The 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) – Day 3

Overall report from Day 3 at UNGA 80

The report is generated by DiploAI based on audiovisual recordings; the result is presented as-is and may include potential errors. Comments and corrections can be sent to reporting@diplomacy.edu.

Echoing points: The debate revolved around the UN’s 80th anniversary, reaffirming the principles of the UN charter while calling for urgent reform of the organisation, particularly the Security Council, to reflect modern geopolitical realities. Other key pillars included addressing ongoing global conflicts (Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan), tackling climate change, reforming the global financial architecture to support sustainable development, and navigating the opportunities and risks of new technologies like AI.

Key areas of prevailing agreement (not shared by all countries): A widespread call for the reform of the UN, especially the Security Council, to make it more representative and effective, with a specific emphasis on permanent African representation. There was strong agreement on the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and unhindered humanitarian access. The urgency of climate action and the need to support developing nations through reformed financial mechanisms were also points of broad agreement.

Areas of divergence: While there was agreement on the need for peace in Ukraine, perspectives on the root causes and pathways to resolution varied, with some speakers focusing on Russian aggression and others focusing more on the broader diplomatic and political context. Similarly, on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the tone and emphasis differed, with some strongly condemning Israel’s actions as genocidal while others emphasised Hamas’s role and Israel’s right to security.

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10 key points

• A call for UN reform was universal: Speakers consistently highlighted the need to modernise the UN, particularly the Security Council, to reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities and address its current paralysis. The call for permanent African representation was a central and recurring demand.
• The conflict in Gaza dominated discussions: The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza was a major focus, with overwhelming calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access. The recognition of the state of Palestine was widely supported as a crucial step towards a two-state solution.
• Support for Ukraine remains a key issue: Many speakers reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a flagrant violation of the UN charter, emphasising the need to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The global financial architecture is seen as unjust: Developing nations voiced strong criticism of the current international financial system, calling for reforms to address high debt burdens, inequitable access to financing, and the need for new models that account for vulnerability, not just income.
• Climate change is an existential threat requiring urgent action: The climate crisis was framed as a primary global challenge, with small island developing states and other vulnerable nations detailing its devastating impacts and calling on major emitters to honour their financial and emissions-reduction commitments.
• Multilateralism is under severe strain: A pervasive theme was that the rules-based international order is eroding, challenged by unilateralism, the rise of nationalism, and the perception of double standards in the application of international law.
• Development goals are off track: It was widely acknowledged that the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are significantly behind schedule, with a massive financing gap hindering progress, particularly in the global South.
• Technology presents a dual challenge: The rise of AI and other digital technologies was identified as both a powerful tool for development and a significant threat, with concerns raised about its use in disinformation, surveillance, and warfare, prompting calls for global governance.
• Human rights are being eroded globally: Speakers expressed alarm over the backsliding of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls in conflict zones like Afghanistan and the systematic violations occurring in various global conflicts.
• Peace and security require new approaches: Beyond specific conflicts, there was a broader discussion about the need for preventive diplomacy, inclusive peace processes that involve women, and an end to the proliferation of arms that fuel instability worldwide.

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Summary report

The General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly convened at a critical juncture, marking the organisation’s 80th anniversary against a backdrop of profound global crises. The session, themed “Better together, 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” served as a forum for world leaders to take stock of the UN’s legacy and confront its contemporary challenges. The discussions underscored a world grappling with escalating conflicts, an unjust global financial system, the existential threat of climate change, and the erosion of the multilateral, rules-based order that the UN was established to protect.

A central and unifying theme was the urgent necessity of reforming the United Nations itself. Speaker after speaker declared the current structure, particularly that of the Security Council, as an anachronism rooted in the post-World War II era and unrepresentative of modern geopolitical realities. The paralysis of the council, often due to the use of the veto by its permanent members, was cited as a primary failure in addressing major conflicts. There was a powerful and consistent call, especially from African and Global South nations, to redress the historical injustice of Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership, demanding at least two permanent seats with veto power. This reform was framed not as a bureaucratic exercise, but as essential for the UN’s legitimacy, credibility, and effectiveness.

The devastating conflict in Gaza was a dominant and emotive focus of the debate. An overwhelming majority of nations condemned the catastrophic humanitarian situation, describing it as inhumane and unjustifiable. The calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, unhindered humanitarian access were nearly universal. The recent wave of recognitions of the state of Palestine was widely welcomed and encouraged as a vital step toward realising the two-state solution, which was consistently upheld as the only viable path to a just and lasting peace. While condemning the Hamas attacks of October 7, many speakers were unequivocal in their criticism of Israel’s military operations, with some labelling them as genocide and violations of international law.

The war in Ukraine also featured prominently, with many leaders reaffirming their condemnation of Russia’s aggression as a direct assault on the UN charter’s core principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The conflict was presented as a threat not just to Ukraine but to the entire international order, where might could replace right. Concurrently, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan was highlighted as the world’s largest, with speakers lamenting the international community’s insufficient attention and calling for a ceasefire and a return to civilian rule.

Economic and developmental issues were another critical pillar of the debate. Leaders from the global South articulated a profound sense of injustice regarding the global financial architecture, which they argued is rigged against them. They pointed to crippling debt burdens, inequitable access to concessional financing, and unfair trade practices as major impediments to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The SDGs themselves were acknowledged to be severely off track, with a financing gap estimated at trillions of dollars annually. Calls were made for a fundamental overhaul of institutions like the IMF and the World Bank to increase the voice and representation of developing countries.

The climate crisis was described in existential terms, particularly by representatives of small island developing states who detailed the daily realities of rising seas, extreme weather, and existential threats. They implored developed nations and major emitters to honour their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including providing adequate climate financing for adaptation and loss and damage.

Finally, the debate touched on the dual-edged nature of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence. While its potential to accelerate development was recognised, grave concerns were raised about its misuse for spreading disinformation, consolidating repression, and developing autonomous weapons systems. This led to calls for inclusive, human-centred global governance to ensure that technological advancement serves the greater good. The session concluded with a renewed, if tested, commitment to multilateralism, with leaders acknowledging that despite its deep flaws, the UN remains the indispensable forum for addressing the complex, interconnected challenges facing humanity.

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Key points by speakers

Somalia

• Call for strengthened multilateralism: Stressed that global challenges like poverty, conflict, and climate change require redoubled efforts to strengthen multilateralism, solidarity, and shared action to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
• Focus on fragile states and climate vulnerability: Highlighted that over 30 UN member states are classified as fragile and conflict-affected, a number that is “frighteningly higher” when factoring in climate change vulnerability.
• Combating international terrorism: Detailed Somalia’s efforts in fighting Al Shabaab and ISIS, the “two most dangerous terror organisations,” while building a sustainable national security architecture in partnership with the international community.
• Return to democratic governance: Announced that Somalia is undertaking universal suffrage elections for the first time in 57 years, with over 40 political associations registered to participate, marking a return to its democratic roots.
• Economic development and regional integration: Emphasised taking responsibility for its own economic development through domestic revenue generation, public financial management, and joining regional bodies like the East Africa Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Montenegro

• Commitment to multilateralism and UN principles: Reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to the UN’s founding principles of peace, international law, and human rights, viewing the organisation as indispensable despite its imperfections.
• EU integration as a strategic goal: Stated that Montenegro’s strategic focus is on joining the European Union by 2028, viewing the integration process as a catalyst for lasting progress, stability, and security in Europe.
• Critique of the Security Council’s paralysis: Pointed out that the Security Council is increasingly paralysed and unable to fulfil its mandate, citing the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian suffering in Gaza as key examples.
• Support for a two-state solution: Expressed deep concern for the Palestinian people in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire, and consistently supported a peaceful resolution based on a two-state solution in accordance with international law.
• Advocacy for sustainable development and climate action: Highlighted its status as the world’s first “ecological state” and its commitment to the 2030 agenda, having integrated all SDGs into its national framework almost a decade ago.

State of Palestine

• Condemnation of Israeli actions as genocide: Accused Israeli occupation forces of waging a “war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement” in the Gaza Strip, killing or injuring over 220,000 Palestinians and destroying over 80% of infrastructure.
• Rejection of Hamas and vision for future governance: Rejected the actions of Hamas on October 7, stating they do not represent the Palestinian people, and affirmed that the Palestinian National Authority is ready to assume full responsibility for governance in Gaza, with Hamas having no role and being required to hand over its weapons.
• Call for international recognition and UN membership: Urged all states that have not yet done so to recognise the state of Palestine and to support its bid for full membership in the UN.
• Outline of a multi-point peace plan: Presented a nine-point plan for peace, demanding an immediate end to the war, unconditional humanitarian aid, release of all hostages and prisoners, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the establishment of a modern, democratic Palestinian state.
• Commitment to a peaceful, two-state solution: Reaffirmed the desire for an independent, sovereign state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security with its neighbours, and free of violence and extremism.

Yemen

• Framing the conflict as an international threat: Characterised the situation in Yemen not as a domestic crisis but as a test of the international system, with the country held hostage by the Iranian regime’s expansionist schemes and its Houthi militia proxies.
• Houthi militias described as an international terrorist organisation: Stated that the Houthi militias are an international terrorist organisation armed with an advanced Iranian arsenal, including ballistic missiles and drones, which they use to threaten regional and global security.
• Critique of international conflict management policies: Argued that policies of containment and offering incentives have failed, only giving the Houthi militias time and resources to expand their arsenal, and that peace must be “imposed by force”.
• Call for an international coalition: Called for the formation of an effective international coalition to restore security and stability in Yemen, rebuild state institutions, and liberate the country from militias and terrorist groups.
• Support for the Palestinian cause: Expressed full support for the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution, while rejecting the use of the Palestinian cause as a “trading card” by outlaw militias.

North Macedonia

• Critique of EU accession process: Argued that its EU accession has been obstructed for 20 years, not by objective criteria but by “subjective nationalistic reasons,” specifically citing the imposed condition of constitutional amendments related to history, culture, and language.
• Warning about geopolitical vacuum in the Western Balkans: Warned that blocking the European integration of the Western Balkans creates a geopolitical vacuum, leaving the region open to influences from third geopolitical powers and posing a security risk.
• Call for UN reform and a female secretary-general: Stressed the need for profound reforms of the UN, including the Security Council, to make it more inclusive and effective, and strongly advocated for a woman to be elected as the next Secretary-General.
• Advocacy for dialogue in the Middle East: Stated that sustainable peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with international law, with respect for human life and dignity.
• Commitment to multilateralism: Despite frustrations, reaffirmed a belief in multilateralism, warning that a departure from universal principles towards pragmatic opportunism pushes the world towards an uncertain future of geopolitical competition.

Haiti

• Description of a severe humanitarian crisis: Portrayed Haiti as a country at war, experiencing a devastating human tragedy where criminal gangs impose violence, causing mass displacement, food insecurity, and the collapse of the health and education systems.
• Urgent call for robust international security support: Stated that the current multinational security support mission is insufficient and called for a “strong force with a clear mandate” and adequate resources to combat heavily armed criminal networks that pose a regional threat.
• Commitment to holding elections: Affirmed that the Presidential Transition Council has a clear agenda centred on holding free, credible, and inclusive elections, with significant progress already made in preparing for the vote despite the security crisis.
• Demand for reparations from France: Called for reparations from France for the ransom Haiti was forced to pay for its independence, framing it as a matter of justice and truth, and welcomed recent statements from the French presidency acknowledging this historical injustice.
• Shift from assistance to investment: Argued for a strategic shift from humanitarian assistance to investment, outlining plans to develop major economic hubs and calling on partners to support this transition through mechanisms like the renewal of the HOPE/HELP law.

Georgia

• Emphasis on peace preservation: Stated that the fundamental philosophy of the Georgian government is to preserve peace at all costs and spare its people from war, drawing on the bitter experience of the 2008 conflict.
• Positioning as a regional hub and corridor: Highlighted Georgia’s role as a multidimensional regional hub and a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, contributing significantly to the development of the Middle Corridor strategic route for trade and energy transit.
• Strategic infrastructure development: Detailed major infrastructure projects underway, including a deep-sea port, a new international airport, and a Black Sea submarine cable, aimed at enhancing connectivity and Europe’s energy security.
• Assertion of national dignity: Declared that while Georgia is open to dialogue and cooperation with major economies, it will never accept being spoken to in the “language of ultimatums, blackmail or intimidation”.
• Appeal for reconciliation with Abkhaz and Ossetian populations: Addressed “Abkhaz and Ossetian brothers and sisters” across the occupation line, calling for joint efforts to overcome obstacles and rebuild broken bridges to live together in a united, developed Georgia.

Bolivia

• Critique of the UN’s effectiveness: Argued that after 80 years, the UN has not met its goals, with the world remaining more divided and unequal, and the risk of a third world war being “very close”.
• Denunciation of capitalist imperialism: Identified the “wild capitalist system” and its imperialist face, particularly the new Trump administration’s zeal to restore US hegemony, as the root cause of global conflicts, violence, and the plundering of natural resources.
• Proposal for a reparations commission: Proposed the establishment of a commission for reparations for slavery, apartheid, genocide, and colonialism, to be funded by those who design “war and death,” and called for a formal condemnation of colonialism as a historic mistake.
• Call for radical UN reform: Demanded profound reforms, including making the UN General Assembly a body with binding power, declaring the world a zone of peace, and democratising the Security Council to give a voice to the global South.
• Advocacy for the rights of Mother Earth: Called for a universal declaration of the rights of Mother Earth and urged international cooperation to strengthen the conservation of the Amazon, stating that “defending the Amazon means defending life”.

Gabon

• Highlighting a successful democratic transition: Presented Gabon’s peaceful and exemplary transition, which culminated in an internationally endorsed presidential election in 2025, as a model of moving from hardship to hope without bloodshed.
• Rejection of neocolonial economic models: Stated that it is no longer acceptable for African nations to be relegated to the role of raw material providers and called for win-win partnerships to process resources locally, create jobs, and interact with the world on the basis of equity.
• Call for support for Sahel states: Argued that instead of constantly stigmatising and condemning the states of the Sahel, the international community should support them in their battle against terrorism.
• Support for two-state solution and lifting Cuba embargo: Reaffirmed Gabon’s long-standing support for a two-state solution as the only way to guarantee a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and called for the lifting of the embargo on Cuba.
• Demand for security council reform: Stressed that international peace and justice can only be guaranteed through a revitalised multilateralism, which requires security council reform that takes into account African claims for representation as enshrined in the Syrt Declaration and the Ezulwini Consensus.

Ghana

• Assertion that “the future is African”: Argued that Africa’s growing demographic weight, with over 25% of the world’s population and one-third of its youth expected by 2050, means the continent’s role in the world’s future will be huge and consequential.
• Demand for security council reform and veto power: Stated that after 80 years, African leaders are still making the simple request for at least one permanent seat on the security council with veto power, asking the world, “if not now, then when?”.
• Call for a reset of the global financial architecture: Demanded a reset of the global financial architecture, which is currently “rigged against Africa,” and called for Africa to have a greater say in multilateral financial institutions.
• Demand for reparations for slavery: Declared that the slave trade must be recognised as the greatest crime against humanity and that Ghana, as the African champion on reparations, intends to introduce a motion to demand reparations for enslavement and colonialism.
• Sovereignty over natural resources: Stated that Africa must exercise sovereignty over its natural resources, negotiate better deals for a bigger share, and insist on value addition to end the cycle of foreign exploitation and poverty in resource-rich communities.

Guinea Bissau

• Acknowledgement of a world in “poly crisis”: Recognised that the world is confronted by multiple crises, or a “poly crisis,” including persistent conflicts, socioeconomic inequalities, and environmental shocks that disproportionately affect developing countries.
• Highlighting commitment to democratic process: Announced that Guinea Bissau is scheduled to hold presidential and legislative elections, reaffirming the country’s prioritisation of dialogue, inclusion, and the consolidation of the democratic rule of law.
• Call for urgent UN reforms: Stated that to meet 21st-century challenges, the UN must undertake urgent reforms that reflect today’s geopolitical realities, expand and democratise the Security Council, and provide a voice to the global South.
• Reiteration of call to end Cuba embargo: Reiterated the call for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial embargo and other restrictions imposed on Cuba.
• Emphasis on the UN as a unique multilateral space: Maintained that despite its flaws, the UN remains a unique space where dialogue is still possible, and its legitimacy and future lie in the full participation of all members in decision-making.

Eswatini

• Proposal for UN ad hoc committees on conflict: Proposed that the UN establish ad hoc committees with equitable representation to tackle global conflicts in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Europe by visiting conflict zones and engaging directly with affected communities.
• Advocacy for dialogue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Suggested that a UN committee should facilitate dialogue by asking Palestinians what it would take to release hostages and asking Israelis what it would take for them to stop the bombardment to avoid further loss of innocent lives.
• Demand for Security Council reform: Called for the restructuring of the UN and its Security Council to be fully representative of all regions of the world to create an all-inclusive and legitimate structure.
• Concern over lagging SDG progress: Faced the reality that with only five years remaining, progress on the SDGs is “far off track,” requiring redoubled collective efforts, international solidarity, and shared responsibility.
• Call for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system: Argued that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 did not address Taiwan’s representation and does not preclude its participation, and that the UN must find suitable ways to include Taiwan so it can contribute to the SDGs.

Palau

• Emphasis on climate action as a legal obligation: Highlighted the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which confirmed that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees is not optional but a benchmark for international law, creating legal obligations for all states, particularly major emitters.
• Call for a Pacific COP hosted by Australia: Urged the world to witness the climate crisis firsthand in the Pacific region and advocated for COP31 to be a “Pacific COP” hosted by Australia in partnership with the Pacific, to drive ambitious action.
• Support for moratorium on deep-sea mining: Expressed strong support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, arguing that science must guide decisions before irreparable harm is inflicted on biodiversity, fisheries, and ocean ecosystems.
• Demand for implementation of the multidimensional vulnerability index: Called for the full and immediate integration of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) into the policies of international financial institutions, ensuring that support reflects genuine need and vulnerability, not just income levels.
• Challenge to China’s interpretation of UNGA resolution 2758: Stated that China wrongly interpreted UNGA Resolution 2758 to claim Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic, resulting in the silencing of Taiwan’s 23 million people and preventing their full participation in the UN system.

Azerbaijan

• Declaration of victory and restoration of territorial integrity: Stated that after nearly three decades of Armenian occupation and ineffective negotiations, Azerbaijan exercised its right to self-defence in the 2020 Patriotic War, liberating its territories and restoring its territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
• Highlighting the August 2025 Washington peace agreement: Announced that in August 2025, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia initialled a peace agreement in Washington, and the leaders signed a joint declaration witnessed by US President Donald Trump, marking a new chapter in relations.
• Emphasis on regional connectivity through the “Trump Route”: Introduced the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIP),” an outcome of the Washington Summit, which will ensure unimpeded access through the Zangezur Corridor and foster regional connectivity.
• Initiation of a strategic partnership with the United States: Detailed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the US to establish a strategic working group and develop a Charter on Strategic Partnership, and noted President Trump’s waiver of sanctions imposed under Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act.
• Hosting of COP29 and climate finance leadership: Highlighted its role as host of COP29, where it guided negotiations towards the adoption of the “Baku Finance Goal,” a new climate finance target of at least USD 300 billion per year from developed to developing countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Critique of international law’s inconsistent application: Argued that international law is not applied equally to all states, pointing to conflicts where armed force is used to change borders, creating dangerous precedents that undermine the UN charter.
• Condemnation of violence in Gaza as having elements of genocide: Stated that the violence perpetrated against the population in the Gaza Strip indicates the existence of several elements of genocide as defined by the convention, and condemned the silence of the international political public.
• Accusation of an “embargo on democracy”: Claimed that after facing an arms embargo in the 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina now faces an “embargo on democracy,” with some international actors perpetuating a political system established by the Dayton Accords that denies basic human rights and allows a minority to govern the majority.
• Criticism of international interference in judicial processes: Alleged that a part of the international community invested “enormous diplomatic and financial efforts” to annul a European Court of Human Rights verdict that found ethno-territorial discrimination in the country, describing it as “classic political corruption”.
• Reflection on the Srebrenica genocide and UN mission failure: Recalled the Srebrenica genocide and other war crimes, noting that the UN peacekeeping force (UNPROFOR) were “to a large extent mere observers” and that certain commanders did not want to activate airstrikes to prevent the genocide.

Equatorial Guinea

• Call for critical self-reflection on UN’s 80th anniversary: Stated that the UN’s 80th anniversary must be an opportunity for critical self-reflection, acknowledging the “woeful shortcomings” of the multilateral system and its failure to meet the expectations of the world’s peoples.
• Demand for urgent security council reform for African representation: Described the security council as the clearest example of how out of step the UN is, with a structure rooted in 1945, and demanded what is Africa’s by right: “full and permanent representation on the most important security organ in the world”.
• Highlighting a peaceful border dispute resolution with Gabon: Presented the historic agreement reached with Gabon over the sovereignty of the Mbanje, Cocoteras, and Conga Islands, resolved peacefully before the International Court of Justice, as a precedent demonstrating that conflicts can be resolved in line with the UN charter.
• Advocacy for sovereignty and non-interference: Defended the principle of sovereignty, stating that every people has the right to design its own development model free of interference and arbitrary sanctions, which undermine their independence.
• Invitation for foreign investment: Invited businessmen and women to discover Equatorial Guinea as a safe and attractive destination for investment, offering political stability, fiscal incentives, and a clear vision through its 2035 development agenda.

South Sudan

• Progress in implementing the 2018 peace agreement: Reported that the revitalised peace agreement has held for seven years, with its implementation about 60% executed, leading to relative peace and the return of many displaced South Sudanese.
• Commitment to 2026 general elections: Affirmed that the transitional period must end with general elections scheduled for December 2026, which will allow the people to democratically elect their leaders for the first time in the nation’s history.
• Highlighting severe impacts of climate change: Stressed that South Sudan is one of the countries adversely affected by climate change, suffering from recurrent floods and prolonged droughts that intensify food insecurity and mass displacement, despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
• Achievements in education and gender equality: Reported remarkable progress in education, with school enrolment rising from 300,000 to 2.1 million children and near gender parity in primary schools, and noted the achievement of 40% female representation at the vice-presidential level.
• Appeal for removal of sanctions and arms embargo: Appealed to the international community for the removal of targeted individual sanctions and the arms embargo on South Sudan to support its efforts toward peace and democratic processes.

Gambia

• Reaffirmation of multilateralism: Stressed a long-standing commitment to the United Nations and the sacrosanct principles of its charter, viewing multilateral engagement as essential to fight poverty, address climate change, and maintain global peace.
• Progress on transitional justice and institutional reform: Highlighted its reform agenda since 2017, including the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission’s recommendations and enacting legislation to prosecute international atrocity crimes and combat corruption.
• Call to end conflicts and protect civilians: Urged an immediate end to ongoing conflicts from Palestine to Sudan and Ukraine, calling on parties to allow uninterrupted humanitarian aid and for the international community to muster the political will to end intractable conflicts.
• Advocacy for a two-state solution for Palestine: Reaffirmed the call for a two-state solution to enable the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate national rights within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and supported Palestine’s membership in the UN.
• Demand for security council reform for Africa: Supported the reform of the UN security council in line with the common African position, describing Africa’s under-representation in both permanent and non-permanent categories as a “historical injustice that urgently needs to be corrected”.

Liechtenstein

• Critique of Security Council paralysis due to Veto: Pointed to the UN’s political paralysis, particularly how the Security Council has allowed the aggressor in Ukraine to veto collective action and has become a bystander to the suffering in Gaza and Sudan.
• Warning of foundational challenge to the UN: Stated that the UN’s very foundations—sovereign equality, adherence to international law, and collective problem-solving—are being challenged in a way not seen before, threatening to undermine the entire system.
• Advocacy for a female secretary-general: Expressed hope that seeing a woman preside over the General Assembly is a good sign for the selection of the next secretary-general, a position in which “no woman has ever served over eight decades”.
• Strong support for international courts (ICJ and ICC): Emphasised its commitment to the rule of law through strong support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, viewing them as indispensable enforcement mechanisms of international law.
• Call to use the UN80 process for meaningful reform: Framed the UN80 reform process as the “only chance” to make the organisation leaner, more effective, and more productive, and to embrace its original purpose as the guardian of peace and security.

Libya

• Call for Libyan-owned political solutions: Argued that any solution not derived from the free will of the Libyan people is destined to fail and presented a vision based on restoring national sovereignty, rejecting foreign interference, and holding an inclusive national dialogue within Libya.
• Emphasis on uniting sovereign institutions: Stressed the need to unite sovereign institutions, particularly security, defence, and financial bodies, based on professional mechanisms rather than polarisation or quotas.
• Goal of ending the transitional period through elections: Stated the objective of ending the transitional period through free and fair elections based on a clear constitutional framework, allowing Libyans to choose their leaders without external tutelage.
• Approach to illegal migration: Characterised illegal migration as a humanitarian and economic challenge, calling for a comprehensive development approach that supports infrastructure and job creation in countries of origin, rather than narrow security approaches.
• Condemnation of “immoral neutrality” on Gaza: Condemned in the strongest terms the countries “hiding behind immoral neutrality” regarding the “genocide and flagrant violations of international law” subjected to the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza.

Botswana

• Demand for a permanent African seat on the security council: Stated that the UN will not be truly “better together” until Africa, home to one-fifth of the world’s population, is afforded a permanent seat on the security council after 80 years of being the only continent without one.
• Call to scale up climate adaptation financing: Described climate change as a “present reality,” not a distant threat, and called on the assembly to scale up financing for climate adaptation, including investments in water infrastructure, early warning systems, and climate-smart agriculture.
• Vision for economic diversification: Outlined a clear vision to diversify its economy beyond its reliance on diamonds, inviting global partners to invest in renewable energy, technology, and sustainable agriculture to build resilience.
• Advocacy for equitable global health systems: Argued that a recent shortage of essential medicines exposed the inequities of the global health system and called for building resilient systems through local production and fairer mechanisms, affirming that access to medicines is a human right.
• Solidarity with Palestinian people and Ukraine: Stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of a home and dignity, noting the “carnage in Gaza,” while also affirming support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Dominica

• Critique of global inequality as a “tale of two worlds”: Framed the world as a “tale of two cities,” where for some it is the best of times with strong economies and technology, while for many others it remains the worst of times with persistent poverty, conflict, and the severe impacts of climate change.
• Positioning small island states as victims of geopolitical conflict: Used the proverb “when elephants fight, the grass gets trampled” to describe how small island developing states feel the brunt of confrontations between global powers through sanctions, trade restrictions, and conflict.
• Strong call to lift the “unjust and illegal” embargo on Cuba: Urged the immediate lifting of the long-running economic embargo against Cuba, describing it as harmful, unjustified, and belonging to a bygone era.
• Advocacy for a Haitian-led solution in Haiti: Insisted that the crisis in Haiti requires a Haitian-led and owned transition process and called for a united response and support from the United Nations to resolve it.
• Call for a female UN secretary-general: Expressed a forward-looking hope for the day when a woman leads the UN as secretary-general, viewing it as a symbol of “true equality”.

Micronesia

• Emphasis on climate action as a legal and moral imperative: Stressed that the recent ICJ advisory opinion affirms that climate action is a legal obligation for all states to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, with major emitters carrying the primary duty.
• Advocacy for methane mitigation: Highlighted methane mitigation as a global priority and the “only scalable near-term solution” that can protect vulnerable nations by preventing 0.3 degrees Celsius of warming by the 2040s.
• Support for precautionary approach to deep-sea mining: Advocated for a precautionary approach to deep-sea mining, emphasising the need for a comprehensive scientific understanding of its impacts before any exploitation takes place.
• Appeal for assistance with WWII sunken vessel oil leak: Declared a national state of emergency due to an ongoing oil leak from a World War II sunken vessel, appealing to the international community for help in addressing a crisis that “far exceeds Micronesia’s capacity”.
• Demand for security council reform to include key nations: Called for restructuring the security council to enhance its legitimacy by including underrepresented voices such as Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, and the African continent.

Ethiopia

• Call for reform of global governance architecture: Pointed to the inequitable representation of states in the global security, political, and financial architecture as a glaring need for reform, calling for more decentralisation of institutional capacity to the global South, especially Africa.
• Advocacy for debt cancellation and lifting of coercive measures: Emphasised the need for a new global action for debt cancellation, restructuring, and suspension for African countries and called for coercive measures and trade restrictions targeting Africa to be lifted immediately.
• Announcement of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) commissioning: Celebrated the commissioning of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which will transform its renewable energy capacity, bring electricity to 60 million Ethiopians, and liberate millions of women from searching for firewood.
• Assertion of right of access to the sea: Stated that international law defines the seas as a “common heritage of mankind” and grants equal right of access to all states, and that Ethiopia will work to advance its legitimate policy objective of access through diplomacy and peaceful engagement.
• Support for a two-state solution for Palestine: Affirmed its historic position on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and called for direct negotiations and humanitarian assistance, seeing the two-state solution as a path to give peace a chance.

European Union

• Framing a choice between a rules-based order and chaos: Posed a crucial choice for the world: a rules-based international order that upholds multilateralism and the UN charter, or a “chaotic world based on unilateralism, violence, and with disruption”.
• Condemnation of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza: Described the unimaginable suffering in Gaza, where children are starving, as a “humanitarian catastrophe that shocks the world’s conscience,” condemning the use of starvation as an immoral weapon of war.
• Commitment to a negotiated two-state solution: Stated that a negotiated two-state solution is the “only path to peace” for Israelis and Palestinians, requiring security and dignity for both peoples, and highlighted the EU’s role as the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
• Unwavering support for Ukraine: Characterised Russia’s attack on Ukraine as a threat to every nation, stating that if the invasion is accepted, “no country will ever be safe,” and affirmed firm support for Ukraine’s fight for a just and lasting peace and its path to EU membership.
• Leadership on climate action and sustainable investment: Emphasised that climate change is a scientifically proven fact and detailed the EU’s commitment to reducing its emissions by 55% by 2030 and mobilising €300 billion in sustainable investments by 2027 through its Global Gateway Programme.

Tanzania

• Call to rekindle the UN’s founding vision: Urged the international community to rekindle the vision of the UN’s founders, which is anchored on solidarity and the relentless pursuit of peace based on international law, in contrast to the current “chaos in the form of unilateralism with arrogance” and barbaric wars.
• Demand for African representation on the Security Council: Reiterated Africa’s position on redressing the continent’s underrepresentation, calling for the admission of at least two permanent seats for Africa with veto power, as articulated by the Ezulwini Consensus.
• Urgent reform of the global financial system: Joined other global South countries in demanding urgent and comprehensive reform of the global financial system, including scaling up concessional financing, revising sovereign credit rating frameworks, and increasing Africa’s voice in the IMF and World Bank.
• Announcement of candidacy for UN Security Council seat: Announced its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term, reaffirming its commitment to global peace and security.
• Condemnation of unilateral sanctions and hypocrisy: Opposed unilateral coercive measures, such as the embargoes on Zimbabwe and Cuba, and condemned the “hypocrisy and scandal” of international companies prospering from the exploitation of Africa’s natural wealth while causing or supporting conflicts.

Uganda

• Active role in regional peace and security: Highlighted its role in advancing peace and security in Somalia, South Sudan, DRC, and Sudan, noting it is the largest troop contributor to the African Union mission in Somalia and a guarantor of the South Sudan peace agreement.
• Demand for comprehensive security council reform for Africa: Called for the comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to address its imbalance and demanded Africa’s representation as a “special case, as a matter of urgency,” with two permanent seats and two additional non-permanent seats.
• Highlighting the strain of its progressive refugee policy: Pointed out that it hosts the largest number of refugees in Africa (1.9 million), but its progressive model is under “serious pressure” due to declining international support, warning that refugee hosting should not become a “death burden”.
• Call for implementation of development financing commitments: Stressed the need to bridge the estimated USD 4 trillion annual financing gap for the SDGs by calling on the international community to fully implement existing commitments like the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Seville Commitment.
• Advocacy for the right to development: As the current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), expressed commitment to advancing the interests of developing countries and called for accelerated progress on the adoption of the long-overdue covenant on the right to development.

Netherlands

• Defence of the UN’s legacy and relevance: Countered claims that the UN can no longer justify its existence by highlighting its achievements in disarmament, international justice, and humanitarian aid, arguing that without it, millions would be deprived of food, water, and medical assistance.
• Call for the UN to adapt through the UN80 initiative: Supported the UN80 initiative as a means for the organisation to “change with the times,” enhance its impact, simplify its structure, and forge stronger partnerships with other bodies.
• Urgent call to address the famine in Sudan: Drew attention to the crisis in Sudan, where half the population faces food insecurity and famine has been declared in parts of Darfur and Kordofan, calling on warring parties to allow humanitarian aid and announcing national financial support.
• Demand for an end to the war in Gaza and support for a two-state solution: Stated that the war and suffering in Gaza “must end now,” urging the Israeli government to drastically change its course while also asserting that Hamas is a terrorist organisation that must lay down its arms.
• Reaffirmation of the international legal order: Emphasised the protection of the international legal order as the most important principle of the UN charter, providing a counterweight to the idea that “might is right”.

Belgium

• Advocacy for a world anchored in mutual respect, not power politics: Contrasted the current geopolitical landscape with the “brutal logic of power” described by Thucydides, advocating for a world based on mutual respect, international law, and strong partnerships rather than one where “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”.
• Commitment to defending peace through stronger defence: Stated that “those who wish for peace must be prepared to defend it,” explaining that Belgium is increasing its defence investment and striving for greater European integration of its armed forces to erect a barrier against new forms of imperialism.
• Call for deeper international cooperation against organised crime: Highlighted the need to confront the rise of international organised crime, noting that criminal networks exploit gaps between legal systems and that deeper cooperation is needed to make societies “open for business but closed for crime”.
• Strong defence of free and fair trade: Argued against rising protectionism, stating that for over two centuries, free and fair trade has been the “only true engine of progress,” decimating extreme poverty and enabling medical breakthroughs.
• Support for UN80 reform agenda: Acknowledged that the UN is “far from perfect” and expressed support for the UN80 reform agenda to address immense challenges in security and prosperity.

Chad

• Critique of UN’s failures and double standards: Argued that 80 years after its founding, the UN “has never disappointed as much as it is today,” citing its inability to stop bloody conflicts, its service to the interests of great powers, selective sanction mechanisms, and the failures of peacekeeping missions.
• Demand for urgent security council reform to include Africa: Stated it is “totally unacceptable” that Africa, the cradle of humanity and home to a fifth of its population, remains marginalised from the security council, describing this exclusion as a “historic injustice” that must be addressed with two permanent seats with veto rights.
• Condemnation of the “humanitarian scandal” in Gaza: Described the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a “collective failure,” with the situation in Gaza amounting to a “humanitarian scandal and an unprecedented moral challenge” that undermines global peace.
• Highlighting the burden of the Sudanese refugee crisis: Detailed the severe humanitarian impact of the war in Sudan, with over 2 million Sudanese refugees having fled to Chad, and called on the international community for support as Chad cannot bear this burden alone.
• Assertion of state sovereignty as the bedrock of international order: Reaffirmed that state sovereignty is the “bedrock of international order” and an “unalienable right” enshrined in the UN charter, guaranteeing that each people can determine its own destiny.

Sudan

• Announcement of a civilian transitional government: Fulfilled the pledge made by the chairman of the Sovereignty Council to appoint a civilian prime minister, presenting a civilian government of technocrats to consolidate civilian governance and democratic transition.
• Accusation of an existential threat from rebel militia: Accused the rebel Rapid Support militia of perpetrating crimes against the Sudanese people, including systematic killing, torture, looting, and rape as part of an integrated project to control Sudan and plunder its wealth.
• Presentation of a roadmap for peace: Outlined a roadmap for peace that includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal of the rebel militia from occupied cities, lifting the siege of Al Fasher, the safe return of displaced people, and a Sudanese-led national dialogue.
• Call for international condemnation of the rebel militia: Urged the international community to stop the flow of lethal weapons and mercenaries to the “terrorist militia,” to condemn and criminalise it, and warned that international silence encourages its crimes.
• Commitment to humanitarian access and civilian protection: Affirmed the government’s commitment to international humanitarian law, detailing a national plan for the protection of civilians and a pledge to facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid through agreed-upon crossings.

Sao Tome and Principe

• Highlighting graduation to middle-income country status: Announced its graduation to middle-income country status in December 2024, a recognition of progress in gross national income and human development, while appealing for continued international support to ensure a smooth transition.
• Vision to become the first country designated as a world biosphere reserve: Outlined its ambition to become the first country in the world with its entire national territory designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, positioning the archipelago as a “living laboratory of sustainability”.
• Denunciation of climate injustice against small island states: Articulated the injustice faced by small island developing states, which are among the main victims of climate change despite having negligible greenhouse gas emissions, suffering from consequences driven by the “irresponsible actions of the world’s largest polluters”.
• Call for reform of climate financing mechanisms: Advocated for new financing mechanisms that incorporate multidimensional vulnerability criteria, not just per capita income, and provide predictable, accessible, and concessional finance for small island states.
• Support for security council reform with a permanent African seat: Supported the reform of the Security Council to reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities and to include at least one permanent seat for the African continent.

