Updated

The failed attempt by the U.S. and Russia to revive a cease-fire in Syria stole the spotlight at the annual U.N. gathering of world leaders but every other global hotspot had its moment.

And there were some chuckles as well including a message to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to be ready to receive his gift of a "white bull" from South Sudan.

With the final speeches of the six-day gabfest delivered on Monday, there were also a few highpoints.

Last December's Paris climate agreement got 31 more ratifications at a high-level event hosted by Ban, topping the 55 countries required and just over 7 percent short of the 55 percent of global emissions needed for the deal to enter into force. That magic number will hopefully be reached in November.