Dozens of world leaders skip UN General Assembly high-level session

The short version

• More than 50 world leaders are skipping the United Nations General Assembly, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.[Deutsche Welle]
• Leaders gave varied explanations, ranging from Merz and Giorgia Meloni handling domestic political affairs to Cyril Ramaphosa resting on medical advice.[Deutsche Welle]
• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is unable to attend in person after the United States refused to issue him a diplomatic visa.[France 24]
• Major delegations are sending foreign ministers instead, while Xi is traveling directly to Washington for a state visit.[Deutsche Welle]

Key facts

• Over 50 world leaders are missing the UN General Assembly session, including the leaders of China, Russia, Germany, Italy, and the Palestinian Authority.[Deutsche Welle]
• Chinese President Xi Jinping is skipping the UN gathering to conduct a state visit in Washington instead.[Deutsche Welle]
• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cannot attend for a second consecutive year because the United States declined to grant him a visa.[France 24]
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remained home amid domestic political challenges following three state parliamentary elections.[Deutsche Welle]
• Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov represent Russia, giving no official reason for his absence.[Deutsche Welle]
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opted out on medical advice to rest following the BRICS summit in India.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Who is skipping the UN General Assembly — and whyDeutsche Welle
• World leaders gather at UN amid wars, AI fears and global divisionsFrance 24