Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has opted to forego his speech at the U.N. General Assembly as a result of a scheduling conflict arising from his party's presidential election slated for September 27. Initially planned to address the General Debate session on September 26, Kishida's decision to withdraw ensures his availability for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership transition the following day, where a new leader will be chosen to succeed him.
Despite canceling his speech, Kishida will nevertheless be present at the U.N. General Assembly, arriving in New York on September 22. During his time at the Assembly, he is expected to participate in discussions centered around crucial global issues such as climate change and nuclear disarmament at the Summit of the Future. This engagement serves as Kishida's final appearance on the U.N. General Assembly stage as the incumbent prime minister, marking the culmination of his three-year term in office. Additionally, plans are underway for a bilateral summit between Kishida and departing U.S. President Joe Biden, who abandoned his re-election campaign in July.