateralism and cooperation in G20.

He held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Armenia on September 24. Jaishankar said it was a “real pleasure” to meet with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Bárcena of Mexico.

“Discussed taking forward our Privileged Partnership focussing on business, science & technology, education, economy and traditional medicine. Also exchanged views on reforming multilateralism and our work together in G20,” he said in a post on X.

The External Affairs Minister also met his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konakovic and discussed growing bilateral ties with a focus on trade and economy.

Terming his meeting with Konakovic on the sidelines of the UNGA session as “good”, Jaishankar said, “Discussed growing our bilateral ties with (a) focus on trade and economy.” Jaishankar also met with his counterpart from Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan.

“Appreciate his sharing assessment of the current situation in the Caucasus. Affirmed our strong bilateral relationship,” he posted on X.

Jaishankar is scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the 78th UN General Assembly session, Dennis Francis, on Monday.

On Saturday, Jaishankar called on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and discussed the progress of the bilateral development partnership and the situation in Myanmar. The two leaders met on the margins of the high-level UN General Assembly session in New York.

“Pleased to call on Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed the progress of our development partnership,” Jaishankar posted on X.

“Noted as well our expanding defence and cultural cooperation. Exchanged views on Myanmar,” he added. Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Egypt, Guinea Bissau, Cyprus and Uganda on Saturday.

He began a nine-day visit to the U.S. on Friday, primarily to attend the annual session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and to host a special event on Global South. He would also participate in various plurilateral and bilateral meetings in New York.

He is scheduled to address the General Debate from the UN General Assembly hall on Tuesday.

Heads of State and Governments, world leaders and foreign ministers have arrived at the UN headquarters for the annual high-level week described as the ‘Oscars of Diplomacy’, with agendas of Sustainable Development Goals, financing for development, climate action and pandemic response taking centrestage as global priorities at the session.

At the high-level 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins on September 18, the global organisation will host a series of summits that will bring together Presidents and Prime Ministers and leaders.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who attended the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi and the G-77 and China meeting in Havana earlier this month, said this week, “begins the greatest G of all – the G-193 – the High-Level Week of the General Assembly. It is a one-of-a-kind moment each year for leaders from every corner of the globe to not only assess the state of the world – but to act for the common good.

“Action is what the world needs now. We will be gathering at a time when humanity faces huge challenges – from the worsening climate emergency to escalating conflicts, the global cost-of-living crisis, soaring inequalities and dramatic technological disruptions. People are looking to their leaders for a way out of this mess.” The week will open with the 2023 SDG Summit on September 18-19 that will review the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide high-level political guidance on transformative and accelerated actions leading up to the target year of 2030 for achieving the Goals, the UN said.

Convened by President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis, the Summit will mark the half-way point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. “It will be the centerpiece of the High-level Week of the General Assembly. It will respond to the impact of multiple and interlocking crises facing the world and is expected to reignite a sense of hope, optimism, and enthusiasm for the 2030 Agenda.” From September 19 through September 26, 193 world leaders and foreign ministers will one by one take to the lectern in the UN General Assembly hall and enunciate their positions on global issues at the General Debate, the central event of the high-level week. As is tradition, Brazil will open the General Debate followed by the US, with President Joe Biden arriving in New York on Sunday to attend the UNGA session.

The theme of the General Debate is ‘Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.’ External Affairs Ministers S Jaishankar will address the debate on September 26.

On September 20, the General Assembly will convene its second High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development since the adoption of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The dialogue will aim to renew global commitment to financing at the highest political level.

Alongside the SDG Summit, UN chief Guterres will convene the Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, with a call on every leader from Governments, business, cities and regions, civil society, and financial institutions to step up. The UN chief urges individuals or organizations participating in the event to present credible, serious and new climate action and nature-based solutions that will move the needle forward and respond to the urgency of the climate crisis.

The High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response will be convened by President of the General Assembly, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, on September 20, bringing together Heads of State and Government for the one-day meeting that will adopt a political declaration aimed at mobilizing political will at the national, regional and international levels for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

In the declaration, the world leaders will commit to scale up their efforts to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and “Strengthen international collaboration and coordination at the highest political levels with the determination to reduce inequities and increase the fair, equitable and timely access to, and strengthening of capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.” The Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future will be held on September 21. The ministerial meeting will take place to prepare for the September 2024 Summit of the Future, which marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance global cooperation to tackle critical challenges, address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments, including to the SDGs and the United Nations Charter, and make a multilateral system better positioned to positively impact people’s lives, the UN said.

The High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage on September 21 presents an opportunity for countries and stakeholders to renew efforts and accelerate progress toward achieving health for all. This will serve as the foundation for executing policies and ensuring responsibility for strengthening health systems for the future, building on the 2019 Political Declaration, the UN said.

The UN General Assembly will hold the second high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis on September 22.

Guterres said that the high-level will shine a spotlight on how to rescue the SDGs at the half-way mark to 2030, how to boost ambition to tackle the climate crisis, on crucial questions of funding and investments for development, on health challenges, hotspots and a host of other issues.

“My appeal to world leaders will be clear: This is not a time for posturing or positioning. This is not a time for indifference or indecision. This is a time to come together for real, practical solutions. It is time for compromise for a better tomorrow. Politics is compromise. Diplomacy is compromise. Effective leadership is compromise.” He asserted that if “we want a future of peace and prosperity based on equity and solidarity, leaders have a special responsibility to achieve compromise in designing our common future for our common good.”

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres addresses a press conference ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Sept., 8, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP

Efforts to build a peaceful world are faltering and the Ukraine conflict is unlikely to end in the immediate future, said Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres here on Friday. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the G-20 summit that will begin here on Saturday, Mr. Guterres laid out the concerns of the UN and said the world cannot “go on like this” and spoke forcefully seeking change of the global multilateral institutions. He also appreciated India for placing the “development agenda at the centre” of G-20.

“Divisions are growing, tensions are flaring up, and trust is eroding — which together raise the spectre of fragmentation and ultimately confrontation. The global financial architecture is outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair. It requires deep, structural reform. And the same can be said about the United Nations Security Council,” said Mr. Guterres. He appreciated India’s G-20 Presidency.

“India has assumed the G-20 Presidency with a very strong priority on the development agenda and at the same time, India has been doing everything possible to fully represent the interest of the Global South in the preparation of the summit. India has indeed corresponded to its promise not only to speak on behalf of the Global South but to put the development agenda at the centre of the G-20 works,” said Mr. Guterres. He said the conflict in Ukraine was likely to drag on as both the sides — Ukraine and Russia — have “decided to move on with the conflict.” “I am not very hopeful of a peace solution in the immediate future. Obviously we should pay tribute to those who tried to do everything possible to find this dramatic situation find an end,” said the Secretary General.

His comments are being viewed as a push to have consensus on pressing issues at the G-20 summit that is beginning on September 9 here. The Ukraine crisis has  created a divide between the Western bloc and the rest in G-20 including the Indian Presidency that has insisted on keeping the platform focused on the issues before the Global South. “We need effective international institutions rooted in 21st century realities and based on the UN Charter and international law,” said Mr. Guterres.

He expressed concern about the increase in conflicts across the world and urged concerted actions to address climate change — “Wars and conflicts are multiplying — but efforts to advance peace are faltering.”

“I have come to the G-20 with a simple but urgent appeal: we cannot go on like this. We must come together and act together for the common good. Challenges stretch as far as the eye can see,” said Mr. Guterres, urging the G-20 leaders to show leadership in dealing with the climate crisis.