UN at a crossroads as world leaders gather for 81st General Assembly

Al Jazeera presents special coverage of the 81st United Nations General Assembly from New York, examining the UN's role amid a “tsunami of crises” and conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Lebanon.

Hosted by James Bays, the programme looks at the human cost of war and questions the effectiveness of international law as the UN faces growing geopolitical divisions. Interviews with Amina Mohammed and Tom Fletcher examine the organisation's struggle to maintain trust amid major budget cuts, with Fletcher warning that the reductions are “costing lives”.

The programme also examines the race to become the next UN Secretary-General, including candidate Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett's call for a more inclusive and assertive United Nations. The discussion considers whether the organisation is equipped to address emerging challenges including artificial intelligence and climate change.

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