Prime Minister Carney to Attend UN General Assembly, Advance Canada’s Role in Trade, Energy, and Security

Canada to highlight recognition of Palestine, support for Ukraine, and global economic leadership

Ottawa, Ontario — Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to New York City from September 21 to 24, 2025, to participate in the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The visit underscores Canada’s effort to strengthen international partnerships and build prosperity amid rising global instability.

Priorities at UNGA

Carney’s agenda will focus on peace, security, and economic resilience. Key priorities include:

• Middle East peace: The Prime Minister will address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and emphasize the need for progress toward a lasting two-state solution. As part of this, Canada intends to formally recognize the State of Palestine, contingent on reform commitments from the Palestinian Authority and in alignment with several international partners.

• Haiti stabilization: Canada will engage with partners on efforts to address the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Haiti.

• Support for Ukraine: Carney will reaffirm Canada’s support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion. On the sidelines of UNGA, he will co-host a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to push for the return of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported to Russia. Canada recently allocated $2 billion in new military assistance as part of its nearly $22 billion in total commitments since 2022.

• Global economic leadership: As G7 President, Carney will take part in a UN summit on building a sustainable and inclusive global economy. He is expected to highlight Canada’s leadership in shaping a new international financial architecture and strengthening financing for development.

Building resilience at home and abroad

Beyond security and humanitarian issues, the Prime Minister will promote Canada’s role as a reliable global partner in trade, energy, and climate competitiveness. The visit aims to diversify markets, reinforce diplomacy, and expand opportunities for Canadian workers while advancing the government’s vision of building the strongest economy in the G7.

Carney framed the visit as an opportunity for Canada to demonstrate principled leadership:

“We have the resources the world needs and the values to which others aspire. At this hinge moment in history, Canada is leading with strength – creating new opportunities for Canadian workers and investing in peace, security, and reliable global partnerships to build a safer, more resilient, and more prosperous world for all.”

Canada at the UN

This year’s UNGA carries the theme: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” It also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, to which Canada has been a consistent contributor. In 2023 alone, Canada provided over $2.2 billion in support for UN initiatives, including development, human rights, and international security. Canada also hosts the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montréal, a specialized UN agency.

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