The 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) took place in New York City from September 22-30.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted two dozen events, bilateral meetings, roundtables, report launches, and more on the sidelines of UNGA, both in New York City and Washington, DC. This year the Chamber’s meetings—which included 30 direct engagements with heads of state or government—presented the opportunity to discuss priority issues between the business community directly with world leaders and demonstrated how American business is at the heart of solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
By the Numbers
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25
The total number of events the Chamber hosted on the periphery of UNGA.
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30
The number of events that included a Head of State or Government or minister level
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Business Roundtable with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
On September 24, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top business and government leaders for a roundtable discussion on the newly established U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund. The group discussed fostering private-sector partnerships essential to Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term economic resilience.
As Clark said during the meeting: “The U.S. Chamber will continue to be Ukraine’s partner and friend as we work toward the reconstruction and economic revitalization of Ukraine.”
The Wednesday meeting is the second time the Chamber has hosted President Zelenskyy in New York, reflecting the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s path to recovery by deepening U.S.-Ukraine economic ties.
Read more about the meeting in our press release.
U.S.-Ireland Relations Meeting with Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris TD
On September 25, the Chamber hosted Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD to kick off the 2025 Transatlantic Business Works Speaker Series at U.S. Chamber headquarters in Washington, DC.
Marjorie Chorlins, Vice President for Europe, at the U.S. Chamber, opened the event emphasizing the anticipation of enhanced U.S.-EU collaboration under Ireland’s upcoming tenure as President of the Council of the European Union: “Ireland will have a tremendous role to play in encouraging Europe’s role in improving its competitiveness,” she said. “Ireland is pro-growth, pro-business, and pro-prosperity.”
The Tánaiste spoke about the deep ties that bind together not only the United States and Ireland, but improve lives globally. “The transatlantic partnership has, for decades, been a force for good," he said. "We must continue to invest in it, and we should never take it for granted. When the partnership works, prosperity follows.”
President of the Republic of Türkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan Business Meeting
On September 24, the U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Türkiye Business Council hosted President of the Republic of Türkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a meeting with 20 CEOs of major U.S. multinational firms. The meeting was led by U.S.-Türkiye Business Council Chair, and Chobani’s Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, who touted the increasing interconnectedness of the U.S. and Turkish economies. Leading U.S. firms invested in Türkiye spoke to their partnerships in key industries poised for growth, including finance, aviation, defense, energy, technology, healthcare, and logistics.
Roundtable with Ghanaian President John Mahama
The Chamber hosted Ghanaian President John Mahama on September 24 for a wide-ranging discussion of energy, health, mining, technology, and agricultural opportunities in the fast-growing West African country. The roundtable highlighted efforts to deepen U.S. commercial engagement in Ghana, which Mahama declared to be “open for business” during his recent successful re-election campaign. Chamber members discussed investment plans and efforts to remove tariffs, including through renewal of the soon-to-expire African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the emerging African Continental Free Trade Agreement, for which Accra serves as the secretariat’s headquarters.
Dialogue with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
The Chamber hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a dinner dialogue on September 24, where he welcomed the Chamber’s commitment to launch an annual U.S.-South Africa Trade and Investment Forum with partners Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and AmCham South Africa in 2026. The annual dialogue will focus on tangible actions to boost economic growth, increase trade and investment, and advance commercial priorities for both countries. Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for how American investors create jobs, support innovation, and delivers growth, notwithstanding the imminent threat of AGOA expiry. Ramaphosa conveyed that the 30% “reciprocal” tariffs and Section 232 tariffs were disrupting supply chains and creating business uncertainty in both countries, but he expressed optimism that a trade agreement can be reached. South African Trade Minister Parks Tau said his team and USTR are moving closer to a draft text for a bilateral framework deal and expect to conclude internal review of a U.S. draft within two weeks. Ramaphosa also praised the productive role U.S. companies have played in shaping the B20 agenda during South Africa’s Presidency.
U.S.-China Business Meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang
On September 23, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce co-hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang alongside a select group of CEOs and think tank leaders. U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark joined participants who emphasized the need for level playing fields and expanded market access for American goods in China.
Participants raised concerns about licensing delays, product approvals, and investment restrictions, while highlighting structural imbalances in China's economy contributing to investor uncertainty.
The Premier rejected U.S.-Sino decoupling, stating it would "hurt U.S. companies and go against market principles." He also touted China's innovation in AI, robotics, and smart vehicles as drivers of future growth. Both sides acknowledged the importance of sustained leader-to-leader engagement for maintaining strategic stability.
Executive Roundtable with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President of Kazakhstan
On September 22, the Chamber hosted three Heads of State, including Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, for meetings and a public-private sector roundtable on realizing the U.S. Chamber’s vision for deepened U.S. commercial engagement in Kazakhstan, where the Chamber led its largest-ever official business delegation. As Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark reiterated the Chamber’s “ironclad” support for granting Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations and together with the Prime Minister discussed his government's efforts to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy to utilize the full extent of its vast energy resources and critical minerals.
Business Roundtable with Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay
At the U.S. Chamber was joined by Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, for a conversation on how American and global companies can play an active and important role in facilitating Bhutan’s ongoing socio-economic transformation. The September 22 discussion, led by President Tobgay and the Chamber’s Senior Vice President for Southeast Asia Ambassador (Ret.) Atul Keshap, focused on identifying areas of U.S.-Bhutan collaboration, sharing best practices from other markets, and highlighting opportunities for investment.
High-Level Roundtable with the President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa
On September 22, the U.S. Chamber hosted H.E. Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria, and H.E. Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister, for a roundtable discussion with U.S. business leaders to explore how American companies can engage on projects and investment opportunities and establish new partnerships to help Syria rebuild and revitalize its economy. The President outlined several priorities and key sectors and made clear that the door is open for U.S. business in Syria. The U.S. Chamber looks forward to working with our members and leaders in Syria during this important time to support Syria’s economic renewal and future.
