The UN General Assembly kicks off: CT humanitarian aid leaders are in attendance

By Tess Terrible,

Published September 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at the closing meeting of the 80th UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 8, 2026. Outgoing UN General Assembly UNGA President Annalena Baerbock declared the 80th UNGA session closed concluding a year marked by efforts to reform the United Nations, uphold the UN Charter and advance the process for selecting the next secretary-general.

This week, leaders from around the world are gathering to discuss global crises, climate change, pandemic preparedness and artificial intelligence at the UN General Assembly.

Today, we get an update from humanitarian aid organizations based right here in Connecticut. Members of these organizations will take part in the assembly.

Plus, we learn how artists are influencing the dialogue on war, global conflict and humanitarian crises.

Guests:

Elinor Raikes: Head of Program Delivery at the International Rescue Committee
Caitlin Howarth: Humanitarian Research Lab, Yale School of Public Health
Betsy Zorio: Chief Impact Officer of Save the Children, an international NGO and humanitarian aid organization based in Connecticut

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