DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to highlight Bangladesh’s renewed democratic journey and its positions on major global challenges when he addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said Sunday. The prime minister will leave Dhaka for New York on Monday for the high-level UNGA proceedings. According to the Foreign Secretary, his maiden address to the General Assembly as prime minister will outline the government’s vision for Bangladesh and its approach to key regional and international issues.

At a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Siam said Tarique’s speech would cover Bangladesh’s democratic transition, the rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development and economic cooperation.

The prime minister is also expected to address youth and women’s empowerment, education and health, the Rohingya crisis, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system. The speech will be Tarique Rahman’s first appearance at the General Assembly as Bangladesh’s prime minister. It will also mark the first UNGA participation of the incumbent government, according to the Foreign Secretary.

Rohingya crisis to feature prominently

The protracted Rohingya crisis is expected to be a major focus of Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement in New York. Tarique is scheduled to attend a Bangladesh-hosted side event on the Rohingya issue on September 23, where he is expected to seek stronger international cooperation toward the repatriation of Rohingyas who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar.

Siam said Bangladesh would again use the gathering of world leaders to draw attention to the scale of the crisis, the challenges it poses and the international assistance required to address it. Bangladesh has consistently called for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar as a lasting solution to the crisis.

Climate change and sea-level rise

Climate change will also be a prominent issue during the prime minister’s UN engagements. On September 23, Tarique is scheduled to participate in a high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition,” convened at the initiative of the UN secretary-general. The following day, he will deliver opening remarks at a high-level meeting addressing the existential threats posed by sea-level rise.

At the climate-related meetings, Bangladesh is expected to emphasize the priorities of climate-vulnerable countries, including climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.

Global inequality and maternal health

Tarique will also participate in a high-level meeting focused on tackling the global inequality crisis, jointly organized by Brazil, South Africa, Norway and Spain. A Bangladesh-hosted side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery is also scheduled for September 24. The prime minister is expected to discuss government initiatives on maternal and child health and the importance of skilled and professionally trained midwives.

Bilateral meetings

Alongside the UNGA program, Tarique is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti. According to the Foreign Secretary, the discussions are expected to cover political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

The prime minister is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the president of the European Council, the president of the World Bank Group, the UN secretary-general’s special envoy on Myanmar, and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights. He is also expected to meet the president of the International Peace Institute.

Economic diplomacy

Tarique’s New York visit will also include an economic diplomacy component, with meetings planned with senior representatives of Meta, Wall Street and other business organizations. The discussions are expected to focus on Bangladesh’s investment climate, manufacturing, infrastructure and technology, human-resource and skills development, and employment opportunities for young people.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on September 25 after completing his official engagements. The Foreign Secretary said the visit would provide an opportunity for Bangladesh to present its priorities to the international community and strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Bangladesh will be presiding over the 81st UN General Assembly this year, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman serving as president of the 193-member General Assembly for its one-year term.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave Dhaka on Monday for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 24, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the prime minister’s address will outline the government’s positions on Bangladesh’s democratic transition and a range of national and global issues.

According to the Foreign Secretary, Tarique Rahman is expected to speak about the rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development and economic cooperation. He is also expected to highlight youth and women’s empowerment, education and health, the Rohingya crisis, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system.

The visit will mark Tarique Rahman’s first participation in the UN General Assembly as Bangladesh’s prime minister. It will also be the first appearance at the UN’s highest-level global forum by the incumbent government, according to the Foreign Secretary. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister is serving as president of the 81st General Assembly session, which officials described as an additional significance for the country’s participation this year.

Packed diplomatic schedule

Tarique Rahman’s official engagements are scheduled to begin on September 22 with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of state and government. He is also scheduled to attend the opening of the high-level segment and a reception hosted by the U.S. president for heads of state and government and their spouses.

On September 23, the prime minister is expected to meet representatives of international charitable and humanitarian organizations. He will also participate in a high-level meeting on global inequality and attend a meeting on climate action and a just transition.

The Rohingya crisis will be another major focus of the visit. At a side event on the crisis, Tarique Rahman is expected to call for greater international cooperation to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. At climate-related meetings, Bangladesh is expected to emphasize issues including climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.

Sea-level rise and maternal health

On September 24, the prime minister is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at a high-level UN meeting addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise. The United Nations has scheduled the high-level meeting for September 24 at its New York headquarters. The meeting will bring together world leaders and other stakeholders to discuss international cooperation and practical measures to address the growing impacts of rising sea levels, particularly on vulnerable coastal and low-lying countries.

Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to address a Bangladesh-hosted side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery. He is expected to outline government initiatives concerning maternal and child health and emphasize the importance of trained midwifery services.

Bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the crown prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti. According to the Foreign Secretary, the meetings are expected to cover bilateral political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

Tarique Rahman is also expected to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the president of the European Council, the president of the World Bank Group, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy on Myanmar, and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights. He is additionally scheduled to meet the president of the International Peace Institute.

Focus on investment and economic diplomacy

Economic diplomacy will also feature during the visit, with meetings planned between the prime minister and senior representatives of Meta, Wall Street and other business organizations. The discussions are expected to focus on Bangladesh’s investment environment, manufacturing, infrastructure and technology, human-resource and skills development, and employment opportunities for young people.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on the night of September 25. The Foreign Secretary said the government hopes the visit will help expand Bangladesh’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation and present its priorities to the international community.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United States and China opened high-level economic talks in New York on Sunday, with artificial intelligence, trade, tariffs and critical minerals on the agenda as Washington and Beijing prepare for a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are meeting at JPMorgan Chase’s headquarters in Manhattan, alongside U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The talks were scheduled to begin at about 10:30 a.m. ET and were expected to continue throughout the day. The discussions are intended to prepare potential agreements and reduce outstanding differences ahead of the Trump-Xi summit scheduled for Sept. 24 in Washington.

Trade truce and tariffs

A central issue is the status of the current U.S.-China trade truce, which is scheduled to expire on Nov. 10. Officials are expected to discuss tariffs on non-strategic goods, market access and China’s commitments to increase purchases of U.S. agricultural products. Issues left unresolved from Trump’s May meeting with Xi in Beijing are also expected to remain part of the negotiations. The talks come as both countries seek to manage a trade relationship that has significant implications for global markets and supply chains.

Critical minerals and rare-earth supplies

Critical minerals and Chinese rare-earth magnets are another major issue in the New York discussions. The United States has raised concerns about the flow of rare-earth magnets and other critical materials needed for advanced manufacturing and technology industries. Rare earths are particularly important to the production of components used in electronics and advanced semiconductor technologies. Washington is seeking greater reliability in these supply chains as the two countries negotiate broader economic arrangements.

AI takes center stage

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a new area of U.S.-China economic and strategic competition. Bessent said the discussions are expected to cover both open-weight and closed-weight AI models. Open-weight systems make key elements of an AI model available to users, allowing them to download and modify the technology for specific applications.

U.S. officials are also interested in potential safeguards, or “guard rails,” to address shared risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems. Reuters reported that the talks come amid concerns about security breaches involving AI models.

The United States and China are among the world’s leading developers and users of advanced artificial intelligence, making cooperation and competition over the technology an increasingly important part of their broader relationship.

Ahead of Trump-Xi summit

The New York meetings are taking place just days before Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet in Washington. Several issues from previous negotiations remain unresolved, including tariffs, agricultural purchases, rare-earth supplies and technology-related concerns. Reuters reported that analysts expect the two sides to focus on limited steps that could help prevent further escalation rather than seeking an immediate comprehensive agreement.

The outcome of the New York discussions could therefore help shape the agenda for the leaders’ upcoming meeting, while providing an indication of whether Washington and Beijing can maintain their current trade truce and expand cooperation in selected areas. The talks are also taking place as New York prepares to host world leaders for the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week, bringing increased diplomatic activity to the city.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: World leaders are converging on New York as the United Nations prepares for the high-level week of its 81st General Assembly, with wars, global security, artificial intelligence, climate change and the future of multilateral cooperation expected to dominate discussions. The high-level segment of the 81st session will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York beginning September 22, with the General Debate continuing through September 26 and September 28. Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to participate in the annual gathering, according to current reporting.

The theme of this year’s General Assembly is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The 81st session officially opened on September 8. The gathering comes at a time of heightened international tensions, with the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, global energy and food-security concerns, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence among the major issues facing governments.

The Middle East is expected to feature prominently in diplomatic discussions. The Ukraine war will also remain a major international issue, while leaders are expected to discuss humanitarian concerns and the broader challenges facing the international system. Reuters reported that the UN is also facing financial pressures and questions about its role in responding to major global crises.

AI emerges as a major global issue

Artificial intelligence is expected to receive significant attention during this year’s UN meetings. UN officials and governments are examining how the international community can establish appropriate rules and cooperation mechanisms as AI technology develops rapidly.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is also scheduled to brief the UN Security Council during the General Assembly week at an open session focused on artificial intelligence and international security. The meeting is expected to address both the opportunities and security risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Climate, sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness

The General Assembly’s formal program includes several high-level meetings dealing with major global challenges. A high-level meeting on the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development is scheduled for September 23. On September 24, world leaders will address the existential threats posed by sea-level rise, while September 25 will focus on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. A meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is scheduled for September 28.

