Trump addresses UN as Guterres warns global fault lines are widening

US President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday as Secretary-General António Guterres opened the high-level session with a warning that divisions between countries are deepening and the international system is struggling to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

Trump’s appearance at the 81st UN General Assembly comes against the backdrop of the continuing US-Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions over Gaza and growing international concern over artificial intelligence. Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to participate in this year’s high-level debate in New York.

Ahead of his address, the White House said Trump would use the speech to outline how his administration is using American power to confront international challenges and pursue US interests. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the president would focus on issues that previous administrations had failed to resolve.

Trump also used the speech to defend US actions against Iran, arguing that the military campaign was necessary to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Reuters reported that he also criticised international institutions and argued against what his administration views as interference with US sovereignty.

The president’s appearance comes as the conflict with Iran approaches its seventh month, while the administration is also seeking progress on a proposed Gaza peace arrangement and has continued efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end.

Guterres, delivering what is expected to be his final opening address to the General Assembly before his term ends on December 31, struck a markedly different emphasis, calling for greater international cooperation.

The UN chief warned that the world’s mechanisms for collective action are under growing strain and argued that neither a single dominant power nor competing superpowers can resolve the challenges facing humanity. He called instead for a more cooperative and multipolar international system.

Guterres also highlighted the risks posed by artificial intelligence, calling for international safeguards and independent oversight. He urged governments to address climate change, reform outdated international institutions and strengthen the UN’s ability to respond to conflicts and global crises.

The secretary-general also renewed his call for reform of the UN Security Council, including greater representation for Africa, which he described as an important part of making the international system more representative.

The contrasting emphasis from the two leaders comes as the UN faces questions about its effectiveness and finances. The Trump administration has reduced US financial support for the organisation, while several major conflicts have exposed disagreements among the five permanent members of the Security Council.

The 81st General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” The high-level debate runs from September 22 to September 28, with world leaders expected to discuss conflicts, climate change, AI, development and reform of the international system.