United Kingdom

• Unequivocal condemnation of the situation in Gaza: Stated that what is happening in Gaza is “indefensible, inhumane, and utterly unjustifiable,” calling for concerted diplomatic action to end the “terrible, terrible war” now.
• Call for ceasefire, hostage release, and aid in Gaza: Demanded “hostages out now, aid in now, and a ceasefire now,” while also asserting that Hamas is a “vile, pitiless terrorist organization that must have no future in Gaza”.
• Reaffirmation of unwavering support for Ukraine: Pledged to stand with Ukraine “today, tomorrow, and one hundred years from now,” arguing that the world will suffer if Russia’s aggression is allowed to pay.
• Framing AI as a defining opportunity and challenge: Described the dawn of powerful AI as a “lightning strike of change” comparable to the industrial revolution, presenting a defining opportunity for progress but also profound challenges from its misuse for repression and disinformation.
• Commitment to sharing AI benefits and progressive realism: Advocated for a concerted effort to invest and partner globally to share the benefits of the AI revolution, embodying an approach to foreign policy defined as “progressive realism” that advances progress through pragmatism.

Austria

• Strong call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza: Declared that the devastating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is unjustifiable and that the “war must end now,” while also unequivocally condemning the “horrible” attacks by Hamas on October 7.
• Commitment to a two-state solution and future recognition of Palestine: Articulated a clear vision for a two-state solution and stated that Austria will recognise Palestine as a state “at that point in the future when this step can make the most meaningful contribution to peace”.
• Urgent call for a ceasefire in Ukraine: Called urgently for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine as a precondition for genuine talks, stating that Russia “cannot simply talk peace during the day and bomb during the night”.
• Candidacy for the UN security council for 2027-2028: Presented its candidacy for the UN security council, highlighting its status as a small, militarily neutral country, a proud host of a UN headquarters, and a champion of international law, disarmament, and peacekeeping.
• Personal reflection on leadership and the future for children: Framed the work of the UN through the lens of a mother’s responsibility to ensure a brighter future for the next generation, expressing that leaders have a promise to make the future “at least a little better than the present”.

Mexico

• Highlighting the “time of women” with its first female president: Celebrated the election of its first female president, stating that the “time of women has come” in Mexico and that it should also come for the United Nations, hoping the next secretary-general will be a woman from its region.
• Advocacy for “Mexican Humanism” and a moral economy: Presented its governing vision of “Mexican Humanism,” which prioritises justice, separates political and economic power, and builds a “moral economy of well-being” that has lifted millions out of poverty.
• Rejection of sanctions and embargoes: Reiterated its historic position against the embargo on Cuba and its rejection of sanctions and trade embargoes in general, arguing they harm the well-being of people and do not contribute to peace.
• Emphasis on peace built from the bottom up: Argued that peace is built from the bottom up by addressing the structural causes of violence through social inclusion, decent jobs, and education, and that the international community must end the arms race.
• Insistence on upholding international law without exception: Stressed that to avoid the proliferation of conflicts, international law—including human rights and humanitarian law—must be respected everywhere, whether in the Middle East, Europe, or Latin America.

Rwanda

• Demand for urgent security council reform for Africa: Stated that the security council’s composition does not reflect current realities and that Africa, a continent of 1.2 billion people where most of the council’s agenda resides, “cannot remain excluded from permanent membership”.
• Critique of politicised development aid: Regretted the politicisation of development cooperation, which is used by some partners for partisan interests, and argued that aid must be a tool for solidarity, not a “weapon of coercion”.
• Advocacy for robust, civilian-focused peacekeeping: Championed robust peacekeeping that puts civilians first, the responsibility to protect, and the Kigali Principles, drawing on the lessons from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
• Accusation of DRC collaboration with genocidal forces: Accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of continued collaboration with “genocidal and UN-sanctioned armed groups” like the FDLR and the Wazalendo militias, whose brutality bears an “alarming resemblance” to the genocidal militias of 1994.
• Warning of early signs of genocide in Eastern DRC: Called on the international community not to turn a blind eye to what it described as crimes against humanity and the “early warning signs of a genocide” in the targeting and massacre of Congolese Tutsi and the Banyamulenge community.

Ecuador

• Call to expand the definition of international security: Argued that the concept of international peace and security must be broadened to include the fight against transnational organised crime, which undermines governability and has consequences similar to traditional armed conflicts.
• Declaration of an internal armed conflict against narcoterrorism: Stated that in response to rising violence, the government recognised the existence of a non-international armed conflict and designated several criminal groups as terrorists, waging an “existential war against narcoterrorism”.
• Announcement of a referendum on foreign military presence: Announced a referendum to debate the presence of foreign military bases to help control criminal activities, which will be coupled with a call for a constituent assembly to draft a new charter to defeat narcoterrorism.
• Advocacy for a more inclusive and innovative multilateralism: Called for a multilateralism that is more innovative and representative, takes into account the realities of developing countries, promotes gender equality, and opens up space for youth in decision-making.
• Rejection of GDP per capita as a sole development metric: Argued that the exclusive use of GDP per capita for classifying countries does not reflect realities or vulnerabilities, and called for more comprehensive indicators that include multidimensional poverty and climate resilience to ensure fair access to concessional financing.

Sweden

• Defence of the UN’s relevance and call to action: Countered the narrative that the UN is failing by asserting that its founding vision remains valid and that now is the time to act and defend the fundamental rules and principles of the charter for future generations.
• Call for a female UN secretary-general: Questioned why, after 80 years, no woman has been elected secretary-general if the choice is based on merit, expressing a clear preference for this to change.
• Unwavering support for Ukraine and accountability for Russia: Reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and stated that holding Russia accountable for its “blatant violation” of the UN charter is essential to deter further aggression and preserve the global order.
• Condemnation of Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: Described the October 7 attacks by Hamas as the “worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust” and demanded the release of hostages, while also calling Israel’s waging of the war “unacceptable” and the famine in Gaza a catastrophe that “cannot go on”.
• Advocacy for gender equality as a driver of progress: Argued that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a “driver of progress,” stating that where women prosper, societies prosper, and called to “push back the pushback” against women’s and girls’ rights.

Cameroon

• Questioning the UN’s success on its 80th anniversary: Posed critical questions about whether the UN has succeeded in shielding people from war and famine, concluding that the current international situation, marked by proliferating conflicts, offers a “clear and negative answer”.
• Commitment to peace and development: Stated that Cameroon has made the choice of peace and development and is actively participating in UN peacekeeping operations and training personnel from other African nations for these missions.
• Call for developed countries to honour financial commitments: Recalled that developed countries pledged over a decade ago to mobilise USD 100 billion annually for climate action and, over 50 years ago, 0.7% of GNI for development aid, noting that “none of these promises have been fulfilled”.
• Support for security council reform for Africa: Expressed the aspiration to see the long-awaited reform of the UN Security Council to “allow Africa to occupy its rightful place” in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
• Advocacy for the right to development: Welcomed the drafting of the International Pact on the Right to Development, stating that its adoption would be a milestone affirming that development is a “fundamental right and not a privilege”.

Norway

• Reframing the UN’s founders as realists, not idealists: Argued that the UN’s founders were not naive idealists but deep realists who, having experienced two world wars and the Great Depression, recognised that humanity “simply could not continue as before” and needed shared norms to prevent another global catastrophe.
• Identification of a dual political and financial crisis at the UN: Diagnosed the UN’s current state as a dual crisis: political, because core charter principles are under threat, and financial, because several member states are reducing contributions, hindering its core mission.
• Condemnation of double standards in international law: Insisted that international law cannot be applied with double standards, stating that “when we condemn Russia’s blatant violations of international law in Ukraine, we must also speak just as clearly against Israel’s violation of the rules in Palestine”.
• Call for “tough love” and smart UN reform: Advocated for “tough love” in reforming the UN through the UN80 initiative, calling for an organisation that is “stronger, yet leaner,” more efficient, and has sharper prioritisation of its resources and mandates.
• Advocacy for a global convention on tax cooperation: Proposed a global convention on tax cooperation, arguing that the capacity for states to tax citizens and companies is the “backbone of public service delivery” and the cornerstone of sustainable development.

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(Dis)agreements survey

Agreements

UN Security Council reform: There was widespread agreement on the need to reform the UN Security Council to make it more representative of the 21st century. A recurring and strong demand was for Africa to have permanent representation.

Speakers: Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Botswana, Chad, South Sudan, Nigeria, and many others voiced this, calling it a correction of a “historical injustice.”

Two-state solution for Israel and Palestine: An overwhelming number of speakers expressed their support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza: A near-universal demand was made for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to the civilian population.

Speakers: Palestine, Montenegro, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Austria, Norway, and many more described the situation as a catastrophic and indefensible humanitarian crisis requiring urgent action.

Need for climate action and financing: There was broad agreement that climate change is an existential threat requiring urgent collective action. Developing countries, particularly small island states, were unified in their call for developed nations to honour their climate finance commitments.

Speakers: Somalia, Dominica, Palau, Micronesia, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, and others highlighted their extreme vulnerability and the injustice of bearing the brunt of a crisis they did not create.

Reform of the global financial architecture: A strong convergence of views emerged from global South nations regarding the need to reform the international financial architecture, which they described as unjust and rigged against them.

Speakers: Somalia, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Gambia, and others called for debt relief, increased concessional financing, and a greater voice in institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

Lifting the embargo on Cuba: Multiple speakers from different regions called for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed on Cuba.

Speakers: Ghana, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Dominica, Tanzania, Mexico, and others described the embargo as unjust, illegal, and harmful to the Cuban people.

Disagreements

Approach to the war in Ukraine: While many speakers condemned Russia’s aggression, there was a subtle divergence in the proposed way forward.

• Western perspective: The European Union, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway strongly condemned Russia’s invasion as a blatant violation of the UN charter and emphasised unwavering support for Ukraine’s self-defence.
• Alternative perspective: Other speakers, while supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, placed more emphasis on broader diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives without solely focusing on Russian culpability. Georgia, for instance, welcomed President Donald Trump’s peace initiative to end the war, a nuance not present in Western statements.

Framing of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Although support for a two-state solution was widespread, the tone and allocation of responsibility for the conflict varied significantly.

• Strong condemnation of Israel: Palestine, Libya, and Bosnia and Herzegovina explicitly accused Israel of committing genocide and flagrant violations of international law in Gaza. Sudan also condemned the “blatant Israeli attack” on Qatar.
• Partial criticism: Many Western countries, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Austria, condemned the Hamas attacks of October 7 and affirmed Israel’s right to security while also calling its military conduct unacceptable and the humanitarian situation catastrophic. Norway stressed that international law must be applied universally, condemning violations by both Russia in Ukraine and Israel in Palestine.

Position on deep-sea mining: A clear divergence was visible on the issue of deep-sea mining.

• Support for a moratorium: Palau strongly advocated for a moratorium, arguing that science must guide decisions before irreparable harm is done to ocean ecosystems.
• Preparation for exploitation: Micronesia, while advocating a precautionary approach, also stated it has “taken steps in preparation for exploration and possible exploitation in a responsible manner” and urged the International Seabed Authority to finalise regulations.

Interpretation of UNGA resolution 2758 regarding Taiwan: There was a direct clash over the interpretation of a key UN resolution concerning China and Taiwan.

• Pro-Taiwan participation: Palau explicitly stated that “China wrongly interpreted UNGA resolution 2758” to exclude Taiwan and that this has silenced the voices of 23 million people. Eswatini made a similar point, arguing the resolution “did not address the issue of Taiwan’s representation” and does not preclude its participation.
• Support for One-China policy: The Gambia affirmed its support for the “one China policy” of the People’s Republic of China.

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Follow-up actions

• Establishment of UN ad hoc committees on conflict: Eswatini proposed that the United Nations establish ad hoc committees with equitable representation to tackle global conflicts by visiting hotspots and engaging with local communities to work towards peaceful resolutions.
• Formation of an international coalition for Yemen: Yemen called for the formation of an effective international coalition to restore security and stability, rebuild state institutions, and liberate the country from militias.
• Creation of a reparations commission: Bolivia proposed the establishment of a commission for reparations for slavery, apartheid, genocide, and colonialism in the countries of the global South, to be funded by those who design “war and death”.
• Adoption of a universal declaration on the rights of Mother Earth: Bolivia proposed moving towards a universal declaration of the rights of Mother Earth to strengthen conservation efforts, particularly for the Amazon.
• Introduction of a motion on reparations for slavery: Ghana announced its intention, as the African champion on reparations, to introduce a motion in the General Assembly to have the slave trade recognised as the greatest crime against humanity and to demand reparations.
• Convening of a high-level meeting on Haiti: Haiti suggested it would welcome the holding of a high-level meeting to overcome obstacles and make tangible progress on resolving the country’s security crisis.
• Adoption of a General Assembly resolution endorsing the ICJ opinion on climate: Micronesia called on the General Assembly to adopt a resolution endorsing the recent International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate change to signal that upholding climate obligations under international law is a shared duty.
• Implementation of the “Trump Route for international peace and prosperity”: Azerbaijan highlighted the newly agreed “Trump Route” (TRIP) as a key outcome of the Washington Summit, which will require implementation to ensure access through the Zangezur Corridor and foster regional connectivity.
• Development of a charter on strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the US: Azerbaijan and the United States will develop a charter on strategic partnership following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic working group.
• Holding a roundtable for Chad’s national development plan: Chad invited partners to a roundtable for resource mobilisation in Abu Dhabi in November to support its new national development plan, which requires USD 30 billion in investment.
• Hosting of a UK summit on illicit finance: The United Kingdom announced it will lead a fight against illicit finance at a UK-hosted summit next year, where AI will be a tool to crack down on fraud.
• Adoption of a global convention on tax cooperation: Norway called for the establishment of a global convention on tax cooperation to enable states to effectively tax citizens and companies to fund public services and development.

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Statistics and data

• Somalia: Over 30 member states of the UN, including Somalia, are classified as fragile and conflict-affected. 319 million people are facing acute hunger in 67 countries. Around 10% of developing nations’ budgets are diverted to responding to climate change. Somalia is preparing for universal suffrage elections for the first time in 57 years. More than 40 independent political associations have registered to participate in the upcoming elections.
• Montenegro: Will mark two decades of regaining independence and UN membership next year. Aims to join the European Union by 2028.
• Palestine: Israeli forces have killed and injured more than 220,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the majority being unarmed children, women, and the elderly. More than 80% of homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in Gaza have been destroyed. 7 million Palestinians are still living the tragedies of the Nakba and displacement since 1948. Over 1,000 resolutions at the United Nations concerning the conflict have not been implemented. 149 states had previously recognised the state of Palestine.
• North Macedonia: The Macedonian accession process to the European Union has been obstructed for twenty years.
• Haiti: More than a million people have been forced into internal exile. Thousands of children are deprived of education. Almost half of the population is facing acute food insecurity. Out of 2,500 troops initially required for the multinational mission, only 1,000 are on the ground. The budget for security forces has been increased by 40%. National financing for elections to the tune of USD 80.65 million is guaranteed. The state has provided 72% of emergency assistance for IDPs. 2025 marks the bicentennial of the order forcing Haiti to pay a ransom for its independence.
• Georgia: Has a 3,000-year history and a 17th-century-long Christian tradition. For the fourth year, a bloody war has been raging in Ukraine. 20% of Georgia’s territory remains under occupation.
• Bolivia: In 80 years, the goals of the UN have not been met.
• Gabon: A liberation coup took place on 30 August 2023. The presidential election was held on 12 April 2025. The new president was inaugurated on 3 May 2025. Legislative and local elections are scheduled for 27 September and 11 October 2025. Senate elections will take place on 8 and 29 November 2025.
• Ghana: Of the 51 founding UN member states in 1945, only four were African. Of the 42 founding League of Nations members, only three were African. By 2050, more than 25% of the world’s population is expected to be from Africa. By 2050, one-third of all young people aged 15 to 24 will reside in Africa. Inflation in Ghana was reduced from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% in August 2025. The UN has nearly quadrupled its membership since its founding. During the 50th anniversary in 1995, Nelson Mandela called for UN reform. 12 million people have fled their homes in Sudan. The Global North emits 75% more greenhouse gases than the Global South. More than 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken during the slave trade. Since July 2024, there has been an estimated 40% drop in humanitarian aid globally.
• Eswatini: The African Continental Free Trade Area has the potential to boost intra-African trade by up to 52%.
• Palau: Defense spending is approaching USD 3 trillion annually. 38 countries supported a moratorium on deep-sea mining at UNOC3. The BB&J agreement enters into force in January.
• Azerbaijan: For nearly three decades, almost 20% of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory was under Armenian occupation. 1 million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homes. During the 44-day patriotic war, more than 100 innocent civilians were killed by Armenian shelling. 65 mosques were deliberately ruined during the occupation. Since November 2020, more than 400 Azerbaijanis have been killed or injured by landmines. The new collective quantified goal at COP29 (Baku Finance Goal) is at least USD 300 billion per year through 2035. Azerbaijan supplies natural gas to 14 countries. Almost 40% of its energy will be generated by renewables by 2030. There has been almost 90% growth in cargo volumes through the middle corridor since 2022. Poverty and unemployment have been reduced to a historic low of 5%. Foreign debt is only 6.5% of GDP. Foreign exchange reserves exceed foreign debt almost 16 times.
• South Sudan: Gained independence in 2011 after a 50-year liberation struggle. The peace agreement stipulates 35% affirmative action for women. The presidency has achieved 40% female representation. The implementation of the peace agreement is about 60% executed. The country has suffered recurrent floods and droughts for the last five years. It has embarked on planting 100 million trees by 2030. School enrolment has risen from 300,000 to 2.1 million children. 2.8 million children are still out of school. Over 60% of the population is under the age of 30.
• European Union: Is mobilising some €300 billion by 2027 through its Global Gateway Programme. Accounts for some 42% of global development assistance. Pledged to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
• Tanzania: Overall performance in implementing the 2030 agenda is estimated at 60%. Maternal mortality declined from 750 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 104 in 2022. Access to clean water increased from 32% (rural) and 55% (urban) in 2000 to 79.9% and 94% respectively, by 2024. Only 15 villages remain without an electricity connection.
• Uganda: Hosts 1.9 million refugees, the largest number in Africa. The annual financing gap for SDGs is estimated at USD 4 trillion. HIV prevalence has been reduced to 5.5%, with 96% treatment coverage and over 90% viral suppression.
• Netherlands: Since April 2023, in Sudan, more than 150,000 people have been killed and 14 million have fled their homes. The Netherlands is giving €60 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund this year and almost €7 million to the Dutch Relief Alliance in Sudan.
• Chad: The new national development plan aims to mobilise US$30 billion, with 46% expected from the private sector. The number of refugees from Sudan into Chad is more than 2 million, of whom 1.5 million have arrived since 15 April 2023.
• Gambia: Only 17% of the SDGs have been attained.
• Rwanda: The African Union Peace Fund now mobilises over USD 400 million.
• Ecuador: Seizure of 295 tons of illicit drugs in 2024. Youth represent around 40% of the population of 18 million. The economy grew by 3.9% in the first half of the year. In July 2025, 38.6% of jobs were decent, with 282,000 more Ecuadorians in decent jobs compared to 2024.
• Micronesia: Cutting methane now could prevent 0.3 degrees Celsius of warming by the 2040s. More than 60 wartime wrecks rest in its waters.

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Language analysis

• Metaphor:
  • “Born from the ashes of the Second World War, the United Nations emerged as a beacon of hope for humanity.” (Montenegro)
  • “UN Agenda 2030 remains our guiding light for sustainable development.” (Montenegro)
  • “the UN is the proverbial town square of our modern global village” (Ghana)
  • “The tremors of the international order have opened deep geopolitical fault lines.” (North Macedonia)
  • “Jerusalem is the jewel of our heart and our eternal capital.” (Palestine)
  • “The European Union must break the armour of consensus as soon as possible if it wants to complete that reunification of Europe” (North Macedonia)
  • “This is a lightning strike of change, a technological revolution” (United Kingdom)
  • “If events like these constitute your life experience, you do not believe that the world is a rose garden.” (Norway)
  • “I am reminded of the words of the famous British novelist, Charles Dickens in his acclaimed novel… ‘It was the best of times. It was the worst of times’… As we celebrate eighty years of the existence of the United Nations, we are living a tale of two worlds.” (Dominica)
  • “I am reminded of the old African proverb, and I quote, when elephants fight the grass gets trampled, end of quote. With a small island developing states, we are the grass.” (Dominica)
• Analogy:
  • “Our people will remain rooted like the olive trees, firm as the rocks.” (Palestine)
  • “Of everything that man erects and builds in his urge for living, nothing is in my eyes better and more valuable than bridges… They are more important than houses, more sacred than temples… this timeless truth reminds us that bridges are not only structures of stone, but structures of peace.” (Montenegro, quoting Ivo Andric)
  • “My first days in office after my return felt as though I had just awakened from a Rip Van Winkle style sleep.” (Ghana)
  • “I wonder if the United Nations is turning into the League of Nations.” (North Macedonia)
  • “If it looks like a duck, it swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, well, then it must be a duck. The crimes in Gaza must stop.” (Ghana)
• Antithesis:
  • “The absence of the world war has not always meant the presence of genuine peace and prosperity in the world.” (Montenegro)
  • “On the one side, there is a widespread national front… In return, we have an exclusionary sectarian fascist organisation” (Yemen)
  • “amid everyday violence, the world is oscillating between nihilistic pessimism and hedonistic escapism, between hopeless lamentation and heartless indifference” (North Macedonia)
• Rhetorical Question:
  • “What the next acronyms of our global development aspirations will be.” (Somalia)
  • “Now is the time to ask ourselves what has gone wrong and what steps must be taken to correct these challenges… what is the UN doing to address these issues effectively?” (Eswatini)
  • “For what? To take ownership over natural resources, to take control over commodities” (Bolivia)
  • “so today, madam president, I stand here in this exact spot and ask the world, if not now, then when?” (Ghana)
  • “What kind of peace, development or protection of human rights can we even talk about if this kind of violence is allowed…?” (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Allusion
  • “we will reenact the Thucydides’ Melian Dialogue with the strong doing what they can and the weak what they must.” (North Macedonia)
  • “Today, we are reminded of the million dialogue of the Greek historian Thucydides… The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” (Belgium)
• Other linguistic tools
  • “the idea that light could emerge from darkness and that solidarity could triumph over despair.” (Montenegro)
  • “the idea of peace and unity triumph over division and hostility” (Montenegro)

Oratorical Devices

• Triad or Tricolon (Rule of three):
  • peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, as the bedrock of all United Nations action” (Montenegro)
  • “a future of stability, a future of progress, and a future of common success” (Montenegro)
  • “a war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement” (Palestine)
  • “one state, one law and one legal security force” (Palestine)
  • “to freedom, dignity, independence and sovereignty” (Palestine)
  • “accessible, affordable, predictable, and just” (Somalia)
  • “dialogue, peace, stability and sustainable development.” (Georgia)
  • “development, respect for human dignity and peace.” (Haiti)
  • “Better Together, eighty years and more for peace, development and human rights” (Multiple speakers, citing the theme)
• Anaphora (type of tricolon with repetition of the main word)
  • “We must act quickly to protect lives, to protect the innocence of children, to provide youth with a future” (Haiti)
  • “Haiti wants peace. Haiti expects peace. Haiti has the right to peace.” (Haiti)
  • “We cannot normalise cruelty. We cannot normalise hatred. We cannot normalise xenophobia and racism.” (Ghana)
  • “We’re tired of the continued image of poverty-stricken… We’re tired of having people extract the most… We’re tired of not being represented…” (Ghana)

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Thought-provoking comments

• “If it looks like a duck, it swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, well, then it must be a duck. The crimes in Gaza must stop.” (Ghana)
• “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” (Belgium, citing Thucydides)
• “I am reminded of the old African proverb… when elephants fight the grass gets trampled… With a small island developing states, we are the grass.” (Dominica)
• “The future is African.” (Ghana)
• “You have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.” (Ghana, quoting Warsan Shire)
• “The UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell.” (Sweden, quoting Dag Hammarskjöld)
• “If we, as a community of nations, are serious about achieving common progress and prosperity for all as envisioned in the sustainable development goals, we must have redouble efforts to strengthen multilateralism, solidarity, and shared action for all our people and planet.” (Somalia)
• “Another world is not only possible. She’s on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her briefing.” (Ghana, quoting Arundhati Roy)
• “Peace is not a bonus. It is a prerequisite for socioeconomic development.” (Tanzania)
• “We must push back the pushback.” (Sweden, on women’s rights)
• “Isn’t it strange that for eighty years, no woman has been elected, especially if this election is based on merit?” (Sweden)
• “Our sovereignty and territorial integrity are red lines. We will never give up.” (Sudan)

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Transcript

##The president of the general assembly: [00:00:02] The assembly will hear an address of his excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, president of the Federal Republic Of Somalia. I request protocol to score his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Somalia: [00:00:34] Your excellency, Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary general, your excellency’s head of state and government, ladies and gentlemen. It’s a great honor and privilege to address the eighty two UN General Assembly today at a time when our world is at a critical changer. The UN was founded on the principles of advancing peace, security, and development, and progress globally after the destruction of the second world war. The UN is the embodiment of our common aspiration for a global governance anchored in international law, fairness, and equality. Eight years on since the first UN General Assembly, we should have already been better together, not seeking to justify why we can be better together today. Global challenges across the world, people, and indeed humanity as a whole, is challenging with existential obstacles and threatens that we can resolve through dialogue, cooperation, unity, and shared purpose. Yet, instead of seeking to strengthen existing and future partnerships and enhancing social solidarity. To achieve this, we are in a world of adverse competition and increasing governance uncertainty. Where we wanna strive to ask what’s right under the international law today, we are witnessing the unapologetic rise of national might to settle disputes. This is a truly dark and dangerous path that threatens the hard won rules based international order we collectively agreed on as UN member status. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, while we should be focusing strategically on accomplishing the sustainable development goals and leaving no one behind by 02/1930, the number of fragile status and population is living in poverty is increasing globally. Over 30 member states of the UN today, including my country, Somalia, are classified as a fragile conflict affected because of both conflict and social and institutional fragility. When you add the vulnerability stemming from climate change, this number is frightening higher. In addition to this, urbanization is the rising at the fastest rate in the human history because of conflict, climate, and lack of economic opportunities in rural communities. Furthermore, foreign security remains a persistent and deadly challenge affecting billions. According to the World Food Program, three hundred nine nineteen million people are facing acute hunger in 67 countries today. These stark and startling facts must be give must give us all pause for reflection and thought. If we, as a community of nations, are serious about achieving common progress and prosperity for all as envisioned in the sustainable development goals, we must have redouble efforts to strengthen multilateralism, solidarity, and shared action for all our people and planet. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Somalia, as a broad non member, non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is working tirelessly to promote the ideals and the values of peace, stability, and shared opportunities across the world. We are actively working with all Security Council members and wider UN membership to find solutions for peace in The Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Somalia remains deeply concerned by the continued suffering of the Palestinian people. The ongoing violence, displacement, and deprivation facing in the occupied territories, including Gaza, demand our collective conscience an urgent action. We call on for all an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and renewed commitment towards the two state solution as the only viable path for a just and lasting peace in The Middle East today. Somalia Security Council excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Somalia’s unique history of decisively transitioning from conflict to a brighter social economic and political and security future. Starting from 2012 is the history of a real nation national effort supported by truly committed international partners, many of whom are represented in this room today. In fact, Somalia is an evidence that multilateralism and global solidarity can make the world a better, safer, and progressive place. This lived experience is our own government’s inspiration for a determinedly working for a more just, peaceful, and progressive world within the UN Security Council during our membership because we know that we are truly better together. When we all work in unison at home, we are bravely fighting the last remaining pockets of international terrorism while building a strong and sustainable national security architecture. We are working closely with all our valuable international partners in defeating the violence extremism, ideology, falsehoods, and illicit financial systems that facilitate global terrorism. As a result of our efforts in Somalia, our people and citizens across the world are safe today. Of course, while we remain grateful for all international support to combat terrorism. I strongly commend the unwavering commitment and courage of Somali security forces and the local community defensive forces for their sacrifices, resilience, and success against Al Shabaab and ISIS, the two most dangerous terror organizations in the in the world today. This will continue until we achieve complete victory and harmony in our country, our region, our continent, and the wider world. We must never give in to co ordinate terrorists. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, our government has embarked on a historic journey to undertake universal suffrage elections in Somalia for the first time in fifty seven years. Somalia was Africa’s first democratic nation in the nineteen sixties, and we are proudly returning to that path of inclusive governance once again. Today, our national election registration process is ongoing, and more than 40 independent political associations have registered to participate in the upcoming elections. Our national experience is that nothing is better than a people centered, a people led, guided by the rule of law to build a unified and prosperous nation in our country. Financing development, the sustainable development goals are the blueprint for achieving dignity, justice, and equality through real investment in human capital, job creation, and social protection for the most vulnerable in all our communities. However, it was very clear from the fourth financing for development conference in Seville earlier this year that the financing gap between our ambitions and the reality are very far apart. Today, developing nations are facing the terrible shock of high debt burden, higher cost of sovereign borrowing, and expenditure on recurrent shocks, which is impossible to budget for annually. The traditional economic model of forecasting predictable expenditure supported by clear revenue streams is no longer this symbol. Governments of the developing nations are also now subjected to real time investment cuts in core developmental activities, including health, education, and basic infrastructure. This is because of realignment of the already dwindling development assistance they use to receive from the developing nations. This is not sustainable. And if we, as a community of nations, are to achieve collective developmental progress together, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in Somalia, we are taking responsibility of our own economic development by building on the successes of our recent reform based on the debt relief. Today, we are focused on mitigating the excruciating cost of public service investment by continuously raising domestic revenue, strengthening public financial management systems, and enforcing strict expenditure controls while enhancing transparency and accountability. Furthermore, we are committed to benefiting from strategic location and natural resources through trade with our region and the world. In line support of this ambition, Somalia has joined the East Africa community and is ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Area policies and joining World Trade Organization. Process is going on very well. Climate emergency, We are also resolute in our commitment to combat the devastating impact of climate change in the most vulnerable communities, especially those who are unable to mitigate and adapt effectively. Climate change is a wreaking havoc across the world with the most vulnerable countries suffering systemic and repetitive meteorological and socioeconomic shocks. These devastating economies, destroying livelihoods, and diverting limited public resources towards mitigating and adaptation responses, which take away from other vital social investment like education and health. The impact of climate change is forcing governments in developing countries, including my own, to make impossible financial trade offs, which hamper our own aspiration for investing in resilience and development. Around 10% of the developing nations’ budgets are diverted to responding to climate change. This need is to be addressed urgently through developed industrialized nations by meeting their financial obligations for climate crisis they continue to exacerbate. The climate crisis that continue to exacerbate. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the resilient Somali people live with the climate crisis every day. For us, climate change is not an abstract. It is a horrible reality of disruptive and destroyed lives. Somalia’s contribution almost not contributes almost nothing to global emission, yet we endure some of the hardest harshest consequences. Droughts, floods, and rising seas erode livelihoods and displaced families, threatening to undo the progress we are making towards peace and development. As a government, we understand that addressing the adverse impact of climate change is a global public good that requires strong partnership and genuine pardon sharing. On our part, Somalia has adopted the national climate change policy, updated our national determined contribution, and is preparing its first penal transparency report. We are also developing a proposed national climate finance strategy to guide how we mobilize and manage resources to address the challenge. To ensure these resources are used effectively, we have established the National Climate Fund, a dedicated institution to channel climate financing transparently and directly to the communities on the ground to the communities on the ground. We are restoring degraded lands, strengthening water security, and piloting nature based solutions that protect both people and ecosystems. Despite our efforts, accessing climate finance remains too slow and complex. As our government strengthens its domestic revenue capacity and initiates the process for prearranging disaster risk financing, we call for financial support that is accessible, affordable, predictable, and just from the international financing institutions and capital markets. Nations on the front line like Somalia cannot be left to face this crisis alone, unsupported by the dominant global financial architecture, which is not fit for the purpose in this age of great challenge. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, the eightieth anniversary of the UN General Assembly is the best possible opportunity to take stock of our global achievement as far as our common commitment is to sustainable development are concerned. We quietly transition it from the Millennium Development Goals to now the Sustainable Development Goals. Now I wonder with the clock rapidly ticking very fast towards 2030, what the next acronyms of our global development aspirations will be. For us, being better together means common ownership, common responsibility, and genuine part of sharing on the global achievement of sustainable development through investment in a resilient and fair future for all. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:16:59] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Federal Republic Of Somalia. And now the assembly will hear an address of his excellency, Jakov Milatovic, president of Montenegro. I request protocol to score his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Montenegro: [00:17:39] Mister speaker, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to convey my warmest congratulations to her excellency, Anna Elena Berbock, on her election as the president of the eightieth session of the general assembly. This election is both historic and inspiring as she is only the fifth woman entrusted with this very high responsibility. We recall Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit from India who spoke with the voice of a liberated Asia, Angie Brooks, a Liberian diplomat and the judge who championed the rights of small states and women in Africa, Haya Rashid al Khalifa from Bahrain who brought a message of dialogue and international law from the heart of the Middle East, and Maria Fernanda Espinoza from Ecuador who raised her voice for climate action and indigenous people of Latin America. And each of them left a mark of their time, so this election gives Europe the opportunity to embody the principles of the unwavering defense of human rights and multilateralism. Dear colleagues, this year, as we commemorate eight years since the founding of the United Nations, we reflect on the remarkable journey of this great organization that was created as a mission of global peace. Born from the ashes of the Second World War, the United Nations emerged as a beacon of hope for humanity. Dear colleagues, imagine the devastated cities throughout the world back in 1945. Warsaw reduced to ashes. Saint Petersburg shattered after the years of the siege, Berlin in ruins, Hiroshima and Nagasaki struck by the unimaginable horror, and my hometown and the current capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, was also in the bombings virtually razed to the ground. And imagine at the same time the world leaders gathered who, despite their vows, looked to the future. And at that very moment, when the trenches between nations still existed and the graves of the loved ones were still fresh, the organization of the United Nations was born. The idea that light could emerge from darkness and that solidarity could triumph over despair. Despite the unprecedented destruction, the idea of peace and unity triumph over division and hostility. The leaders of that time understood the urgent need for a strong global organization capable of preventing all future wars and fostering cooperation among nations. As part of the former Yugoslavia, Montenegro was among the founding nations of the United Nations. We have so far established an international system that promotes peace, upholds rules based global order, safeguards human rights, and fosters sustainable development. Dear colleagues, without the United Nations, much of our collective progress would have remained just a distant dream. Yet even after eight decades, we must also acknowledge a sobering truth. The absence of the world war has not always meant the presence of genuine peace and prosperity in the world. Today, multilateralism is being tested like never before, and our world is confronted with devastating conflicts, rising polarization, grave human rights violations, deep economic inequalities, and the corrosive spread of disinformation. Those challenges remind us of one essential fact. We cannot afford the marginalization of the United Nations nor the silencing of the international law. Dear colleagues, now more than ever, we need to renew our commitment to the founding principles of the UN Charter. And despite its imperfections, the United Nations remains the only global organization where every nation has a seat and a voice and where international law remains the basis for international legitimacy. And that makes the United Nations indispensable. Ladies and gentlemen, since regaining our independence back in 02/2006, Montenegro worked hand in hand with the United Nations to advance reforms in sustainable development, human rights and good governance, and in line with our European Union membership aspirations. Next year, we will proudly mark two decades of regaining our independence, as well as two decades of our UN membership. So over the past twenty years, Montenegro has evolved into a modern democracy. This transformation is also reflected in our economy, which has grown steadily, driven by key sectors such as tourism and energy. Our resilience has been tested by many global crises, yet Montenegro remains firmly committed to building a knowledge based economy that fosters sustainable development and contributes to regional stability and regional prosperity. Montenegro’s commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy, fully in harmony with our European and Euro Atlantic parts, and our dedication to good neighborly relations and regional cooperation. With NATO membership as the pillar of our security, our strategic focus is now on joining the European Union by 2028. It’s an ambitious goal, dear colleagues, yet one that is now firmly within our reach. And as the most advanced EU candidate country, Montenegro remains steadfast in implementing structural reforms and fully aligned with the European Union’s common foreign and security policy. We are convinced that the EU integration is a catalyst for lasting progress, stability, and ultimately security of the European continent. And in this process, Montenegro is not only a beneficiary but also a contributor, demonstrating that enlargement strengthens the European Union as much as it strengthens the candidate countries. Your excellences, to strengthen multilateralism, we also must confront its weaknesses. The Security Council is increasingly paralyzed and unable to fulfill its mandate as the primary guardian of peace and security. The latest example is the war in Ukraine, which has brought unimaginable suffering to the people of Ukraine, and Montenegro welcomes recent diplomatic efforts of the international community led by The United States aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, and we sincerely hope that these efforts will succeed. At the same time, Montenegro is deeply concerned about the unfolding humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, and we call for an immediate ceasefire. Montenegro also strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on 10/07/2023 and calls for unconditional release of all hostages. Montenegro has consistently supported a peaceful resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict based on the two state solution in full accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. And this is why we also endorsed the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two State Solution. Dear colleagues, dear delegates, Montenegro fully supports the implementation of the UN Pact for the Future as well as the Seville Compromise, a renewed global commitment for financing sustainable development as important steps in strengthening our collective capacity to respond to global challenges. And we also believe that the upcoming second World Summit for Social Development must move decisively beyond reflection and analysis and deliver concrete tangible solutions that will improve lives of people across the globe. Ladies and gentlemen, back in 1991, Montenegro proudly became the world’s first ecological state, a milestone that proclaimed our commitment to the highest principles of environmental protection, the preservation of nature, and the pursuit of sustainable development. UN agenda 2030 remains our guiding light for sustainable development, and Montenegro takes pride in being among the first countries in the world to integrate all the SDGs into its national framework almost a decade ago. A further important step in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda was the creation of the SDG Acceleration Fund, a powerful mechanism for financing SDG goals. Ladies and gentlemen, for Montenegro, the priority is clear, which is to create conditions that will enable our young people to build their future at home, offering them equal opportunities to thrive. And by insisting on the value of knowledge and ensuring equal access to education. We strive to reduce inequalities and empower our citizens to reach their full potential. Ladies and gentlemen, climate change must be tackled globally and urgently, and it is no longer just warnings from the scientists. It is floods that swallow villages and cities, fires that destroy forests, fields, and homes, and delaying a more decisive action on the international scale means gambling with the lives of those who live today, but also of the future generations. Dear colleagues, rapid technological change, and particularly the rise of the artificial intelligence, must be harnessed in a safe, responsible, and inclusive manner. Technology should be an evolutionary gift to humanity, developed, founded, and guided with social responsibility serving the greater good. Ladies and gentlemen, globally, human rights and fundamental freedoms continue to face serious challenges, and while significant progress has been achieved in advancing women’s rights since the adoption of the Beijing declaration, much remains to be done. In this regard, Montenegro is fully committed to gender equality. We have harmonized national policies with the best international standards, strengthened our institutions dedicated to the protection of women’s rights, and promoted women’s leadership in all spheres of our society. Your excellencies, as we celebrate today eight years of shared achievements, our collective task is to reform the United Nations and prepare it for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Criticism of the UN reflects not just on the organization itself, but on all of us as member states. For it is we who have created it, who guide it, and who bear responsibility to strengthen it. This is why Montenegro strongly supports the Secretary General’s reform initiative UN 80. It must not be seen as a mere bureaucratic exercise, but embraced as a commitment, a solemn commitment that the United Nations of tomorrow will be more agile and more efficient. And at the heart of these efforts must remain the UN’s three key pillars, peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, as the bedrock of all United Nations action. To conclude, dear friends, Montenegro is firm in its conviction that the United Nations must remain the cornerstone of peace. International law must prevail over force, and the rule based order must be further strengthened. For without these principles, there can be no trust among nations, no true security, and no hope for a just and lasting peace in the world. And let me, at the end, quote the most famous writer from our part of the world and the Nobel Prize Lord Ivo Andric, who wrote in his masterpiece, The Bridge on the River Drina, Of everything that man erects and builds in his urge for living, nothing is in my eyes better and more valuable than bridges. They are more important than houses, more sacred than temples, for they belong to all and are equal for everyone. Dear colleagues, this timeless truth reminds us that bridges are not only structures of stone, but structures of peace. It is a dialogue that builds bridges, and it is only through bridges that nations can walk towards peace. So our task is not to be passive heirs of history, but active builders of a better legacy. So let the next eight years of the United Nations be not years of hesitation, but of courage and solidarity. So guided by these values, Montenegro will continue to build bridges, strengthen dialogue, and work tirelessly towards a future of stability, future of progress, and future of common success, fully aligned with the varied spirit and mission of the United Nations. Thank you very much for your attention

##The president of the general assembly: [00:37:05] On behalfehalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the President of Montenegro. In accordance with resolution 80 slash one of nineteen September twenty twenty five, I give the floor to the distinguished observer of the Observer State of Palestine to introduce and address by the head of state.

