Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Israeli prime minister’s speech at UN General Assembly

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, as his country’s army has been carrying out a genocidal war in Gaza for nearly two years. He will also meet US officials on the sidelines of the global gathering.

Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which is seeking to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, is on its way to the enclave. Israel has vowed to stop the flotilla, claiming the vessels are trying to “breach a lawful naval blockade.”

Relentless Israeli onslaught in Gaza

Israeli army continues advancing in Gaza City amid intensified strikes, bombardments, and demolitions of the main infrastructure. It is forcing people to displace to occupy the city as the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.

European leaders deliver speeches at UN General Assembly

Major European leaders will deliver speeches at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, including Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela and Luc Frieden, the prime minister of Luxembourg. They are expected to address various issues particularly European security, Russia-Ukraine war, Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza, and recognition of Palestine.

UK hosts Global Progress Action Summit 2025

Labour Together, the Center for American Progress Action and the Institute For Public Policy Research to host summit for center-left leaders from around the world. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and prime minister of Iceland, Kristrun Frostadottir, will attend the event. Starmer is also expected to hold separate bilateral talks with Canadian and Australian counterparts.

UN rights chief’s speech in New York

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk will speak at an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations on the margins of the UN General Assembly.

German chancellor attends ecosystem conference

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz participates in the Schwarz Ecosystem Summit in Berlin. He is expected to deliver a speech, followed by a question-and-answer session with attendees. The summit focuses on sustainable business practices, healthy living, and digital sovereignty.

NATO chiefs of defense meeting

NATO's Military Committee convenes at chiefs of defense level in Riga, Latviai. A press conference is expected to take place on Saturday following two-day talks on European security, Russia-Ukraine war as well as defense and deterrence of the alliance.

UN agencies hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva

UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefing for UN bodies headquartered in Geneva. The briefing includes updates from UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNRWA, WHO. Pressing issues around the world from conflicts to health including the latest updates from Gaza are expected to be discussed.

Trump to attend Ryder Cup golf tournament

US President Donald Trump will attend the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, a golf course in Old Bethpage, New York. Trump may speak to reporters upon his morning departure from the White House and his return, expected in the afternoon.

UN Security Council vote on delaying ‘snapback’ of Iran sanctions

The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution to extend for six months, until April 18, the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and resolution 2231 of July 20, 2015, which endorsed it. China and Russia proposed the draft text on the resolution in response to the decision by France, Germany, and the UK to trigger the “snapback” mechanism to reimpose the UN sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the nuclear deal. If adopted, the draft resolution would delay the activation of the snapback, which is currently set to take effect on Sunday.

Possible press encounter by Turkish Cypriot president

Ersin Tatar, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, will hold a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Following the talks, Tatar is expected to speak to reporters.

Putin, Lukashenko to hold meeting in Moscow

A meeting between presidents of Belarus and Russia, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin, respectively, is scheduled. The heads of state are expected to discuss regional and bilateral relations.

Chinese, Pakistani and Bangladeshi leaders address UN General Assembly

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladeshi interim leader Muhammad Yunus to address the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

ASEAN economic ministers conclude Malaysia moot

A joint statement is expected as 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting concludes in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's Economic Minister Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz may talk to the press.

SPECIAL REPORTS

DNA to deepfakes: Will AI be a friend or foe to forensics?

Report exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping forensic science, offering unprecedented tools to solve crimes while raising new ethical, legal, and reliability concerns.

The story is based on interviews with experts at the 20th International Forensic Medicine Days in Antalya, Türkiye, who describe AI as both a “game changer” and part of an “arms race.” Experts speak about the major AI-driven breakthroughs that could speed up investigations and bolster accuracy, while also discussing the need for regulation, oversight, and clear safeguards.

The report has insights from Robert Green, a forensic scientist at Kent University; Sebastiano Battiato of Italy’s Catania University; and Russian forensic audio expert Ivan Siparov.

EXPLAINER - Moldova parliamentary election: All you need to know

Report on the parliamentary elections set to be held in Moldova on Sunday which observers say could shape the country’s EU membership bid.

The story profiles the main parties and candidates, outlining which lean toward Brussels and which favor Moscow. It also sheds light on the major issues that could influence voter sentiment and the eventual outcome.

The report also includes latest polling figures and projections for results, along with insights into the implications for Moldova’s democracy, foreign policy, and its path toward European integration.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with Robert Green, a forensic scientist at Kent University, and Russian forensic audio expert Ivan Siparov about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field of forensic science.