Climate change and sustainable development are also expected to feature prominently throughout the week as governments discuss efforts to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Diplomatic meetings beyond the General Debate

The UN General Assembly week traditionally provides an opportunity for leaders to hold numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings on the sidelines of the formal sessions. The European Union, for example, is planning several meetings and initiatives during the week, including a Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity Summit on September 21, co-hosted by the European Council, Canada and Kenya.

The annual gathering is therefore expected to turn New York into the center of international diplomacy, with leaders using the week not only to address the General Assembly but also to negotiate and discuss issues affecting global peace, security, development and international cooperation.

With conflicts continuing in several regions and governments facing new challenges from technology, climate change and economic pressures, the 81st General Assembly is set to become one of the year’s most closely watched international diplomatic gatherings.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir was accorded a reception by BNP leaders and activists from the Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland areas. The reception was held on September 16 at the Comfort Inn in Springfield, Virginia. The event also included a preparatory meeting ahead of Nasir Uddin Nasir’s New York visit, with BNP leaders and activists from different levels in Washington, Virginia and Maryland taking part.

AJM Hossain, former general secretary of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP and a BNP leader, presided over the program. Former joint secretaries of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP Zakir Hossain Zakir and Mohammad Hossain moderated the event. Among those attending were Virginia BNP President Mohammad Zahir, General Secretary Tofail Ahmed, former vice president of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP and former general secretary of New Jersey BNP Shamsuddin Mahmud, former vice president Obaidul Haque Ovi, and former vice presidents Masudur Rahman, Harunur Rashid, Harun Bhuiyan, Elias Bhuiyan Liton and Munir Hossain.

A large number of BNP leaders and activists from the Greater Washington area also attended the reception, including Nur Mohammad Liton, Shahriar Rahman, Kamal Pasha, Faruk Hossain, Firoz Alam, Tayyubur Rahman, Md. Moktar Khan, Sohrab Hossain, Imam Hossain, Ibrahim Bhuiyan, Imran Bhuiyan, Laskar Sohel Rana, Al Amin Hawladar, Md. Abdul Kader Bacchu, Nurul Amin, Sanaul Haque Bhuiyan, Md. Nasim Ferdous, Riyad Hossain, Sumaiya Islam, Masud Rana, Ibrahim Khalil, Mahabubur Rahman, Belal Hossain, Md. Hossain (Biplob), Ahmed Islam Ripon, Sohel Hossain (Ripon), Zaker Hossain Mintu, Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Alam (Milon), Taslima Rahman, Jahanara Bhuiyan, Sabina Hossain Polly, Laila Jannat and Maksuda Bhuiyan Happy.

Also present were former chief election commissioner of Virginia BNP Abdul Qayyum, former president of Maryland BNP Nesar Ahmed, Virginia BNP leader Kamrun Nahar Kona, Maryland BNP leader Kabirul Islam, Maryland BNP Vice President Mizanur Rahman and Washington BNP Vice President Mosharraf Hossain, among others.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Nasir Uddin Nasir called on BNP leaders and activists to remain united and work to strengthen the party. He also urged expatriate Bangladeshis to focus on providing quality education and opportunities for the next generation.

Nasir said that late President Ziaur Rahman had worked throughout his life for the development of the people of Bangladesh. He also spoke about the contributions of the Zia family to the country and called on BNP supporters to work together to strengthen the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

In his presidential remarks, AJM Hossain said BNP leaders and activists from Washington, D.C., would remain actively engaged during Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. He urged party members to remain vigilant in the evolving political environment and said BNP activists in the Washington area would continue working together in the days ahead. The event concluded with participants welcoming Nasir Uddin Nasir to the United States and emphasizing greater coordination and participation among expatriate BNP leaders and activists.

New York — The US Awami League is scheduled to hold a press conference in New York at 8 p.m. on September 24, with Bangladesh Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expected to participate as the chief guest, according to the organization. The announcement was made by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman during a torchlight procession and protest rally organized by the party at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, New York, on Saturday, September 19.

According to Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina will deliver what the organization described as a guideline-setting address on the future of Bangladesh. He also said she would make an important decision concerning her planned return to Bangladesh in December. Sheikh Hasina said in a Reuters interview published in July that she planned to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing legal proceedings and a death sentence. She has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024.