##Palestine: [00:37:34] In the name of God, the most worthy compassionate, her excellency, Annalena Baerbock, president of the general assembly, his excellency Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, your excellencies, highnesses, and heads of delegations. May the mercy and blessings of God be upon you. I speak to you today after almost two years in which our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip have been facing a war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement waged by the Israeli occupation forces in which they killed and injured more than 220,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are unarmed children, women, and the elderly, a war in which they displaced hundreds of thousands and prevented the entry of food and medical supplies and caused the starvation of 2,000,000 Palestinians. They imposed a stifling siege on an entire people and destroyed more than 80% of homes, schools, hospitals, churches, mosques, facilities, and infrastructure. What Israel is carrying out is not merely an aggression. It is a war crime and a crime against humanity that is both documented and monitored, and it will be recorded in history books and the pages of international conscious as one of the most horrific chapters of humanitarian tragedy in the twentieth and twenty first centuries. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the capital of the State Of Palestine, the extremist Israeli government continues to implement its settlement policies through illegal settlement expansion and developing projects for annexing settlements. The latest was the construction plan for E1, which would divide the West Bank into two parts and would isolate occupied Jerusalem from its surroundings and would undermine the option of the two state solution in a blatant violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, specifically resolution twenty three thirty four. Furthermore, the Israeli prime minister announced a plan for what he calls Greater Israel, which we reject and completely deplore and which involves expanding into sovereign Arab states. In addition to the brutal attack against the sisterly state of Qatar, which we condemn and see as an escalation that is grave and a blatant violation of international law, which requires a decisive intervention and deterring procedures and measures for such expansionary plans. With official support and through increasing facilities, the terrorism of settlers increases. They burn homes and fields. They uproot trees and attack villages and attack unarmed Palestinian civilians. In fact, they kill them in broad daylight under the protection of the Israeli occupation army. Furthermore, the Islamic and Christian religious sites in Jerusalem, Hebron and Gaza Strip have not been spared the attacks, which have damaged the mosques, churches, and cemeteries in a blatant violation of the historic status quo and in a clear violation of the provisions of the international law. Despite all what our people have suffered, we reject what Hamas carried out on the October 7. These actions that targeted Israeli civilians and took them hostages because these actions do not represent the Palestinian people nor do they represent their just struggle for freedom and independence. We have affirmed and we will continue to affirm that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the state of Palestine and that we are ready to bear full responsibility for governance and security there. Hamas will not have a role to play in governance. Hamas and other factions will have to hand over their weapons to the Palestinian national authority as part of a process to build the institutions of one state, one law and one legal security forces. We reiterate that we do not want an armed state. Ladies and gentlemen, our wounds are deep and our calamity is great. 7,000,000 Palestinians are still living the tragedies of the Nakba and displacement since 1948. Our people in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip, are still living the tragedies of the Israeli aggression and occupation for decades. Years that our people have spent under occupation, killing, arrests and settlement, and the theft of money, property, and lands. And this still continues without any deterrent or accountability. Years of oppression, deprivation and the protection for the occupier and enabling the occupier instead of protecting the people under the occupation and more violations of the rights of our Palestinian people to self determination, to freedom, dignity, independence and sovereignty on the land of the occupied state on the land of the State Of Palestine occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. More than 1,000 resolutions at the United Nations, not one of them was implemented. There have been many efforts, many international initiatives without reaching an end to this tragic situation that the Palestinian people are living under the yoke of occupation. In 1993, we signed the Oslo Accords, and we adhered to all its items, and we recognized the state of Israel. Israel, at the time, recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Based on that, we restructured our institutions, and we amended our national charter, and we rejected violence and terrorism, and we adopted a culture of peace. We made all our efforts to build the institutions of a modern Palestinian state that lives side by side in peace and security with Israel. But Israel did not adhere to the signed agreements and has worked systematically on undermining them. Ladies and gentlemen, just three days ago, we met at a high level international conference in New York under the joint chairmanship of France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With wide scale international presence and united positions that expressed a genuine international will to put an end to this historic conflict by recognizing the state of Palestine, ending the occupation, and returning hope to both the Palestinian and Israeli people. And here, I would like to, on behalf of the Palestinian people, to express our gratitude and appreciation to all the states that recently recognized the state of Palestine and those that intend to recognize the state of Palestine soon. We urge all the states that have not done so yet to recognize the state of Palestine. We call on supporting Palestine obtaining full membership in the United Nations. It should be noted that we have already recognized Israel’s right to exist in 1988 and in 1993, and we still recognize this right. In this regard, we would like to thank France, The U. K, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra and Denmark for their recognition of the state of Palestine. We would like to thank all 149 states which had previously recognized the state of Palestine. Our people will not forget this noble position. We would also like to commend the role of the chairmanship of this conference, The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia and France and also The United Kingdom. We would also like to thank all the states that headed the various working groups and those which participated and continue to participate in the International Alliance for Peace. We would also like to thank the states that are supporting our efforts to stop the genocide and the occupation and achieve peace. We highly appreciate all the peoples and organizations around the world who protested in support of the rights of the Palestinian people to freedom and independence and to stop the war, destruction, and starvation. We reject confusing the solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the issue of antisemitism, which is something that we reject based on our values and principles. Within the framework of welcoming the outcomes of the International Conference for Peace, we reiterate today before the General Assembly the following points: first, the need for an immediate and permanent end to the war in Gaza second, the entry without conditions of humanitarian aid through United Nations organizations, including the UNRWA, and to stop using starvation as a weapon. And here, we would like to thank the brotherly and friendly states and organizations that have been sending aids third, the release of all hostages and prisoners on both sides fourth, the complete withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip and the rejection of the plans for displacement and putting an end to settlement, the terrorism of settlers and the theft of Palestinian lands and property under the headline of annexation and stopping the aggression against the status quo in holy sites. These are all unilateral actions that undermine the two state solution in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem. Fifth, the state of Palestine should take their full responsibility, starting with the administrative committee for the Gaza Strip, which is chaired by a minister in the Palestinian government to manage the affairs of the Gaza Strip for a temporary period, and then to connect that with the West Bank all through Arab and international support and with Arab and international presence to protect civilians in Gaza and support the Palestinian forces under the umbrella of the United Nations rather than being a replacement. Sixth, to guarantee that the residents of the Gaza Strip remain on their lands without displacement and to implement a recovery and reconstruction plan in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Seventh, releasing the Palestinian tax money that is being held by the state of Israel unjustly and lifting the economic siege and the barriers from the Palestinian cities, villages and refugee camps. Eighth, supporting our national efforts towards reform and conducting presidential and parliamentary elections within a year after the end of the war. The practical procedures has begun. A committee has been assigned to draft a temporary constitution, and it will end its work within three months so that we move from authority to state. We want a modern and democratic state that abides by international law, the rule of law and multilateralism and the peaceful transition of power, and we are extremely keen to empower women and the youth. Ninth, we declare that we are ready to work with US president Donald Trump and with the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia and France, the United Nations, all partners to implement the peace plan that was approved in the conference that was held on the September 22 in a way that would lead towards a just peace and regional cooperation. Ladies and gentlemen, today, we say clearly peace cannot be achieved if justice is not achieved, and there can be no justice if Palestine is not freed. We want to live in freedom, security and peace like all other people on earth, in an independent sovereign state on the borders of 1967 with East Jerusalem as our capital in security and peace with our neighbors. We want a modern civilian state that is free of violence, weapons, and extremism, one that respects law, human rights and invests in people, development, technology and education, not in wars and conflict. The time has come for the international community to do right by the Palestinian people so that they may obtain their rightful their legitimate rights to be rid of the occupation and to not remain a hostage to the temperament of Israeli politics, which denies our rights and continue in their injustice, oppression, and aggression. We are continuing to move forward, and we will continue our peaceful, legal and diplomatic fight to obtain our rights. In conclusion, we say to our sons and daughters in the homeland, in the exile, and in the diaspora, no matter how much our wounds bleed and no matter how long this suffering lasts, it will not break our will to live and survive. The dawn of freedom will emerge, and the flag of Palestine will fly high in our skies. As a symbol of dignity, steadfastness, and being free from the yoke of occupation. Palestine is ours. Jerusalem is the jewel of our heart and our eternal capital. We will not leave our homeland. We will not leave our lands. Our people will remain rooted like the olive trees, firm as the rocks. We will rise from under the rubble to rebuild and to send from our blessed and holy land the messages of hope and the sound of truth and right and build the bridges of just peace for the people of our region and the entire world. May the peace and mercy and blessings of God be upon you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:57:15] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State Of Palestine. The assembly will hear and address now by his excellency, Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, president of the presidential leadership council of the Republic of Yemen. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Yemen: [00:58:00] In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful, my statement today will be entitled for Yemen, for the world. Your majesties, your excellencies, your highnesses, Madam President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Mr. Secretary General, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates. I would first like to offer Madame Annalena Baerbockand her friendly country, the Federal Republic Of Germany. I’d like to offer them our sincere congratulations on her election as President of the United Nations General Assembly. I wish her success in leading this session, which we attach great importance to as under the slogan, Better Together for Peace, Development and Human Rights. I would also like to commend the efforts of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres. We look forward to working with these two leaders of The United Nations to champion peace and human rights in Yemen and to offer protection to the relief staff that have been kidnapped by the terrorist Houthi militias that are backed by the Iranian regime. I also take this opportunity to offer our sincere congratulations to our great Yemeni people, who tonight are celebrating the anniversary of the overthrow of the racist imamate regime sixty three years ago and the birth of the republic that is based on the principles of liberty, justice and abolishing differences and class discrimination and encouraging the participation of women and guaranteeing rights and liberties. Ladies and gentlemen, within this organization, which was built in the aftermath of a horrific war, humanity, eight decades ago, pledged that no people would be left alone to face dictatorship or chaos or famine without the backing of the international community. You pledged and we pledged along that this organization will safeguard human dignity and the rights of peoples to live in dignity, security, development and peace. And today, after all these years have passed, we pose to you the same fateful question from the Yemeni people, whether these values and principles continue to exist or not? Or else, what would it mean for our country to be left hostage to the Iranian regime’s expansionist schemes and its militias that use hunger as a weapon, religion as a tool and maritime passages as a means of blackmail? What does it mean for this country with an ancient history to become one of the most dangerous hotspots of terrorism, cross border terrorism in the world? Therefore, we are here today not simply to speak of the epic confrontation of the Yemeni people against the and the most violent and arrogant of terrorist organizations at all, rather we are here to build on what was achieved and to call on the world once again to take action and not simply to take note and to achieve the salvation that we have promised our people, not simply a petition of statements of the past. It is a gentleman. Yemen today is not simply a domestic crisis, rather it is a test of the credibility of the international organization. After a decade has passed to the coup that was orchestrated by the Houthi militias supported by the Iranian regime against the national consensus, our people are living one of the gravest humanitarian crisis facing security threats that transcend our borders and spread to the region and the entire world. The militias are no longer a rebel group in a remote area in the country. Rather, the Houthi militias are international terrorist organization armed to the teeth with an advanced Iranian arsenal, including ballistic missiles and drones and booby trapped boats and sea mines and fissile projectiles and other qualitative weapons that are internationally banned. In addition, this outlaw group supports networks that smuggle drugs and utilize new technologies to disrupt communications and guidance systems in an attempt to transform Yemen into a laboratory to experiment with the weapons of its supporters. These are not simply tools of war. Rather, this is a scheme to redraw the map of Iranian influence in the region. And those who are lenient with this group today must imagine how tomorrow will be when the Red Sea and maritime passengers fall prey permanently to this terrorism. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, the past years have proven that the policy of conflict management by offering more incentives has only brought more disaster and destruction. Moreover, the policy of containment has given the Houthi militias the time and the resources to further expand its arsenal. The United Nations was unable to protect its own staff who were kidnapped in Sana’a, unable to protect the oil installations and the commercial ships. It has become clear that the peace we seek cannot be asked for, but must be imposed by force. Ladies and gentlemen, it has become incumbent upon the world today to reconsider its position on the Yemeni situation. On the one side, there is a widespread national front that believes in international legitimacy and adopts the values of partnership and democracy and maintains local diversity and popular participation and works on building the institutions of the state. This is the front that I represent today, myself and my brothers, the members of the Presidential Council and the government, which is a member of the United Nations and represents all Yemenis men and women alike. In return, we have an exclusionary sectarian fascist organization that does not believe in the principles of international legitimacy and which conducts cross border terrorism and adopts an authoritarian theocracy that is opposed to human rights, which is embodied by the Houthis and their supporters. Unfortunately, the disregard by many of the essence of the Yemeni crisis has encouraged the Houthi militias to go further in threatening peace regionally and internationally and targeting energy sources and maritime pathogens and even kidnapping and abusing United Nations staff. Ladies and gentlemen, I have spoken to you from this podium in the past. And at the time, I asserted that the government of the Republic of Yemen is always ready to embrace a comprehensive peace, even if that includes making painful concessions as long as they come in the interest of the Yemeni people. However, and after our efforts to maintain peace have failed, it has become necessary to move collectively and firmly to impose peace. Therefore, a colony today to form an effective international coalition to restore security and stability and a coalition that rebuild the institutions of the state and would liberate the country from the clutches of the militias and all forms of terrorist groups. Ladies and gentlemen, the United Nations General Assembly, in its eightieth session seems to be in dire need to prove to its members that international law is not simply a myth and that the rules based international order is not simply a selective call. Yemen and Gaza, in this context, are the moral testing ground of this important organization. They are the place where we can definitely confirm that the might of right is still able to confront the right of might. And here, the Palestinian cause lies in the heart of this issue as a wound that continues to bleed and the central cause of the Arab people, which is now also witnessing an important transformation to the overwhelming recognition of an independent state. Here, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our brothers and sisters in the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia for their efforts along with their French partners to achieve these unprecedented political gains. We’d also like to confirm here our full support for the Palestinian Authority and the two state solution in accordance with international determination resolutions and the Arab peace initiative. And we call upon the rest of the member states to recognize Palestine and to support the rights of its people and their dignity. At the same time, we reiterate our rejection of the use by outlaw militias of this just cause that has as a trading card, which has only brought Palestine more isolation and destruction. Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses, in the midst of the suffering of the Yemeni people that has lasted for eleven years, our brethren have not left us alone, namely the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, who have not only worked to protect the M and A state from collapse, but for the entire region from falling into the clutches of the Iranian scheme. They have presented a practical model of strategic partnership based on development. The world must adopt this model and not simply watch it. At the end of last week, our brothers and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once again announced additional economic aid to the country’s budget and basic services at a time when the Yemeni government is facing extreme financial bottlenecks. And we hope that the international community will join this effort so that we could keep millions of Yemenis alive. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the title of my statement today was For Yemen, For the World. We are not calling upon you today to simply work for Yemen, but for the entire world. Yemen must not be left to fall prey for blackmail and terrorism because this would mean opening the door to more victims and this would deliver a blow to the credibility of this organization and its principles. What we ask from you are not new statements, but international action, firm international action to support the legitimate government as a trusted partner on the ground. Time has come to launch an international coalition that will liberate Yemen from terrorism and rebuild its national state and would guarantee the security and the world the security of the region and the world the dangers of cross border terrorism. And this is what we call for to regain sovereignty in our country and put an end to the chapter of militias once and for all. I thank you and peace and God’s blessings be upon you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:09:43] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the president of the presidential leadership council of the Republic of Yemen. The assembly will hear now and address by her excellency, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, president of the Republic Of North Macedonia. I request protocol to score her excellency and invite her her to address the assembly.

##North Macedonia: [01:10:20] Honorable member president of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, distinguished secretary general of the United Nations, mister Gutierrez, esteemed excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Being the foundation of international law and multilateralism, the United Nations have prevented another war or a numerous conflicts and have alleviated the consequences of many humanitarian crisis. They have helped many nations embark on the path to sovereign equality, lifted millions of extreme poverty, and educated entire generations. They have inspired a global movement for rights and freedoms, for social justice and equality. They have raised awareness of environmental protection and mobilized humanity in the fight against climate change. For these and many other achievements, the United Nations, its agencies, and leaders have won no less than 12 Nobel Peace Prizes. Nevertheless, the United Nations today face a geopolitical and geo economic earthquake that is shaking the foundations of the post World War two order. Today’s crisis steam from deep tectonic shifts, undermining the principles that shaped the world for the past eighty years. A new geopolitical era is emerging before our eyes. Instead of acting together on the urgent challenges such as peace and security, climate change and environmental destruction, artificial intelligence and growing inequalities, we seem to be heading towards a post Hobbesian state of war of everyone against themselves. Instead of a single international order, parallel orders seem to be emerging each with its own rules, values, and interests often directly against one another. Being paralyzed and isolated when most needed, I wonder if the United Nations is turning into the League of Nations. The signs are all around us. Instead of creating a sense of shared future, humanity is facing wars and loss of humanness. With international humanitarian law increasingly ignored, hunger is weaponized and humanitarian workers are targeted. Amid everyday violence, the world is oscillating between nihilistic pessimism and hedonistic escapism, between hopeless lamentation and heartless indifference as in the first decades of the twentieth century. The tremors of the international order have opened deep geopolitical fault lines. One of the most active is in Ukraine, where war has been raging for three and a half years. Russia’s aggression is a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and a direct threat to international peace and security. We also express our deep concern over the recent violations of the airspace of Poland, Romania, and Estonia, every one of them a NATO member state. We supported the joint statement of September 12 and call for immediate de escalation, full respect for international law, and use of preventive diplomacy to reduce tensions and preserve peace. Your excellencies, the geopolitical fault line also runs through the Western Balkans region. The Macedonian accession process to the European Union has been continuously obstructed for twenty years, but not on the basis of objective Kropenhagen criteria, but for subjective nationalistic reasons. The latest EU condition to start our negotiations is a new imposed amendment to the constitution. The constitution, lacks superior and, in Rousseau’s sense, a social contract between citizens, represents the most internal matter of any state. Our constitution provides four initiators for amendments, the president of the republic, the government, at least 30 members of parliament, and 150,000 citizens. It is clear that neither our neighbors nor the European Union are authorized proposes of amendments. We emphasize that conditioning the start of negotiations to new constitutional amendments once again reopens issues of history, culture, and language questions, we have been assured were settled by the press agreement with Greece. We are constantly reminded that agreements must be respected. We note I agree. We note that the treaty of friendship, good neighborliness, and cooperation with Bulgaria contains no provisions for constitutional amendments. Fine finally, through the constitutive acts, the EU defines itself as a un unity of diversity and commits to respecting cultural and linguistic diversity, national and cultural identity, and dignity and integrity. How then is it possible that we are asked to discuss and negotiate with a neighbor about history, culture, and language? Time and again, we stress that we perceive ourselves as Europeans and deeply believe in the European project that brought peace and economic prosperity after the Second World War. The European ideal remains our greatest inspiration and strategic aspiration As a country dedicated to good neighborly relations and regional cooperation, we do not seek disputes with our neighbors. What we desire is to be integrated in the union, but without additional conditions and with, national dignity preserved. We warn that the after the war in Ukraine, the blocked European integration of the Western Balkan is not only a political, but also a security issue. With the political door closed for the Western Balkan countries and the door wide open for influences of third geopolitical centers of power, it is ironic that the union calls for resilience towards them. Must we end up on the Security Council’s agenda for the EU to unblock enlargement? If the European Union wants to be a geopolitical union, it must not leave the Western Balkans in a geopolitical vacuum. As the president of the European Commission has noted, the European Union must break the armor of consensus as soon as possible if it wants to complete that reunification of Europe and become a strong geopolitical factor again. Madam president, esteemed excellencies. Finally, I cannot but not address one of the most geopolitically volatile regions, the Middle East and Gaza. The Middle East has an ancient and rich tradition of interreligious and inter ethnic consistence. History has shown that diversity, when respected, can be a source of cultural enrichment and long term peace. But also history teaches that violence, regardless of its origin, deepens divisions, prolongs human suffering, and distances the parties from a just and comprehensive solution. We are convinced that sustainable peace in The Middle East can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy in accord with international law. The inviolability of human life and dignity must be respected even in times of war in accord with international humanitarian law. In that spirit, we reaffirm our support for international efforts aimed at de escalation, inclusive dialogue and direct negotiations, esteemed excellencies. These geopolitical fault lines and tensions point unequivocally to the following. Without multilateral institutions and procedures, without international law and principles that would tame the strong and protect the weak, we will reenact the Thucydides’ Melian Dialogue with the strong doing what they can and the weak what they must. Consider how repeated violations of the United Nations Charter were tolerated, clearing the path for new ones. Remember the General Assembly resolutions left unenforced, the International Court of Justices judgments disregarded and its opinions ignored, and the peace initiatives obstructed in the Security Council. Facing with the dysfunction of the current international order, some realists advise forgetting international treaties and conventions as a needless burden and seeking shelter in regional blocks and alliances. For them, the fastest and best way to resolve crisis is outside the United Nations without a Security Council mandate. However, departing from universal principles and mechanisms in favor of pragmatic opportunism and reaching for ad hoc measures pushes us towards an uncertain future of growing geopolitical and geo economic competition and even confrontation in the race for resources. Is that the harsh world we mean to leave to our posterity? The alternative is to try to revitalize multilateralism and make its institutions more resilient to these systemic shocks. Respected madam president, respected attendees, young generations have the right to a renewed charter to reformed and strong United Nations that will enable them to live in peace among nations and peace with nature. These reforms must not be cosmetic but profound to enable greater inclusiveness, harmonization between values and mechanisms, optimization of national and global interests, and functional institutions. The UN reforms depend on whether they are seen as an opportunity to renew the rules based international order or as a challenge to the privileges of some member states. Yet, what is the point of being a privileged member state of a dysfunctional, irrelevant marginalized international organization. For effective United Nations, it is necessary for the Security Council to be reformed, to be more inclusive, accountable and responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The General’s Assembly must evolve into a representative policy making body rather than a debate club. The implementation of international court of justice judgments must become mandatory for all member states ensuring the rule of international law. Reform is needed not only for all challenges, but also for new ones. Artificial intelligence bring brings enormous opportunities, but also incalculable risks for our civilization. It is not just a technological leap. Its impact may be greater than the industrial and digital revolutions. Aware of this, my country and I support the proposal to make artificial intelligence a priority of the eightieth session. Next year, we will elect a new secretary general of the United Nations. We need a person with leadership skills, with rich diplomatic experience, and ability to bring differences and build consensus, but also deeply humane and committed to the vulnerable. The next top diplomat of the world must possess knowledge, patience and tact. After eight years, it is high time for a woman to be a Secretary General of the United Nations. In a world dominated by strong men, often with weapons, we need strong women with wisdom and empathy. I believe that women who are, along with their children, are the greatest and most numerous victims of wars, have the an inalienable right and obligation to prevent them. The anarchic international order is a threat to all, but especially to small states. It is natural for small and medium sized states to be the greatest supporters of the United Nations reforms. Distinguished excellencies, let me share with you what we are doing in this regard. We supported the adoption of the Pact for the Future as a new global social contract. Living in one of the most climate vulnerable regions in the world, the Mediterranean, Macedonian citizens are already experiencing the consequences of the climate crisis, such as extreme weather conditions. That is why we supported the implementation of the Paris Agreement at COP twenty nine in Baku. We supported the Sevilla Commitment on Financing for Development and integrated the sustainable development goals in our nationals development strategy twenty twenty four-two thousand and forty four. At the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, we committed to strong international ocean governance supporting the action plan. We are making great efforts to promote women’s leadership and the implementation of the agenda on women, peace, and security. We signed the new twenty twenty six, twenty thirty framework for cooperation with the United Nations to ensure inclusive social and human development, sustainable economies and decent work, resilient and green societies and ecosystems, the rule of law, and good governance. Esteemed excellencies. We are standing in front of a great test. Either we will guarantee an international order based on Bayesian principles, or we will rush towards a catastrophe on of unimaginable proportions for humanity. Former secretary general Duck reminded us that the United Nations was not created in order to bring us to heaven, but in order to save us from hell. We should recognize the United Nations for what it is, an admittedly imperfect but indispensable instrument of nations in working for peaceful evolution towards a more just and secure world order. Let’s give them that chance. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:26:31] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the President of The Republic Of Macedonia.We will now hear the statement of his excellency, mister Franck Laurent Saint Cyr, president of the presidential transition council of the Republic of Haiti. I request protocol to accompany his excellency, and I invite him to speak before the assembly.

##Haiti: [01:27:19] Madam president of the general assembly, Secretary General, distinguished heads of state and government, distinguished heads of delegation, distinguished delegates, it’s with a sense of gravity and great deal of hope that I convey the voice of Haiti and the greetings of a dignified and resilient people, which despite hardships is claiming for itself and for all of humanity three universal promises: development, respect for human dignity and peace. Peace, which is now an absolute imperative for the Haitian people. On behalf of this people, Madam President, I would like to warmly congratulate you on your election as President of this assembly. I also would like to thank Secretary General Antonio Guterres for his unwavering commitment to our organization and his constant and multifaceted support for The Republic Of Haiti. Ladies and gentlemen, the theme of this session, Better Together, 80 and more for peace, development and human rights, honors the outstanding work carried out over the past decades. It also recalls the importance of remaining unified and resilient in the face of the unprecedented crises threatening the future of the planet as well as international peace and security. Today, hunger is threatening millions of lives. Armed conflicts are multiplying and extreme poverty is deepening, causing forced migrations that jeopardize international stability and that put the solidarity between nations to the test. In addition to these challenges, we also are dealing with climate change, the rise of terrorism, mass atrocities, transnational crime, the erosion of human rights and disinformation. We cannot turn a blind eye to the urgent need to strengthen our health care systems to ensure just energy transition and to promote gender equality and youth inclusion. These issues require us, the world leaders, to shoulder our responsibility to build a UN that is better adapted to the challenges of today and the hopes of tomorrow. We must ensure that all of our actions, including technological breakthroughs such as artificial intelligence, foster peace, development, and human dignity. Ladies and gentlemen, just a four hour plane ride from here, a human tragedy is unfolding, one of the most devastating of our hemisphere. Every day, innocent lives are extinguished by bullets, fire, fear. Entire neighborhoods are disappearing, forcing more than a million people into internal exile and annihilating memories, investment and infrastructure. Thousands of children have been deprived of their fundamental right to education. Thousands of young people are condemned to despair. Hundreds of women and girls have been raped, and they will forever carry the scars of this violence in their bodies and souls. Almost half of the population is facing acute food insecurity. The health care system is collapsing. Hospitals are being vandalized, burned, or forced to shut down. Doctors are fleeing. Lives are being lost due to a lack of treatment. Even the treatment for persons living with HIV and tuberculosis is under threat. This is the face of Haiti today, a country at war, a modern day Guernica, a human tragedy at the doorstep of America, only a four hour flight from here. It’s important to say this. Haiti is experiencing a war, a war between criminals that want to impose violence as their social order and a population an unarmed population that is fighting for human dignity and freedom. The response must be firm and determined. Today, the international community must stand alongside Haiti and take large scale measures, not half steps. A strong coordinated and immediate action is needed. Silence and inaction are not an option. We must act quickly to protect lives, to protect the innocence of children, to provide youth with a future, and to allow citizens to decide their own future at the voting booth. Every minute lost means human lives sacrificed and an erosion of democracy. Haiti wants peace. Haiti expects peace. Haiti has the right to peace. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Peace today is the most pressing need of the Haitian people. It is the raison d’etre behind our tireless battle, the battle between our security forces led by our security forces and the multinational security support mission. Many policemen and soldiers have fallen in the war against criminal groups. We pay tribute to these heroes, Haitian and Kanyon, who have laid down their lives for their commitment to restoring peace and security in Haiti. Today, out of the 2,500 troops initially required and promised, there are only 1,000 members of the multinational mission on the ground. Their courage, combined with our own efforts, have not been sufficient to contain the security crisis. And yet we have increased by 40% the budget for our security forces. We’ve recruited new members. We have strengthened our troops and acquired more material and equipment. We must face the reality. Haiti is at the epicenter of an unprecedented regional threat. Powerful and heavily armed criminal networks are trying to destabilize our country and take over the economies of our entire common space. The new front lines of this battle are in our country, in Haiti. If we lose this battle on our soil, it will be fatal to try to contain it in the rest of the region. That is why we must show the same determination, the same resolve and the same unity that we showed in the fight against terrorism. Haiti cannot, could never overcome this challenge single handedly. Today, it is crucial to mobilize a strong force with a clear mandate and with adequate material logistical and financial resources. In this regard, the lessons of the MMS and recommendations of Haitian experts must be taken into account. We also need heightened international cooperation based on intelligence sharing and on rigorous border control to curb the flow of arms, ammunition, drugs and financing toward these gangs. Peace cannot be restored unless our regional partners take concrete measures to ensure their territories do not serve as a starting point or a transit hub for this kind of trafficking. Approaches that failed yesterday will not save Haiti today. It is critical to listen to the voice of the Haitian people to try new solutions that are stronger and more adapted to the realities on the ground. In this regard, we fully support the efforts made to transform the multinational security support mission. We also call for solidarity from the entire international community, especially for the commitment of members of the Security Council for a vote in favor of the resolution establishing a gang suppression force. That is why I would like to express on behalf of the Haitian people my profound gratitude to The United States and to Panama for this initiative, the implementation of which will mark a turning point in our fight against insecurity, which is suffocating our nation. I thank the administration of President Trump for the efforts made to provide support and resources in our common fight against the gangs, these enemies that are threatening both Haiti and the entire region. Today, the complexity of the Haitian crisis cannot serve as a pretext for endless talk, for drawn out negotiations or for stalemates caused by geopolitical considerations. Every day that we hesitate, criminal groups benefit. We urgently need to be proactive to transcend divisions, act together, to promote the values that bring us together, peace and human dignity. Haiti would welcome the holding of a high level meeting to overcome obstacles and to make tangible progress. In this regard, we welcome the countries of the region and thank them for their constant support, especially through declarations in various organizations, including the Audition of American States and CARICOM. We appreciate their support and advocacy with partners in the Security Council for a real solution to the security crisis in Haiti. We also pay tribute to all of those states, which during previous crises stood by our side and expresses the hope to be able to count once again on their commitment. Together, we can and we must resolve this crisis, which has lasted for too long already. Twelve million women, men and children are expecting this of us. Ladies and gentlemen, the Presidential Transition Council was born of a political consensus that was that stemmed from intense negotiations between the nation’s political parties. This council, which was supported by various international partners and facilitated by leaders of CARICOM, has a clear agenda, which centers on holding free and credible elections. I repeat, and credible elections. Despite the many challenges caused by the security crisis, the electoral process for which the PTC and the government have shown real political will has made real headway. The Electoral Council, Provisional Electoral Council has already identified more than 85 of the voting centers, mobilized more than 70% of the elections personnel and national financing to the tune of $80.65000000 is guaranteed. The Presidential Transition Council is working closely with the MMS, the OAS, CARICOM and BINU to ensure free, transparent and inclusive elections, reflecting the sovereign will of the Haitian people and guaranteeing the full and effective participation of young people, women, people with disabilities and marginalized groups. To ensure productive political cooperation, constant efforts are being made and will continue to expand dialogue with the various political parties to strengthen consensus and to prevent a power vacuum, which would be fatal for democracy and stability. The Haitian people must be able to choose its own leaders. The state wants credible elections. Our greatest challenge remains restoring security. The urgent and solemn call that we have once again issued to resolve the security crisis in Haiti must not be left to languish on paper nor be lost amid rhetoric and unkempt promises. In Haiti, peace can no longer wait. Ladies and gentlemen, the transitional period does not allow us to launch all of the major federal reforms the country needs, but the humanitarian crisis we are currently experiencing must be overcome. To this day, the Haitian state has provided 72% of emergency assistance for IDPs and is assisting families to relocate. We are profoundly grateful to our international partners that have assisted us in the humanitarian response, and we are keenly interested in the promising initiatives put forward by those, which like the Association of Caribbean States have chosen to join our effort. But our strategy is not limited to immediate assistance. We must move from assistance to investment. To this end, the government is determined to develop two major economic hubs, the Great North and the Great South, based on strategic sectors such as agroindustry, textiles, renewable energy, tourism and services. Haiti will continue to count on its key partners to weather this difficult period and to relaunch its economy. We call for their support through the establishment of concrete mechanisms such as the renewal of the HOPE HELP law or launching urban renovation projects, which will allow us to create jobs, to put an end to the humanitarian impasse and to reduce migration pressure on Haitians in the region. Ladies and gentlemen, 2025 marks the bicentennial of the order forcing Haiti to pay a ransom for recognizing its own independence. We call for reparations, not out of bitterness or vengefulness, but out of a desire for justice and truth. We delivered with satisfaction, the statement by the French presidency, recognizing the need to open spaces for dialogue and historic truth as well as the resolution of 06/05/2025, of the French National Assembly recognizing the injustice of this ransom. Haiti has established a National Reparations and Restitution Committee. We call for this progress to be accompanied by concrete action. France, which is the cradle of human rights, today has the opportunity to write a new chapter in its history with Haiti by honoring the ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity that unite us. Ladies and gentlemen, I must underscore the invaluable support provided by the Haitian diaspora throughout the world who are often living in hardship. Whether in America, in Europe, in Africa or elsewhere, the millions of Haitians living abroad contributes to the development of Haiti. We are undergoing a multidimensional crisis and we call for the patience for patience and understanding from our partners and friends so that our nationals are always treated with respect and dignity. Behind every migrant, there is a face, a family, a history and a contribution to be made to their new country of residence. Haiti reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and to bilateral cooperation in the spirit of neighborliness and mutual respect to identify balanced and long term solutions to Haiti’s problems. The safe and orderly circulation of goods and of people, especially through air transport, is crucial for a shared future and common prosperity. Ladies and gentlemen, the Haiti of tomorrow deserves peace and prosperity, a future based on independent judiciary, universal education, affordable health care for all and an economy that provides every citizen with the same chance at success. This future also requires bold reforms, independent justice and an end to impunity. On 04/16/2025, we enacted a decree establishing two specialized judicial bodies. One to litigate crimes and complex financial infractions and another to prosecute mass atrocities and sexual violence. We’re making progress toward making these bodies operational. We are prepared to continue down this path. This is not the time for Haiti fatigue. The international community does not have the right to turn away from Haiti situation. In light of this crisis, silence would not be neutrality, it would be complicity. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to pay tribute to the Haitian people. Representing them here is the greatest honor of my life. Beyond my functions as president of the presidential transition council of Haiti, I am a real active Haitian citizen with a profound love for my homeland, a land of freedom and dignity, a land of courage and talent. Haiti is not a nation that has given up. We are a great people, a people that stands together, men and women who have sacrificed for their homeland and for humanity. Haiti is not a playground for armed criminals, Rather, it is a nation on its feet comprised of dignified, resilient families who every day, despite terrible adversity, are fighting for a better future. I pay tribute to my fellow countrymen and women who are, without a doubt, among the most resilient people on earth. They deserve better. Giving them new hope is my only mission and that is why now I call upon you to stand side by side with Haiti. We must build peace in Haiti for The Caribbean, for The Americas, for all of humanity. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:44:39] On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Presidential Council of the Transition of the Republic of Haiti.An address by his excellency, Mikheil Kavelashvili, president of Georgia. I request protocol to score his excellency and invite him to address the assembly. I

