[EDITORS - this is a background piece which can run any time between now and the start of the UN General Assembly on Tues 19th Sept]
Around 120 world leaders are heading to New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly.
It's a chance for heads of state, presidents and prime ministers, as well as ambassadors and diplomats to discuss the world's biggest issues.
This year is also the first time US President Donald Trump will address the United Nations - the very institution he has criticized and attacked.
So, what can we expect in the week ahead?
Nick Harper reports from New York.
IN: "It's know...."
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TAKE VO
It's known as diplomatic speed dating. A meet-and-greet for world leaders and a chance for each of the 193 members nations to address the global community from the podium in United Nations General Assembly hall. This year there's one speech that will receive extra scrutiny: Donald Trump's.
Mark Seddon was a former Speechwriter for the last Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon.
SOT - Mark Seddon, Journalist & Former Speechwriter for Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon
"I think there's probably a real hope that the President doesn't get too carried away, doesn't start pushing the tweet button and sticks to the narrative, sticks to the speech. This is probably the most serious speech he's going to give."
TAKE VO
This year the UN is struggling to curtail North Korea's nuclear ambitions, still searching for peace in Syria, and fighting the threat of famine for 20 million people.
TAKE VO
But there are also issues to discuss like the refugee crisis, climate change, and funding for aid programs - all of which President Trump has strongly opposed. And that could make for an awkward or attacking speech.
Here's Professor of International Relations Program at New York University, Michael John Williams.
SOT - Professor Michael John Williams, International Relations Program, New York University
"It wouldn't be surprising if Donald Trump or other world leaders threw a few proverbial bombs to distract from he actual working agenda. But most of the time he tends to throw red meat to his base. So if I was a betting man I'd bet we'll see a speech more oriented towards his base in the United States.
TAKE VO
The US administration has promised to tighten the purse strings, cutting its UN contributions by up to a half.
Which would make a considerable difference, as the US covers around 22% of the UN's total operating budget and nearly 30% of its peacekeeping funding.
TAKE VO
But while world leaders will be listening, the President's words may not have much long-term, policy impact.
Jonathan Cristol is a fellow at the World Policy Institute.
SOT - Jonathan Cristol, Fellow, World Policy Institute
"They will hang on every word but no pay that much attention to what he actually says. And it's certainly not going to set any sort of agenda for the United Nations. I'm sure he'll say lots of things that will make people nervous, but if we're expecting some sort of substantive talk on where he things the issues are going to go then we really don't know Trump that well."
TAKE VO
Still, a disruptive presence and the potential to overshadow the issues remain a concern for UN officials.
Global issues should dominate the headlines. But much depends on Donald Trump. Will he be on his best behavior or kick up a fuss with the world watching? Diplomats will surely be hoping for a bit of beginner's luck for this General Assembly first timer.
SOC
ENDS
Around 120 world leaders are heading to New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly.
It's a chance for heads of state, presidents and prime ministers, as well as ambassadors and diplomats to discuss the world's biggest issues.
This year is also the first time US President Donald Trump will address the United Nations - the very institution he has criticized and attacked.
So, what can we expect in the week ahead?
Nick Harper reports from New York.
IN: "It's know...."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2:55
AIR: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-air.mp3
ARN: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-arn.mp3
FM4: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-fm4.mp3
GENERIC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-gen.mp3
ICRT: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-icrt.mp3
NIGERIA: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-von.mp3
938LIVE: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-938.mp3
RNZ: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-rnz.mp3
VATICAN: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-vat.mp3
ZIZ: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0918unga-preview-nh-ziz.mp3
TAKE VO
It's known as diplomatic speed dating. A meet-and-greet for world leaders and a chance for each of the 193 members nations to address the global community from the podium in United Nations General Assembly hall. This year there's one speech that will receive extra scrutiny: Donald Trump's.
Mark Seddon was a former Speechwriter for the last Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon.
SOT - Mark Seddon, Journalist & Former Speechwriter for Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon
"I think there's probably a real hope that the President doesn't get too carried away, doesn't start pushing the tweet button and sticks to the narrative, sticks to the speech. This is probably the most serious speech he's going to give."
TAKE VO
This year the UN is struggling to curtail North Korea's nuclear ambitions, still searching for peace in Syria, and fighting the threat of famine for 20 million people.
TAKE VO
But there are also issues to discuss like the refugee crisis, climate change, and funding for aid programs - all of which President Trump has strongly opposed. And that could make for an awkward or attacking speech.
Here's Professor of International Relations Program at New York University, Michael John Williams.
SOT - Professor Michael John Williams, International Relations Program, New York University
"It wouldn't be surprising if Donald Trump or other world leaders threw a few proverbial bombs to distract from he actual working agenda. But most of the time he tends to throw red meat to his base. So if I was a betting man I'd bet we'll see a speech more oriented towards his base in the United States.
TAKE VO
The US administration has promised to tighten the purse strings, cutting its UN contributions by up to a half.
Which would make a considerable difference, as the US covers around 22% of the UN's total operating budget and nearly 30% of its peacekeeping funding.
TAKE VO
But while world leaders will be listening, the President's words may not have much long-term, policy impact.
Jonathan Cristol is a fellow at the World Policy Institute.
SOT - Jonathan Cristol, Fellow, World Policy Institute
"They will hang on every word but no pay that much attention to what he actually says. And it's certainly not going to set any sort of agenda for the United Nations. I'm sure he'll say lots of things that will make people nervous, but if we're expecting some sort of substantive talk on where he things the issues are going to go then we really don't know Trump that well."
TAKE VO
Still, a disruptive presence and the potential to overshadow the issues remain a concern for UN officials.
Global issues should dominate the headlines. But much depends on Donald Trump. Will he be on his best behavior or kick up a fuss with the world watching? Diplomats will surely be hoping for a bit of beginner's luck for this General Assembly first timer.
SOC
ENDS