United Nations General Assembly

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk discusses the most pressing human rights issues around the world. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. The audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website. The Sorensen Distinguished Lecture on the United Nations was established in 1996 by Gillian and Theodore C. Sorensen to highlight the United Nations and offer a special occasion for its most distinguished and experienced leaders to speak to the Council membership.  

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discusses Somalia’s political and economic developments, governance, regional relations, and the country’s role in the world. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

President Rashad Al-Alimi discusses Yemen’s foreign policy priorities, regional security, and the country’s humanitarian situation. Please note there is no virtual component to the meeting. The audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will also be posted on the CFR website.

Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld of Ecuador discusses the country’s foreign policy priorities, focusing on challenges to national security and criminal activity, while emphasizing initiatives to strengthen trade relations and international partnerships. If you wish to attend virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this hybrid event will be posted on the CFR website.

President Cyril Ramaphosa discusses South Africa’s domestic agenda, bilateral trade relations with the United States, the future of BRICS, and the country’s role in the region. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question-and-answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

CFR experts analyze President Donald Trump’s speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, September 23, and discuss how it will shape further dialogue on trade, immigration, European security, and U.S. relations with Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The video and transcript of this briefing will be posted on the CFR website. Please join the Zoom event at least five minutes before the start of the presentation by using the below details: Unpacking the President’s UNGA Speech Webinar ID: 860 4047 0149 Passcode: 738479

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah discusses Namibia’s socioeconomic developments, climate issues, nuclear energy, trade, and the country’s role in the region. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question-and-answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Prime Minister Mark Carney discusses Canada's foreign policy priorities and the new global economy. Inaugurated in 1969, the Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture was named for Russell C. Leffingwell, a charter member of the Council who served as its president from 1944 to 1946 and as its chairman from 1946 to 1953. The lecture is given by distinguished foreign officials, who are invited to address Council members on a topic of major international significance. If you wish to attend virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question-and-answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this hybrid event will be posted on the CFR website.  

Musimbi Kanyoro, chair of the United World Colleges international board, and Olivia Wilkinson, senior fellow with the Faith and Global Health Initiative of the Georgetown University Global Health Institute, discuss how religious communities and civil society advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Azza Karam, founding president and CEO of Lead Integrity, moderates the conversation.