##Georgia: [01:45:21] Madam President, Mr. Secretary General, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I represent a country with a three thousand year history, the cradle of one of the world’s most ancient civilization and the brave Georgian people, filled with pride and dignity, a country that possesses a unique alphabet and ancient language and seventeenth century long Christian traditions. The history of Georgia is a continuous chronicle of our people’s struggle for survival against invaders, through which we have miraculously managed to preserve our cultural identity, traditions and national character. Despite centuries of continuous warfare with invaders, the cultural environment in Georgia has always been distinguished by exceptional humanism, tolerance and compassion for others. Tolerance, openness to others, harmonious coexistence and diversity form the cornerstone of our ancient culture, which is brilliantly reflected in Georgian polyphony, in our national traditions and in the world renowned Georgian epic, Shota Rustavelis, the Night in the Panther Skin. Georgia is a place where, throughout history, no human has ever been oppressed or persecuted on ethnic or religious grounds. Quite the opposite. We have always been known for our profound sense of justice. I represent the Georgian people who know both the cause of war and the value of freedom and peace, a people who cherish their rich history and traditions while at the same time facing with resolve the challenges that lie before our country. Amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and unprecedented global challenges such as ongoing conflicts, climate change, ideological polarization, cultural alienation and war driven humanitarian crisis, Georgia stands firmly as a guardian of dialogue, peace, stability and sustainable development. Despite the many challenges surrounding us, we have managed to ensure the security of our people. The fundamental philosophy of the Georgian government remains to preserve peace and no matter the cost, to spare our people from war. For the fourth year now, a horrific bloody war has been raging in Ukraine, bringing catastrophic consequences and immense human suffering. Drawing on the bitter experience of the two thousand and eight war, whose wounds have not yet healed for the Georgian people, we understand better than many the pain that Ukrainian nation endures today. Now as before, Georgia expresses its firm and unwavering support for Ukrainian people. As we deeply understand the importance of peace, Georgia contributes to the transformation of the South Caucasus and strives to turn it from a zone of conflicts into a space of dialogue among civilizations and economic prosperity. We welcome President Donald Trump’s peace initiative between Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as his efforts to bring the bloody war between Russia and Ukraine to an end soon. Georgia has always supported and actively strived to establish sustainable and long term peace in the South Caucasus as well as to deepen trust and cooperation amongst its neighbors. For centuries, our country has been at crossroads of civilization and a space for dialogue among diverse cultures. Today, Georgia is reclaiming its historical role. Close relations with the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia, existing agreements with the European Union and Georgia’s key position in the Middle Corridor all give our country a special significance, both within the region and across the Eurasian Continent. Georgia is the shortest connecting route and natural bridge between Europe and Asia, The U. And the East. Thanks to our geographical location and pragmatic foreign policy, Georgia is emerging as a multidimensional and multifunctional regional hub, both in terms of trade and energy transit. Georgia makes a significant contribution to development of the Middle Corridor strategic route and does everything to ensure that the corridor becomes the fastest, most reliable and most stable connecting road between East and West. We are actively working with international investors, developing infrastructure and facilitating the creation of new energy transit routes, all of which ultimately enhance the connectivity between Asian and European markets. Within the framework of the Middle Corridor and its development, Georgia has launched strategically significant projects aimed at increasing the volume and intensity of rail, sea and air transportation. Among them, the railway modernization project has already been completed, while work is actively underway on the deep sea port in Anaklaia, the new international airport in Tbilisi and the Black Sea submarine cable projects. These projects, on one hand, provide landlocked countries in Central Asia and the Sao Caucasus with maritime connectivity to the rest of the world. On the other hand, the projects are implementing health diversity energy routes. We are implementing health diversity energy routes, thereby significantly enhancing the energy security of Europe and South Caucasus. To promote the development of the Middle Corridor and enhance connectivity between the two largest markets, Asia and Europe, Georgia has been hosting the Felicity Growth Forum for eight years. It is an international platform for dialogue and new opportunities, attended up to 2,000 delegates from 60 countries. Our goal is to develop constructive relations based on mutual respect and shared benefits with major economies such as The United States, China, European Union and others. We are open to any dialogue and cooperation, But at the same time, we demand respect and fair and dignified approach. What the Georgian people will never accept is being spoken to in the language of ultimatums, blackmail or intimidation. Georgia is a faithful adherent to the fundamental principles or values of the United Nations and a dignified responsible member of the international community, as evidenced by the considerable efforts by the current government of Georgia to improve the protection of human rights. It is precisely thanks to the pragmatic and rational policies of the government of Georgia that we have maintained peace and economic growth, significantly improving the quality of life of our citizens. Despite numerous challenges in recent years, Georgia has demonstrated remarkable resilience to external shocks. The positive trajectory of Georgia’s development is reflected in and confirmed by the international rankings and indicators of the world’s most reputable organizations. Despite 20% of Georgia’s territory remaining under occupation, we continue to pursue development and progress with great energy and determination. We are entrusted with the mission that our children may live in a stronger, dignified Georgia and peaceful world. And now I want to address our brothers and sisters on the other side of the occupation line. For centuries, we have written Georgia’s history together, a history filled with the heroism of our ancestors through our shared struggle for survival of our nation and the love for our motherland. We have never been a large empire imposing its rules on the others. We have always been a country proud of its diversity. Georgia is a place where civilizations have met, blended and balanced each other for centuries. Our culture is the very product of this complex and enduring synthesis. My Abkhaz and Ossetian brothers and sisters, Our culture accord has not changed. For us, diversity is not a problem. It remains an essential formula for our existence, which is why we always meet our compatriots from the other side of the occupation line with open hearts and outstretched hands. It’s our duty through joint efforts to overcome artificially create obstacles, rebuild broken bridges and leave past grievances to history. As a people of exceptional patience and resilience, I believe that one day, we will, together with our children in a united we will live with our children in a united, happy and developed Georgia, where nothing will stand in the way of our harmonious coexistence. Herewith, I would like to express my gratitude to the international community for its unwavering support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Georgia, like the entire world, is going through a pivotal moment in modern history. We live in a transitional era where the future of the international order remains uncertain. United Nations must ensure our planet’s transition to a peaceful, stable and fair, multipolar international order. Georgia is responsible as a responsible member of international community is ready to support the United Nations in becoming the inevitable alternative to war and the principal guarantor of peace. I would like to reiterate that we are prepared and open, taking into account our national interest to engage in dialogue with all parties on issues of global and regional significance. The current reality requires us to face difficult issues and initiate an open, pragmatic and result oriented dialogue. I believe that only in this way we can overcome common global challenges and unlock new opportunities for the benefit of our countries, peoples and future generations. Thank you very much for your attention. May God bless humanity.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:56:33] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the President of Georgia. The assembly will now hear an address by his excellency LLuis Alberto Arce Catacora, constitutional president of the plural national state of Bolivia. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Bolivia: [01:56:41] A very good morning to all of you. Allow me to express brotherly greetings to the president of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Annalena Baerbock, and through her to the entire assembly. The eightieth session isn’t just any other date. It is a space for historic time which invites us to stop and to look back to remember why this organization was born and why it has seen the results that humanity was waiting for after the two world wars in which the fight for wealth and areas of influence left in its wake millions of dead, displaced, and wounded. We are living with a wound that we’re trying to overlook over eight decades. In the Concert of Nations, we have seen the development of narratives that using the skill of the great powers with long standing experience in international community have camouflaged deep wounds and the devastating memories of humanity. They’ve done so using smart normative texts that pretend to be the duty of the United Nations through audio visuals and others that are not very effective in light of facing flagrant problems such as neocolonialism in all of its expressions, territorial occupation, economic, political and cultural interference, racism, discrimination, the arms race and violence which is implicit in all of this without taking into account other aspects such as hunger, climate change, the food crisis and the increasingly frequent economic crises. The effects of these realities are clear to all confrontations and discourse that promotes hatred and division between kindred states, inequality, exclusion, poverty, and inequality and injustice still produced within institutions that were created to protect the rights of the weakest. And we’re not even talking about economic, social, and the cultural rights of people, and even more if you look at the the rights of indigenous peoples. A sincere assessment leads us to confirm that in eighty years we have not met the expected results. Consequently, we are not in a good position. The world remains divided and confronted against itself more than eighty years ago. Today in the world, there is greater inequality in the distribution of wealth than there was eighty years ago. The poverty figures, inequality and injustice rather than being curbed is on the increase. The risk that any remaining peace should disappear and the third world war would overtake the entire planet is very close if we don’t react in time. The danger here is that the unstoppable force of capitalism with the misuse of artificial intelligence would increase the climate change, would liquidate the planet, and would convert the immense majority of the population into unnecessary beings is also something that we can’t completely rule out. We’re not in a good place. The UN was established on the basis of the foundations of the skeletons of the the holocaust and the not only physical but also moral ruins left by the fascist racism and also increasing neocolonialism with the use of two atomic bombs. One of the goals that gave rise to the United Nations was to not repeat the barbarity of war. Today, we hear the echoes of the drums of war on all continents. We see the practice of genocide on the single the sole decision of two countries. We deny the right to be free and sovereign to a people. Sovereign sophisticated weapons are used against a sovereign country and increasing militarization is being promoted within a region with double standards in combating the war on drugs and at the same time we maintain a criminal blockade against its people and the state for the sole crime of having claimed its own independence more than six decades ago. Wars are not the same as we had eighty years ago. Wars now are multi dimensional. They use economic, financial, media, information, cyber, warfare without even taking into account military warfare which now encompasses biological warfare, war from space and other technologies that continue to be developed with impunity on the basis of technology of war. It would be nothing new to have climate wars that would have an impact on sovereignty and food security jeopardizing strategic resources such as water, we are putting at risk the very survival of the human race on earth and of life itself on the planet. Just taking off the mask from all of these tragedies, we can see that the cause of all of this is the wild capitalist system that place places the greed of the few over the rights and lives of the majority on the planet. The cause of this is the current capitalist development which tries to resolve its own crisis and ends up returning to the original forms of accumulation and increasing rates of profit. Capitalism and its imperialist face is once again using the deployment of violence, plundering plundering natural resources from sovereign states and the with bloodletting to lead to the political and economic power and take that away from another. Added to that, we have a third cause of the current wars, which is more immediate. That is the obsessive zeal of the new Trump administration to give The United States back its position as a hegemonic power at the cost of the liberal system, free trade, globalization, and to cause pain and death. Why? For what? To take ownership over natural resources, to take control over commodities for the benefit of an imperialist system, and to subordinate the majority of countries for their insatiable thirst for privilege and wealth and to try to maintain a unipolar or order at any cost. The recent publication of The US strategic defense policy sets out a redeployment of its troops around the world to in its areas of influence, Canada, Central And South America among others. The recent history with our neighbors has made us realize this is nothing else but a new way of implementing Monroeism, which was a doctrine which said that America is for the North Americans, generating conditions for a new era of neocolonialism. Madam president, distinguished heads of state and government, From the indigenous name for Latin America and The Caribbean, we can say that we are a zone of peace and we did so at the second summit of Selac in Havana in 2014. The nations in our region are complying with this mandate that we set ourselves, still bearing in mind our political and ideological differences on various topics and with regard to border and territorial occupation based disputes that remain ongoing. We can say say when we invert the equation of the Pentagon that it is peace rather than war that guides our international relations. In hearing this declaration statement in 2022 in the same place, I came to appeal to the United Nations for a general assembly to declare to the world that it would be an entire territory of peace. And eleven years have passed since that historic declaration of CELAC and three years since I made that statement in this assembly. Not only have we not declared the world as a zone of peace, rather we are facing the harsh reality of seeing how death is becoming increasingly normalized in international relations. We also feel the threat of fascism fascism in all of its variants try to exploit and dominate peoples at the current time. The threat of death has made is is Latin America and the and The Caribbean. We are seeing a bellicose potential which, it would even go so far as to use, missiles, submarines, helicopters using the pretext that this maritime space is being used against the national security of The United States through the illegal introduction of cocaine through illegal gangs belonging to drug cartels. Beyond violations of international law, this provocative action of imperialism has two intentions. First, to intervene into our kindred Bolivarian Republic Of Venezuela that since 1999 has been raising high the flags of of the its people and the sovereignty of its state and which possesses considerable natural resources particularly in oil which the North wishes to appropriate and claim. Secondly, to try to re conquer re the Latin America and the Caribbean on the basis of it undermining liberal democracy to impose militarization and to use other colonialist practices that we should call out. Imperialism is said to be used to combat drugs trafficking. This is a fallacy because if this were true, it would try to it would actually be taking effect within their own country where the demand for this type of drugs is high and where in its origins where we see different types of organized crime. What The United States is trying to do is to give our region the role of holding back the edification of a multipolar world and to submit it to its own interests. Added to these military actions, the images of which have been seen around the world, we see other types of devastating actions such as those aimed at strengthening the economic blockade against Cuba. Billions of dollars are owed by The United States to the Cuban state due to these unilateral coercive measures which are explained on the basis of rejecting the first communist revolution which will never be destroyed. The threat of death is also afflicting the Middle East. In the Middle East, the pain of millions of families and the death of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians finds no consolation. All of this history tells us, has the unconditional support of The United States which wants to speed up the displacement of the Palestinian people as quickly as possible. Peace will be an empty world while the world while the Palestinian people continues to face practices of genocide and does not have its own land and full sovereignty with East Jerusalem as its capital. But in this region, that’s not the only thing that’s happening. The fragile political and geopolitical stability is threatened by preventive attacks against the Islamic Republic Of Iran and against the small nation of Yemen. Very similarly to what is happening, what was done by ex president George Bush, the threat of death is also clear in Eurasia. In Eurasia, despite the intermittent attempts to achieve a political outcome, ambitions of NATO, which is nothing else than the military arm of concentrated capital, is trying to track the military conflict by using Ukraine as a launch pad against the Russian Federation. The threat of death also hangs over Asia. The East China Sea, which is an area of great geostrategic and economic importance, is facing two problems that could have an impact not only on the region but also the entire world. The overcoming of the sovereignty of Taiwan by the People’s Republic Of China is another example of explicit neocolonialism that is encouraged by The United States as well as the dispute on the Senkaku Islands, the sovereignty of which is disputed between Japan, Taiwan and China. It appears that these islands are home to important hydrocarbon resources. Furthermore, the constant tension between North Korea and South Korea could not only become a problem that affects these two countries but also the entire security of the world. Heads of state and government. I’ve been referring to this entire world to say that in this new imperialist intervention we should call it the same we should call it what it is, neo colonialism. And what should we do? I’m asking this I’m asking this because it’s said to one of the most outstanding strategies of the fight against fight for the emancipation of labor over capital. This is also the fight of life over death. I wish to propose that we firstly establish a commission for reparations following slavery, apartheid, genocide, and colonialism in the countries of the global South. To do so, the United Nations should find a way to ensure that those designing war and death pay their billions of dollars rather into a reparations fund. I hope that this rostrum, the highest on the international stage, will also serve to be able to launch an appeal and recognize that colonialism and neocolonialism was and is an historic mistake that brings and continues to bring a social wound over the population that it victimizes. It also does this with, indigenous societies that it affects in particular. Today, on behalf of the construction of a fair future, have to condemn the devastating impact of colonialism in the past and the present. I appeal to the heads of state of CELAC and the African Union to join forces and to oppose the adverse consequences of colonialism. This commission that I’ve mentioned should set up effective mechanisms to restore historic justice in the following spheres: reparations, land rights, recovery of the environment destroyed but through the action of the colonizers and transnational corporations, apologies for the colonial past through the restitution of cultural goods of the indigenous peoples that were taken by the colonizers during the period of expansion and genocide, the prevention of neocolonial practices, programmes for the development of indigenous peoples and the preservation of their cultural identity. We should also provide compensation to people who have resisted the military occupation of their territories and those that are suffering under unilateral sanctions and economic blockades. Secondly, we should convert the UN General Assembly into a body with binding power so that it can be an effective voice for all peoples and not a space where we simply realize the will of the most powerful. We need this forum to be an ethical nucleus, a political heart and the living spirit of a new era guided by the culture of life, we need the resolutions adopted within the UN General Assembly to not be vetoed by any superpower and to be truly complied with. This means ensuring that multilateralism is truly valid and not just a formality. We should declare the world as a zone of peace and promote demilitarization as far as possible. The immense majority of the population in the world refuses to accept that the revitalization or overcoming the cyclical crises of capital should be done on the basis of investment in billions of dollars to manufacture all types of conventional and unconventional weapons. Just one third of military expenditure would give us better and greater education, health and housing guaranteed for everyone. The UN has to become a pact for peace and for life as the shared destiny of everyone who believes in living together. Four, we need to undertake a profound reform of the Security Council that would prevent one of two countries holding up global stability. We need to ensure this reform and ensure the reform that the countries of the Global South have been insisting on for several years. Democratizing the Security Council would be giving effect to the principle of the legal equality of states and democratizing the future. It would be to ensure that the voices of Africa, Latin America and The Caribbean, Asia and the historically marginalized peoples would also count.

##Bolivia: [02:18:23] Five, we should move towards the universal declaration of the rights of mother earth. Bolivia together with the Amazonian people speaks up to recall the urgent need for international cooperation to strengthen the conservation of the Amazon. We should do so through strengthening the sovereignty of Amazonian countries over this strategic biome for the world. Defending the Amazon means defending life. Six, we must reject all forms of commercial war and work to reduce economic and social divides between the countries of central capitalism and countries on the periphery. Trade wars not only affect companies but also the immense world of work. It also lessens to alarming levels the possibility for lower classes to access acceptable food. The hegemonic and capitalist interests don’t have any right to overtake rights trade and, reduce the right to employment, food and education for the working classes. Dear guests here at the eightieth session of the UN General Assembly, I’m very grateful that on this occasion of the eightieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, having listened to the analysis and the outlook of the plural national state of Bolivia over critical problems facing us today and as we look ahead to working together for peace, development and collective human rights. The Bolivian people to whom we have guaranteed a democratic transit as that we have not seen in twenty eight years in our country is looking forward to seeing the changes that we must see within the United Nations in order to guarantee global peace. Thank you very much.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:20:35] Gracias. On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Constitutional President of the Puri National State Of Bolivia. The Assembly will hear an address by His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, Head of State and Head of Government. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Gabon: [02:21:30] Madam president of the general assembly, distinguished heads of state and government, distinguished secretary general of the United Nations, distinguished delegates, ladies, and gentlemen, at the outset, I would like to most warmly and sincerely congratulate her excellency, Annalena Bairbuck, on her election as president of this eightieth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Madam president, your experience, I am sure, will allow you to effectively carry out the missions of your august post. Rest assured of the full cooperation of my country. To his excellency, Philemon Yang, your predecessor, I paid tribute to the outstanding work carried out during his term. And lastly, I would like to once again commend his excellency, Antonio Gutierrez, secretary general of our organization for all of the efforts that he has constantly made since he took up his office. Gabon, my country, is keenly interested in the UN80 initiative, which aims at ensuring operational efficiency in the face of global challenges as well as to optimize mandates within the UN system. Madam President, one year ago before this prestigious assembly, as the president of the transition of the Republic Of Gabon, I presented the political process begun in my country after the liberation coup, which took place on 08/30/2023. After the presidential election of 04/12/2025, for which the process and outcomes were unanimously endorsed by the international community, This transition culminated with my inauguration on 05/03/2025 as the first elected president of the Japanese Republic, thus establishing the foundations of democratic order. As you know, Gabon has undergone a peaceful and exemplary transition that included all the political parties in our nation. This smooth transition led to an inclusive national dialogue and a constitutional referendum in accordance with the agreed upon timelines. And it will continue through the holding of legislative, local and senatorial elections that are free and transparent. To this end, the first and second round of combined legislative and local elections will take place on September 27 and 10/11/2025. With regard to the election of senators, this will take place on November 8, and the second round is scheduled for 11/29/2025, with a view toward a definitive restoration of constitutional order by January 2026. We believe that this peaceful and historic process can serve as a lesson and a model in many other spheres. The people of Gabon have drawn this success from its history, its culture of peace and its shared vision of the future. Here, I would like to express on behalf of the Gabonese people and on my own behalf, our sincere gratitude to the United Nations for its multifaceted assistance. I know that I can count on the support of the UN as we implement our national growth and development plan. This plan focuses on bolstering our energy capacity, on strengthening infrastructure, developing digital sector and on enhancing youth employment. Ladies and gentlemen, Gabon is standing before you again with a clear message. Our country has changed. After decades of tensions and political and economic missteps, the Gabonese people has chosen the path of reconciliation and renewal, thus becoming the symbol of and testament to the transformation of hardship into hope, of dependency into dignity, of division into unity, and all without bloodshed. Today, Gabon is no longer a country in limbo. It has returned to stand alongside other states upright, dignified, and ready to take up its rightful place in the community of nations. The new Gabon, the exemplary Gabon that my compatriots are calling for also means that the state in Gabon must serve its people from now on. But our national rebirth would be futile without a change in the international order. It is no longer acceptable for African nations to remain relegated to the role of providers of raw materials for which others set the price and from which others profit. Therefore, I would like to invite public and private investors to support us through win win partnerships. We have decided to transform to process our resources on our territory to create jobs at home to develop African industries and to interact with the world on the basis of equity, integrity, and mutual respect as we strive toward happiness. In its path toward development, Gabon, a country of peace and opportunity, will continue to welcome all those who commit to upholding our laws, our republican values, and to contributing positively to our national rise. Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, this eightieth session of the general assembly has the theme, better together, eighty years and more for peace, development and human rights. It takes place in an international context characterized by economic, environmental and security crises that call for more sustained and more staunch collective engagement. This is an urgent call to tackle these concerns in accordance with the spirit and the values of the UN charter. Ladies and gentlemen, today, the world has a radically different face. Humanity has never had so much technological prowess to ensure its well-being, and yet international peace and security have never seemed so fragile and so under threat. It is high time that peace reign on earth and especially in Africa, which has so long suffered under conflicts that have been stoked and financed from outside the continent. Let the guns at last fall silent in the DRC, in Sudan, in the Horn Of Africa and in the Sahel. In this regard, instead of constantly stigmatizing and condemning the state of the Sahel, the international community would benefit from supporting them in their battle against the many headed threat of terrorism. Ladies and gentlemen, on 12/12/1988, Gabon officially recognized the state of Palestine. Then, as now, we support the two state solution, the only way in accordance with UN resolutions to guarantee a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as to guarantee international security. In this vein, Gabon must reaffirm its position in favor of lifting the embargo imposed on Cuba due to its negative effect on the well-being of Cuba’s people. We solemnly reaffirm our full support for international efforts carried out throughout the world to achieve peace. These efforts must be centered on humans, especially women and youth. Through the pact for the future of 2024, the UN must continue to encourage and support the crucial action of women starting from the declaration and the Beijing declaration and program of action, which we’re celebrating the thirtieth anniversary this year. Madam President of the General Assembly, Secretary General of the United Nations, the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution is an existential threat for humanity. And yet, the efforts of the international community to address these challenges remain drastically inadequate. The Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions, which we have just ratified, fills a legal gap and provides an ambitious framework for equitable and sustainable governance of biodiversity. Together, we have a real opportunity to make this treaty a true driver of transformation for present and future generations. Gabon is the guardian of part of the Congo Basin, the second largest green lung of our planet. This extraordinary heritage must not be sacrificed to financial rapacity. We call for an equitable global partnership in which the protection of our forest accompanied by fair compensation for the ecological services these forests provide to humanity. Ladies and gentlemen, the new global order is underway. The changes taking place in our societies are inevitable and cannot be overlooked. International peace and justice can only be guaranteed by a revitalized multilateralism, in particular, through Security Council reform that takes into account the African claims enshrined in the Syrt Declaration and the Ezalwini consensus to which Gabon is firmly committed. I wish every success to our work and I wish a happy birthday to our organization. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:00:00] The assembly will hear an address by his excellency John Dramani Mahama, president of The Republic Of Ghana. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Ghana: [00:00:37] Thank you, Madam president, mister secretary general, excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, at this eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, I’d like to speak about Africa’s role in the future of this organization. However, it’s impossible to do that without first considering the collective role that Africa played in its founding, which was small and relatively insignificant. Of the 51 member states involved in the founding of the United Nations in 1945, only four were African. Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, and South Africa. It is important to point out that the United Nations came into being in the aftermath of World War two because of the inability of its predecessor, the League of Nations, to avert a large scale global conflict, which had been its guiding purpose when it was founded in 1920 at the end of the world first world war. Out of the 42 founding member states of the League of Nations, only three were African. Liberia, the Union of South Africa, and Ethiopia. Egypt was to join later in 1937. Africa’s overall participation in the organization’s founding was minimal and relatively unimportant. That’s because before all the other talks and meetings, representatives from a group of 40 nations gathered in Berlin for a series of discussions that began in 1884 and which led to the partitioning and formal colonization of the African Continent, which is also called the scramble for Africa. It has famously been written that past is prologue. Well, in the past, the majority of the 54 nations that now comprise Africa were never offered a seat at the table where plans for a new world order were being drawn. But madam president, as fate would have it, the tables are turning, and Africa’s role in the authorship of whatever is yet to come for this world is going to be huge and it will be consequential. According to this organization’s own projections, by the year 2050, more than 25% of the world’s population is expected to come from the African Continent. Additionally, by 2050, one third of all young people aged between 15 to 24 will be residing on the African Continent. So you see, the future of this world is African. Allow me to say this once again a little louder for those of you in the back, the future is African. Already today, Africa is a catalyst for human potential and development as well as for economic reform and ecological stability. Africa is a catalyst for systemic change. If this reality, which is fact based and straightforward, seems provocative or unsettling, perhaps it’s because you are viewing it through the lens of centuries of filters, colonialism and imperialism, and the resulting implicit bias. Maybe you are unaware of the resilience of African nations or their remarkable ability to make a strong comeback just when you think it’s safe to count them out. That is what is happening right now in my own country, Ghana. Our cons just when you think it’s safe to count them out. That is what is happening right now in my own country, Ghana. Our constitution limits lead us to two four year terms. In January, I was sworn in for a second term, which let me point out, was nonconsecutive with my first term. Our currency, the Ghana CD, was rapidly depreciating, faced with rising inflation, a huge debt burden, and low morale amongst our citizens. My new administration settled down quickly and embarked on an ambitious program of comprehensive transformation designed to restructure Ghana’s economic foundation and enhance our competitive standing globally. We refer to this process of recalibration as our reset agenda. In just eight months, we have achieved significant reduction in inflation from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% in August 2025, restoring price stability for our citizens. Additionally, our currency, the Ghana CD, has appreciated considerably against other currencies with Bloomberg reporting it as the best performing currency in the world at one point. Our improved sovereign credit rating reflects increasing investor confidence in our economy, and our twenty four hour economy initiative promises to transform our economy. And there’s a renewed willingness amongst our people to trust that the elected officials have garnished interest at heart and that we are progressing together. Madam president, I believe that in honor of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda. Since the organization’s founding, the number of UN members member nations has nearly quadrupled. And quite frankly, it is not the same world that it was back then when the UN was formed. I mentioned earlier that I began my second nonconsecutive term as president this past January. My first term ended in January 2017. In that span of time, eight years, the world has changed with such ferocity. My first days in office after my return felt as though I had just awakened from a Rip Van Winkle style sleep. Now note, that was only after eight years. Imagine then what it will be like after eighty years since the founding of the United Nations. In 1945, the sun had not yet set on the largest empire in history. The most common mode of international travel was by sea. The personal computer had not been invented, let alone made portable. And television, a new convenience, was still in its infancy, albeit in black and white color. Relations between The US and The Soviet Union were turning frosty, with mister Churchill declaring that an iron curtain has descended across the European continent. Fast track eighty years on. In today’s world, hundreds of thousands of commercial flights take off and land every day. Libraries have been digitized so that volumes of literature can exist on a small device small enough to fit inside your pocket. We live in a world of cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, social media, the internet and its dark hidden dungeon of the dark web, all of which carry a potential threat to global peace and security. Climate change is real, and we’re fighting a losing battle against the loss of Maldives and other island nations to the rising sea level, against the loss of Timbuktu to desertification, and the Amazon Forest to global warming and deforestation. Madam president, the UN founding charter is outdated when it comes to representation in this August assembly. The most powerful post World War two nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world. And yet, the first sentence in chapter two article one of the UN Charter declares that the organization is based on the principle of sovereign equality of all its members. If this were true and was the case, a continent as large as Africa with its numerous UN member states would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council. Furthermore, we believe that veto power should not be restricted to only five nations nor should it be absolute. There must be a mechanism in this house for the general assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute veto to serve its own interest in a dispute. In 1995, during the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, Nelson Mandela stood in this very spot. And he said, the United Nations has to reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures. It should truly reflect the diversity of our universe and ensure equity among the nations in the exercise of power within the system of international relations in general and the security council in particular. I close quotations. Thirty years later, we African leaders are still making the same simple request for a permanent seat on the Security Council with the power of a veto. So today, madam president, I stand here in this exact spot and ask the world, if not now, then when? We demand not only a reform of the security council, but also a reset of the global financial architecture, which is currently rigged against Africa. Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions. And while I’m making requests, I’d like to call for the removal of the blockade on Cuba. As doctor Kwame Nkrumah, our nation’s founder, famously said, we seek to be friends with all and enemies to none. The Cuban people shed their blood on African soil in the fight against apartheid. And indeed, Cuba has been and continues to be a faithful friend of Africa. You see, the very fact that I can stand here and ask these things and say these things, and the fact that all nations can ostensibly gather here to address critical global issues, air our grievances, and express our concerns, that is what makes the survival of this organization so important. In every old city or village, you’ll find a town square or a courtyard or a plaza that once served as a gathering space for the citizens of the community and their leaders. Meetings and celebrations were held there as were trials and elections, and these were spaces that brought people together and held them together as a community. Sadly, time and technology have eroded these spaces. Madam president, in many ways, the United Nations is the proverbial town square of our modern global village, and it has never been more critical for us to protect this one space that brings and holds the world nations together as a community. The Internet, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence offers the illusion of connectivity. When in fact, what they do is reinforce isolation by using algorithms that ensure that we do not receive new ideas and perspectives, but rather more of the same content. We accept alternative facts and manipulated images, making it easy to disseminate this information and sow seeds of division amongst communities. Madam president, these are dangerous times. Our world is currently experiencing a rise in nationalism and economic instability. There’s a general breakdown of multilateralism, various acts of aggression have been committed against the sovereignty of others, and nations are attempting to circumvent the very safeguards that were put in place to prevent large scale global conflict. These conditions are all too similar to the ones that led to the League of Nations failure in fulfilling its mandate. The denial of visas to president Abbas and the Palestinian delegation sets a bad precedent and should be deeply worrying to all member nations of the United Nations. Ghana recognized the state of Palestine in 1988 and supported a two state solution to the conflict since then. And I say, contrary to the claims of some, a two state solution would not be a reward for Hamas. It would rather be a retreat for the hundreds of thousands of innocent women and children and people who are facing collective punishment and forced starvation for no reason other than the fact that they are Palestinian. For nearly two years and for the fear of reprisals, we here in this general assembly have been playing hide and seek with language to find the right words to help us avoid or excuse what we all know is taking place in Gaza. But here’s the thing, it doesn’t matter what you call it. If it looks like a duck, it swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, well, then it must be a duck. The crimes in Gaza must stop. The crimes in Gaza must stop. Madam president, I also want to draw particular attention to the conflict in Sudan, which this body has described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. 12,000,000 people have had to flee their homes. And when we speak of migration, we refer to the 12,000,000 new Sudanese refugees whom we, as a global community, should be willing to assist in much the same way that many member nations readily assisted new refugees coming out of Ukraine. Let’s dispense with the euphemisms and dog whistles and speak frankly. It is not a mystery that when leaders of western nations complain of their migration problems, they are often referring to immigrants from the global South. But many of those immigrants are climate refugees. And interestingly, the global North emits 75% more greenhouse gases than the global South. However, the effects of climate change are more severe in the global South because we lack the resources to address them effectively. And so when the desert encroaches on our villages and towns and they become unlivable, we are forced to flee. While Sanshiri, a Somali born prophet a Somali British poet born in Kenya to Somalian refugee parents, was London’s first youth poet laureate. She writes in her poem titled Home. And it says, you have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land. No one burns their palms under trains beneath carriages. No one spends days and nights in the stomach of a truck feeding on newspaper unless the miles traveled mean something more than just a journey. Madam president, we cannot normalize cruelty. We cannot normalize hatred. We cannot normalize xenophobia and racism. We’re going to tell a story. Let’s not tell it slant. Let’s tell all the truth. When we speak of migrants, we speak of Mami Ewusi Mensa Frempong, a judge on the US district court for the Central District Of California. She’s the first black female judge on any of California’s federal district courts. She was born here in America to immigrant parents from Ghana. We speak of Peter Bossman, a medical doctor in Ghana who moved to the town of Peran in Slovenia in the nineteen eighties and later became the first black mayor of Peran. The first black mayor in Slovenia and in the whole of Eastern Europe. We speak of t Michael, the iconic Ghanaian Norwegian artist and designer, and of course, we speak of the late Kofi Annan, former United Nations secretary general. Former United Nations secretary general and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who was born in Ghana but spent his adulthood in various places in America and Europe. These are people who have brought great distinction to the countries that they decided to call home. Just as the migrants and the children of migrants before them did, I dare say these are not invaders. These are not criminals. Madam president, the slave trade must be recognized as the greatest crime against humanity. As the African champion on reparations, Ghana intends to introduce a motion in this August body to that effect. More than 12 and a half million Africans were forcibly taken against their will and transported to create wealth for the powerful western nations. We must demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonization of our land that resulted in the theft of our natural resources, as well as the looting of artifacts and other items of cultural heritage that have yet to be returned in total. We recognize the value of our land and the value of our lives as did our colonizers, as well as the governments that happily paid reparations to former slave owners as compensation for the loss of their property in quotes. And that property for which they received compensation was for which compensation was paid, referred to as slave people who had been freed. Madam president, an increasingly insecure world is witnessing upward spending on defense budgets of bilateral partners and steep cuts in official development assistance. Since July 2024, it is estimated that there’s been a 40% drop in humanitarian aid globally. In this era of global uncertainty, Africa must exercise sovereignty over its natural resources to raise the necessary funds to ensure the well-being of its citizens. The days of parceling out vast concession areas to foreign interest for exploitation must come to an end. We’ll continue to welcome foreign investment, but we must negotiate better for a bigger share of the natural resources that belong to us. And we must insist on value addition to these resources. We’re tired of the continued image of poverty stricken disease ridden rural communities living at the periphery of huge foreign controlled natural resource concession areas. We’re tired of having people extract the most that come from us and in return, offer us the very least by way of respect, consideration, and dignity. We’re tired of not being represented in ways that reveal the richness and complexity of our history or acknowledge all that we have overcome to arrive here in this liminal space of untold possibilities. Allow me to echo the Indian American writer, Arundhati Roy, who wrote, another world is not only possible. She’s on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her briefing. I want to add that for the sake of Africa and quite self selfishly for the sake of my 18 year old daughter, I hope that this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls. To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential. In closing, madam president, I’d like to congratulate you on your election to preside over this historic eightieth general assembly and on being the fifth woman to hold this I’d also like to congratulate her excellency Nana Genopokwajiman on being the first woman vice president of Ghana. Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend. Words matter, but issues of representation matter even more, which is why Ghana looks forward to the appointment of a woman as secretary general of this organization in the near future. Madam president, your excellencies, I thank you for your kind attention.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:21:51] On behalf of the generous symbi, I wish to thank the president of The Republic Of Ghana. The assembly will hear an address by his excellency, Úmaro Sissoco Embaló, president of The Republic Of Guinea Bissau. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Guinea Bissau: [00:22:39] Madam president, distinguished Heads of State and Government, Mr. Secretary General, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to begin by congratulating Mrs. Annalena Barbock on her election as President of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly. I thank the outgoing President, Mr. Philemon Yang, for his service to the international community. To Secretary General Antonio Guterres, I wish to reaffirm Guinea Bissau’s full support for his tireless efforts in favor of world peace, international cooperation, multilateralism and sustainable Eighty years ago, the founders of the United Nations pledged to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. That promise, unfortunately, has not yet been fully fulfilled. Yet this commitment undertaken by each member state upon joining the UN Charter remains valid and continues to be honored through the dedication of every UN peacekeeper and every humanitarian worker who often make the difference between life and death in conflict zones or following natural disasters. U. N. Agencies such as WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, FAO, WFP, UNHCR and UNDP, among others, provide treatment, education, vaccines, food and protect every day millions of human beings and contribute to the fight against poverty and discrimination against women and girls all over the world. The United Nations remains relevant, especially in these times of deep global uncertainty and crisis. It continues to be the only forum where all nations, large and small, have a seat and a voice. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we live in a world confronted by multiple crises. We are witnessing what Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called poly crisis. Conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and other regions persist. Socioeconomic inequalities, environmental shocks, political instability and humanitarian emergencies disproportionately affect developing countries, with the greatest impact on small island developing states. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals has slowed significantly or even stalled. The sovereign debt burden of poor countries is increasing, while development assistance is declining. Kene Bissau welcomes the UN80 initiative, and we hope it will contribute to strengthening the organization, especially in promoting peace, international security and the achievement of the SDGs. The Pact for the Future offers a road map and an action plan that must not remain on paper. Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Last July, Guinea Bissau hosted the fifteenth Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, CPLP. I have taken on the presidency of the CPLP for the twenty twenty five, twenty twenty seven term. The CPLP places high importance on its cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies. During our term, we will continue to work with all partners and multilateral organizations toward the implementation of global commitments, especially concerning the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the third UN Ocean Conference and the fourth UN Conference on Financing for Development held last JuneJuly in Seville. We are convinced that two major international meetings scheduled for November, namely COP30 in Berlin, Brazil and the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, will serve as key platforms and opportunities to strengthen our cooperation and to advance our shared goals. Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Geno Bissau is scheduled to hold presidential and legislative elections on the November 23 this year. All necessary conditions are being put in place to ensure that these elections are held peacefully, freely, transparently and credibly. Over the past five years, I have prioritized dialogue, inclusion, political stability and the consolidation of the democratic rule of law. I am confident that these upcoming elections will reaffirm the irreversible nature of citizenship and democratic values in Guinea Bissau. Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to conclude by saying that in an increasingly interdependent world, we need, now more than ever, a world order grounded in the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter in respect for international law and in peaceful coexistence. In this regard, GILBISO reiterates our call for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo and other forms of restrictions imposed on Cuba. Eighty years after the creation of the United Nations, the world has changed. We are no longer just the 51 countries who signed the UN Charter in 1945. Today, the United Nations is all of us, the 193 member states plus observer states, NGOs, civil society organizations and other actors represented in this great assembly hall. To meet the challenges of the twenty first century, the UN must undertake urgent reforms, reforms that reflect today’s geopolitical realities and global power balances reforms that expand and democratize the Security Council reforms that provide a place and a voice to the Global South reforms that restore confidence in the multilateralism and international cooperation. The UN continues to be a unique multilateral space where dialogue is still possible, even when diplomacy and good offices fail elsewhere and in other circumstances. The legitimacy, strength and future of the UN lie in the inclusion and full participation of all of us in deliberations and decision making. Its core details, peace, dignity, equality, poverty eradication, cooperation and peaceful resolution of conflicts remain alive and continue to inspire the purposes of the international community and the march of humanity. Thank you very much.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:30:54] On behalf on behalf of the assembly, I I wish to thank the president of the Republic Of Guinea Bissau. The assembly will hear an address by his majesty king, Mswati III head of the state of the Kingdom Of Eswatini. I request protocol to escort his majesty and invite him to address the assembly.

