Diary

ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Syrian, Iranian presidents' speeches at UN General Assembly

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Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will deliver speeches at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Sharaa will be the first Syrian president to address the international audience since 1967.

Israel continues genocidal attacks in Gaza unabated

The Israeli army's ongoing attacks on Gaza City, as well as the humanitarian situation, have been accompanied by intensified strikes, bombardments, and demolitions intended to force the population to flee in order to occupy the city.

Explosions, drone attacks to harass humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza

Organizers of the Gaza-bound Global Freedom humanitarian aid flotilla said late Tuesday that their ships came under repeated drone harassment in international waters, with projectiles launched at several ships and explosions heard nearby.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, on the other hand, continues to approach the Greek island of Crete, where it will be joined by additional vessels before continuing to Gaza. Organizers expect that the flotilla will anchor in Palestinian territory within six days.

Germany’s Merz addresses parliament

Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses parliament during a debate on the government's 2026 budget draft. He is expected to comment on both domestic and international issues.

UN General Assembly

Following speeches by major European leaders at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, including Spain's King Felipe VI, Estonian President Alar Karis, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Developments in announcements regarding the recognition of Palestine as a state are expected, as the issue is likely to dominate UN proceedings.

Turkish president to meet US-Türkiye Business Council chair, American CEOs

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with US-Türkiye Business Council Chairman Hamdi Ulukaya and American CEOs.

Turkish president to address Climate Summit at UN

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also set to address the Climate Summit at the UN headquarters.

UN global progress report

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launch the global progress report, Essential Services for Quality Care: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Health Care Waste, and Electricity Services in Health Care Facilities.

'In defence of democracy' side event at UN General Assembly

Following remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Chilean President Gabriel Boric, co-hosts an event titled 'In defence of democracy' on the margins of the UN General Assembly. Other heads of state/government are expected to participate.

Zelenskyy to address 80th session of UN General Assembly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he is accompanied by a delegation from Kyiv, including key officials. In his address, Zelenskyy is expected to touch on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, as well as surrounding developments, including recent drone incursions in Estonia, Poland, and Romania, which these countries have accused Moscow of.

⁠Reactions to 5th Crimea Platform summit in New York

Reactions from Kyiv and possibly Moscow will be monitored as New York hosts the fifth summit of the Crimea Platform. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the summit will seek to reaffirm the UN General Assembly's commitment to upholding the UN Charter in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. A final statement is expected to be issued during the summit, which will also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Rubio to meet with diplomats worldwide

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the UN General Assembly in New York City, where he will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He will also meet with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States, followed by the Transatlantic Working Dinner.

Trump to host White House Rose Garden Club Dinner

US President Donald Trump will host a dinner at the White House. The event is marked as closed to the press.

Mexico to speak at UN General Assembly

Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente will represent Mexico at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The country is expected to urge the assembly to put an end to the genocide in Gaza.

⁠Reactions from Russia to planned Trump-Zelenskyy meeting and Trump’s UN General Assembly remark

Moscow's reaction to the upcoming meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in New York, as well as Trump's remarks at the UN General Assembly, where he said tariffs would be implemented if an agreement was not reached, will be closely monitored.

China likely to comment on Trump's statement delivered at UN

China is likely to respond to US President Donald Trump's statement at the ongoing UN General Assembly, in which he accused Beijing of funding Russia during the conflict in Ukraine.

Sri Lankan president addresses UN General Assembly

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addresses the UN General Assembly high-level meetings in New York.

Super Typhoon Ragasa hits southern China

Super Typhoon Ragasa struck the southern coast of China after authorities issued dual red alerts, warning of waves up to 4-7 meters (13-23 feet) high in coastal waters off Guangdong Province. Schools and workplaces in several Guangdong cities have been closed due to one of the country's strongest storms in years. International flights in Hong Kong have also been suspended until Thursday.

THE ECONOMY

German business climate

Market research firm Ifo to release business climate index figures for September. In August, the index was at 89 points. Markets expect it to rise to 89.4 points in September.

US housing statistics

The US to share new home sales and building permits data for August.

SPECIAL REPORTS

The coming humanoid revolution: Promise or peril?

Report on the rise of humanoid robots that are moving from labs to real-world deployment, reshaping multiple sectors from customer service and entertainment to education and health care.

The story illustrates how these robots are expected to become part of everyday life within the next two decades, with forecasts suggesting millions could be deployed by 2035 and over 1 billion by 2050. Industry leaders explain how they will revolutionize health care, customer service, and household tasks while easing labor shortages in aging societies.

The report includes insights from Neura Robotics head David Reger and Realbotix chief Andrew Kiguel on the future of the industry and concerns over jobs, ethics, and security.

Faith, prophecy and frescoes: The unlikely journey of Russia’s iconic Ferapontov Monastery

Report on Russia’s Ferapontov Monastery, a UNESCO-recognized cultural and spiritual site, home to the only surviving frescoes by master icon painter Dionysius.

The story charts the history of the monastery, which went from modest beginnings to a place of prophecy and spiritual refuge. Experts highlight how it endured centuries of hardship, from neglect and closure to Soviet suppression.

The report has insights from Igor Khobotov, an expert at the Museum of Frescoes of Dionysius, who explains how the monastery has survived into modern times to offer a window into Russia’s artistic and religious history.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Neura Robotics head David Reger and Realbotix chief Andrew Kiguel on the future of the humanoid robot industry and how it is reshaping multiple sectors, from customer service and entertainment to education and health care.