Torchlight rally in Jackson Heights

The September 19 rally brought together leaders and activists from the US Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the Jubo League, Sramik League, Swechchhasebak League, Mohila Awami League and Chhatra League. Participants chanted slogans including “Go back, go back, Tarique, Tarique” and “Step down, step down, Tarique, Tarique” during the procession and rally.

The program was chaired by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad. According to the organizers, the protest was held in response to court verdicts involving Sheikh Hasina and leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, the situation surrounding the lockdown in Dhaka, and the planned visit of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the United States.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman said the US Awami League would organize protest and resistance programs wherever Tarique Rahman is present between September 21 and 25. He also called on Awami League supporters living in the United States to participate in programs organized by the US Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina’s planned December return

Sheikh Hasina has publicly said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. In an interview with Reuters published in July, she said she planned to return from India despite the legal consequences she could face. In August, she again said she intended to return to Bangladesh and that the exact date would be announced when the time was appropriate, while indicating that she wanted the return to take place in December.

The issue has gained renewed attention following recent court proceedings involving former Awami League officials. On September 15, a Bangladesh tribunal sentenced seven former aides of Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia in cases connected to the 2024 crackdown, according to Al Jazeera. The report said the defendants were convicted of crimes including murder and inciting killings.

Political activity intensifies in New York

Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has prompted increased political activity among Bangladeshis in the United States.

The US Awami League leadership said it has planned a series of demonstrations, protests and other programs in New York and elsewhere in the United States throughout the period of Tarique Rahman’s stay for the UN General Assembly. According to party leaders, Awami League supporters from different US states and other countries have begun arriving in the United States to participate in the planned programs.

The BNP’s US organization has also been holding programs ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit, including a “Meet the Press” event in New York, where the party called on expatriate Bangladeshis to support its activities surrounding the prime minister’s UNGA visit.

With competing political groups preparing separate programs around the UN General Assembly, the period is expected to bring increased political activity within the Bangladeshi-American community in New York.

The US Awami League says Sheikh Hasina’s September 24 address will focus on Bangladesh’s future and will include an announcement concerning her planned return to the country. The details of that announcement remain to be seen.

New York — Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 24. It will be his first address to the UN General Assembly as prime minister. Bangladesh’s government has said his visit will include high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements alongside participation in the UNGA.

Ahead of the visit, the US unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called on expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States to participate in programs surrounding the prime minister’s visit and support the government’s reconstruction and development initiatives. The appeal was made through a written statement issued at a “Meet the Press” program organized ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York.

The event was attended by BNP Central International Affairs Secretary Anwar Hossain Khokon, BNP Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Samrat, Zillur Rahman Zillu, Gias Ahmed, Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton, Sharafat Hossain Babu, Kamal Pasha Babul, Anwar Hossain, Niaz Ahmed Jewel, Anwarul Islam, Akhter Hossain Badal, Kazi Azam, Firoz Alam, Sabur Khan, Mosharraf Hossain Sobuj, Gias Uddin, Shah Alam, Saidul Haque, Zahirul Islam Molla, Jasim Bhuiyan, Syeda Mahmuda Shirin, Golam Faruk Shahin, Shafiqul Rahman Dulal, Syed A.R. Faruk, Baset Rahman, Dr. Abdus Sabur, Shahjahan Sheikh, Nur Mohammad, Rafiqul Islam, Faruk Hossain Majumdar, Rafiqul Islam Dalim, Syed Morshedul Hasan Reza, Mohammad Mohsin, Mazharul Islam Miru, Golam Haider Mukut, Mohammad Masud Rana and Zakir Howlader, among others.

Bangladesh holds UNGA presidency

The written statement described Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly as significant for the country. It also highlighted the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the General Assembly. Khalilur Rahman was elected on June 2, 2026, defeating Cyprus’s Andreas Kakouris by 99 votes to 91 in a secret-ballot election. The 81st session opened on September 8, and Rahman is serving a one-year term as president of the General Assembly.

The United Nations has identified the theme of the 81st session as “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The US BNP statement noted that Bangladesh’s presidency of the General Assembly comes four decades after former Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury served as president of the 41st session in 1986-87.

Appeal to expatriate Bangladeshis

According to the statement, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the UN General Assembly will provide an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s democratic transition, development priorities and future plans before the international community. The US BNP also emphasized the role of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s reconstruction and development, particularly through investment, expertise, experience and international connections.

The statement called on expatriate Bangladeshis to contribute to the country’s development and remain cautious about what the party described as misinformation and propaganda concerning Bangladesh. The party also expressed condolences to the families of those killed during last year’s political unrest and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The figures and descriptions regarding the unrest contained in the BNP statement represent the party’s claims.