##Eswatini: [00:31:58] Your excellency, madam president of the general assembly, your majesties, excellencies, heads of state and government, UN secretary general, distinguished delegates, ladies, and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to address the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly under the theme better together, eight years and more for peace development and human rights. At the outset, we wish to assure you, madam president, of, Eswatini’s unwavering support during your tenure. We also commend the UN secretary general and the secretary for their steadfast leadership in navigating our world through unprecedented challenges. As we gather today, mankind is confronted with many challenges, including conflicts around the world. We must remind ourselves that when the United Nations was established in 1945, It was during a time of widespread global strife. Its founding fathers resolved that no country or people should endure suffering due to conflict. The UN Charter and structure the UN Charter and structured were designed to be clear and resolute. Now is the time to ask ourselves what has gone wrong and what steps must be taken to correct these challenges and restore the UN’s mission of fostering peace. The question we must ask ourselves further is, what is the UN doing to address these issues effectively? I propose that the United Nations establishes ad hoc committees to tackle global conflicts and promote peace. These committees should have a equitable representation in dealing with the relative conflicts in the diverse regions of hotspots, including Africa, The Middle East, Europe, and beyond, ensuring that all affected nations have a voice. Supported by the Secretariat of the United Nations, these ad hoc committees would visit conflict zones, engage with local communities, and work towards peaceful resolutions. For for instance, in Africa, the conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, The Sahel, and the Great Lakes need the intervention of these hard work ad hoc committees. In The Middle East, they should, facilitate dialogue with all parties involved. The team could ask the Palestinians what it will take to release the hostages given the fact that the Israelis would remain aggrieved as long as their loved ones are not with them. Similarly, the ad hoc committee should engage the Israelis to assert to ascertain what it will also take for them to stop the bombardment, to avoid loss of more innocent lives, widespread destruction of property, and a growing refugee crisis. By engaging directly with the affected communities, these community communities could help broker solutions that address the concerns of all sides to reduce tensions, suffering, and foster stability. In the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, these ad hoc committees could mediate discussions to identify pathways to peace. Their role would be to engage in meaningful dialogue and report back to the United Nations with actionable recommendations on what it would take to end the war. In Swatini, we encourage that yield positive outcomes provide proving that dialogue is the cornerstone in nation building. We thank those countries already making means in finding solutions. This suggested approach is not meant to undermine their efforts, but, it would complement them as they are already working towards peaceful resolutions. We must avoid actions that could escalate tensions further and instead focus on saving innocent lives. Millions of lives have already been lost during the COVID nineteen pandemic. We, therefore, cannot afford to lose any more to conflict. The UN must now focus on supporting the building of economies of the world to address issues of poverty and the global financial crisis, which we experienced after the COVID nineteen pandemic. By investing in these areas, we can create conditions for lasting peace. We therefore need one another in building and supporting our development initiatives in our respective countries. The time for action is now. The UN was established in pursuit of international law and peace, and its mandate dates back decades. In 2025 and onwards, we must renew our commitment to this mission. By forming these ad hoc committees and making informed, inclusive decisions, we can work towards a world where peace prevails and no nation or people suffer needlessly. We have been calling for the restructuring of the United Nations as a body representing all member states. It must lead with decisions that are inclusive and widely respected as no one will question the process taken. These reforms should be fully representative of all countries through the regions of the world in the Security Council to create an all inclusive structure. Without such reform, the legitimacy and effectiveness of this body will remain incomplete. We have been encouraged to witness UN high level meetings prior to the General Assembly being held to address various issues. These include the SAVIL and AWAZA declarations on financing for development and socioeconomic challenges faced by landlocked countries. We are aware that for any growth to take place, nations must have enough resources to achieve sustainable development goals. As we convene to advance international cooperation and to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, we are reminded that our work is both urgent and indispensable. The theme Better Together underscores the imperative of delivering on the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and reinvigorating global cooperation. Eswatini continues to believe that working together remains our most powerful tool for addressing global challenges that transcend borders. The world stands at a critical juncture in pursuit of Agenda 2,030. With only five years remaining, we must face the reality that progress on the SDG is far off track. This is a sobering reminder that our collective efforts must be redoubled and that international solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility are more urgent than ever before. Through my national call to all Eswatini, to all Emasuati of Ngue for a greater sense of agency in the pursuit of sustainable development, The Kingdom has made important strides in advancing Agenda 02/1930, particularly in the areas of the economy in various sectors health, education and gender equality, to mention a few. Furthermore, the country’s literacy rates have improved, reflecting our investments in education while the nation continues to be empowered through targeted programs that strengthen their role in our society and economy. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when determination and partnership come together. While we have witnessed the GDP growth of our economy, we remain with a number of challenges to address, and we count on the UN for support to become one of the advanced economies of the world. We have implemented initiatives to grow our economy and attract new investments by opening trade opportunities with other countries that give access to regional and international markets. Your Excellencies, the global economy remains fragile. Persistent inflation resulting in rising food and energy prices as well as tightening financial conditions have eroded physical space for many developing nations. Across Sub Saharan Africa, countries spend on average 12% of government revenues on debt servicing, diverting resources urgently needed for social cohesion programs. Eswatini also advocates for trade facilitation and economic diversification, simplifying customs procedures, reducing regulatory barriers, and enabling greater participation in regional and global value chains. In this regard, the African Continental Free Trade Area has the potential to boost Intra Africa trade by up to 52%, drive industrialization, and create millions of jobs. For countries like Swatini, the after offers more than market access. It provides a pathway to overcome geographic constraints through regional integration through regional integration, cooperation, and efficient trade corridors. In an increasingly connected world, the Kingdom of Eswatini is actively striving for digital transformation as a catalyst for sustainable development. Eswatini is open for business in technology and looks forward to partnering and sharing experiences with other developed countries in advancing our technologies. Eswatini is proud of the significant progress achieved under sustainable development goal three. We welcome the progress made in the ratification of the pandemic treaty. This landmark agreement is essential for strengthening preparedness and resilience against future health emergencies, fostering effective and equitable cooperation. We remain deeply concerned about the decline in bilateral and multilateral support for global health priorities. Weakening our joint efforts threatens to erode decades of progress in this sector as health is a global security. The Kingdom of Swatini recognizes that the increasing frequencies and intensify of natural disasters, emergencies, and protracted crises highlight the urgent need for integrated responses that breach humanitarian relief, long term development, and peace building. We urgently need to strengthen disaster preparedness, build resilient communities, and integrate emergency responses with sustainable development. As Swatini, like other countries in the region, has many young and marginalized groups who face unemployment and inequality in various sectors. Ensuring empowerment, capacity building and employment is our priority and with the support of the UN programs, we are taking deliberate steps to provide a more enabling environment to guarantee their future. We equally recognize the rights and potential of persons with disabilities who continue to face disproportionate barriers to education, employment, and social participation so that they can fully contribute to and benefit from national development. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 20 seven-fifty eight adopted in 1971 did not address the issue of Taiwan’s representation in the United Nations, and it does not preclude their participation in the UN system. The United Nations must seek suitable ways of including Taiwan so that, she can better contribute to realizing the UN sustainable development goals. In that way, this will fulfill the UN mandate to ensure that no country is left behind. Madam president, in conclusion, we are entrusted with the hopes of our people and the future of our children. Let us not leave this assembly without reaffirming our commitment to justice, peace, and sustainable progress for all. The Kingdom Of Swatini stands ready to play its part. The international community must remain united in addressing shared global challenges from hunger and malnutrition to climate change under the guiding spirit of better together. I thank you. May almighty God bless us all.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:50:50] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the head of the state of the Kingdom Of Eswatini. The assembly will hear an address by his excellency, Surangel S. Whipps, president of The Republic Of Palau. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Palau: [00:51:35] Madam president, secretary general, excellencies, distinguished guests, Delegates, it is my great honor to address this assembly at a milestone moment, the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, nations, scarred by war, came together to say, never again. They built this organization on the belief that cooperation, not conflict, could guide humanity forward. Today, as we reflect on that founding vision, let us remember the United Nations was not built for the power powerful, but for all nations, large and small. In Palau, we have a saying, Small twigs banded together can light the fire that can bring the pot to boil. This wisdom reminds us that even the smallest among us, when united and determined, can drive meaningful change. The recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion affirms this truth, that our voice, though often overlooked, carries the weight of justice. We thank Vanuatu for their leadership and recognize the Pacific youth who co led this charge. The advisory opinion confirmed what we have always known. 1.5 degrees is not optional. It is now the benchmark for international law. Let us defend this limit as the political, moral, and legal anchor of the Paris Agreement. The world is at war. Defense spending is at an all time high, approaching 3,000,000,000,000 annually. We have many problems, and now more than ever, we need to come together. We are also at war. Our shores are being invaded by seawater. Our homes are being blown away by storms. Our roads are being washed away by torrential rains. Our reefs are overheating, our fish are disappearing, and our land is on fire. This is our daily battle, and ahead of COP thirty in Belem, we must see new, nationally determined contributions submitted without delay, particularly from major emitters, and they must be aligned with the 1.5 degree trajectory. We applaud Australia’s leadership in setting incredibly ambitious and achievable 2035 emissions reduction targets and developing clear strategies to reach its net zero emissions pathway by 02/1950. Australia leads the way in supporting Pacific Islands in accelerating the energy transition. This is a testament to the kind of leadership needed to defend and ensure a safe and prosperous future for all. However, ambition without implementation is an empty promise. For SIDS, the fight depends on climate finance. Too often, our countries are trapped in systems that are overly complex, slow, inaccessible. Finance must be predictable and adequate. It should not create new debt. It should free us to implement our NDCs, adapt the climate change impacts, and address loss and damage. The 1.5 degrees Celsius limit remains our lifeline, and finance is the key to achieving it. We need investment, not in defense, but in for us to combat our greatest threat, climate change. It is not aspirational. It is scientifically it is a scientifically grounded guardrail that protects the most vulnerable from the worst climate impacts. Madam president, our region has served as the world’s moral compass on climate justice. We have helped secure the 1.5 degree goal in Paris. We have pushed for a mechanism on loss and damage. If the world is serious about 1.5, we urge you to come to our region, to see with your own eyes what The Pacific is facing, and be moved to act. That is why COP thirty one must be a Pacific COP hosted by Australia, shaped in partnership with The Pacific. Madam president, on the issue of climate solutions, deep sea mining has been incorrectly promoted as a silver bullet for the climate crisis. If we rush forward without understanding the consequences, we risk inflicting irreparable harm. The loss of biodiversity, the release of carbon, damage to our water column, and the destruction of fisheries that sustain our people is an is unfathomable. At UNOC three, 38 countries, including Palau, came together to support a moratorium, and our message is clear. We must let science guide before we exploit the deep sea. The historic BB and J agreement enters into force in January. And while Palau is proud to be the first ratifier, we couldn’t have lit this fire alone. Like the Palauan proverb of the twigs, crossing the collective effort of over 60 countries demonstrates that we are better together. While we celebrate this achievement, we need even more nations to join this commitment to truly safeguard our oceans’ future. Colleagues, the BB and J agreement presents an unprecedented opportunity to design new ocean governance institutions where SIDS have a voice from the start. We are big ocean states, and we call on our partners, including the EU, to support a SIDS seat in the BB and J governance structure. Excellencies, the stakes for SIDS could not be higher. Our economies are small, our vulnerabilities are acute, and our physical space is painfully narrow. The Antigua And Barbuda agenda for SIDS gives us a blueprint for resilient prosperity, but it cannot stand without tools. That is why the Seville commitment matters. The world has finally recognized that the financial system cannot be fair if it measures only income and ignores vulnerability. Multilateralism is our only shield, yet too often it is sidelined, blacklisted, and cut off from finance and boxed in by rules we did not write. We demand a seat not as bystanders, but as equal architects of our shared future. We call for the full and immediate integration of the multidimensional vulnerability index into the policies and frameworks of international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, and international organizations. It is time that we move the MBI from theory to practice. As we commemorate eighty years of this United Nations, we must look honestly at the strengths and its shortcomings. We welcome the secretary general’s UN 80 initiative. But let me be clear, reform cannot be cosmetic. This UN must be more responsive, more equitable, and more focused on delivery. Madam president, Palau knows too well the heavy cost of war, having endured the devastation of World War two on our islands. That history reminds us not only of the suffering left in the wake of conflict, but also the sacred value of peace. Palau has always stood for dignity of every human life and for the peaceful resolution of of disputes through dialogue and respect for international law. Our positions, whether in support or restraint, are always guided by a deeper purpose, the pursuit of peace that is just, lasting, and stable. We believe that a durable solution, one that envisions two peoples, Israelis and Palestinians living in two democratic states, side by side, in peace and in dignity and security within mutually recognized borders is essential for lasting peace. Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is a stark reminder that when international law is disregarded, peace everywhere is placed at risk. It is only through respect for the rules based order that all nations, large and small, can live securely. Continuing in that spirit of respect for life and stability, I must raise an important issue of principle. Years ago, China wrongly interpreted UNGA resolution twenty seven fifty eight, and today it continues to claim that Taiwan is a part of the People’s Republic. The end result has been Taiwan’s been silenced. The 23,000,000 people’s voices have been kept unheard, keeping Taiwan out of fully participating in the UN system and contributing to the world. Palau believes that inclusivity, which includes Taiwan, strengthens the United Nations and that no community should be barred from contributing to the solutions of our world that it so desperately needs. Madam president, let me close with another Palawan proverb. It’s about tides. Doloraidis. An incoming tide should lift everyone. The choices we make together are about lifting all of us, ensuring the next generation inherits a world that sustains them just as it has sustained us. As we face today’s greatest challenges, climate change, ocean decline, debt, inequality, wars, and conflict. No nation can carry the weight alone. But together, guided by the spirit of the UN’s founding and strengthened by eighty years of hard learned lessons, we can turn the tide. Let this assembly be remembered not only for the words we speak, but for the actions we take and for the resilience we build, the justice we uphold, and the future we secure for the generations yet to be born. We are better together. God bless you. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:06:35] On behalf on behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the president of The Republic Of Palau. The assembly will hear an address by his excellency, Ilham Heydaroglu Aliyev, president of The Republic Of Azerbaijan. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Azerbaijan: [01:07:26] Ladies and gentlemen, for many years, I spoke from this tribune about tragedies of aggression, occupation, and injustice experienced by Azerbaijan. Today, I will speak about our long road to victory and peace, and a new era in Azerbaijan’s history about how we managed to end the occupation through a liberation war and how we won peace by political means. For nearly three decades, almost 20% of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory remained under military occupation by Armenia. 1,000,000 of Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homes as a result of the policy of ethnic cleansing and war crimes conducted by Armenia. Their fundamental human rights were grossly violated. Four United Nations Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993 demanded immediate complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories. Sadly, these resolutions were never implemented. Armenia demonstratively ignored them because no sanctions were imposed on it by international community. The OSC Means Group established in 1992 to facilitate a settlement has failed in its mission. Instead of enforcing the norms and principles of international law, its co chairs sought to preserve the status quo and keep the conflict frozen. In 2020, after almost thirty years of ineffective negotiations, Azerbaijan was forced to exercise its legitimate right to self defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. During the war, Armenia shelled our towns and cities with ballistic missiles and classed ammunitions, killing more than a 100 of innocent civilians. Azerbaijan, in its turn, conducted the war in strict compliance with international humanitarian law. We ensured protection of civilians and refrained from targeting nonmilitary infrastructure. In forty four day patriotic war, our armed forces liberated occupied territories and restored Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The 10/2020 marked the capitulation of Armenia and restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity after nearly thirty years of occupation. Right after our victorious war, Azerbaijan declared its readiness to open a new page in relations with Armenia based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty. We proposed five basic principles rooted in international law. We tabled the proposal for a peace treaty. Then we initiated a negotiation process on its draft text, which lasted from October 2022 to summer twenty twenty five. Despite several attempts to derail the process, the negotiations produced positive results as they were conducted on a strict bilateral basis, free from any kind of external interference. On August, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, in the White House, in presence of the leaders of The United States, Azerbaijan and Armenia, initialed the text of peace agreement. The same day, the president of Azerbaijan and the prime minister of Armenia signed the joint declaration. President of The United States, Donald Trump, also signed it as a witness. Moreover, Azerbaijan and Armenia jointly appealed for the closure of the OSC Minsk Group and related structures as an obsolete mechanism no longer relevant to the peace process. Accordingly, on first September, the OSC adopted decision to permanently close these structures. Regional connectivity has been at the core of our vision for lasting peace. Another key outcome of the Washington Summit is the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, TRIP, which will ensure unimpeded access through the Zanghazur Corridor and foster regional connectivity. The recent Washington Summit has also signaled a new phase in Azerbaijan US relationship. Together with president Trump, we signed a memorandum of understanding between the two governments regarding the establishment of a strategic working group to develop a charter on strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and The United States. It opens new horizons for partnership in political, economic, energy, regional connectivity, defense, security, and other fields. The waiver by president Trump of the sanctions imposed on Azerbaijan in 1992 in the form of the section nine zero seven of the Freedom Support Act is a historic step as well. The permanent removal of section nine zero seven by the US Congress would eliminate a legacy of double standards and help strengthen trust and cooperation at a time when Azerbaijan is contributing to global security and stability. Overall, the agreements reached during my August visit to The United States carry historic significance. I want to express my gratitude to president Donald Trump for opening a new chapter in The US Azerbaijan relationship, for his decision to elevate it to the strategic partnership level, and for his support to the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Right after the victory in the patriotic war of twenty twenty, Azerbaijan started large scale reconstruction program in the liberated territories. During the time of occupation, Armenia leveled to the ground hundreds of Azerbaijanis cities and villages, deliberately ruined 65 mosques. That was a policy of Armenia which was ruled by war criminals for almost thirty years. We are rebuilding villages and cities razed to the ground. Under the great return program, already more than 50,000 people live, work, and study in the liberated territories. One of the greatest humanitarian challenges facing Azerbaijan in the post conflict period is landmine contamination during the time of Armenian occupation. Since November 2020, more than 400 Azerbaijani civilians and military personnel were killed or seriously injured by landmine explosions. This massive contamination obstructs the safe return of displaced persons and delays reconstruction projects. Similarly, the tragic fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis who went missing during the Armenian aggression and occupation since the early nineties continue to require close attention and action. Ladies and gentlemen, coming to the global challenges we are facing, we believe that response must be inclusive, fair and universal. Through its many initiatives, Azerbaijan shown its clear commitment to advancing sustainable solutions. Azerbaijan is proud to have hosted COP twenty nine last year, where we achieved important outcomes in advancing climate action, the green transition, and equitable access to financing. As a host of COP twenty nine, we guided negotiations towards ambitious and balanced outcomes, ensuring that all voices, particularly those of the developing world, were heard. The adoption of the new collective quantified goal at COP twenty nine, also known as Baku Finance Goal, is a historic milestone in global climate finance. This commitment brings previous 100,000,000,000 US dollar annual climate finance goal to at least 300,000,000,000 US dollar per year through 2035 from public sources in developed countries to developing countries. Azerbaijan also successfully finalized the long awaited framework for carbon markets under Article six of the Paris Agreement, making the Paris Agreement fully operational nine years after its adoption. Several key agreements were signed at COP twenty nine to make the loss and damage fund fully operational, providing critical support for vulnerable communities impacted by climate change. Being strongly committed to the green transition, we, at the same time, should not put unrealistic targets in front of us. The world cannot live without fossil fuels today and in foreseeable future. Energy security is closely linked to peace, regional connectivity, and economic development. Azerbaijan continues to play a proactive role in advancing these objectives globally. Azerbaijan has established itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in providing energy security to many countries. We play a strategic role connecting the Caspian region with international markets through diversified oil and gas pipeline systems. As of today, we are supplying natural gas to 14 countries. This ranks Azerbaijan as a top country in the world in terms of number of countries it supplies with pipeline gas. This reflects our strategic role in enhancing energy security and diversifying supply routes across Europe and beyond. Moreover, Azerbaijan and Syria have recently strengthened their bilateral partnership focusing on energy supply, infrastructure development, and post conflict reconstruction. Since August, Azerbaijan started to supply Syria with natural gas via Turkey, significantly reducing its its electricity shortages. Azerbaijan also attracts large investments in renewable energy sources, like solar, wind and hydropower. Almost 40% of our energy will be generated by renewables by 2030. Connectivity projects like East West and North South corridors cross our country. We have witnessed almost 90% growth in cargo volumes through the middle corridor since 2022. The transit time along the corridor have been significantly reduced. The biggest trade fleet in the Caspian, Aladd International Trade Port with its annual capacity reaching 25,000,000 tons in the near future, The Bakud Bilisi Kars Railroad, nine international airports, the biggest air cargo company in the region, and many other factors have turned Azerbaijan into one of international transport hubs. There’s a great potential for cooperation in digital connectivity. Azerbaijan leads the digital transformation initiative through such ambitious projects as the Digital Silk Way. This project includes plans for the advanced fiber optic cable network under the Caspian Sea, establishing Azerbaijan as a key regional digital hub. Azerbaijan achieved significant economic growth by focusing on diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, developing the non oil sector and improving the investment climate through reforms and transparency. Reducing poverty and unemployment to the historic low of 5% is another achievement of our country. Recently, two major international rating agencies, Moody’s and Fitch, have increased Azerbaijan’s ranking. Azerbaijan was provided with favor favorable investment grade status, citing very strong external balance, low public debt, and substantial sovereign wealth assets as a key strength. This underscores our economic resilience, strong fiscal discipline, and favorable investment climate. Our foreign debt is only 6.5% of GDP, which is one of the lowest in the world. Azerbaijan’s foreign exchange reserves exceed its foreign debt almost 16 times. Back in 2022, at the summit of the Caspian littoral states, I raised the issue of environmental degradation of the Caspian Sea. Today’s situation is much worse. Caspian Sea is shrinking rapidly. The main reason is not climate change. Joint efforts of littoral states are needed to stop ecological catastrophe with unpredictable consequences. Azerbaijan is also ready to cooperate closely with the UN to tackle this problem. Ladies and gentlemen, Azerbaijan is proud of its global humanitarian assistance efforts. We are providing aid to countries affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies. Azerbaijan contributed to the COVID nineteen response, donating financing, protective equipment, medical devices, and vaccines to more than 80 countries in need. Azerbaijan has entered a new era. We won both war and peace. We ended the occupation and started reconstruction. Justice has triumphed. Sovereignty has been consolidated, and peace is de facto reached. We stand prepared to share our positive experience. The achievements of the recent years are not only a victory and success of Azerbaijan, They are also a demonstration that international law must ultimately prevail. Our vision is clear, peace and development based upon international law, noninterference in internal affairs of states, mutual respect and cooperation. Let us together build a world without double standards, where justice is not selective, the rule of law is respected, and peace is achieved not through words alone but through actions. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:24:05] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the president of The Republic Of Azerbaijan. The assembly will hear an address by his excellency, Željko Komšić, chairman of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Bosnia and Herzegovina: [01:24:58] Dear Chairperson, Secretary General, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, To start with the theme of this year’s session of the United Nations General Assembly, Better Together, eighty Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights, Allow me to express my congratulations to the United Nations from this important place on behalf of Bosnia Herzegovina and all its citizens. The UN is celebrating eighty years since its founding and at the same time, eighty years of continuous work on the fundamental goal of this organization. That goal is to secure and maintain peace in the world. History will give the final judgment on how successful the UN has been in the past as well as on the results of the work and participation of several generations in the United Nations itself, its bodies and organizations. At the same time, I believe it is important to clearly express our common position today. Peace in every part of the world has no alternative. We must continue to work together persistently on this. I would like to believe that we all share the same positive opinion that we must protect peace in every part of the world. However, reality and what is happening today in different parts of our planet clearly show us that world peace is often not in the interest of certain geopolitical actors. For them, conflict or war is a means to realize their own political and economic interests. These interests largely diverge from the goals set out in the United Nations charter. If we add to this the fact that attempts are being made to change the borders of state around the world by means of armed force in a manner that is contrary to the United Nations Charter, we can draw a simple conclusion. International law is not applied equally to all states that are subject of that very international law. We have been witnessing that in the past period, certain armed conflicts have been deliberately provoked. What follows is the use of significant armed force, which a state with a smaller or weaker armed forces simply cannot resist. After that, the attacked state is required to sit at the negotiating table and sign a waiver of parts of its territory ostensibly in the name of peace, but in reality in the name of force. I believe that all of us in this room know that the United Nations Charter allows for the changing of state borders. However, this can only be done by voluntary agreement between states. Armed forces or political pressure backed by armed forces cannot be used. However, if armed force is used to force the other side to agree to an imposed agreement in which it loses part of its territory, then there is no good and sincere will, only coercion is present, which is contrary to several acts of international law. In this particular case, I’m speaking of Ukraine and the pressures it is under as a sovereign state. These pressures require Ukraine to give up parts of its territory in order to achieve a supposedly lasting and sustainable peace. Are we in this particular case participants in a change in the world order? In such an order, peace is not set as the ultimate goal. On the contrary, war and armed force appear as a legitimate means to achieve the political goals of major geopolitical actors. Changing international borders through the use of armed force creates political pressure to force a state to give up parts of its territory. This creates a dangerous precedent in international law which can easily become the rule. Ultimately, it means living in an unstable world in which peace no longer has value. This is certainly not the desired outcome. Such a thing cannot be justified by any provision of the United Nations Charter or other acts of international law. Today, we have an equally unwanted situation in the Gaza Strip. There, such violence is perpetrated against the local population, which in its form indicates the existence of several elements of genocide as established in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Let us recall, in addition to the fact that genocide represents the physical liquidation or removal of a national ethnic, racial or religious group from a certain territory, it can also be committed in the event that such difficult living conditions are consciously imposed on that same national ethnic, racial or religious group that threaten to ultimately destroy that group completely in a certain territory. Ultimately, such an aggressive genocidal approach is used as a means to forcibly occupy and take over territory. Under international law, these territories cannot belong to those who initiate and produce aggression. However, this is exactly what is happening in the Gaza Strip today. In Gaza, the people of Palestine face these two elements of genocide prescribed by the aforementioned convention on the prevention and punishment of genocide. A part of the world’s political public closes its eyes and keeps silent about this extremely terrible fact. There is no political interest or even economic interest motivated by the intention to exploit natural resources such as oil or natural gas in that part of the Mediterranean, which could justify such a high level of genocidal violence against the local Palestinian population. Such violence is unjustified and and Equally unacceptable is the silence and occasional approval that comes from various political circles around the world. What kind of peace, development or protection of human rights can we even talk about if this kind of violence is allowed, violence with forms of genocide against the Palestinian people? Does something like that mean that the political interests of individual countries or the interests of corporate capital are stronger and more important than our common obligation to protect peace in every part of the world and the human rights of every individual in the world. This obligation is a prerequisite for the development and self sustainability of various societies. This is a major challenge that we are facing today and we cannot run away from that challenge. We must not continuously silence this interest for the sake of some higher opportunistic interest. Let us just remember the phrase. Silence is actually an expression of either cowardice or approval of cowardice. Dear sir, allow me to briefly say something about my country, Bosnia Herzegovina. A little more than thirty years ago, Bosnia Herzegovina was faced with aggression coming from neighboring countries. At that time, the United Nations formed a peacekeeping military force called AMREFOR with the participation of countries that expressed interest in such endeavor. The role of AMREFOR was such that they were to a large extent mere observers of a series of war crimes, ethnic cleansing and ultimately genocide committed by the aggressors of Bosnia And Herzegovina. Of course, there were also positive examples of Unprefor’s activities, which should certainly not be forgotten and we are sincerely grateful for that. Unfortunately, a stain remains on that United Nations mission. Certain UMPREFOR commanders did not want to activate airstrikes in order to prevent ethnic cleansing, especially the genocide committed in Srebrenica in July 1995. Unfortunately, genocide was committed in Srebrenica. Hundreds of thousands of citizens throughout Bosnia And Herzegovina lost their lives during the aggression. Many more were injured and more than a million citizens of Bosnia Herzegovina were displaced around the world. I would like to briefly remind you that the International Criminal Court in The Hague established by these very United Nations has found the guilt of several individuals for committing genocide as well as the existence of a series of joint criminal endeavors. They all had the same goal, ethnic cleansing with the creation of ethnically pure parts of the territory in Bosnia And Herzegovina in order to separate these parts from Bosnia And Herzegovina and annex them to neighboring states. A little over a year ago here at the United Nations, we worked together on the adoption of the resolution on the genocide committed in Srebrenica. I consider that a major step forward and an important document not only for Bosnia Herzegovina, but also more widely. The strength of that resolution lies in its intention to prevent the possible commission of some new genocides, which could happen anywhere in the world. Although we were faced with lobbying from several countries not to adopt such a resolution, it was nevertheless passed. This created a new environment of preventive action through a culture of remembrance so that genocide, the most terrible war crime would never happen again. This is when we realized that there were states that for their own political reasons or political convenience were not ready to support the text of that resolution. That text is based on the rulings of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which I repeat once again, was founded by the United Nations. May such a refusal to support the text of the resolution serve to honor of those who lobbied against its adoption and those who did not give clear support to the resolution. I would like to remind you that during that period in the 90s, the international community through the United Nations imposed an embargo on Bosnia Herzegovina on the purchase of defensive weapons. This prevented the defense of our country from double aggression. In any case, defense would significantly shorten the duration of the war and many lives would have been saved because a peace agreement would be reached much sooner. Unnecessary condition for a peace agreement was the creation of a balance of military power between Bosnia And Herzegovina and the two neighboring countries that committed the aggression. Due to that embargo, the aggression against Bosnia And Herzegovina lasted for almost four years and the large number of human lives were unnecessarily lost. Such a war ended with the signing of the Dayton Paris Peace Agreement. That agreement brought the necessary peace and we are grateful for that. However, at the same time, it created such a sui generis political system in Bosnia And Herzegovina, which today, thirty days after its creation, poses a problem for the normal functioning of the state of Bosnia And Herzegovina. Such a political system does not contain democracy, but a deviant form of democracy, a form that is unheard of in practice anywhere in the world. Ethnicity is put to the fore and basic human rights are completely denied. At the same time, democracy is undermined to such an extent that it almost no longer exists. We can call this political system an incident political system, which is constantly destabilizing the state of Bosnia And Herzegovina. Why am I even mentioning democracy right here? For at least two reasons. The first reason is that states that opt for democracy and its principles should have the opportunity to fully implement that democracy within their own borders. We must be fully aware that there are a number of states that for their own reasons, be it historical, cultural or religious reasons, do not want democracy and its principles. Bosnian Herzegovina has clearly opted for democracy and the transition from the previous political system to a new democratic political system. However, this is continuously being prevented in reality through elements of the political system established by the Dayton Paris Peace Agreement. The second reason I mentioned is that after facing an embargo on the import of defensive weapons during the 90s, Bosnia And Herzegovina is now facing an embargo on democracy. Some actors from the international community are trying to ensure this through their political and diplomatic activities and resources. So after we had an embargo on defense, today we have an embargo on democracy and democratic development of Bosnia Herzegovina. How else to explain such activity by that part of the international community? They’re trying in various way to ensure this incidental political system in which the minority governs the majority. This undermines one of the fundamental principles of democracy which requires a system in which the political majority should actually govern the state. That is not the case in Bosnia And Herzegovina. The aforementioned actors described this as an alleged distribution of political power between ethnic communities in Bosnia And Herzegovina. However, that undermines democracy so much at its root that it almost no longer exists in my country. What does exist, however, is something simply called ethnocracy in which a political minority rules the state. This current deviant political system makes this possible. Are such actors of the international community trying to ban or impose an embargo on democracy in Bosnia Herzegovina because of its demographic picture? Are they trying to create a situation to reopen talks on Bosnia Herzegovina with an uncertain outcome for its existence within its current borders? These questions remain open. I would like to remind you here that without democracy, there is no rule of law. Without the rule of law, there is no protection of individual human rights. An argument for such action by a part of the international community maybe the so called Kovacevic case, before European Court of Human Rights. This case is unknown to you, perhaps unimportant to you, but it is extremely important to us in Bosnia And Herzegovina. This is a case in which the appellant sought simple, justified and logical protection of his active rights to vote, which was denied to him. The case was resolved in favor of the appellant, Mr. Kovacevic, in the first instance. The court also found the existence of ethno territorial discrimination. However, a part of the international community invested enormous diplomatic and financial efforts in its attempt to annul the verdict during the second instance proceedings. One of the countries which is completely incomprehensible and unacceptable made a financial donation to the European Court of Human Rights. That country later came forward in the same case as an interested party. This is an expression of classic political corruption. Because of all this, a logical question arises here. Can the judgments of international courts be bought? Are they for sale? The high representative of the international community in Bosnia Herzegovina actively participated in overturning that verdict. Also, was not given such powers by the Dayton Peace Agreement. He also invested enormous financial resources from unknown sources. He did not have the necessary consent of the Peace Implementation Council for such actions. So a completely identical situation occurred as with the adoption of the resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica. Some countries tried to negate the judgment of the International Criminal Court in The Hague by lobbying against the resolution. In the case that I am now citing as an example, some other countries tried and are still trying to annul the judgment through their own lobbying and broader diplomatic activity. This leads us to the conclusion that there is a part of the international community that simply does not allow democracy in Bosnia Herzegovina. Yesterday, we faced an embargo on weapons necessary for the defense of our country. Today, we have an embargo on democracy and human rights. Therefore, I would like to briefly remind you of another United Nations document called the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This document guarantees among other things to vote and to be elected at periodic elections, which shall be held by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot with the guarantee of free expression of the will of each voter. Unfortunately, in Bosnia Herzegovina, we are not allowed to do this. The international community is making great efforts to preserve discrimination and deny democracy. The result is the lack of the rule of law as well as insufficient and almost no protection of individual human rights. The logical conclusion that arises is the following, democracy as well as the right to defend the country are privileges whose application is determined and enabled by political elites from larger and richer countries. Small countries and poor countries can only receive as much democracy as those who are larger and richer allow them to get. That is certainly not an expression of equality that we should all strive for today. Here we come to the issue of human rights. To be more precise, I’m referring to the equality of every individual in their own country and beyond. This particularly concerns the right of every person to participate equally and as they wish in every aspect of social life in their country. We have a whole series of documents of acts or acts of international law that guarantees such rights. This therefore raises an open question. Are we prepared consistent or persistent in protecting individual human rights in any part of the world using the tools that the aforementioned international documents provide us with? Every issue of human rights protection begins with fight against discrimination or any form of inequality of individuals in all their rights guaranteed to them by international law. The logical continuation of this are the documents or laws in different countries. Discrimination in any form is prohibited by international law. Unfortunately, very often we encounter situations where discrimination is silenced and even encouraged. Speaking from the perspective of Bosnia And Herzegovina, we have five judgments of the European Court of Human Rights that establish the existence of discrimination against citizens of Bosnia And Herzegovina based on their ethnic origin or place of residence. Some of the political elites in Bosnia And Herzegovina as well as part of the international community present in Bosnia And Herzegovina do not want to accept these verdicts or implement them through constitutional amendments. Therefore, the five aforementioned judgments of the European Court of Human Rights have not been implemented. The aforementioned sixth judgment in the case seeking the rejection of ethno territorial discrimination was overturned, thanks to pressure, donations and similar actions by certain countries. The person who was authorized by the peace agreement to implement that very peace agreement and to protect all aspects of that agreement also participated in this. This includes all acts of international law that speak of human rights. All of this leads us to difficult questions and even more difficult answers. Our human rights and the protection of the same privileges of the larger and wealthier societies and states while those that are smaller and poorer are consciously and internationally bypassed in the protection of human rights. It starts from the right to life all the way to the right to equality and democracy. Finally, let me emphasize that we can only respond to all three open questions which are the subject of this session of the United Nations General Assembly through consistency and principled insistence on the protection of peace. Only in this way can we create the conditions for the unhindered development of societies in the member states of the United Nations and act together as active protectors of human rights in all parts of the world. Without that consistency on those issues, we will once again be just a group expressing concern over deviant phenomena in the world such as wars, violent border changes, genocide and war crimes, denial of human rights. In fact, we will do nothing more than express our concern. The consistency I’m referring to means complete determination to confront various deviant phenomena in the world through the tools provided to us by international law. We must be resolute and unwavering in our intentions to protect the fundamental values of the United Nations without making any distinction between states as subjects of international law. Within this determination, I call upon you to do the following. Let us not differentiate between ourselves, dividing us into large and small countries, rich and poor. Together, as an organization, let us actively seek and facilitate solutions to all the outstanding issues that arise in the world. Peace is not a privilege. Peace is an obligation of all of us, which we must ensure at all times and in all places. Likewise, human rights are not a privilege. Human rights are a permanent civilizational obligation, which we must continuously fulfill. This is certainly an ongoing challenge, one that generations before us have faced and the generations after us will keep facing. Our mission is to leave them a better world than the one we live in now. Such a goal requires persistent and continuous active work. Ladies and gentlemen, your excellencies, thank you for your attention.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:49:22] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the Chairman of the presidency of Bosnia and Jose Gobina. We shall now continue the general debate. The assembly will hear an address by his excellency, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, vice president in charge of national defense of state security of the Republic Of Equatorial Guinea. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Equatorial Guinea: [01:50:13] Your excellency, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, president of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly. Heads of state and government, heads of delegations, excellencies, your excellency, mister Antonio Butares, secretary general of the United Nations. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m honored to take the floor on behalf of his excellency Obiang Ndebe Mbasaur, president of the Republic Of Equatorial Guinea, to share with you my country’s most dearly held convictions at this eightieth session of the general assembly. Being held at a time in which the world is calling for a fairer, more equitable, and effective international system. Madam president, eighty years ago, the founding states established this organization aspiring to build a multilateral system based on cooperation, respect for international law, and the dignity of all human beings. This commitment was enshrined in the United Nations charter. That charter remains a lodestar for states collective action. Today, under the theme better together, eighty years and more for peace, development, and human rights, we celebrate important achievements. The UN, over these eight decades, has been a universal forum for dialogue and a space for international cooperation. It has helped to avoid conflicts. It has supported decolonization processes. It has promoted sustainable development, and it has served to peak our moral conscience in service of human rights. However, this anniversary must serve as an opportunity for critical self reflection. It would be a mistake to simply mark the anniversary and not to recognize the woeful shortcomings of our multilateral system. Excellencies. The peoples of the world trust in the United Nations to tackle the major challenges of our time. Armed conflicts, violence, climate change, growing inequalities, migration crises, cyber threats, and the lack of technological transfer are all some of these challenges. However, all too often, the response provided to those challenges has fallen short. The United Nations has been brought to a standstill by individual interests and straightjacketed by an institutional platform which no longer reflects the reality of today’s world. Talking about leaving no one behind becomes meaningless if millions remain marginalized in systems of dependency and exclusion. The Security Council, the body responsible for upholding international peace and security, is perhaps the clearest example of the extent to which the United Nations is out of step. Eight years after its inception, the UN’s membership structure remains rooted in the geopolitical state of play we had in 1945 and not that we see in the twenty first century. Consequently, the United Nations legitimacy and representativeness are quite rightly called into question. Security Council reform is an urgent need. Without that reform, the security council will continue to be perceived as an exclusive club of historical privileges, powerless to respond legitimacy to legitimately, rather, to current threats. Africa is demanding what is hers by right, full and permanent representation on the most important security organ in the world. We want to see an international governance system which serves the interests of all of us, not those of an elite. We demand a security council which represents the world of today, not the world of yesterday. Let us take real steps forward towards collective action which is more democratic, more equitable, and effective. If not, we risk finding ourselves with a United Nations which is increasingly on the sidelines and one which holds less and less weight in the international arena. Our commitment with this organization remains intact. We believe in the United Nations. We believe in the strength of international law and the force it holds. We believe in international cooperation as the only way to address challenges which no nation, however powerful it may be, can resolve alone. Our commitment is not unsinking. Rather it must be rewarded with results, reforms, and a UN that can move with the times. On this anniversary, we must recall that peace, development, and human rights are inextricable pillars. Peace is not sustainable without development. Development is false if it is not rooted in dignity and rights for all. As such, let us state here again that we remain steadfast in our support for agenda twenty thirty Despite the fact that we recognize difficulties and delays in its implementation, Agenda twenty thirty is a collective commitment which reflects our desire to build a world free of poverty, free of hunger, and with dignity for all. However, we have less than a decade to fulfill it, and the pace of progress is all too slow. Excellencies, climate change is the greatest threat of our age. The most vulnerable nations pay a disproportionate price for climate change. At the same time, major emitters drag their heels with commitments. Climate justice is not a token gesture. It is a moral and legal obligation. Equatorial Guinea also defends the principle of sovereignty between states. Every people has the right to design its own development model free of interference and arbitrary sanctions, which undermine their independence. We must believe in a world of peace and create one, a world in which no country is considered an enemy for being the friend of another. Allow me to share with you a recent example of the contribution that Equatorial Guinea makes to international peace. The historic agreement reached with the Republic Of Gabon on the sovereignty of the Mbanje, Cocoteras, and Conga Islands. For decades, his excellency Obiang Ngeba Mbasuo handled this dispute with patience and dialogue until it was resolved peacefully before the International Court of Justice. This case has not only created a historic precedent on the African continent. Rather, it demonstrates also that conflicts can be resolved in accordance with the spirit of the UN Charter and in line with state’s political will. Excellencies. Promoting human dignity is a shared responsibility. Equatorial Guinea reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the rights of the child and those of persons with a disability. Rights to food security, housing, drinking water, and the sovereign exploitation of natural resources are an inextricable part of human rights as a whole. Without dignity that comes through material comfort, freedom is an empty ideal. Faithful to the principles of an an inclusive international community, we insist that the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed on the Republic Of Cuba be lifted. Keeping such measures in place not only gravely affects the development of the sovereign nation. It also runs counter to the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations charter. Excellencies. To conclude, allow me also to address businessmen and women. I wish to invite them to come and discover Equatorial Guinea as a safe destination and one which is very attractive for investment. Our country offers a climate of political stability, fiscal incentives, and a clear vision of the future through our twenty thirty five development agenda. We encourage you to accompany us on this journey. A journey which will not only generate shared dividends, but which will also consolidate the inclusive and sustainable development of our nation. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:02:32] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the vice president who in charge of national defense and state security of the Republic Of Equatorial Guinea. The Assembly will hear an address by her excellency, Josephine Joseph Lago, vice president of the Republic Of South Sudan. I request protocol to escort her excellency and invite her to address the assembly.

