What to know as world leaders converge at the United Nations this week

The UN General Assembly, the world's most significant diplomatic event, is set to commence with the return of the UN's notorious escalator, which had malfunctioned last year during US President Donald Trump's visit. Secretary-General António Guterres assured reporters that additional measures have been taken to ensure smooth interactions with the escalator.

This year's theme for the event, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all," precedes Guterres' departure from office at the end of the year amid concerns over emerging AI models.

The General Assembly begins on Tuesday, where world leaders and diplomats will convene to discuss a range of issues. It serves as an ideal location for meetings and discussions, with high levels of diplomatic activity. Notable events include US President Trump's scheduled meetings with Gulf leaders and a "high-level" briefing for his Board of Peace.

France plans to hold a follow-up meeting on the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to meet with Trump during his visit to New York. Meetings and negotiations are expected to take place during the General Assembly, indicating its importance as a forum for discussions and deal-making.

The speeches from the General Assembly's podium often draw attention due to the reactions of the audience. Last year, numerous delegates left the auditorium during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, and in 2018, laughing delegates interrupted Trump's speech. The list of speakers will set the tone for the assembly, as many world leaders will be represented.

One significant question is whether Chinese leader Xi Jinping will make an unexpected appearance in New York, as he is scheduled to attend a state visit in Washington while the General Assembly is ongoing.