NEW YORK — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to honour their international commitments and uphold the principles of the UN Charter as they prepare to gather in New York for the General Assembly’s high-level week.

In a message ahead of the opening of the high-level General Debate on September 22, Guterres urged leaders to translate their commitments into action, stressing the need to defend international law, protect human rights, invest in sustainable and inclusive development, and pursue peace.

“Keep your promises,” Guterres told leaders, calling on them to “live up to the UN Charter” and remain true to the ideals they have pledged to uphold.

The Secretary-General’s message comes as the 81st session of the UN General Assembly prepares to bring together heads of state and government, ministers and senior officials for discussions on major global challenges.

The General Debate will run from September 22 to 26 and resume on September 28. This year’s session is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Guterres’ call places particular emphasis on the rules and principles underpinning the international system, including respect for international law and human rights, alongside efforts to advance sustainable development.

The high-level week will also feature a series of meetings focused on development, climate action, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness and racial justice. A high-level meeting on the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development is scheduled for September 23, followed by meetings on sea-level rise on September 24 and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response on September 25.

The gathering comes at a time when the UN is seeking to strengthen international cooperation and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN says the high-level week is intended to drive collective action on peace, dignity, equality and sustainable development.

For Guterres, the message to governments is therefore centered on implementation: commitments made through the UN system must be reflected in national and international action.

World leaders arriving in New York for the General Debate will present their positions and priorities on interconnected global challenges, making the week a major platform for diplomatic engagement and international policy coordination.