##South Sudan: [02:03:33] Madam president, excellencies, heads of states and government, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you warm greetings and best wishes from my president, his excellency, Salvakir Mayardit, the president of The Republic Of South Sudan. I also bring you greetings from the government and the people of South Sudan, a message of peace, unity, development, and unwavering commitment to global partnership. I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to you, madam president, on your election to preside over the eightieth session of this esteemed assembly. I also express appreciation to the general secretary Antonio Gutierrez for his steadfast commitment to advancing the principles and objectives of the United Nations. The theme of this year’s session, better together, eighty years and more for peace, development, and human rights resonates with objectives and aspirations of our country. South Sudan is the youngest country in the world and the 190 member of the United Nations. After fifty years of brutal armed liberation struggle, it gained independence in 2011. Unfortunately, two years later, the country descended into an internal civil war. With the support of regional and international community, a peace agreement was signed between the warring parties in 2018 known as the revitalized agreement for the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan. This led to the formation of the current revitalized transitional government of national unity, a coalition government comprising the warring parties, other peace partners, and stakeholders. The peace agreement has provisions on governance structure, security sector reforms, transitional justice mechanism, economic sector reforms, and truth and reconciliation commission. The agreement also stipulates 35% affirmative action on women representation at the national, state, as well as local government levels. The presidency consists of a president and five vice presidents, two of whom are female, thus achieving 40% of female representation at the highest level of government. In the first phase, the unified forces have been trained, some of the forces have been deployed, and the rest are waiting deployment. The second phase of the security sector reforms is due to start imminently this October 2025. This will complete the second phase of the second protocol of the agreement. Other protocols, including public finance management reforms are ongoing, transitional justice mechanism are in progress, and a truth and reconciliation commission will be established under the auspices of the African Union. Although the implementation of the peace agreement has been slower than we would have wanted due to financial constraints. Some of the members of the international community have been contributing in kind. On the whole, the implementation of the peace agreement is about 60% executed. The agreement has held for seven years, and a relative peace has been attained, thus giving hope to our people. Many South Sudanese have returned from the neighboring countries and the diaspora and are rebuilding their lives and contributing to national development. Work is ongoing, including preparations for general elections in December 2026. Until recently, the permanent peace the permanent cessation of hostilities was observed and relative peace attained throughout the country. Climate change and environmental sustainability. South Sudan is one of the countries adversely affected by the impact of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions. For the last five years, our country has suffered recurrent recurrent floods on the one hand and prolonged droughts on the other, thus contributing to crop failures, biodiversity loss, and mass displacement. These challenges intensify food insecurity, undermine livelihood support, and threaten social stability. In this regard, the government of the Republic of South Sudan calls on equitable and predictable climate financing to strengthen adaptation and resilience. The Paris Agreement and subsequent COP summits made commitments which must be honored. South Sudan requires support in technology transfer, capacity building, and foreign direct investment in national frameworks such as the South Sudan Development Plan, nationally determined contribution, and national adaptation plan. This support is essential to address the intertwined challenges of development and environmental stability. The global community cannot afford to ignore climate injustice. Collective action is imperative for these challenges which transcend national borders to be addressed effectively. South Sudan has embarked on planting of a 100,000,000 trees by 2030, expanding renewable energy generation and strengthening water infrastructure with women, youth, and people with disabilities at the at the center of these efforts, our commitments to sustainable development goals. At Independence, South Sudan inherited rudimentary state structures and hardly any infrastructures such as roads, electricity. We inherited poor health care, inadequate educational infrastructure, abject poverty, and food insecurity. The SDGs are aligned to our national priorities. For example, each vice president is in charge of a cluster which includes governance cluster, economic cluster, service delivery cluster, infrastructure cluster, and gender, youth, and humanitarian cluster. Madam president, the twenty thirty agenda remains a vital framework for peace and prosperity. South Sudan has made some remarkable progress in agricultural transformation, including commercialization and value addition, which will create jobs for women and youth, including in crop production, livestock, and fisheries. This will enable people to produce their own food rather than relying on imported foods. Our policy is let us produce what we eat. And as a consequence, some states in our country now are self sufficient in food production, which contributes imminently to reduction of poverty, thus the attainment of SDG one and SDG two. In collaboration with our development partners, government is providing health care, building health care infrastructure, improving maternal and child care, raising awareness about communicable diseases, and providing vaccinations for diseases such as cholera, mPOXX, and malaria. Access to clean water and sanitation is being improved. As part of the health sector transformation program, we aim to attain universal health care for all in South Sudan. The recent pandemic outbreaks around the world revealed the agencies of strengthening health systems and equitable vaccine access. South Sudan advocates for global health framework that prioritizes preparedness for pandemics and embraces health as a universal human right. In his latest statement to parliament in June 2025, his excellency president Sarvakir Mayardit identified education as a key priority area for the government. There is improved enrollment in primary schools and secondary schools, and many young people are aspiring now to go to universities and colleges. Enrollment has risen from 300,000 to 2,100,000 children with gender parity in primary schools nearly achieved. This is a remarkable national achievement. There is focus on teacher education to improve the overall quality of education. Despite these efforts and achievements, 2,800,000 of our children are still out of school. South Sudan has expanded programs to promote girls enrollment and retention in schools while investing in technical and vocational skills training for women and youth. Our government would like to take this opportunity to appreciate all those countries that have offered scholarships for our young people to study in their countries and those supporting girls’ education in particular and vocational training to provide employable skills for our young people. But more clearly needs to be done. South Sudan is a young population. Over 60% of the population is under the age of 30 years. In any society, the youth are the future of the country and the future of the society. Our youth are a source of great pride. South Sudan’s recent participation in the Olympics games in Paris last year was a unifying moment for the people of South Sudan and Africa at large. South Sudan athletes showcase talent, discipline, and resilience, embodying the spirit of a nation of a nation determined to rise. Sports have become a powerful force for unity, inspiring hope, and bringing communities together across our young nation. The South Sudan basketball team emerged as the best team in the Continent Of Africa during the last Olympic games and nearly beat the defending champion in the world. Since independence and in line with the transitional constitution 2011 as amended, We have taken steps to integrate gender equality into our governance and development agenda. Notably, South Sudan has enshrined the 30% of women participation in public life at all levels of government. In addition to the two female vice president, our cabinet, the national cabinet, and state cabinets comprises of 30% of female representation. And our speaker, the speaker of the national transitional Assembly is also a female. We have adopted national gender policies to advance women’s rights and are working to harmonize our laws with international commitments. Efforts have been made to address gender based violence through new legislation and establishment of a special court. We have mainstreamed gender into the national adaptation plan and nationally determined contributions for climate change. We are committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment by improving access to land rights and credit facilities while creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs. To achieve the SDGs, we must shift from commitments to action, emphasizing multilateral cooperation, fair trade, debt relief, and tailored support for fragile and conflict affected states. South Sudan has been advocating for debt cancellation, and the support of the international community to complement these efforts will be appreciated. Financing for development. Transforming aspiration into results require adequate financing. We urge developed nations to scale up contributions to the International Development Association, which plays a central role in protecting vulnerable populations, reducing poverty, and financing sustainable development in fragile states. South Sudan supports reforms of international financial institutions to enhance the representation of developing nations, ensuring that financing mechanisms align with objectives of development priorities. Together, we can build a more inclusive and just global financial system. Internal peace and security. We acknowledge the delays in in implementation of the revitalized peace agreement. However, the government has renewed its political will and is accelerating key benchmarks, including the deployment of the unified forces, electoral legislation, and launching of national civic education campaigns. His excellency president Salva Kir Mayard announced on several occasions that he will not take this country back to war, and this became a theme of our engagement to restore peace and stability in the country. We reaffirm our commitment to world peace and security. In South Sudan, peace and stability remain our highest priority. Since the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, government has been working to consolidate peace through implementation of the peace agreement, transformation of the governance system, and security sector reforms. Additionally, government is also engaged in promoting peace building at subnational and community levels using the principles of people to people peace initiatives. The civil society, women’s group, youth group, and faith groups are all actively involved in peace building activities supported by UNIMS, the United Nations mission in South Sudan, among others. The security sector reform is progressing well. In phase one, the first batch of unified forces are already trained as mentioned earlier. The second phase is ongoing. At the same level, the governments at state levels are disarming civilians to bolster security. The aim is to have one national army under one commander in chief, contrary to the current state of affairs where the country has several commanders in chief in which which in itself is a source of insecurity. In general, there has been relative peace and security throughout the country with the exception of the recent attack by the White Army militia associated with the first vice president, doctor Riyak Machar, on South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Nassif, which led to his detention and the detention of the co accused. This matter is now being handled legally, and it will take due process with assurance of a fair trial in a competent court. The government is committed to following due process to achieve justice in this matter. It should be noted that the arrest of the first vice president doctor Riyag Machar and his co accused was not politically motivated but had endangered the peace process and constitutional order in the country. Notwithstanding the legal proceedings, doctor Riyak Machar and others have been formally charged and presented to court. Their legal rights have been respected, granting access to their legal team and they appear on behalf to appear on their behalf in court. South Sudan remains open to meaningful dialogue with other hold out groups. In this regard, the government is considering resumption of the Tumaini peace initiative and welcomes facilitation from regional and other partners. We urge regional and international communities to urge the holdout groups to renounce armed violence and engage in political dialogue. Furthermore, we appeal to the international community to continue supporting South Sudan’s efforts and democratic process through provision of technical assistance, capacity building, and development support. It is worth mentioning that consolidating peace in South Sudan is on is not only vital for our people, but also for stability across the Horn Of Africa, the Great Lakes, and beyond. Since our last statement to this general assembly, South Sudan has embarked upon a transformative journey. We have launched the South Sudan development plan 2026 to 2036. A forward looking ten year blueprint to diversify our economy, fortify our institutions, and reduce reliance on oil. This plan is anchored in the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and resilience. It guides comprehensive reforms in public financial management and service delivery. We have initiated independent audits, strengthened procurement oversights, and recommitted ourselves to the fiscal reforms outlined in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. We are determined to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and good governance. Determined to shift from oil dependency to a green sustainable economy, South Sudan is investing in the future of its land and people. The agriculture SME grant initiative 2025 now empowers farmers, agropos processors with vital tools, training, and market access. Our investment in irrigation, seed distribution, and post harvest technologies are boosting productivity and strengthening food security. We have successfully established effective governance structures both at a national and local level, including establishment of relevant commissions such as the constitutional review commission, the judicial review commission, among others. The constitutional making process is in progress. Civic education and voter rights training have commenced and are progressing well. The National Bureau of Statistics will advise on options available for elections. The political parties council has been established and has started registering political parties intended to contest in elections. Therefore, with these positive developments, the government of the Republic of South Sudan appeals for the removal of targeted individual sanctions and the arms embargo on South Sudan. Elections. According to the peace agreement, the transitional period must end with the conduct of general elections currently scheduled for December 2026. This will enable the people of South Sudan to democratically elect their leaders for the first time in the history of this young nation. His excellency, president Salva Kir, has reaffirmed the government’s determination to deliver credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections. The establishment of electoral institutions, namely the National Election Commission, the political parties council for registration of political parties, and voters’ right education have been established. The Bureau of Statistics has been restructured to deal with the issues of census. The restructured permanent constitution review commission has been actively working to ensure that the country has a new permanent constitution by the time of the general election in December 2026. Civil society groups are being facilitated and have started civic education of the general public, especially among women and the youth. South Sudan is committed to promoting and protecting human rights. We are strengthening national institutions, promoting accountability, empowering women and youth. We have taken steps to integrate gender equality into our governance and development agenda, not forgetting the people with disability. Civil society is actively engaged in the promotion of human rights and civic education. We believe constructive engagement and dialogue are the best path for building resilient and just institutions. Some regional concerns. Madam president, South Sudan and Sudan share deep historical and economic ties as well as the longest border in the region. For instance, South Sudan’s oil is at the moment being transported through Sudan. Developments in Sudan directly affects development in South Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in 2023, South Sudan has opened its doors for Sudanese refugees and returnees from Sudan. In partnership with the international aid agencies, we are providing humanitarian assistance, and we have also gone further and given plots of land for refugees to cultivate and produce their own food, thus integrating them into our local communities. However, there are still outstanding issues with respect to the comprehensive peace agreement 02/2005. Among these are issues of border demarcation and final status of Abbe, including the status of the Mogdinka Of Abbe, which remains unresolved. We are committed to working with the government of Sudan to amicably resolve these outstanding issues. Furthermore, the current composition of the Security Council no longer, in our view, adequately reflects the realities of today. And for this reason, South Sudan supports the call for the expansion of the permanent membership to include African representation. Furthermore, we advocate for the removal of sanctions and arms embargo on South Sudan and other sisterly countries. Countries. Madam president, at independent South Sudan inherited a rudimentary state structures, hardly any infrastructures. The government is now working simultaneously on nation building, state building, provision of services, including health care, education, capacity building, poverty reduction, and food security. South Sudan is seeking to transition from humanitarian aid to development aid. What we are asking for is for the international community to continue supporting South Sudan, a country with immense potential, abundant natural resources, and a young population. We are actively empowering women and young people for the country to become as useful and productive member of the international community, and we are already seeing signs of progress. To conclude, madam president, excellency, and distinguished guests, the United Nations was founded on the belief that humanity is stronger together. The theme of this eight year session, better together, is a reminder of our shared responsibility for survival and progress. Notwithstanding the challenges of Sudan with the resilience of its people under the leadership of his excellency, president Salva Kir Maher did, remains committed to a multilateral solidarity and partnership with an aim of building a fairer, safer, and more prosperous world for all for us in South Sudan. It is, sorry, a more prosperous world for all. And for us in South Sudan, we all know that it is better together. It is better together for us nationally. It is better together for us globally. Permit me in closing to reaffirm our unwavering faith in the principles of the United Nations and the possibility of a better world build upon solidarity and shared purpose. May god bless the people of South Sudan. May God bless the nations of the world. I thank you for listening. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:31:51] On behalf of the general assembly, I wish to thank the vice president of The Republic Of South Sudan. The assembly will hear an address by his excellency, Mohammed Jallow, the vice president of The Republic Of Gambia. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Gambia: [02:32:31] Your excellency, Annalena Baerbock, president of the eightieth session of United Nation General Assembly, his excellency Antony Gutierrez, secretary general of United Nation, your majesties, excellencies, heads of state and government, heads of delegation, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. As we commemorate the eightieth anniversary since the founding of United Nation, it is with great honor and profound sense of commitment that I stand before you to deliver this statement on behalf of his excellency, mister Adam Abaro, who could not be heard due to circumstances beyond his control. At the outset, allow me to convey warm greetings and best wishes for a successful session from his excellency, mister Adam Abaro, the president of The Republic Of The Gambia and government and people of the Gambia. Madam president, let me also use this opportunity to congratulate you on behalf of the government of the Gambia on your election as president of the eightieth session of United Nations General Assembly. Your election is a testament to the importance our organization attaches to gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women. It constitutes an affirmation that more than ever, women are capable of leading organizations like United Nation and achieving remarkable success. The Gambia, therefore, assures you of its unwavering support and continued collaboration, cooperation in the decide of your duties while reaffirming our faith in the relevance of multilateralism and the sacrosan foundational principles of the United Nations Charter. Allow me to seize this moment to also thank and congratulate mister Philomen Yang, president of the seventy ninth session of the general assembly, for his leadership and for competently guiding the work of the assembly during his tenure. The eightieth session of the general assembly is being held at a very pivotal moment for the international community. The enormity of the challenges of managing and resolving various wars, conflicts, and ongoing threats to international peace and security require all member states to reaffirm their collective commitment to abiding by the noble principles stipulated in the United Nations Charter. The Charter crafted with great optimism and anchored in the ideals of maintaining and promoting world peace, security, human rights, and development, promise a new age and a new world. A world that comes together to reverse the hurdles of the past and define a common destiny premised on our shared humanity. Let us rekindle the ethos of solidarity through more multilateral engagement with all states, small or big, develop or developing, fight poverty, and address climate change. Madam president, the eight year session of the general assembly conveys a profound symbolism for The Gambia. Our long standing commitment to the United Nations and our election as chair of the second committee during this session is not only historic, but speaks to the great strides we have been making towards shaping a stable and prosperous multilateral global order. Let me assure you that the GAMI will continue its active participation in the work of the assembly. We remain committed to supporting optimal ways in the search for innovative and timely solutions to the common challenges facing us and would collaborate with all member states as we address these pressing global challenges. Madam president, in 1945, the world showed united with a deep sense of solidarity, strong commitment, and an endearing hope to establish United Nations to save the succeeding generation from the scourge of war. Declaration of United Nations serve as a driving force for multilateralism by affirming our collective faith in the sanctity of human rights while guaranteeing international peace and security to all peoples around the world. Our collective security arrangements were rooted in multilateralism. Our commemoration of the founding of United Nations this year is a clarion call to the future, a reaffirmation of its fundamental role as a premier global institution entrusted with the destiny of humanity towards prosperity, peace, security, and human rights. Madam president, last year, our assembly adopted the path of the future to revive multilateral engagement and rekindle global solidarity. We must do more to fulfill the commitments that we assured under the park. Eighty years on, the world is still encountering the challenges of protracted conflicts and geopolitical fragmentation, including the threat to the spirit of multilateralism under United Nation. As the world continues to grapple with complex and unprecedented challenges on different fronts, the peace and security landscape of our world is becoming increasingly fragile. Amid the changing nature of conflicts, we are also witnessing a serious disregard for the principle of international humanitarian law in conflict zones. What is even more profound is that the rules based international order is under enormous stress, losing its momentum, relevance, and moral underpinnings. Today, we live in a world that is undergoing profound geopolitical transformation, presenting unique emerging challenges, and reflecting an international community that is still trying to find answers to the challenges it faced in the twenty first century. However, despite the challenges we are confronting, The Gambia believes that the United Nations enduring relevance and structural institutions contributed significant historic achievements in the past, particularly for countries in the global South. United Nations holds forth the hope for global stability and good governance by translating ambitions into actions and championing issues of immense international importance. In the case of The Gambia, the United Nations used its convening power and preventive diplomacy through the peace building commission to support a democratically elected government that assumed power in 2017. The support was key to upholding the will of the government people as they assured in the present government and launched our transitional justice system to promote the rule of law and respect for human rights. Madam president, as we assemble and reflect on this important and timely theme for this eightieth session, better together eight years and more for peace, development, and human rights, we must admit that the daunting challenges we are facing today require us to deliberately invest in sustainable development, climate action, peace, and security. We must equally continue to foster resilience and growth for the realization of inclusive development and shared prosperity for all. Since the change of government in 2017, the administration of his excellency president Adam Barrow had strived towards a part of development peace and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. Eight years ago, we set out to build a stable and viable country making sure that the needs of our people are placed high on our national development agenda. With our current reform agenda that is inclusive, the government is eyeing a future without the realm of immense potential and possibility by addressing the grievances of the past through the implementation of recognition of the truth reconciliation and reparations commission. In the past eight years, the government has also organized several elections in a credible, impartial, and transparent manner in line with domestic laws and international norms and standards, and plans are on for holding presidential elections next year. We are committed to consolidating participatory democracy, sustainable development, and good governance as we have done for the past eight years. Madam president, in our drive for greater reform, the government of the government will continue to take the appropriate people driven and informed policy decision to send the institutions and design processes aimed at promoting and protecting human rights as well as addressing past violations. As we look forward con to consolidating building strong state institutions and reinforce the never again principle. The government is asserting in legislative reforms and expanding the scope of our criminal dues jurisdiction to prosecute international atrocity crimes. Since reforms include the enactment of the special prosecutor’s office act twenty twenty four, given that office demanded to deal with offenses that constitute international crimes and serious rights violations, and for the first time, the enactment of an anti corruption act, a significant step towards the optimization of an anti corruption commission. These are all part of our national efforts to deliver restorative and transformative justice, be a clear path towards nation building, and lay a foundation for social justice as well as prevent impunity. Our goal is to consolidate and nurture a more national culture of accountability and respect for human rights in fulfillment of our domestic and international obligations. To support our national development ambitions as in sign in our national development plan, we continue pursuing a national budgeting mechanism that is grounded on human development, fiscal stability, education, and building critical infrastructure to promote development and investment. Madam president, our primary social contract with the Gambian people is to meet the demands of our socioeconomic challenges whilst at the same time encourage citizen participation and engagement in democratic governance. This propels us to ensure that our democracy continues to thrive. Respect for fundamental rights, robust, expansive, and comprehensive, and the building of institutional mechanisms. In building a peaceful society, we continue to recognize the integral role of women and their representation and participation in political affairs and public life. We also continue to promote media freedom and the right to assembly and freedom of expression as guaranteed inherent rights through coordinated and sustained actions. As a government, we encourage constructive engagement with our citizenry, particularly the young people, and respect their rights to participate in democratic functioning of the state. In view of our own experience with governance challenges, we value the need for addressing the consolidation of democracy and good governance in our neighborhood. It is in this spirit, the government recently hosted the Sahel governance forum, which seeks to galvanize a multistakeholder convergence to address the governance challenges that continue to hamper regional peace stability and development. We are confident that such forum will provide the right opportunity for systematic discussion on finding definitive solutions to the rising tide of violence insecurity, and instability of The Sahel. Madam president, with his strong commitment to the promotion and protection of international peace, security, human rights, The Gambia continues to be a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council, United Nations Human Rights Council, and a police and troop contributing country to UN, AU, and ECOWAS peacekeeping missions around the world. By serving on this important council of the continent and taking part in peacekeeping operations, The Gambia continues to prioritize the maintenance of international peace and security, including the consolidation of political and democratic governance and strengthening partnership for African security. It is significant that the African Union and the United Nation continue to work together to address regional peace and security matters, including the recalibration of our preventive diplomacy tools for maximum impact. We need to strengthen the early warning mechanisms as well as prioritize the protection of children affected by armed conflict. Madam president, by echoing the mantra of the Africa we want and Africa at peace with itself, the government believes that more needs to be invested towards conflict prevention as part of efforts to respond robustly to challenge of insecurity and underdevelopment, particularly through resilient building. We call on the United Nations Security Council to step up and meet its responsibility towards the resolution of conflicts in Africa and beyond. The rising level of inequalities are indicative of the unequal global economic system, creating heat imbalances for countries in the global South, particularly in Africa, to address poverty, debt, and unemployment. It is indeed disheartening that five years towards the end of the targeted agenda 2030 deadline, much remains to be accomplished, and the realization of its goals and ambitions appear to be profoundly remote. Madam president, in 2025, when the world should be forging towards a path of development and prosperity, we are once again confronted with the scourge of small conflict and war. Therefore, the 2025 peacebuilding architecture review presents a unique opportunity to agree on whole building stronger preventive arrangements and measures for conflict prevention. The ongoing conflicts ranging around the world would need to stop immediately. The unnecessary deaths, displacement, and untold suffering of civilians from Palestine to Sudan, Lechard Basin, Ukraine to Russia, Haiti, Libya to The Sahel, and in other corners of the world is unacceptable. As members of United Nation and as conscientious global citizens, we cannot rely on our collective quest for durable peace. We must continue to pursue responsive and propulsive actions by exhorting the parties to the conflicts and make progress on key milestones on their journey to political dialogue. We must all assist by putting in necessary security arrangements and frameworks for ending conflicts, including the protection of civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly. Parties for the conflicts must allow immediate and under interrupted humanitarian aid to reach the suffering population, and they must commit to ending the hostilities. It is the responsibility of internal community to collectively muster the necessary political will and courage to end in intractable conflicts. This, the bleeding must stop. Madam president, as we celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the founding of United Nation, the plight of the Palestinians remains unresolved with the people continuing to face alarming difficulties under dire humanitarian conditions. The situation of Palestine continues to be about the core principles of justice, respect for international humanitarian law, and self determination. The ongoing situation needs to stop. We cannot remain on perturbed by these worsening conditions, and it is imperative that we act urgently and collectively by utilizing our leverage to revitalize the prospects of an inclusive peace process for Israel and Palestine and the region. In this context, we reaffirm our call for the two state solution to urgently enable the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate national rights as recognized by Islam’s community through its recognition of the state of Palestine within the nineteen sixty seven borders with Al Quta and Sarif as its capital. We also support the mercy of the Palestine in the United Nation. In this spirit, we express our appreciation to the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia and France for the recently concluded high level conference on the question of Palestine. Madam president, as part of our call for proactive engagement towards the resolution of global conflicts, the government affirm its support for the efforts undertaken by UN secretary general in relaunching the roundtable process in the Moroccan Sahara to achieve a realistic, pragmatic, and sustainable political solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. The government welcome Monoco’s commitment to the ceasefire, full cooperation with Israel, and relaunching the political process based on the parameters of resolution two seven five six of 2024. In this regard, we call on Polisario to abandon its unilateral withdrawal from the ceasefire, lift restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement and the provision of supply to Minosu. And all all parties, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Polisario to work towards a realistic, pragmatic, and socio political solution based on compromise. The positive impact of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, a realistic, credible, and serious effort for the resettlement of this regional dispute is already well recognized, and the people of the region continue to enjoy peace and development and protection of their human rights. Thanks to the government of the kingdom of Morocco’s new development model for the Moroccan Sahara region. Furthermore, the government also launched lauded the launch by his ex his majesty Mohammed six, king of Morocco of the Morocco Nigeria gas pipeline. The Atlantic African initiative and the Sahel countries access to the Atlantic. The three regional royal initiative would give new impetus to the Moroccan Sahara region by establishing it as a new platform for security, stability, and co development in the Atlantic, the Sahara, African, and Mediterranean areas. Madam president, The Gambia also continues to stand with the government and people of the People’s Republic Of China on the one China policy. China’s commitment to international cooperation and support for the critical spaces of development in diff different sectors demonstrate that the sustainable development of South South and triangle cooperation are possibilities. The Gambia continues to reiterate the call for the lifting of economic embargo against the broader people of Cuba. The embargo continues to inflict undue hardship and economic devastation, occasional sustainable challenge substantial challenges for the government and people of Cuba. We believe it should come to an end now. Friendly cooperation is the way forward. Madam president, as we mark twenty five years since the adoption of security council resolution thirteen twenty five on women,peace and security. We should take a moment to renew our firm conviction that the attainment of sustainable development and the consolidation of peace and security are anchored in the full and inclusive representation of women in all spheres of political and decision making processes. While considerable process progress has been made towards the realization of women’s inclusion, women’s participation in the consolidation of peace and security, There continues to be significant imp impediments that we must overcome. Women must also must always have a seat at the negotiating table. They usually bear the brunt of conflict. Therefore, as we prepare for the fourth world conference of women and as nations sharing the same destiny, we have a moral obligation and a collective responsibility to act swiftly to address all issues hampering the empowerment of women, including its new advancement and their contribution to the consolation of peace and security. Madam president, in view of the outcome of f f d four, it is our hope that internal finance architecture and mechanism will change for the better as the current international financing architecture, especially as it relates to debt restructuring, continues to hamper the development aspiration of developing countries. Due to limited fiscal space exerted by debt distress, developing countries find it hard to make significant investment in the social sector. The challenge is even more profound when it comes to investment in the productive base of their economies to engender growth, employment, and development. The sit this situation significantly contributed to the dismal attainment of only 17% of the SDGs. Therefore, to accelerate the full and effective implementation of the SDGs within the targeted framework, we must enhance international finance cooperation and review of the international financial architecture to create arrangements, facilities, and mechanisms that would cater for targeted investments, industrialization, mechanized agriculture, provision of quality education, energy, health, and water. Madam president, the park of the future adopted last year at the seminars session of the general assembly present a unique opportunity to review our realities, invigorate the implementation of the SDG agenda 2030, and intensify our efforts towards confronting the pressing challenges of our time. The park is about advancing our advanced prosperity. The Gambia supports the convening of the preparative process for the review of the park in 2028 to align effectively with the prevailing and upcoming in the governmental processes such as the twenty twenty five peacebuilding architecture review, the high level plenary meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the world program of action on youth and the world’s social summit. The success of these reviews will develop depend primarily on our commitment and concerted push to build a more equitable and resilient global governance framework that supports the attainment of our global goals. Madam president, our reform agenda is still incomplete without reform of the security council. The government supports the reform of The United Nations Security Council and the common African position on the reform of the council as set out in the seat seat declaration and the Izulwini concession. We strongly believe that the ongoing review and reform process of United Nation needs to make good progress and Africa’s under representation in the permanent and non permanent categories of the security council is a historical injustice that urgently needs to be corrected. Africa has always contributed to global peace, and Africans also paid the ultimate price during the two world wars. Hence, the government believes that the time has come for the international community to support Africa’s call for meaningful representation in the Security Council. The reform of the council guarantees its legitimacy and credibility as the body responsible for the maintenance and of international peace and security. We commend the AU Committee of 10 heads of state and government on the United Nations Security Council reforms, chaired by his excellency president of Republic Of Sierra Leone for their leadership in this legitimate quest. Madam president, as the world continues to witness heightened level of insecurity, the threat of climate change continues to aggravate security challenges, especially in the Sahel. We must address the impact of the climate crisis as part of the viral vital resilient measures that mitigate climate related risk where they intersect with political, social, and economic factors. The government would like to acknowledge the progress made at COP twenty nine in Baku, Azerbaijan for moving from 100,000,000,000 to the new collective quantified goal, which is still not adequate to finance all the mitigation and adaptation actions, especially for countries in special circumstances. We need to take concrete decisions at COP thirty in Belem, Brazil to galvanize support for more climate financing. The Gambia call for more ambitious national determined contributions by all states due to their submission this year to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Madam president, as I conclude, allow me to call on member states to use this eightieth session of the general assembly to forge a new concession consensus to confront our new reality, a consensus that unites us behind our shared determination to make the United Nations a potent instrument to serve our common purposes and aspirations as one human family. This is our only planet. Let us preserve it for prosperity. The Gambia is here is ready to play its part in making our world a better place for all. On behalf of his excellency, president Adam Oboro, the government and people of The Gambia, I wish you all fruitful deliberation towards advancing the theme of the eightieth session of the general assembly. I thank you for your kind attention.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:56:39] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the president of The Republic Of Gambia. I now give the floor to her excellency Sabine Monauni, deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, environment, and culture of the Principality Of Liechtenstein.

