New York City gridlock: Security beefed up at UN this year for General Assembly

Several world leaders are absent from the current United Nations General Assembly session, due to various reasons. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is preoccupied with domestic politics, particularly with state elections and internal party pressures. He is being represented by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also absent, citing her busy schedule with international summits and domestic issues as the reason.

Her foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, will speak on her behalf. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is also absent due to health concerns, as advised by medical professionals, and will be represented by Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is represented by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, though no reason for his absence was given.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu is on vacation in Europe, and his office said that his country will be fully and effectively represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Chinese President Xi Jinping is notably absent from the UN General Assembly, instead opting for a state visit to the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also skipped the event, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaking on his behalf.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is also absent, having been denied a diplomatic visa by the United States in recent years, and will address the assembly via video message.