Government initiatives highlighted

The statement also highlighted several initiatives attributed to the government, including Krishak Card, Family Card and Sports Card programs. It said a Probashi Card would also be introduced for Bangladeshi expatriates. The US BNP said expatriate Bangladeshis are an important part of the country’s development and stressed the importance of utilizing their investment, skills and international networks.

BNP leaders and affiliated organizations in North America are also preparing various programs around Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. According to the party, a rally and other programs are being planned near the United Nations headquarters on September 24. Meanwhile, New York is preparing for the arrival of world leaders and senior government representatives for the 81st UN General Assembly. The UNGA high-level week will bring delegations from countries around the world to New York.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 and deliver his first UN General Assembly address on September 24. According to current reports, he is expected to leave New York on September 25 after completing his UNGA engagements.

Subrata Chowdhury, Atlantic City — The glitz and glamour of fashion took center stage at the Showboat Hotel as Atlantic City Fashion Week 2026 brought together designers, models, fashion entrepreneurs and enthusiasts for a three-day celebration of style, creativity and culture.

The event, held from September 17 through September 19, transformed the Showboat Hotel into a vibrant fashion destination, featuring runway presentations, contemporary designs and opportunities for professionals and fashion enthusiasts to connect.

Throughout the three-day event, models showcased a wide range of designs on the runway, highlighting the creativity of designers from the United States and abroad. The collections reflected diverse styles, innovative concepts and contemporary fashion trends, creating an energetic atmosphere for audiences.

Beyond the runway shows, the event provided opportunities for networking, entertainment and creative collaboration. Fashion designers, models, entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts gathered to exchange ideas, build professional connections and explore emerging trends within the fashion industry.

This year’s event carried additional significance as Atlantic City Fashion Week celebrated its 15th anniversary. Launched in 2011, the fashion event has grown into a recurring part of Atlantic City’s fashion and cultural calendar and is held three times a year.

Organized through a partnership between Fashion Style Magazine and KingBee Media, Atlantic City Fashion Week has continued to provide a platform for designers and models to showcase their work while bringing together different segments of the fashion community.

The 2026 edition attracted fashion enthusiasts from across the region, adding to the city’s ongoing reputation as a destination for entertainment, tourism and cultural events.

With its combination of runway presentations, creative expression and industry networking, Atlantic City Fashion Week 2026 once again highlighted the growing connection between fashion, culture and entertainment in the New Jersey resort city.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman will brief the United Nations Security Council in person next week as the 15-member body discusses artificial intelligence and international security during the UN General Assembly.

An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed that Altman will address an open Security Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 23. His remarks are expected to focus on international coordination, shared safety standards and measures OpenAI is taking to ensure that artificial intelligence is safe and benefits people globally.

The meeting has been convened by France, which holds the Security Council presidency for September, and will be chaired by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. A French concept note circulated among council members highlights concerns about the misuse of AI and calls for urgent action to promote its safe and responsible development.

The council is expected to examine risks associated with the loss of control over increasingly advanced AI models, including their potential use in activities that could affect international peace and security. Diplomats have also indicated that senior representatives from Anthropic could attend, although their participation had not been confirmed.

The Security Council first held a dedicated discussion on the risks of artificial intelligence in 2023. Since then, concerns over AI’s potential impact on security, warfare and global stability have become a growing issue at the United Nations.

Altman has previously warned about the potential risks of advanced AI. In a 2015 essay, he described the development of superhuman machine intelligence as a major threat to humanity’s continued existence.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — U.S. President Donald Trump is set to personally welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews when Xi arrives in the Washington area next week for a high-profile state visit, in a rare protocol gesture by a U.S. president.

Xi is expected to arrive on Wednesday, September 23, ahead of talks with Trump at the White House on September 24. Trump’s decision to greet Xi at the airport marks a departure from the usual practice of receiving visiting foreign leaders at the White House.

The visit will include a formal arrival ceremony at the White House, a military review in the Rose Garden and a state dinner hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Senior U.S. officials said a number of leading technology executives are expected to attend the dinner.

Trade, rare-earth supplies and artificial intelligence are expected to be among the major issues discussed by the two leaders. The summit comes as Washington and Beijing continue efforts to manage tensions over trade and technology while seeking greater stability in their bilateral relationship.

The upcoming meeting will be the second face-to-face encounter between Trump and Xi this year, following Trump’s visit to Beijing in May. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is also scheduled to hold preparatory economic and trade talks with U.S. officials ahead of the summit.