##Liechtenstein: [02:57:21] President, ladies and gentlemen, let me begin by saying how happy I am to see a woman preside over this assembly. For only the fifth time in the history of the United Nations, and for the first time by a woman from our region. It is my hope that this is also a good sign for the selection process of the Secretary General, a position in which no woman has ever served over eight decades and which will be conducted under your leadership. It is a distinct honor and pleasure for me to address this assembly for the first time as a Foreign Minister, continuing a very long tradition of female Foreign Ministers in Liechtenstein. The United Nations is a key building block of our foreign policy, is guided by a strong belief in international law, cooperation and multilateralism. We are gathering at a landmark moment in the history of the United Nations. For over eighty years this has been the place where nations have come together, where international law has been developed, where human rights have been codified, where we have agreed on common development goals. Of course, it has also been the source of many disappointments. Too often people around the world have been looking to disassemble and at the Security Council chamber next door in the hope of decisive action to secure peace. The key purpose of this organisation: only to realise that political paralysis was shattering these expectations justified as they were. In Ukraine, our system has allowed the aggressor to veto collective action supported by the vast majority of the House. In Gaza, we have become bystanders, despite the fact that the two state solution was one of the first decisions of the United Nations many decades ago. We are merely witnesses to the unprecedented and unjustifiable suffering of civilians in spite of our pledge to end and prevent atrocity crimes. The people of Sudan must have concluded that indifference is the guiding principle of our rare discussions and that the outrage over cynical veto wears off after a few weeks, if not days. These challenges to the credibility of the United Nations would be massive enough in and of themselves. But if we are looking at the completely uncertain future for this organisation today, it is for largely different reasons. The very foundations of the United Nations are being challenged in a way we have not seen before. Such efforts threaten to undermine our joint commitments to solve common problems together on the basis of the principle of sovereign equality the principle that we set ourselves rules that apply to us all equally and that they are enforced equally, and the belief in the value of international law as the common ground that allows us to govern world affairs in a way that is predictable, equitable and fair. For us in Liechtenstein, the United Nations, which we joined thirty five years ago, occupies a special place. It has been instrumental in our progress towards gender equality. Our membership in the organisation has helped to put human rights at the centre of our foreign policy. The Sustainable Development Goals have been embraced by civil society and the private sector. Most essentially, the Charter of the United Nations is the guarantor of our sovereignty. The United Nations is also our window to the world and to one place where we can connect with everyone. And it offers a unique foreign policy platform where we can present our initiatives and ideas as a sovereign equal. We have done so with commitment and enthusiasm and I believe with some success. Today we feel a special bond with every other state which is small in size, but not small in ambition and vision. Today we realise more than ever that we need this organisation, need a world based on rules that we have all agreed to. And especially now, those who share these views need to join together in common purpose to safeguard our common interests. The times we live in are fast paced and full of challenges that can seem incredibly daunting. Many years ago we identified climate change as the biggest threat to us all, big and small, wherever we are located on the globe. And yet, we are ever closer to the climate abyss and ever further away from agreeing on a path away from disaster. Artificial intelligence is developing with lightning speed, largely unchecked with obvious risks to our social fabric, but without any agreement on rules and boundaries. In my part of the world, priorities have shifted dramatically in the last three years. We are now mostly preoccupied with the fallout of the destruction of the European security architecture by the Russian Federation and with preserving our trade relationships which we had believed were on a firm basis. Liechtenstein is no different to our neighbours in this regard and any responsible state will prioritise imminent challenges as we have to. But none of this will be meaningful if it is not embedded in a larger vision, if we do not give ourselves the space to tackle the long term risks and dangers. The place for us to do this is the United Nations, and we are committed to doing this together with all of you represented in this room. President, today the continued existence of the United Nations is at stake. This is a sobering observation, certainly. But we must find the opportunity that lies in this moment of existential crisis. We have allowed a system to grow that is plagued by duplication, inefficiency and poor governance. The UN80 process is the chance, the only chance that we will have to make the organisation leaner, more effective in its use of resources and more productive in generating meaningful outcomes. When we adopted the Pact for the Future a year ago, Liechtenstein made a clear call for this organisation to embrace its original purpose as the guardian of peace and security. Security. For our people, our parliamentarians, our civil society, the United Nations is a peace organisation. We have to find a way to make it effective in fulfilling this task. If the Security Council is unable to carry out its charter responsibility, as is regularly the case due to the veto power of its permanent members, there are ways for us to take collective action elsewhere, beginning in this hall. We are equally committed to the other pillars of the work of the United Nations development and human rights, which are existential for the dignity and well-being of the people on whose behalf we serve and pivotal for more peaceful, just and inclusive societies. President. The rule of law is the guiding principle of Liechtenstein’s work at the United Nations. This can come as no surprise for one of the smallest members of the organisation that does not have armed forces and is not member of a military alliance. Our sovereignty is protected by respect for international law and by its enforcement through accountability where the law is violated. Naturally, we are strong supporters of international courts, the indispensable enforcement mechanism of international law. Key amongst them is the International Court of Justice, which Liechtenstein joined decades before becoming a member of the United Nations. Liechtenstein has been an active participant in the court’s proceedings. We are very pleased to see the attention the court’s work has been given, particularly in recent years, and the high respect its decisions enjoy among governments and beyond. The recent advisory opinion on the question of climate change stands out in various ways. The initiative to ask for such an advisory opinion originated in the youth climate movement. The mandate to request it was adopted by this assembly by consensus and Liechtenstein is proud to have been among the States drafting the text of the decision. The proceedings before the court found unprecedented attention inside and outside the courtroom. Finally and importantly, the advisory opinion was agreed on unanimously by all 15 judges, giving it further authority. We have welcomed this decision, in particular its focus on the area of human rights, where important questions remain unaddressed, and we look forward to working with all of you to put it to the most productive use possible. For us, the International Criminal Court is a complementary and equally important institution. It is the first permanent court in the history of humankind that has jurisdiction over the crimes that are defined as the most serious ones under international law: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Almost two thirds of all States have joined this project, the most ambitious treaty since the adoption of the Charter itself. Its central statement is unique and also uniquely important for the rule of law. Nobody is above the law. Nobody is protected from investigation and prosecution, for what we have all agreed are the most serious crimes under international law. As we look at the flashpoints around the globe, be it Ukraine, The Middle East or Sudan, we see how the basic rules of international law are violated, not just frequently but systematically. This is why we have created the International Criminal Court to offer protection for the victims and the vulnerable, but also to safeguard international peace and security. Today, the Court finds itself under significant political attack and is targeted by unprecedented sanctions. This is the moment for us to protect this unique institution, one of the most powerful statements we can make to express our commitment to international law. President, the most among many worrying trends with regard to the respect for the United Nations Charter is the rapid erosion of the rules governing the use of force instances of the blatantly illegal use of force without any consequences or accountability the threat of the use of force to solve disputes and the suggestion that aggression may not only go unpunished, but in fact be rewarded and incentivised as part of a political agreement. These dangerous trends can set us back to a time we all believe we have left behind and they are an attack on the very core of the Charter of the United Nations. Mitigating the fallout of armed conflict will sadly remain part of our daily work. But it is time that we become serious about our central task: preventing war in the first place, ending war where it takes place and ensuring accountability for illegal war making. The International Criminal Court, the only institution with jurisdiction over the crime of aggression, is therefore key to enforcing the UN Charter and thus deserves the support of all States, including those who have yet to join it. President, our world is in a very difficult place today with the forces of destruction and indeed self destruction on the rise. If we are to have a chance to be successful in our fight against them, to safeguard our planet for future generations, we need this place a stronger, better United Nations that we can shape together. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [03:12:05] I thank the deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, environment, culture of the Principality Of Liechtenstein.We have heard the last speaker in the general debate for this meeting.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:00:00] Assembly will hear an address now by His Excellency Mohamed Younis A Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Libya: [00:00:51] Your excellency, Annalena Baerbock, president of the eightieth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, your excellency Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, your majesties, your highnesses, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Libyan people, I congratulate you on the eightieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. It remains one of the greatest pillars of the international order, one of the beacons of multilateralism over the history of humanity. We appreciate the holding of the session under the theme better together eighty years and more for peace development and human rights. These are principles that we firmly believe in, principles that we are consolidating at the national, regional and international levels. As we celebrate this global anniversary, we’re also celebrating the seventieth anniversary of Libya joining the United Nations. It was the culmination of the struggle of the Libyan people when Libyans raised their voices in this hall demanding freedom and independence following decades of colonization. The organization heeded this urgent call and adopted the historic resolution that led to the independence of Libya in 1951, reaffirming thereby the right of peoples to self determination. Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today representing the will of a people that is still holding on to hope, still believing in its ability to build a stable and prosperous future. Libya is not a zone for fighting. It’s not an arena to settle scores or a place to which crises can be exported. It is a nation rich in natural resources, a cohesive society with young people that have tremendous potential. They are the backbone to build a modern state. Since the very beginning, Libya’s relationship with the United Nations has been based on partnership and mutual respect. And today, at this critical juncture, we look to the United Nations to play an effective and complementary role as it supports us to overcome this crisis towards stability and democracy. Despite the challenges, despite the threats, our people firmly believes that its experience, its society, the diverse society, its noble history will allow it to stay strong and overcome any crisis. But let me be honest with you. In Libya, multiple models and traditional mechanisms have been exhausted. They have not matched the complexity of the social and political situation. They’ve adversely affected the trust of Libyans in the proposed solutions. We all now bear collective responsibility to reconsider these methods and to avoid temporary solutions and narrow understandings that only perpetuated the crisis. We firmly believe that any solution that does not restore the national ownership of the political track, any solution that is not derived from the free will of the Libyan people would be destined to fail as we’ve seen in the past. In this context, we present to you a clear political vision based on four pillars. First, fully restoring national sovereignty and rejecting all forms of foreign interference no matter what form it might take and no matter the justifications. Second, reaching an inclusive national consensus. To achieve an inclusive national consensus, I call for holding a sincere and comprehensive dialogue held in Libya with the participation of all stakeholders without exclusion. Third, uniting the sovereign institutions, most notably security defense and financial institutions according to professional mechanisms without polarization and without setting quotas. Fourth, ending the transitional period through a clear constitutional basis through free and fair elections, allowing Libyans to freely choose who would rule them without tutelage, without an imposition from external actors. Ladies and gentlemen, as we fulfill our political responsibility and despite the challenges, we were able to maintain the highest level of stability. We were able to prevent a relapse into violence. We stress that the blood blood of the Libyan people is a red line. The territorial integrity, sovereignty, and social cohesion of Libya are nonnegotiable. We have been observing the ceasefire agreement concluded in October 2020, and we’ve established the committee on security arrangements in the capital Tripoli. Under my direct supervision, this contributed to enhancing stability, rendering this current phase one of the calmest we’ve seen in years, ladies and gentlemen. The Libyan economy, despite the challenges, can significantly contribute to the development of the country. The absence of a single budget and the absence of united institutions have been real impediments to development. We stress that we will support, and we do support the economic track through the high financial committee to consolidate public spending and to enhance the principles of transparency, accountability, and equity in distributing wealth. Ladies and gentlemen, illegal migration is not only a security matter. It is a humanitarian challenge with deep economic roots. We call upon the international community to pursue a comprehensive development approach based on supporting and developing infrastructure and creating job opportunities in the countries of origin in partnership with the African Union rather than pursuing narrow security approaches that have proven proven to be ineffective. In this context, we have been supporting economic projects connecting the North and the South of the African Continent. To create a development environment obviating the need for young people to emigrate. Projects that restore demographic and economic balance in the African Continent. Ladies and gentlemen, our firm position towards the question of Palestine is based on humanitarian principles and based on our commitments towards the Arab and Muslim world. Against this background, we condemn in the strongest terms the countries that are still hiding behind immoral neutrality towards the genocide and flagrant violations of international law to which the Palestinian people are being subjected, especially in Gaza. It was eight decades ago that the United Nations was established, and the Palestinian people is still languishing under the yoke of occupation.

##Libya: [00:09:34] We call for responsible international action that ends the occupation and guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Ladies and gentlemen, despite the crises, despite the conflicts of fight, the divisions that Libya had to endure, the Libyan people is still committed to the democratic track, is still believing that the rule of law and democrat democratic institutions are not a dream, but a legitimate right. It is time for the world to look at Libya not as a complicated political file, but as a story of resilience and free will, a nation that can be successful with a noble history, cohesive society, promising resources, and free people aspiring to peace, democracy, and prosperity. Democracy is our choice, and peace and reconciliation are our destiny. Our history proves that our people can achieve reconciliation, can promote tolerance and justice. We most certainly can turn the page on the past. National reconciliation is not only necessity to build the state, it is a national legacy that we cherish. We see the future Libya, a stable state, a sovereign state with united institutions, strong with its people, peaceful, open to the world, and an effective partner at the regional and international levels. Long live Libya, united and independent. Long live the Libyan people free and dignified. May the peace, blessings and mercy of God be upon you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:11:27] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya. The Assembly will now hear an address by His Excellency Duma Gideon Boko, President of The Republic Of Botswana. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.

## Botswana: [00:11:57] Madam president, secretary general, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we meet here today and this whole week in these hallowed precincts to remember the overwhelming gravity of the circumstances that gave birth to the United Nations, the ruins of war, a world poised to descend into further mayhem if courageous choices were not made. Leaders of great vision and courage stepped up. They realized that the charms and allurements of our unity trumped any tendencies to divide us, And from their conviction that humanity is better together, this institution was born. Their courage and fortitude merits are recurrent admiration. So I stand on this enchanted spot today to express my thanks and the gratitude of the people of Botswana to our forerunners and to all of you. We must recommit ourselves to the vision, peace, development, and human rights for all people in all nations. I stand here today in the composite capacity of citizen of Botswana and as an African. Yes. I am an African stamp and root. For Botswana, the ideals of The United Nations are not obstructions. They are the foundation of our identity. Since our independence, we have sought to embody democratic governance, respect for the rule of law, including an international rule based normative order and the dignity of every human being. We reaffirm today our commitment to the universal declaration of human rights and to advancing equality, including the protection of indigenous peoples, women, and youth within our borders and across our region. Yet we also acknowledge that the pursuit of justice is an arduous journey. My administration has pledged to reform and strengthen institutions, enhance transparency, and root out corruption. We do so not for accolades, but because our citizens deserve governments that serve them with integrity. We are on a quest for integrity in African leadership. Excellencies, Botswana has been blessed with the gift of diamonds. For decades, this resource has financed schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. But today, we confront the fragility of that reliance. Diamond markets fluctuate. Our people’s needs do not recede. Our vision is clear, to diversify our economy, empower our people, and create resilience. We invite global partners to invest in renewable energy, technology, sustainable agriculture, and value added industries. We extend an open hand to businesses, innovators, and institutions ready to walk with us on this journey of transformation. Botswana is a semi arid country. Our people know the meaning of drought. We know the anxiety of scarce water, of crops that wilt and wither under a relentless sun, of livelihoods eroded by forces beyond our control. Climate change is not a distant threat. It is a present reality. That is why I’ve joined the Global Center for Adaptation because adaptation must be at the center of sustainable development. I call on this assembly to scale up financing for climate adaptation. Let us invest in water infrastructure, early warning systems, and climate smart agriculture. Let us ensure that the promise of the Paris Agreement is not confined to paper, but realized in the lives of farmers, of herders, and children across the global South. Earlier this year, Botswana faced an acute shortage of essential medicines. This crisis exposed not only the vulnerabilities of our supply chains, but the wider inequities of the global health system. Access to medicines is a human right, not a privilege. We call upon the United Nations, international financial institutions, and the private sector to work with us to build resilient health systems. Together, let us explore local production, regional supply hubs, and fairer mechanisms to ensure that no nation is left to face health emergencies alone. As an African, I stand here as one of the trumpet voices of Africa, a continent all too often treated with affable indifference. Africa’s voice is not heard. This United Nations cannot be truly international. It cannot be truly together and will not be better until our continent, home to one fifth of the population of the world, is afforded an equal voice at the highest body of this organization. Friends and partners in the permanent five, it is time to make good on your promise to a continent. Agree a permanent seat on the UN Security Council for Africa for eighty years, the only continent without one. I also appreciate I also appreciate the decision by Britain, Australia, Canada, and France, among others, to give heightened attention and consideration to the Palestinian crisis.

## Botswana: [00:18:46] The carnage in Gaza. It must prick our collective consciences. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of a home and of dignity. So too, we affirm our support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We urge all parties to stop the war and seek a peaceful resolution. Distinguished delegates, the theme of this general assembly is better together. This is not a slogan, it is a truth. We are better together in combating pandemics, better together in adapting to climate change, better together in securing peace, and better together in ensuring that human dignity is not a preserve of the few but the inheritance of all. Let us therefore recommit ourselves to multilateralism, not as a matter of convenience but as a matter of deep necessity, for none of us can weather the storms of this century alone. As Botswana looks to the future, we do so with humility but also with determination. We stand ready to contribute, to partner, and to lead where we can. Together, let us ensure that when future generations mark one hundred years of The United Nations, they will say of us, they were a generation that turned words into action, promises into progress, and hope into reality. I thank you. Thank you so very much.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:20:48] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the president of The Republic Of Botswana. The Assembly will hear an address by Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth Of Dominica. I request protocol to escort Her Excellency and invite her to address the Assembly.

##Dominica: [00:21:29] Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Mabrika Mabrika, I bring you greetings in my native Kalinago language, the language of the first people of The Caribbean, whom I am proud to call my ancestors. Madam president, on behalf of the government and people of the Commonwealth Of Dominica, I am pleased to congratulate you, my fellow woman, on your appointment to guide the affairs of the ATF session of the United Nations General Assembly, a responsibility for which you are eminently qualified. We wish you every success in your new role. Excellencies, I address you at a pivotal time in the history of this organization and indeed of this world. I am reminded of the words of the famous British novelist, Charles Dickens in his acclaimed novel, and I quote, a tale of two cities, end of quote. A novel set in a time of social upheaval, division, and transformation. I quote, it was the best of times. It was the worst of times, end of quote. Although this novel was written over one hundred and sixty years ago, these words remain relevant today. As we celebrate eighty years of the existence of the United Nations, we are living a tale of two worlds. For some, it is indeed the best of times. Strong economies, access to education, medicines, top class health care, clean water, sanitation, and housing. They are at the frontier of the artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies with expanding digital infrastructure and rising standards of living. But for many, it remains the worst of times. Persistent poverty, growing hunger, displacement, instability, and war. Nations on the frontlines of climate change, enduring the worst impacts and debt crisis not of their own making, but a price they pay for the excesses of others. Unfortunately, this is not fiction, but our shared reality. If we as the United Nations do not confront this duality, this inequality, we will write a catastrophe of our own. It bears state restating that the UN was created eighty years ago to prevent wars, to promote peace and international cooperation based on ideals of mutual respect, human rights, and the rule of law. It has championed multilateralism, recognizing that no one country has the answer for the world’s problem, that the world is interconnected, and to maintain peace, we should operate a rules based and not power based approach. A tale of two cities portray the society where the powerful live in luxury and the oppressed suffer in silence. We can take heed of the warning that we glean from Dickens’ work, that injustice should not be ignored, that when powerful nations impose their will on the less powerful without accountability or regard for the rule of law, they plant seeds of this cord and future unrest. What have the lessons taught us? What should we ask ourselves as we gather year after year in this chamber? Are we truly listening to the nations that take the podium every year to decry poverty, inequality, climate change, underdevelopment, and conflict? Do we have a system where resources and decision making are truly being equitably shared, or are we instead operating a system where power protects itself? I am reminded of the old African proverb, and I quote, when elephants fight the grass gets trampled, end of quote. With a small island developing states, we are the grass. In today’s geopolitical landscape, we feel the brunt of the impact when global powers engage in political, economic, or military confrontation. Economic sanctions, trade restrictions, aid conditionalities, conflict, and wars, to name a few, affect global supply and the affordability, availability, and transportation of goods and materials. This significantly increases the cost of doing business and the prices of basic foods on our supermarket shelves, putting several goods out of the price range of many. Madam president, we have come here time and time again to advocate for fairness, to advocate for understanding, to advocate for change in respect of matters that concern our very viability as small nations, on matters that affect our very lives and livelihoods. A major area for us is the devastating devastating impact of climate change on our nations. Yet in climate negotiations, powerful nations still drag their feet. Polluters enjoy protection and adaptation and mitigation efforts are underfunded. Meanwhile, our countries, which everyone accepts, contribute the least to the climate crisis, continue to risk extinction from rising seas, extreme flooding, devastating storms, drought, amongst many other negative impacts of climate change. Madam president, how can this be fear? How can this be morally defensible? While we complain about these things, equally horrifying is the indiscriminate and deliberate loss of life that we see around the world from bombings, from induced hunger, from sanctioned violence, and genocide. We do not have the power to prevent the storms and to bring the rains where there is drought, but we do have the power to limit further climate change and help countries adapt and mitigate its impact. So too, we have the power to end wars and not start new ones. We have to be willing to talk to each other. To empathize with each other, we should return to the founding principles of The United Nations. Wherever there is conflict, be it in the Horn Of Africa, The Middle East, and Southeast Asia, or sad to say, in The Caribbean. Major powers engaging in geopolitical conflicts result in civilians becoming collateral damage, economies collapsing, increase in prices, and instability. I want to emphasize here today that there is no place in The Caribbean for war. The Caribbean is a zone of peace. Any military conflict in The Caribbean will have significant negative impacts on The Caribbean and Latin America. There is a better way to resolve differences. We urge the powers that be to find another way. And so, madam president, I return to our tale where a man dismissed by society gives his life for another.

##Dominica: [00:30:38] Are the wealthiest nations willing to give up dominance for fairness, to make sacrifices to ensure justice, equity, and climate resilience for all? Will we choose compassion and empathy over control and indifference? Madam president, we stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti. We insist like other CARICOM member states that the current crisis being confronted by our sister CARICOM state in no way notifies the entitlement of its people to the recognition of their sacred sovereignty and their right to be central in the search for a fair and durable peace in their country. The government of Dominica remains convinced that our sister curriculum state Haiti faces major challenges today, in part because of the glorious contribution Haiti made to the quest for justice and freedom in our region and the world. Indeed, the current complexion of this August body would have been unimaginable without the heroic struggles of the Haitians. As such, the crisis in Haiti is much more than a Caribbean crisis, and its solution requires a united response and the support of the United Nations to resolve. My delegation unreservedly supports the position of CARICOM on the situation in Haiti, a position that rightly calls for a Haitian led and owned transition process to bring across systematic changes for the benefit of the Haitian people. Let us provide them with all the support that they need. Nothing less is demanded of us. Madam president, the Commonwealth of Dominica is keen to underscore its commitment to advocating for unity, justice, peace, and the sustainable human development that they foster. In this regard, we continue to urge that the long running unjust and illegal economic embargo against the people of Cuba be revoked. Maintaining this embargo is harmful not only to the long suffering people of Cuba, but also to the image and profile of its sponsors. Cuba, like every other country, has a right to its self determination. Dominica continues to stand in solidarity with Cuba. The trade and economic embargo imposed against our brothers and sisters in Cuba continues to be of great concern to us in The Caribbean. Its lifting grows increasingly urgent. Therefore, the Commonwealth of Dominica once again joins its voices with the voices of the overwhelming majority of members of this global organization to call for the immediate lifting of trade restrictions and export bans imposed on the good people of Cuba. They are unjustified. They are unjustifiable. They belong to a bygone era. They should cease to exist. They fall in our view within the grand narrative of yet another Caribbean people’s struggle for liberation. It is for these reasons that the government of Dominica strongly urges a radical reconsideration of these actions. Madam speaker, our steadfast advocacy for respect for the United Nations norms of sovereignty and noninterference impels us as well to urge that the right of the government and people of Venezuela to resolve internal challenges without outside interference be respected.

##Dominica: [00:35:05] We renew our condemnation of the imposition of sanctions on Venezuela. The resulting hardship forced upon the people of Venezuela needs an immediate and complete end. We also call for restraint and strict adherence to the rule of law as it relates to the presence of US military assets in the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The solution to conflict, to challenges, should never be aggression and war. We urge that all diplomatic efforts we pursue to respect the sovereignty of states, preserve the dignity of human life, and promote peace. Madam speaker madam president, sorry, as we celebrate this eightieth year of these United Nations under the theme, and I quote, eighty years and more for peace development and human rights, end of quote, let it not be just mere words. Let it instead be a call for respect and adherence to a rules based order that applies to all nations equally, weak and strong, not just when it is convenient to the most powerful. The UN arose out of the ashes of a world torn by devastating wars. Let us not return to those dark days, but instead be guided by law, diplomacy, and shared values. Let us reform the system. We are small and developing nations have a real seat at the table, that we may have the opportunity to influence decisions that shape global climate policy, security, and economic well-being for all. Let it be where we build solidarity and cooperation and where power is exercised with humility, compassion, and restraint. Madam president, let the history books say that in this chamber, in our time, we chose a better path. In the words of Charles Dickens, and I quote, it is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done, end of quote. Let those words not only be the end of a novel, but also the beginning of a new era for us. The beginning of our collective resolve, where our actions are guided by the desire for true peace, by respect for others and the rule of law, for upholding the sanctity of human life, of ensuring true development and prosperity for all. Let us judge the strength of our global system, not by how loudly the elephants roar, but by how well we protect the grass beneath them. Excellencies, the challenges before us are too great and complex for any one nation to solve alone. We all need each other. So let us leave this hall committed to action, committed to partnership, and committed to each other. Because the truth is simple yet profound. We are always stronger, wiser, and better together. Madam president, I look forward to the day when a woman leaves this great institution as secretary general, which to my mind would be a symbol of true equality. I thank you for the courtesy of your attention. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:39:18] I would like to thank the President of the Commonwealth Of Dominica. The Assembly will now hear an address by His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President and Head of Government of the Federated States Of Micronesia. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Micronesia: [00:39:59] Madam president, mister secretary general, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my people of the Federated States Of Micronesia, I am honored to extend our heartfelt national greeting and camaraderie to you on this momentous celebration of the eightieth session of the general assembly. Congratulations, madam president, on your election to preside over this distinguished assembly. Your leadership and insights will guide us moving forward. I also wish to commend the leadership of our outgoing president. At this time, I also want to express my gratitude to the secretary general for his tireless and unwavering commitment in guiding our collective work. We are grateful for your dedication and efforts in keeping hope and cooperation alive across our global community. Madam president, Micronesia joins the United Nations in commemorating its eightieth anniversary. This milestone calls on us to renew our collective commitment to strengthen multilateralism for the challenges ahead. Reiterating our commitment to multilateralism and inclusive reform, Micronesia emphasizes that any measures taken under the UN AD initiative must reflect the delicate balance and unique vulnerabilities faced by small island developing states. It is paramount that structural structural adjustments must enhance, not limit our access to critical support and representation. We urge that reforms ensure the continued resilience, tailored assistance, and participatory voice of small island developing states in the evolving UN system so that no one is left behind. Madam president, the climate crisis is not up for debate. We all know that. The only question now is whether we, as leaders, will act with the urgency it demands. The landmark ICJ’s advisory opinion reminds us that climate action is not only a moral imperative, but also a legal one. It affirms that all states, particularly those who are parties to the UNF triple c and Paris Agreement must do their fair share to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and that major emitters carry the primary duty to act and keep 1.5 alive. It also underscores the obligations of developed countries to support the adaptation efforts of countries like mine who live with the impacts of climate change every day. It confirms that not meeting these obligations can lead to legal consequences under international law. This points to the simple truth that the core of this climate crisis lies the pursuit of justice, justice for the most vulnerable, justice for future generations, and justice for our shared planet. I call on the general assembly to adopt a resolution endorsing the ICJ’s opinion so that together, we send an unmistakable signal that upholding climate obligations under international law is the shared duty of all nations. Pacific Island leaders have spoken with one voice in our recent Pacific Islands Forum Communique. Medane mitigation must be a global priority, and methane mitigation across all sectors must be a core objective of every country. Cutting methane now could prevent 0.3 decrease Celsius of warming by the twenty forties, slowing ocean heating and buying us time for long term decarbonization. This is the only scalable near term solution that can protect vulnerable nations and peoples today while we build the future of clean energy tomorrow. The COP thirty will be the first opportunity since the ICJ’s advisory opinion for us to take ambitious and aggressive actions to put the world back on track for 1.5 degrees. There is no time to waste. After three decades of cuts and now with the clearest pronouncement by the ICJ, let us get to work. Madam president, Micronesia remains committed to achieving an ambitious global agreement to end plastic pollution, including the marine environment. Micronesia actively participated in the intergovernmental negotiation negotiating committee on plastic pollution. We are proud to have stood with over 100 countries making clear that the pollution emitted from the full life cycles of plastics requires a full life cycle approach to address all pollutions from plastics from the production and design stages, all the way through the waste management and remediation. This pollution, including climate warming greenhouse gases and thousands of other toxic chemicals, severely impacts our health, our environment, and our economies. Despite the failure of the INC to produce a plat plastics treaty in Geneva, we are not giving up. The plastic pollution crisis is far too dire to ignore. Madam president president, the year 2025 is an important year for the ocean. In June, the UN Ocean Conference adopted the NEIS ocean action agenda, a forward looking document for to guide us all. Also, as of today, there are 145 countries that have signed the PP and J agreement and 70 that have ratified. With this development, we are pleased that PP and J agreement will enter into force in four months. Micronesia is also participating in the related and critical work of the International Seabed Authority.

##Micronesia: [00:47:24] Micronesia is following a precautionary approach to deep sea mining. We emphasize the necessity of consolidating comprehensive knowledge data and scientific understanding of the marine environment and the impacts of deep sea mining before any exploitation takes place. Additionally, it is crucial that all stakeholders, adjacent coastal states, indigenous peoples, and local communities in The Pacific are consulted and their perspectives considered before any con any exploitation occurs. In Micronesia, we have taken steps in preparation for exploration and possible exploitation in a responsible manner. We urge the ISA to finalize without further delay all relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines for its mining goat prior to any exploitation as failure to do so risks countries turning to alternative measures. Madam president, small island developing states face unique and ident vulnerabilities to climate change shaped by geography and scale. Disaster risk reduction and resilience strategies must reflect these realities. That is why the multidimensional vulnerability index is so vital to us. It recognizes our economic, environmental, and social fragilities, and it ensures that and it ensures that support reflects genuine need, not just income levels. The MPI provides a fair framework for allocating resources. Development partners must base their decisions or aid decisions on it, pairing it with traditional measures to better target climate and disaster support. Going forward, implementation demands three things, adoption by international bodies, continuous technical refinement, and strong commitment from partners to align financial and policy support with the vulnerabilities the MFI reveals. Only this only then can this tool deliver the resilience our small islands urgently need. Madam president, Micronesia continues to confront a high level high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, the persistence of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, and rising mental health concern. In response, we are reorienting our health systems around primary health care as the foundation for universal health coverage. We are investing in the rehabilitation of primary health care clinics, the development of our health workforce, and the use of telehealth to extend essential services to our most vulnerable and hard to reach populations. However, to realize the goal of universal health coverage, additional financial and technical support from the international community is indispensable. Madam president, gender equality and social inclusion are equally central to our development agenda. Our strategic development plan raises this at its core with the objective of ensuring equal access to services, equitable participation, and opportunities for all our citizens to thrive. Madam president, peace and unity are the foundation of our nation. Our FSM constitution or Micronesian constitution reminds us that we must, and I quote, live together in peace and harmony to preserve the heritage of the past and to protect the promise of the future, end quote. Today, as conflicts continue to unfold across the world, we hold hope that they may be resolved through leadership rooted in peace. In our region, while we humble peace and unity as guiding values, we find ourselves navigating the geopolitical and geostrategic competition among major powers. As leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, we recently adopted the Ocean of Peace declaration at the fifty fourth annual meeting in Oneara. In doing so, we affirmed that no single member state can face the foreign threats to peace and security alone. We must act together as one Pacific family. Madam president, Micronesia co sponsored the first ever UN resolution on AI alongside 120 member states. While AI holds great promise for economic development, it also carries the risk that must be carefully managed. The inclusive and constructive dialogue that shaped this resolution offers a model for future discussions, including those on peace, security, and the responsible military use of AI. As the digital world advances at an unprecedented pace, global cooperation is essential to ensure that AI system remains safe, secure, and trustworthy. Micronesia, through through our own cybersecurity efforts, is committed to developing national strategies and policies to safeguard our digital data and mitigate the risk of malicious attacks. Madam President, food and water security remain pressing challenges for Micronesia as fragile freshwater sources and climate extremes undermine aquaculture, marine ecosystems, reduce yields of traditional crops, and increase reliance on costly, less nutritious import. Compounding these challenges, just days ago, I was compelled to declare a national state of emergency due to an ongoing oil leak from a worldwide two sunken vessel in Chug Lagoon. This ship, together with more than 60 other wartime wrecks, has rested in our waters for nearly eighty years since the war’s end. But now this remnants of comfort pose new dangers as toxic oil seeps into our ocean, threatening our fisheries, coastal communities, and livelihoods. The scale of this crisis far exceeds Micronesian Micronesia’s capacity to address alone.

