Six big takeaways from a turbulent week of UN diplomacy

1. The United Nations hosted a week of diplomacy where world leaders met for speeches, meetings and hallway discussions on a variety of topics, but no breakthroughs were achieved on major global conflicts.

2. Notable talks occurred between American and Iranian officials, facilitated through mediators, marking the first such discussions since a ceasefire collapse in July. Iran and the US exchanged sharp words, with the US threatening to "annihilate" Iran and Iran accusing the US of a "bullying mentality".

3. The talks aimed to continue, with Iran reviewing Washington's response to its proposals, including lifting a US naval blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

4. While climate change was a focus in recent years, it was largely overshadowed by debates on artificial intelligence (AI). AI risks and potential human destruction were top concerns, with industry leaders appealing for global collaboration to manage AI risks.

5. The UN also addressed climate change, but this discussion was overshadowed by debates on AI risks and potential human destruction.

6. Notably absent from the UN proceedings were Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The US had withheld Burhan's visa, reportedly due to a US-backed ceasefire proposal that Khartoum resisted. Abbas addressed delegates by video and condemned US curbs on the Palestinian mission's access to the UN.