Weekly update (22nd to 28th September)

1) UNGA 80 High-Level Week begins

The United Nations General Assembly’s 80th High-Level Week convened in New York from 22 to 27 September 2025, bringing together more than 150 world leaders. Much of the discussion was guided by the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” During the opening days, heads of state and foreign ministers addressed challenges including climate change, global inequality, conflict zones, and called to reform the UN system for greater effectiveness. President Annalena Baerbock, as UNGA President, presided over the session.

2) Syria signs $1.5 billion in tourism investment contracts

A Syrian president addresses the UN for the first time in nearly 60 years

On 25 September, Syria’s state media reported that contracts and memoranda of understanding totaled about USD 1.5 billion, which were signed to revive the country’s tourism sector. Projects include rehabilitating historic sites, building hotels, resorts and entertainment complexes. The announcement comes amid the post-Assad regime efforts to rebuild after years of conflict, and follows earlier deals worth $14 billion in August across infrastructure, real estate, and transport projects. At the UNGA last Wednesday, Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa said his country had "transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace for Syria and the region," as he called for sanctions to be lifted.

3) Russia’s stance on Palestine amid Western recognition moves

On 22 September 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated its backing for a two-state solution after several Western governments, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, had moved earlier in the month to formally recognise a State of Palestine. The statement emphasised Moscow’s view that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace. Russia’s reaffirmation has highlighted its effort to project diplomatic influence in the Middle East amid shifting Western positions on Israel and Palestine.

22 September 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov

4) Armenia–Azerbaijan FMs meet on the UNGA sidelines

Amid a strained relations, the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met on 22 September in New York during the UN General Assembly and agreed to continue talks toward a formal peace treaty. Both sides described the meeting as constructive but acknowledged remaining disputes over border delimitation, security guarantees, and the wording of the proposed treaty. The dialogue reflects cautious progress following years of intermittent clashes, though trust between the two governments remains low.

5) Guinea’s junta drafted constitution passes by a wide margin

Following the 21 September referendum reported last week, provisional results released on 24 September confirmed an overwhelming 89.38% “Yes” vote on 86.42% turnout for Guinea’s new constitution. The charter, championed by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, extends presidential terms to seven years (renewable once), establishes a Senate, and removes earlier restrictions on junta members seeking office. While Doumbouya hailed the result as a step toward constitutional order, opposition groups criticised the vote as a staged effort to legitimise military rule, through media censorship and inflated participation figures. The result paves the way for national elections under the new framework, potentially allowing Doumbouya to run for president later this year.