UNGA Moment: Syria’s Al-Sharaa Draws Attention After Being Seen Scrolling Instagram

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has gone viral on social media after being filmed using Instagram during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

Footage from the UNGA hall appears to show al-Sharaa looking at his phone and scrolling through Instagram reels while Erdogan addressed the gathering of world leaders. The clip quickly circulated online, prompting a wave of reactions to the unusually casual scene.

Several social media posts described the Syrian president as “doomscrolling” during the speech. Some reports also claimed he was sharing reels from inside the UN chamber. However, the footage does not confirm whether he shared any content or reveal precisely what he was viewing.

The moment triggered a range of reactions on X, with some users joking that the scene was relatable. One post highlighted the contrast between the formal UN setting and al-Sharaa’s apparent social-media use, while another joked that scrolling through Instagram could be preferable to listening to a speech.

Al-Sharaa’s UN Visit

The viral moment came shortly before al-Sharaa was scheduled to take the UNGA podium himself. His visit to New York is focused on Syria’s diplomatic outreach, regional security and efforts to rebuild the country after years of war.

The Syrian president has also addressed some of the most contentious issues facing Damascus, including relations with Israel and the status of the Golan Heights.

Speaking to reporters in New York, al-Sharaa said an Israeli withdrawal from a security zone inside Syrian territory would need to take place before negotiations on possible agreements between the two countries could advance.

He said a “lasting peace” was still achievable while maintaining that the Golan Heights belongs to Syria.

“The Golan Heights is Syrian territory under recognition of the United Nations… So there is no discussion,” he said.

Focus On Syria’s Reconstruction

Alongside regional diplomacy, reconstruction remains a major focus of al-Sharaa’s New York visit. He has held meetings with US lawmakers covering bilateral ties, developments in Syria and wider Middle East issues.

As Syria’s new leadership seeks international engagement and support for reconstruction, al-Sharaa’s appearance at the 81st UN General Assembly has attracted attention both for his diplomatic agenda and, unexpectedly, for a few seconds of Instagram scrolling captured on camera.