Heads of State and government, diplomats, experts, activists and celebrities have been attending the High-Level week and annual general debate at UN Headquarters in New York.

The “once in a lifetime” Summit of the Future which kicked off early on Sunday will “transform global governance.”

People from around the world came to New York to discuss a wide range of issues outside the Summit of the Future including sea level rise, antimicrobial resistance, eliminating nuclear weapons and the challenges faced by Afghan women.

As crises around the world continued to rage, there were also key Security Council meetings focusing on peace and security, Ukraine and Lebanon. 

Journalists attended in large numbers and waited at the Security Council stakeout in the expectation of interviewing ambassadors as they left the chamber.

The main event for many world leaders is the annual debate in the storied General Assembly Hall where each of the UN’s 193 Member States have the right to speak.

Uniformed UN security staff ensured the safety of all participants, especially those addressing the general debate. 

Participants like activist and actor Ed Norton provided some star pulling power highlighting the continued importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs).

And young people from across the world were also given a platform to express their vision for the future.

The general debate ends on Monday at which time the barriers and traffic restrictions in the Midtown area of New York are lifted and the General Assembly begins to consider the substantive items on its agenda.