World leaders are arriving in New York for the annual High-level Week at the United Nations General Assembly. Among them is Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is attending for the first time. As the event unfolds, several key topics are expected to dominate discussions.

One significant focus is a potential meeting between Albanese and former President Donald Trump. Albanese's office has been working to secure this meeting after a previous attempt fell through in Canada in June. Both leaders have indicated they will see each other during the UNGA, but it remains unclear whether their interaction will be a formal meeting or a casual encounter. "We'll see each other in New York — he's hosting a reception on Tuesday night of next week," Albanese stated. Trump mentioned he would meet with "probably 20" world leaders during the summit, but did not specify who they would be.

The stakes for any meeting between Albanese and Trump are high, particularly regarding the AUKUS security and submarines deal, which is currently under review by the Pentagon. While some reports suggest the pact is secure, the details remain unclear. Trade issues are also on the agenda, with Australia facing multiple grievances from the U.S. regarding tariffs and defense spending. Any public appearance with Trump could pose risks for Albanese, given Trump's history of airing grievances during such meetings.

Another major issue is the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. Australia, along with the UK and Canada, recently issued a declaration formally recognizing Palestine. This move aligns with at least seven other Western nations, joining 147 of the 193 UN member states that already recognize Palestine. The Palestinian Authority has committed to governance reforms and elections, but the U.S. remains opposed to this recognition, arguing it rewards Hamas. French President Emmanuel Macron countered that recognizing Palestine is the best way to isolate Hamas.

As the situation in Gaza escalates, the recognition of Palestine is seen by some as a desperate measure. The U.S. has denied visas to Palestinian officials for the UN event, but 145 countries voted to allow Palestine to participate virtually. The U.S. and Israel opposed this resolution, with only a few countries joining them. Calls for stronger action against Israel have emerged, with a UN commission of inquiry backing sanctions and urging member states to stop supplying arms to Israel.

Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will be a focal point at this year's assembly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to meet with Trump to discuss security guarantees and sanctions against Russia. Reports indicate Zelenskyy will request more U.S. sanctions on Russia, while Russian officials are also expected to engage with U.S. representatives.

For the first time, Albanese will address the General Assembly, replacing Foreign Minister Penny Wong. He is expected to reiterate Australia's commitment to global peace and cooperation, as well as outline the country's new emissions reduction target of 62-70% by 2035. Australia will also promote its upcoming social media ban for users under 16, which aims to prevent young Australians from signing up for social media platforms. Albanese emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Australia is leading the world, but the world is following Australia's lead."

As the UNGA progresses, these discussions will shape international relations and highlight the challenges facing global leaders.