EU Leaders Promote Multilateralism, Energy Transition, and Humanitarian Efforts at UNGA

Highlights from the First Day of the 81st UN General Assembly (22 September 2026)

Brussels/New York – Key events and discussions from the first day of the 81st UN General Assembly, with a glance at day two’s agenda:

Key Meetings and Announcements

• EU-Australia Partnership:

  • President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to review progress in the EU-Australia partnership since their earlier summit.
  • A joint declaration is available here.

• Summit in Support of Multilateralism:

  • President von der Leyen delivered a statement, accessible here.

• Ministerial-Level Side Event:

  • High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib opened discussions focused on “Humanitarian Diplomacy that Safeguards International Humanitarian Law”. Remarks can be found here and here.

• EU Foreign Ministers Meeting:

  • Kallas chaired the annual informal meeting. The press conference remarks are available here.

• Global Green Bond Initiative:

  • Commissioner Síkela launched this initiative with a speech, details of which can be found here.

• Keynote Addresses:

  • Commissioner Lahbib spoke at the “87 Million Lives: Delivering on the Promise” event and participated in discussions on Sudan.

Upcoming Events (Day Two)

• Opening of General Assembly General Debate:

  • von der Leyen, Costa, and Kallas will participate.

• Coalition for Children’s Rights and Protection:

  • von der Leyen will join the launch event regarding children’s rights in the context of AI. Watch here.

• High-Level Events:

  • Kallas will co-host discussions on “Global Food Security and the Black Sea”.
  • Šuica will co-host a session on strengthening information integrity and freedom of expression in the Mediterranean.

• Key Participants:

  • Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera and Commissioner Woepke Hoekstra will attend the COP31-IEA-UN Dialogue.
  • Commissioner Síkela will be involved in the Clinton Global Initiative dinner and announce a €50 million support guarantee for sustainable cities.

• Ministerial Discussions:

  • Lahbib will address humanitarian topics and civilian protection.

• Environmental Initiatives:

  • Kadis will participate in dialogue regarding renewing environmental multilateralism.

This summary encapsulates the highlights and looks ahead at a day of continued engagement and fruitful discussions at the UN General Assembly.