Reflection on the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly – under the theme “Better Together”

“Will we govern this transformation together – or let it govern us?”
– António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

by VRUSHALI GAIKWAD, NGO Representative of LMGlobal.Org to the United Nations Department of Global Communications

[LMGlobal.Org] I had the honor of attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly Opening Session at United Nations Headquarters in September 2025 in New York. Via this brief piece, I would like to share my reflections and key moments from the UNGA as I witnessed firsthand the urgency, complexity and hope that define global diplomacy today.

As a Software engineer passionate about the power of Artificial intelligence and evolving technologies, one of the most impactful moments for me was witnessing the launch of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, where His Excellency United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres introduced a new UN platform on Artificial Intelligence designed to unite governments, industry, and civil society in pursuing inclusive and multilateral regulation of artificial intelligence. For the first time, this Dialogue aims to give every country a seat at the table. The Secretary-General emphasized that effective AI governance must rest on three pillars: policy, science, and capacity. He also stressed that multilateral cooperation and shared responsibility are essential to govern AI responsibly and proactively. The fundamental question he posed was: “Will we govern this transformation together – or let it govern us?”

I believe “Artificial Intelligence will undoubtedly transform our world, but we must not overlook the global risks it presents. To ensure that the rapid advancement of AI benefits all of humanity, it is essential to bridge the global AI literacy gap. Particular attention must be given to ensuring that people especially those in conflict-affected regions have equitable access to opportunities, resources, and education in the fields of AI and technology. Promoting inclusive AI literacy is not only a matter of equity, but also a source of hope for a sustainable future. Technology must be a force for peace, not a driver of exclusion. We must place AI in the service of humanity. “AI for Peace, we can build a better future together with no conflict.” 

The President of the General Assembly of the United Nations convened a High-Level Conference on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. The High-level week of the General assembly 2025 opened with a celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Beijing Declaration and Women’s Empowerment. Executive Director of gender-equality agency UN Women Sima Bahous remarked “Every step forward proved the same truth: gender equality works, but progress has not been fast enough.”

I believe “Gender equality is not just for girls and women – it is for everyone.” Today, as we celebrate women’s empowerment, we must recognize a troubling truth: millions of women and girls worldwide still endure violence, discrimination, and denial of fundamental rights. Gender inequality in the digital sector is not confined by borders – it is a global issue. Real empowerment demands both global cooperation and coordinated action across every sector.”

Reflection on the “A Commemoration of UN@80: A Living Legacy” – On the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, “A Commemoration of UN@80: A Living Legacy” was a powerful tribute to eighty decades of global service.  The event was a celebration of the UN’s enduring legacy, offering an opportunity to reflect on today’s global challenges and share a vision for the future. This event was an opportunity to exchange ideas on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Member States, UN staff, academia, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and key philanthropic partners and to honor the Organization’s achievements and collectively charting its path forward. “A living Legacy fills us with Hope for a better future”. 

Vrushali Gaikwald & Bircan Ünver, LMGlobal.Org

References: 

YouTube Video by Peace TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmLcuO-dN4s&t=689s

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-09-25/secretary-generals-remarks-high-level-multi-stakeholder-informal-meeting-launch-the-global-dialogue-artificial-intelligence-governance-delivered

https://www.un.org/nl/commemoration-un80-living-legacy#:~:text=On%20the%20special%20occasion%20of,a%20vision%20for%20the%20future.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165912