World leaders are meeting at the United Nations this week for the annual high-level General Assembly gathering. The meeting is being held amid wars and divisions, with attention on major conflicts in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo and Myanmar. A central question is whether the leaders can do anything to end those wars. The gathering is also focused on fears that runaway artificial intelligence could threaten humanity, as well as climate shocks and global warming that threaten the planet's future. Other issues include growing inequalities within and among nations and shocks to the global economy, where blocked shipping routes and supply chains are increasing the cost of living and slowing growth, while climate shocks and escalating prices are already making life much tougher for hundreds of millions of people.