Diplomats are gathering for the U.N. General Assembly.

They say the world is in deep turmoil.

Leaders and ministers describe a globe facing wars, economic uncertainty, and a shifting world order.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said leaders are meeting in an era of deep uncertainty.

He added that power is shifting and institutions must change with it.

The past nine months brought major upheaval.

A U.S. military operation removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

Iran then saw a deadly crackdown on large pro-government protests.

Soon after, the U.S. and Israel attacked Tehran.

This started a widening conflict that has effectively closed a critical waterway.

The war between Russia and Ukraine also continues.

Both sides are increasing attacks as diplomacy fails.

Other crises added to the strain.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda raised questions about pandemic readiness.

Earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia and floods in Nepal and Tibet showed the effects of global warming.

Former U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood said the U.N. is at an inflection point.

He said last year was bad and this year is not much better.

A European diplomat and another official agreed that the world is more unstable than a year ago.

They cited attacks on international law and failed mediation efforts.

Officials hope to use the meeting for talks with rivals and allies.

One Gulf official said it would be good to return to predictability on the world stage.

Slovenia's foreign minister, Tone Kajzer, said interests stay constant even as friendships and alliances change.