Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
UN General Assembly speeches – Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Kuwait
Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, and Kuwait are scheduled to address the UN General Assembly. Yemen’s speech comes amid renewed fighting with the Houthis and tensions around Bab el-Mandeb. Palestine’s address is expected to focus on Gaza, the West Bank, and Palestinian statehood. Sudan speaks as fighting continues in Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile, and Kuwait’s statement comes amid heightened Gulf security concerns linked to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Yemen clashes after government advance near Bab el-Mandeb
Field developments after Yemeni government forces said they seized Mount Qarfan in southern Taiz, a strategic position overlooking surrounding areas, following clashes with the Houthis. Monitoring the Taiz-Lahj fronts, Mokha, and approaches to Bab el-Mandeb for new advances or counterattacks.
Morocco election results
Preliminary results of Wednesday’s parliamentary elections are expected, as well as party reactions and the start of consultations over forming a governing majority. 15,801,162 voters were registered to elect the 395-member House of Representatives, with 28 political formations and 7,288 candidates contesting the vote. A governing majority requires at least 198 seats.
US-Iran diplomacy, Qatari mediation
Developments after Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran and Washington exchanged messages for about two hours on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly through Qatari intermediaries, with Iran setting out its conditions for reviving diplomacy. Tehran’s demands include an end to US military pressure, the naval blockade, economic restrictions, as well as an end to fighting on all fronts, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and agreement on a safe shipping route.
European leaders at UN General Assembly
Following speeches and meetings of high-level European officials during the UN General Assembly in New York, including those of Hungary, the EU, and Portugal.
European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are also participating in several high-level events, as well as bilateral meetings.
UN economy report on Occupied Palestinian Territory
The UN Trade and Development will present its 2026 report on developments in the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
German chancellor meets state premiers
Chancellor Friedrich Merz holds an informal exchange with Germany’s state premiers at the chancellery on the EU long-term budget framework for 2028-2034.
New report on UK’s approach towards EU
Tony Blair Institute for Global Change report is suggesting that Britain should deepen cooperation with Europe now, make the reforms needed to get its own economy fit and competitive, and make a long-term commitment to rejoining the EU.
EU industry ministers meet in Brussels
EU ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss EU measures designed to boost the bloc's competitiveness, to further avoid falling behind the US and China as EU companies face structurally higher energy costs and more regulatory hurdles.
French president's interview
French President Emmanuel Macron will give a televised interview to address major challenges facing France, from Russian hybrid attacks to high energy prices and taming AI.
Hungarian premier to meet Pope Leo
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar will visit the Vatican for a state meeting with Pope Leo. Magyar will also hold talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's diplomatic leader.
Eurasian leaders at 81st session of UN General Assembly
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze will address the General Assembly.
Russia-Ukraine war
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a focus of international media attention. Moscow and Kyiv continue to report frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, continue.
Asian leaders address UN General Assembly
Asia-Pacific leaders, including those of Australia, Nepal, Fiji, Thailand, and Bangladesh, address the UN General Assembly in New York.
Vietnamese president visits Canada
Vietnamese President To Lam visits Canada to boost bilateral ties.
Sri Lankan lawmakers debate constitutional amendment after deadly prison riots
Sri Lankan lawmakers debate the controversial 22nd amendment of the island nation’s constitution. The amendment aims to extend the terms of its superior court judges after deadly prison riots earlier this year left more than 30 people, including prison officials, dead.
Chinese Foreign Ministry news conference
China's Foreign Ministry holds regular news conference in Beijing, and is expected to comment on the latest regional and international developments, including Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ongoing US visit.
THE ECONOMY
Germany’s business climate
Ifo Institute will release the business climate index for Germany for September.
US jobless data
The US will announce weekly jobless claims figures.
US home sales
The US will release home sales data for August.
SPECIAL REPORTS
EXPLAINER – Washington summit: What will define this Trump-Xi encounter?
Report ahead of President Donald Trump’s Thursday meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, as the world’s two largest economies seek to manage tensions over trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the Iran conflict.
The story sets out key issues on the table, including extending the US-China trade truce, Chinese purchases of US goods, rare earth and critical mineral supplies, and Washington’s restrictions on advanced chips and AI technology. It also examines a new US-China dialogue on AI risks as technological competition between the two countries intensifies.
The report also looks at Taiwan, including Beijing’s opposition to US military support, Washington’s push for China to use its economic ties with Tehran amid the Iran conflict, and what the summit could mean for global trade, supply chains, the AI race, and the broader US-China strategic rivalry.
EXPLAINER – Swiss referendum puts centuries-old policy of neutrality to new test
Report ahead of Switzerland’s Sept. 27 referendum on an initiative that would enshrine a stricter interpretation of the country’s permanent and armed neutrality in the Constitution.
The story explains how the proposal would restrict Switzerland from imposing sanctions on countries involved in conflicts except under a UN framework, limit cooperation with military and defense alliances, and require the country to use its neutrality to strengthen its role as a mediator.
The explainer also traces how Swiss neutrality has evolved through major geopolitical shifts, and examines the central debate over whether formally tightening the rules would strengthen Switzerland’s neutrality or reduce the flexibility it has traditionally used in responding to international crises.
Pope in France: What to know about first official papal visit since Benedict XVI
Report ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Sept. 25-28 visit to France, including Paris, Lourdes and Metz, marking the first official papal trip since Benedict XVI visited in 2008.
The story examines the significance of the visit for the Catholic Church in France amid declining religious practice, the legacy of clergy abuse scandals and debates over issues including assisted dying and religion’s place in French public life.
It also looks at Leo’s wider priorities through meetings and speeches at the Elysee Palace, UNESCO, Notre-Dame, Lourdes and Metz, including artificial intelligence, education, interreligious dialogue, peace and Europe’s future.