Bettel calls for dialogue in a world 'turned upside down'

On Sunday, the UK, Australia, and Canada officially recognised Palestine as a state. Luxembourg, France, and several other countries announced they plan to follow suit during the Assembly.

Luxembourg is represented by PM Luc Frieden, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, and Health and Social Security Minister Martine Deprez.

Bettel underlined that this is an important week where the entire world comes together, while acknowledging that the international order currently feels unstable. He noted his schedule began with a dinner at the International Peace Institute and would continue with high-level talks, including a conference on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

He also welcomed Frieden's presence, who will deliver Luxembourg's address to the Assembly on Friday, and highlighted Deprez's bilateral meetings on health-related issues. In total, Bettel said he has about 15 bilateral meetings lined up with countries Luxembourg rarely has the chance to engage with directly.

Global conflicts dominate agenda

The global agenda is overshadowed by conflict. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that the Assembly remains the place to seek solutions, but meaningful action is hindered by the veto powers of countries such as Russia and the United States.

The wars in Ukraine and Gaza are both scheduled for debate on Monday. Bettel acknowledged that the outlook is bleak: the situation in both conflicts is, in his words, "extremely muddled". While he expressed the hope that positive outcomes might emerge, he admitted this was far from certain.

The Assembly also takes place against a backdrop of controversy. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who considers this session historic, was denied a visa to travel to the US. The Trump administration justified the decision by claiming he had not done enough to combat terrorism. The move breaches UN rules and has been widely condemned by heads of state and government leaders.