##Micronesia: [00:54:44] As we mark the eightieth anniversary of the war’s end, we appeal to the international community to work with us in transforming this legacy of war into an opportunity for cooperation. Madam president, Mike Kanesia again emphasizes the urgent need to address the current structure of the United Nations Security Council, which fails to represent the geopolitical realities of the twenty first century. The exclusive nature of its permanent membership creates inequities and hampers effective responses to global crisis. To enhance legitimacy and accountability, we must restructure the council to include underrepresented voice, including Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, and the African continent. Such reforms would better reflect modern international dynamics and strengthen the council’s role in promoting peace and security. Madam president, eight years ago, the United Nations was founded on a simple but enduring truth. Every nation, big or small, has a voice, a vote, and a role to play in shaping the world we share. Micronesia may be small, but our voice, our fault, and our place within the international community is committed to choosing that we are, in fact, better together. That truth must guide us still because big or small, every nation has the power to choose peace over conflict. Big or small, every nation has the power to choose peace over conflict. Big or small, every nation has the duty to protect our planet from harm. Big or small, every nation has the responsibility to defend justice and human dignity. Big or small, we are we always have been and always will be better together. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:57:06] I would like to thank the President and Head of Government of The Federated States Of Micronesia. The assembly will now hear an address by His Excellency Taye Atskeselassie Amde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Ethiopia: [00:57:54] Your excellency, madam president, your excellency secretary general, Antonio Guterres, ladies and gentlemen, Excellency Annalena Baerbock, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your country, Germany, on your election as president of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly and wish you a productive tenure. I would also like to thank his excellency, Philemon Young, president of the seventy ninth session of the General Assembly, for his able leadership. It is a great honor for me to address this August assembly representing my country, Ethiopia, a founding member of United Nations on this historic occasion, which marks the eightieth anniversary of the organization. Madam President, looking back on the eighty years of its existence, the United Nations has considerable achievement to celebrate. Our sacrifice for decolonization has left a lasting legacy on the global body, making it truly universal with the admiration of newly independent states. Armed conflicts are prevented, humanitarian catastrophes are averted, and deadly pandemics successfully contained. Global cooperation under the framework of the million and sustainable government goals has resulted in a reduction of extreme poverty and paved the way for climate action. These achievements, however, cannot conceal the outstanding need for reform and revitalization. The most glaring one is the inequitable representation of states in the global security, political, and financial architecture. The United Nations must also overcome the systemic problems it suffers from a lack of impartiality, selectivity, and double standards. The emerging controversy over the fundamentals of the international system and the principles of the United Nations Charter is risking the very foundation of international cooperation. These trends should not be normalized or serve as a baseline in the determination of our standard and targets. We are also deeply concerned by isolationist policies, unprecedented military buildup, armistice, and the disturbing trend of retraction from development and climate commitments. These worrying trajectories are counterproductive to the collective progress of humanity and undermine the very premises of peaceful interstate relations. It is Ethiopia’s conviction that the remedy lies within our reach. No state can single handedly manage global challenge. We, therefore, call on fellow member states, especially developed countries that have historical responsibilities to reverse recent downward trends and intensify efforts toward the collective public good of development and peace. Madam president, Ethiopia supports the peaceful resolution of all conflicts. The path of violence must yield to the power of diplomacy. We affirm our historic position on the right of the Palestinian people for self determination. Direct negotiation among the warring parties is an immediate necessity. Humanitarian assistance must reach to all the people in need. This is not a political preference, but a moral imperative. As Ethiopia has pronounced it in its position during the adoption of the resolutions on the two states result solution, the international community should join hands to end the vicious cycle of violence and stalemate in order to give peace a chance. We wish to underscore any proposed peace and reconstruction plan in The Middle East should not create complications to adjacent countries and regions. More than any time before, the United Nations is indeed called upon to face even if that greatly exceeds its spars and capabilities. It was in 1949, the first session of the general assembly, the Egyptian delegation forewarned the risks of ineffectiveness and intrusion into the mandates of the general assembly. This was caused by the excessive number of bodies and mechanisms created. It is in this slide that we see the ongoing reform process under the UN 80 initiative as an opportunity to preserve the mandate of the general assembly by rectifying its dispersion to a multitude of other bodies. Ethiopia reiterates Africa’s long standing call that there should be more decentralization and deployment of institutional and financial capacity to the global South, especially to our the African continent where the United Nations has most of its programs. Madam president, Africa, guided by agenda twenty sixty three, is advancing development as its preferred security policy. The continent is scoring a higher rate of economic growth. Domestic revenue mobilization is on the rise. Africa’s climate action in renewable energy development, emission reduction, and our forestation is indeed unmatched in any other parts of the world. The first is to enhance public welfare, combat transnational threats, and decrease inequality are being intensified. Despite these achievements, the global crisis continued to impact Africa’s capabilities to deliver on development aspirations. Chief among this is a compounding death crisis. In line with the IDSAB action agenda and civil outcome document, we emphasize the need to advance an ambitious agenda on development finance. Coercive measures and trade restrictions, in particular, those targeting Africa must be lifted immediately. More importantly, CPEO calls for a new global action for debt cancellation, restructuring, and suspension. Madam president, it is our views that the national security of states, especially those in the same region, is indivisible and interdependent. To this effect, we will intensify our efforts to combat global terrorists operating in our region. We call on the international community to extend the required support to the African Union peace missions, in particular, the African Union support and stabilization mission in Somalia. Now is now the time to retreat from global action in combating terrorism. Furthermore, we reiterate our call for urgent action to reform the United Nations Security Council. Africa’s representation both in in both categories of membership of the council must be given priority. There is no shortcut or half solution to this long standing pursuit for justice. Distinguished delegates, excellencies, I have the distinct pleasure to share with this August assembly recent milestones of great significance achieved by the people of the Nile River Basin. With entry into force of the agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework, the Entebbe based Nile River Basin Commission is nearing establishment. This year, we also celebrated another milestone. On the eve of the Ethiopian New Year, Ethiopia commissioned the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which transforms Ethiopia’s renewable energy generation capacity. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with an installed capacity of over 5,000 megawatts signifies our commitment to clean energy for all. Its true meaning is found in the lives it transforms. Renaissance Dam brings light to 60,000,000 Ethiopians who currently lack access to any form of clean energy. It promises power to Ethiopia’s energy demand, which grows by more than 20% every year. It is a symbol of liberation of millions of Ethiopian women and girls, freeing them from the backbreaking search for fire firewood. The dam will be instrumental in the attainment of all of the sustainable development goals. It boosts our capability to provide clean water for our people who live under chronic shortage, create employment to our youth, and ensure food security. GERD also enhances regional connectivity. The overwhelming support and solidarity we received on the occasion of the inauguration inspired Greta, the first to forge cooperation among the riparian countries of the Nile River Basin. Madam president, our Pan African aspiration to break the vicious cycle of underdevelopment should bring our countries together to realize initiative that will transform the lives of our people. The time is now to work for towards Africa’s true independence, driven by African agency and guided by the common destiny of our people. Ethiopia, with its second largest population in Africa and significant maritime trade, places high importance on the safety and security of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. We concur with the secretary general’s statement during the OASA conference that no state should be locked out of opportunities for growth, finance, and technology due to geographical circumstance. The international law maxim that defines the ISIS as a common heritage of mankind and grants equal right of access and use to all state must be brought to reality. In collaboration with other states, Ethiopia will work to towards a comprehensive approach to ensure equal development and security for all states along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Ethiopia will also keep in on advancing this legitimate policy objective through diplomacy and peaceful engagement. Madam president, in conclusion, I’m convinced that the spirit, genus, and competence of humanity toward this unity, justice, and collective well-being will triumph over the current atmosphere of rivalry and hopelessness. For its parts, Ethiopia is firmly committed to upholding multilateralism centered on the charter of the United Nations and to contributing to the maintenance of collective security and sustainable development. I thank you, madam president.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:10:50] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the president of the Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia. We shall now continue the general debate. The assembly will now hear an address by his excellency António Costa, president of the European Council of the European Union. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##European Union: [01:11:41] Summary, president, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the world faces a crucial choice. Do you want a rules based international order that upholds multilateralism and the United Nations Charter or a chaotic world based on unilateralism, violence, and with disruption. The European Union knows where it stands. We are a project of peace, of reconciliation, of social justice. We are we are and will remain a steadfast defender of multilateralism, of the rules international based order, and of the United Nations Charter. The alternative to this international rules based order is a chaotic and violent world. As seen in Sudan, an unreported and devastating conflict with destruction of huge proposals. As seen in Gaza, as seen in Ukraine. In Gaza, where we witness an unimaginable suffering, children starving, families shattered, a humanitarian catastrophe that shocks the world’s conscience, The use of starvation as a weapon of war is immoral and one that defies words. The opinion condemns terrorism in all its forms. The horrific attacks by Hamas cannot be forgotten, and we stand with Israel right to security. Every country, every people have the right to live in security. The hostage must be released immediately. The Palestinian people have also the same right to security and to live in the viable state. A negotiated two state solution is the only path to peace. Security for both peoples, dignity for both peoples, this is the solution we seek. The European Union has been an indispensable partner in the region. We are the largest provider of humanitarian aids to Palestinians. European funding has kept hospitals, schools, and institutions running. We have been, over the years, the largest supporter of the Palestinian authority, supporting them in their reform agenda and in their efforts to ensure effective effective control of all the territory of Palestine. Dear friends, the European Union fully assumes its responsibilities, but we alone cannot stop this humanitarian catastrophe. Peace in The Middle East requires a collective response, and we need everyone to assume their responsibilities. We must act together and demand the unconditional release of all hostages and immediate ceasefire, full and impeded humanitarian access, an end to illegal settlements, a renewed credible commitment to a two state solution. This was the strong message from the two state conference hosted on Monday by France and Saudi Arabia to which European Union is fully committed. In Ukraine, a sovereign nation was brutally attacked by a permanent a permanent member of the Security Council in clear violation of the United Nations Charter, a clear violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity, the respect of internationally recognized borders, and the right to choose its own destiny. Principles that bind all the members of the United Nations. This aggression threatens not only Ukraine. It threatens every nation in this assembly. If we accept Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, no country will ever be safe. There is only one root cause to this war, Russia’s refusal to accept Ukraine’s right to choose its own destiny. For over three years, this war has claimed innocent lives, destroyed cities, and fooled global insecurity. Our collective security is tied to Ukraine’s resilience. The European Union stands firm in supporting Ukraine in their right for in their fight for a just and lasting peace, in their efforts to bring an end to the killing and Russia to the negotiation table, in their future reconstruction, in providing security guarantees to prevent future attacks, in their path to fuel membership in the European Union. We will continue to apply pressure on Russia to ends this war. We call for meaningful negotiations and an immediate ceasefire and a jest and lasting peace. This is not Ukraine’s fight alone. It is a fight for the principles we hold hold dear. Excellence. Your Excellencies, the European Union is determined to build a world founded on the fundamental values that we share with the United Nations peace, human rights and sustainable development. Human rights are the foundation for global peace and stability. Social protection, decent jobs, gender equality and the fight against poverty are not optional. Rather, they are the guarantees of human dignity, of social stability and of lasting peace between nations. The European Union defends freedom, democracy and human rights, values which today are threatened by disinformation and by the abuse of digital technologies. We need to have global standards for transparency and accountability mechanisms. They also need to be as dynamic as the technologies that we are trying to regulate, to make sure that digital technologies give citizens means to act, and not autocrats or the new technology oligarchs. The European Union is in favor of a human centered approach to artificial intelligence. We are at the forefront of the first global regulatory framework in the world for responsible AI and we are calling for an equivalent level of ambition in the international domain. We are doing this based on our fundamental values dignity, democracy and the rule of law. Your excellencies, climate change is not fake news. It is a scientifically proven fact that is affecting our present and our future. Destruction and deaths brought about by fires, floods and hurricanes are not an invention. We’re talking about something all too real. In addition, investing in decarbonization is key for the energy sovereignty of every country, for innovation and for the competitiveness of our economies. That is why the European Union fully shoulders fulfills its commitments undertaken in the context of the Paris Agreement by reducing its emissions by 55% by 2030 and by achieving climate neutrality by 02/1950. We will continue actively promoting the protection of our oceans, which are lungs and the lifeguard for our planet. We welcome the ratification of the UN Treaty on the High Seas to safeguard biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Sustainable development also means building alliances, not dependencies. We are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Through the European Union’s Global Gateway Programme, some €300,000,000,000 are being mobilized by 2027 in sustainable investments and connectivity throughout the world. This is a decisive contribution to help attain the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the European Union, together with its member states, accounts for some 42% of global development assistance. We are the main donors to the World Health Organization UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme. We lead and we will continue to lead global solidarity, even at these times of major budgetary restrictions affecting the United Nations system. Lastly, we need to make headway in reforming the international financial architecture and in the management of debt. The international financial system needs to be fairer, more inclusive and more tailored to current challenges so that it can also help us to close the financing gap for development by following the path that has been set by the Seville commitment.

##European Union: [01:23:28] Excellencies, the European Union is a global partner. The European Union and its member states are staunch political supporters and the largest collective donors to the United Nations as the pillar of the multilateral system. We are working closely with other regional partners. That is why we are building stronger trades and industrial partnerships across the globe. We are advancing deals with Mercosur, Mexico, India, Indonesia, The Philippines, and Thailand, not just to boost trade, but to increase global predictability and resilience. The trade and investment agenda based on fairness, sustainability, digital innovation, labor rights, and climate alignment. Because trade deals, not tariffs, deliver real benefits for all countries, companies, and citizens. In the multipolar world, we are building a powerful global network of partnerships with Africa, Latin America and The Caribbean, United States and Canada, the Arab world, Asia and The Pacific, as well with our European neighbors. In today’s multipolar world, there is no global south or global north. Both are plural. And the European Union will continue to work with all partners in the speed of global solidarity and meaningful partnership because multipolarity needs an effective multilateral system, a rules based international order under the United Nations Charter, and this commitment stems from our own history. Europe rebuilt itself from the ashes of old war two through peace, through reconciliation, and through integration. We know these principles work because they worked for us. At a time when international cooperation is being tested, the value of reliable partnerships has never been greater. The European Union is a reliable and predictable partner and stands firmly with the United Nations. We will defend its principles, support the reforms of the United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres, work to make the United Nations more inclusive, more representative, and more effective with the UN 80 reform initiative and the implementation of the pact for the future. At a time when multilateralism is under threat, let me leave you with one simple promise. You can count on the European Union. Count on us to stand for peace, for multilateralism, for justice, for human dignity, for sustainability. The time has come to choose clearly peace over war, law over force, accountability over impunity, solidarity over division, sustainability over crisis, justice over inequality. The European Union has no doubts about where we stand, and you cannot have any doubt about where we are. Thank you very much.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:27:31] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the president of the European Council of the European Union. The assembly will now hear an address by his excellency, Philip Isdor Mpango, vice president of The United Republic Of Tanzania. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Tanzania: [01:28:16] Madam president, excellencies, distinguished delegates, this year, we gather at a historic moment when we are commemorating eight years since the founding of the UN, but in a somber mood. The theme of this general debate that is Better Together, eight years and more for peace, development, and human rights reminds us that determined cooperation remains our best vehicle for addressing urgent global challenges of this century and beyond. Yet we are faced with chaos in the form of unilateralism with arrogance, barbaric wars, persistent poverty, injustice, pandemics, as well as an impending climate catastrophe. As we mark eighty years of the UN, we are called to rekindle the vision of its founders, anchored on two pillars. First, nations can overcome difficulties and accomplish more when they work together in solidarity. Second, peace is humanity’s truest desire, which we must seek and pursue relentlessly on the basis of international law. By contrast, war is undesirable. It is a senseless path to resolving conflicts on which everybody loses, and its bitter fruits include unspeakable loss of innocent lives, too many orphans, widows, refugees, as well as wanton destruction. Yet, the United Nations Charter has guided us through many challenges over the past eight years, reminding us to uphold peace, justice, cooperation, and dialogue to resolve conflicts. Today, as the world faces new tests, we must therefore hold firmly to these same principles, for it is only by respecting and living by the charter that we can honor the past and build a safer and better future for all of us. Excellencies, the past eight decades also remind us that change is the only constant in our world. The challenge of today are not the same as those of yesterday, nor will they be the same tomorrow. Thus, for the UN to remain relevant and is true to its noble ambition, it must embrace change. Tanzania welcomes the UN eight reform initiative unveiled in March, which seeks to enhance efficiency across the UN system and strengthening effectiveness. My country stresses the importance of upholding the principles of transparency, equity, and objectivity in the process so as to renew trust and foster inclusive global governance. We thank the secretary general for engaging member states in this endeavor. Nevertheless, Tanzania reiterates Africa’s position on redressing the continent’s underrepresentation in the Security Council and calls for admission of at least two permanent seats for Africa with veto power, as articulated by the Zuluini consensus. Tanzania also joined other countries of the global South in demanding urgent and comprehensive reform of the global financial system. While we support the outcomes of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development held in Seville, Spain this year, We renewed the call for scaling up long term concessional financing, revising sovereign credit rating frameworks, and rethinking debt sustainability assessments in order to unlock capital for investment in infrastructure, education, health, and climate adaptation. We reiterate our demand for increased voice and representation of Africa in the governance structures of the IMF and the World Bank. These noble demands have gone unheeded for a very long time and must be addressed now. Excellencies, SDGs remain our common plan for a better world. Yet with only five years left before 02/1930, it has been established that over 80% of the targets are off track, with progress on more than half of the goals being weak and insufficient. The big elephant in the room suffocating progress is an estimated financing gap of four trillion dollars per annum. Nevertheless, Tanzania remains committed and has made strides in implementing the 2030 agenda with overall performance estimated at 60%. Examples include SDG three, where maternal mortality declined from seven fifty deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to one hundred and four in 2022. For SDG six, access to clean and safe water increased in both rural and urban areas from 32 and 55 percent in 2000 to 79.9 and 94 percent respectively by 2024. On affordable clean energy (STG seven), the number of villages connected to electricity increased from 8,587 in 2000 to 12,318 in 2024. Only 15 villages remain without electricity. However, significant challenges remain, especially on environmental sustainability, that is SDGs thirteen, fourteen, and 15. Going forward, we urge the international community to strengthen collective response to climate change, seizing the opportunity presented by COP thirty in Belem, Brazil, prioritizing delivery on the pledges for climate action, including capitalization of the loss and damage fund. We call for increased long term concessional financing, technology transfer, and fairer trade terms to complement our zeal in domestic revenue mobilization, reversing capital flight, and pursuit of win win partnerships in the exploitation of our natural resources.

##Tanzania: [01:35:43] I am glad to inform the assembly that in June 2025, we launched the Tanzania Vision 20 50 that articulates our long term development aspirations and dovetails quite well with the SDG’s agenda. Excellencies, peace is not a bonus. It is a prerequisite for socioeconomic development. We must therefore seek and pursue peace tirelessly. We commend the efforts of the UN secretary general, world leaders, and organizations that are active in conflict mediation and resolution in countries and regions such as Eastern DRC, Sudan, Russia, Ukraine, and The Middle East. As we commemorate the Beijing plus thirty and celebrate the progress made in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, We call for full involvement of women in the quest for peace. In this regard, I must say her excellency, doctor Samia Suluhasan, the first woman president of Tanzania, has shown the way in articulating policies and actions that strengthen the role of women across all sectors of our society. Regionally and internationally, she has been a champion of peace, justice, security, and clean cookie. Tanzania as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council, and in our then role as chair of the SADEC Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation over the past year, actively contributed to peace initiatives and supported measures to prevent and resolve conflict. In this spirit, Tanzania announces its candidates for a non permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term twenty twenty nine, two thousand and thirty, reaffirming our commitment to global peace and security. Excellencies, Tanzania opposes the continued imposition and proliferation of unilateral coercive measures which undermine the principles of sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence enshrined in the UN Charter. Such measures, often applied without mandate of the Security Council, represent a form of economic aggression that disproportionately harms innocent civilians by depriving them of essential needs such as food, medicines, and capital goods. In this context, Tanzania reiterates its principled solidarity with nations, including Zimbabwe and Cuba, and the peoples who continue to endure the adverse effects of the long standing economic embargo and sanctions. We stress that these embargoes and sanctions contravene international law. Similarly, Tanzania stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine, M. Sahrawi, who continue to be denied the fundamental rights of freedom, sovereignty, and self determination. Tanzania also strongly condemns all forms of terrorism carried out within or across national borders. Madam president, excellencies, and distinguished delegates, in his last speech to the United Nations General Assembly prior to retirement in 1985, Malimu Julius Nerere, the founding president of my country, articulated the principle that, and I quote, to be silent when we see danger, to refrain from attacking policies which are seen as contrary to the interests of peace and justice, to do these things would be to surrender our freedom and our dignity. That we shall never do. End of quote. Following the same principle, Tanzania considers unilateralism and misuse of military might, as well as shameful incapacity of the international community and global powers to bring an end to bloodshed and horrific wars raging in many places around the world to be unacceptable. Similarly, Tanzania condemns the resurging use of the law of the jungle as a means of resolving conflicts as well as committing atrocities that cast shame on the whole of humanity, particularly extreme violence against children, women, the sick, and the elderly in conflict situations, as well as imperial attitudes, including that of regarding Africa as a free mind to be exploited and ample land to be planted. The hypocrisy and scandal of international companies, some of which are state sponsored, to continue to prosper from the exploitation of Africa’s natural wealth while causing or supporting conflicts should be brought to an end now. Instead, Africa needs win win partnerships in the exploitation of our natural wealth. Tanzania also reminds the international community that increased military spending on research and manufacture of weapons for money is tragic and morally wrong. It obstructs the quest for peace in the world and takes away an enormous amount of resources that could have been used to propel sustainable development and prosperity for all humanity. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:41:52] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the vice president of The United Republic Of Tanzania. The assembly will now hear an address by her excellency, Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, vice president of The Republic Of Uganda. I request protocol to escort her excellency and invite her to address the assembly.

##Uganda: [01:42:35] The president of the UN General Assembly, excellencies, heads of state and government, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you warm greetings from his excellency, general Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, who could not be present personally on this and on whose behalf I am privileged to address this eightieth session of the UN general assembly. Madam president, let me begin by warmly congratulating you on your election as the president of the eightieth session of the UN general assembly. Uganda assures you of its full support throughout your tenure, and I also extend our appreciation to his excellency, Philémon Yang, for his capable leadership during the seventy ninth session. We commend the secretary general, his excellency, Antonio Gutierrez, for his continued commitment to the roles and responsibilities of the United Nations. This year marks eight years since the founding of the United Nations born out of the devastation of the second world war with the aim of preventing future wars and promoting global cooperation. This anniversary is timely and is a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold multilateralism and strengthen global solidarity in addressing common challenges. The theme of this year’s gender assembly, better together, resonates well with our national objectives. Uganda firmly believes that multilateralism remains an essential framework for building collective solutions to global problems. We reaffirm our commitment to the charter of the United Nations as the cornerstone of multilateralism, international diplomacy, and cooperation with the global mechanisms to promote and support the intertwined values of humanity, namely peace and security, human rights, and shared prosperity. We are equally committed to fast tracking the achievements of the 2030 agenda on sustainable development and implementation of the pact for the future. Madam president, Uganda continues to play an active role in advancing peace, stability, and security within our region, e. G, in Somalia, South Sudan, DRC, and Sudan. Uganda remains committed to the peaceful resolution of regional conflict. We remain the largest troop contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia since 02/2007, which has succeeded by the which has been succeeded by the African Union transition mission in Somalia, and now the African support and stabilization mission in Somalia. As a country, we have invested both human and financial resources in promoting peace and stability and reserved leave. These efforts require reliable and predictable funding. We therefore call on the international community to commit adequate resources for peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions to ensure that their sustainability, effectiveness, and success becomes a reality. In South Sudan, Uganda continues to support the peace process as one of the guarantors of the comprehensive peace agreement contributing to efforts aimed at restoring stability and unity in the country. On the peace efforts in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic Of Congo, Uganda has been working with regional leaders on the Nairobi and Rwanda processes aimed at finding a lasting solution, and we also remain supportive of other complementary efforts by the international community.

##Uganda: [01:46:45] Madam president, we add greater international support for regionally led peacebuilding and stabilization initiatives, recognizing them as vital foundations for inclusive and sustainable development. We also call for enhanced global cooperation in tackling the root causes of conflict, including inequality, climate change, pandemics, new technologies, transnational crime, and terrorism. Madam president, Uganda calls for the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to address the imbalance in its current configuration and make it more equitable, just, and democratic. We demand for Africa’s representation on the council as a special case, as a matter of urgency in both the permanent and nonpermanent categories in line with the common African position enshrined in the Ezwolini consensus and Sate declaration. Africa must have two seats in the permanent category with all rights and privileges and two additional seats in the nonpermanent category. On the question of Palestine, we add the international community to give renewed priority to the realization of the internationally endorsed two state solution. We appeal to the United Nations Security Council to play a decisive and just role in resolving the Palestinian issue, which is crucial for lasting peace in The Middle East and central to global peace and security. We join the international community in the long lasting call to end the embargo on Cuba that has tightened that has been tightened recently with unfair designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Uganda is recognized globally for its progressive refugee policies. Madam president, we host the largest number of refugees in Africa currently standing at 1,900,000. Uganda allocates land to refugees and integrates them into our national systems, sharing public services such as education and health care, ETC. However, this model is under serious pressure due to declining international support amid its rising global geopolitical tensions. The drop in partner funding has strained our already limited resources affecting both host communities and our ability to meet national development targets, including SDGs. Uganda remains committed to upholding its obligations, but we cannot do this alone as it diverts vital resources from our national development needs. Madam president, we therefore urge the international community to meet its obligation and support host countries like Uganda. Refugee hosting should not become a death burden. Uganda should not be expected to borrow money to care for displaced population fleeing conflict. Madam president, with just five years remaining to achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, progress in many developing countries remains far off track, Bridging the estimated 4,000,000,000,000 US dollars annual financing gap is crucial. The failure to mobilize adequate resources highlights the shortcomings of current international financial cooperation. We call on international community to fully implement existing commitments, including the Sevilla commitment, the twenty fifteen Addis Ababa action agenda, the 02/2008 Doha declaration, and the 02/2002 monetary consensus. These agreements provide a framework for enabling developing countries to expand their physical and policy space and drive balanced and inclusive development. Accelerating the SDGs requires renewed commitment to multilateralism, global solidarity, and the strengthening of international cooperation mechanisms to ensure that no one is left behind. Madam president, Uganda’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights remains central to our national development agenda. Our constitution guarantees civil and political rights, freedoms of association, assembly and expression, and the right of every citizen to participate in democratic governance. Since the introduction of multiparty democracy, Ugandans have enjoyed regular, free, and fair elections at all levels in Uganda. Madam president, Uganda was the first country in the Sub Saharan Africa to introduce universal free primary education in 1987 and universal free secondary education in 02/2007, an endeavor which has enabled our children to attain basic education and has improved their literacy and numerous levels in our country and all the associated benefits and multiplier effects. Health remains at the core of our development strategy. Uganda scaling is scaling up investments in primary health care and deploying digital health solutions to improve service delivery and accountability. Our HIV AIDS response remain a global model of political will and community engagement. Under the presidential fast track initiative, Uganda has reduced HIV prevalence to 5.5 percent, achieved 96 percent treatment coverage among those diagnosed, and over 90 percent viral suppression. Madam president, as the current chair of NAM, Uganda is committed to advancing principle of unity, peace, and solidarity among its members. We support stronger collaboration between NAAM and the UN in promoting the interests of developing countries. In this context, we call for accelerated progress on the adoption of the long overdue covenant on the rights on to development. Uganda looks forward to welcoming honorable ministers of NAM member states and observers at the nineteenth midterm ministerial conference scheduled to take place in Kampala between fifteenth and sixteenth October twenty twenty five. Madam president, as I conclude, the United Nations has stood as a pillar of development, a pillar of peace and human dignity for the last eight decades. It remains indispensable. It would be impossible to imagine the world today without the United Nations. Uganda acknowledges the UN’s many achievements, its legitimacy, convening power, and normative influence. Madam president, more must be done to adopt and adapt and strengthen multilateralism. We must redouble our efforts to uphold international cooperation and ensure that the United Nations system is reflective of the current realities and capable of addressing the intertwined global challenges of peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. Let us commit to leaving no one behind. Better together. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:55:01] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the vice president of The Republic Of Uganda. The assembly will now hear an address by his excellency, Hendrikus Wilhelmus Maria Schoof, prime minister of the Kingdom Of The Netherlands. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Netherlands: [01:55:43] Mister president, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, back in 1947, a seven year old boy, a Dutch boy called Derek Salamans and his father made a long car journey to the German city of Cologne. When they arrived, Derek couldn’t believe his eyes. It was a shocking sight, he said in a recent newspaper interview. Rubble everywhere, people living in abject poverty, the entire city flattened by bombing. Today, almost eighty years later, those images are still seared in Dirk’s memory, and that was precisely his father’s intention. He wanted to show me what war can do to a city, Dirk recalled in the interview. At the same time, he added, we were also hearing radio reports about the establishment of The United Nations in New York, and all my father’s hope was invested in that. When the interviewer asked what exactly the hope was based on, Dirk recalled the opening words of the United Nations Charter, We the Peoples. And indeed, it is the peoples of the world, the people, who who tasked their governments with saving them from war, human rights violations, and armed conflicts. We The Peoples. It was those words on that day in Cologne that inspired Derek Salamont to embark on a career as a UN diplomat that spent almost thirty years. And it’s those same words, eighty years on from the UN Charter, that still remind him and us of that task. Of course, the world has changed dramatically since then, and unfortunately, we must acknowledge that the mission, no more war, has failed. In fact, this year, even as we celebrate the United Nations’ eightieth anniversary, we have heard it said that the UN can no longer justify its existence. Anyone who says that, however, has forgotten where we came from. Without the UN, there will be no disarmament treaties, no international court of justice, no climate agreements on sustainable development goals. Without the UN, which is often the only organization capable of supplying aid in the toughest places on the earth, millions of people would be deprived of food, clean water, and medical aid. Over the past eighty years, we’ve taken UN’s achievement for granted. We’ve neglected to look back on where we’ve come from and all the milestones we have achieved along the way. And although the situation right now might be might be especially difficult, I know this too. It has never been easy. Every achievement was preceded by their lengthy consultations. Countries were often at locker heads, and sometimes they were tempting to throw in the towel. But that never happened, and the reason can only be that despite our many differences, we all understand what’s at stake. That’s the context in which I view the increasingly frank debate on the UN future. Yes, the world has changed. Yes, international relations have changed. And yes, the way we work together has changed. But I believe that this can lead us to only one conclusion, that we must change with times. And that’s exactly what we’re doing through initiatives like UN 80, which aims to enhance the UN’s impact on the ground, simplify structure, and forge stronger partnership with other bodies, like international financial institutions, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations. Changing with the times also means making the most of today’s opportunities. Earlier this week, I spoke with several UN youth representatives. They are growing up in a different time to you and me, with new concerns, but also new opportunities. We need their insights, not only because our decisions will affect their future, but above all, because they are the future. So if we are to move forward, we must work together by using AI and other technologies wherever possible, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands has already taken the lead on this by teaming up with donors and partners to explore new ways of boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of multilateral institutions. New ways, but not new principles. Because the guiding as laid down in the UN Charter eighty years ago, remain unchanged. And today, I’d like to reflect with you the most important one of all, the protection of the international legal order. Back then, that inspired everything we stand for today, leading to a multilateral system of agreements and providing a powerful counterweight to the idea that might is right. In my part of the world, as well for a long time. But now we know that this is not a given. We’ve seen that in Ukraine, whose people have been suffering under Russian attacks for three and a half years now. As Ukrainian troops continue fighting every day to protect their country, their families, and the right to self determination, people in the areas occupied by Russia are enduring systematic oppression and crave human rights violations on a daily basis.

##Netherlands: [02:01:09] We’ve seen several initiatives aimed at bringing peace closer since spring, such as the talks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and The US. But peace still seems like a very distant prospect. Ukraine has adopted a constructive stance, and so far, Russia has shown no real willingness to accept The US proposals, and in the meantime, the war of aggression and the suffering continue unabated. But in case you’re thinking, there goes another European world, he wants to talk about European problems, let me assure you, that is not the case. If the UN eighty years have thought us anything, it’s that all the big issues are closely interlinked. As a kingdom of different countries in different parts of the world, we know that better than anyone. Take food security. In the European part of our kingdom, we are approaching the limits of what the earth can sustain, while the Caribbean part the kingdom has seen how vulnerable people are when they’re dependent on others for their food security. And there, there are those other matters that we hear far too little about, even though they give cause for grave concern. Just look at what’s happening in Sudan. Since April 23, more than one hundred and fifty thousand people have been killed, and forty million more have had to flee their homes. All trade routes and aid corridors have been cut off, so for the past year, humanitarian organizations have been unable to provide more aid. As a result, half of the Sudanese population is living with the reality of food insecurity, and in parts of Dafur and Cordobahn, a famine has been declared. This has to stop. The Netherlands, together with the EU, and donor countries is therefore calling on all the warring parties to respect international law and allow humanitarian aid to reach those who need it. The Netherlands will continue supporting these humanitarian efforts for Sudan, not only by working via the UN and the Red Cross, but also by giving €60,000,000 to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund this year, and almost €7,000,000 to the Dutch Relief Alliance in Sudan. As I’ve said, the horrors unfolding in Sudan have barely recursed in the outside world. The same cannot be said of the horrors unfolding in Gaza. Every day, we see more heartbreaking images emerging from the region, images we scarcely thought possible, images that defy our understanding and even our faith in humanity. And there is only one appropriate response: this war, this suffering, must end now. That starts with a safe, independent, and unlimited access of humanitarian aid for the suffering people of Gaza, including UN aid. And we will continue, at both national and European level, to urge the Israeli government to drastically change its course. The annexation of the West Bank and Gaza City is unacceptable, and we condemn any move in this direction. In addition, we are supporting the European Commission’s proposal to restrict investment in Israeli companies that develop dual use technologies. We’re also stating clearly that we want to suspend the EU Israel Association Agreement, refuse goods from illegal settlements, and stop issuing export licenses for arms. At the same time, these actions will not obscure another truth. Hamas is a terrorist organization that must lay down its arms. There is no place for Hamas in the future governance of the castes. What’s more, the only route to a lasting peace is through negotiations that ultimately lead to a two stage solution. And with the signing of the New York Declaration in this High Level Week, including by The Netherlands, we are taking a step on the path to a lasting peace. Ladies and gentlemen, as I come to the end of my remarks, I realize, as I’m sure you do too, how much work still needs to be done, how many areas in which we, the UN, have fallen short, and how long we waited to adapt to this changing world. So I understand that some of us may be tempted to give in to despair, and yet, we cannot allow that, because eighty years ago, a Dutch boy stood hand in hand with his father amid the ruins of Cologne, and in that raceland appeared a glimmer of hope, sparked by what happened here in New York, a glimmer of hope that inspired Derek Salamands and his father, and the peoples of these United Nations. We, the peoples. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:05:39] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the prime minister of The Kingdom Of The Netherlands. The assembly will hear an address by his excellency, Bart de Wever, prime minister of the Kingdom Of Belgium. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

##Belgium: [02:06:19] Mr President, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is the first time that I stand before you. I am 54 years old, which means that I was a teenager in the 1980s when Ronald Reagan was president of this great country, a man that I admired and that I still admire. Today, I am nostalgic of that time because then I truly believed that the Western world was bound together by shared values and mutual respect. And I also believed that these values would eventually rule the entire world. Today, we are reminded of the million dialogue of the Greek historian Thucydides. He described how envoys from Athens forced the small neutral island of Melos to choose sides in the Peloponnesian War. If Melos refused, Athens would destroy it. Thucydides captured the brutal logic of power in one single sentence: The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must. He may have been right about human nature, but that is not the world we want to live in today. Civilization means striving to be better than our basic instincts, to rise above them. The United Nations was born out of the most destructive war in human history to embody precisely that aspiration. And yet today, international organizations are under pressure. International law is under pressure. Respect for sovereignty is under pressure. Geopolitics often boil down to sheer ego politics, and I regret this deeply. That is why I stand before you today to advocate for a world anchored in mutual respect. A world of free and fair trade. A world of strong partnerships, respect and cooperation. A world based on international law. A world that tackles climate change, a world of peace, prosperity and progress. The United Nations remain crucial in pursuing that ambition. The United Nations are far from perfect and this is why we support the UN 80 reform agenda, because the challenges we face are immense. And I would like to highlight two domains in which we urgently need to move forward: our security and our prosperity. First, security. All who cherish freedom must work to build resilient and vigilant societies. We face new forms of imperialism, new military threats and violent conflicts that destabilize entire regions. This is not the path we choose, but neither can we afford to be naive. Those who wish for peace must be prepared to defend it. That is why we stand firmly with Ukraine. We must erect a barrier against those who look at us the way the Athenians looked at Melos. Belgium is therefore, assuming its full responsibility, investing more in defence. Together with our European partners, we are striving for greater integration of our armed forces and defence industry. At the same time, we must strengthen ties with all countries committed to peace and stability. We must also confront the rise of international organized crime. Criminals know no borders. Criminal networks exploit the gaps between police forces and legal systems. They fuel terrorism, human trafficking and the illegal arms trade. But there is hope. Across Europe and in Latin America, I have witnessed a new willingness to deepen cooperation, and I am convinced that many African and Asian countries struggle with the same problems. Together, we can make our societies open for business but closed for crime, because the security of our citizens must always remain our first responsibility. That is the first great challenge we must tackle. Another major challenge we face is to ensure as much prosperity as possible for as many people as possible. The world today is once again gripped by protectionism. And yet the evidence of history is clear. For over two centuries, and fair trade has been the only true engine of progress. It has decimated extreme poverty. It has dramatically increased life expectancy. It has enabled medical breakthroughs that defeated once devastating diseases. Free and fair trade is the way forward. We must nurture it and we must defend it. We must tear down trade barriers. We must allow our economies to grow across borders. We must stimulate productivity, strengthen labour markets and invest in innovation. In short, we must create prosperity that is globally shared. And let us remember, prosperity engenders peace. Prosperity builds trust. Belgium stands ready to be your partner in this endeavour. Belgium is and will always remain open for business. Mr President, distinguished delegates, let us not succumb to the harsh logic of Thucydides. Let us prove that the destiny of humankind is not to dominate or to suffer, but to cooperate and to prosper. This is and should always remain the mission of the United Nations. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:12:22] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the prime minister of the Kingdom Of Belgium. The assembly will now hear an address by his excellency, Allah Maye Halina, prime minister and head of government of The Republic Of Chad. I request protocol to escort her excellency and invite her to address the assembly.

##Chad: [02:13:07] Madam president of the general assembly, ladies and gentlemen, heads of state and government, secretary general of the United Nations. Because of constraints linked to his national agenda, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, president of The Republic Of Chad, head of state, who wished to be involved in this important meeting at the United Nations, has not been able to come to New York. He would like to convey his sincere regret for not being here and has conferred upon me the task of delivering his message, which reaffirms Chad’s commitment to the principles of multilateralism and the sovereignty of peoples. It is therefore for me a great honor to deliver to this assembly the message of the president of The Republic Of Chad, head of state, and I quote, madam president of the general assembly, ladies and gentlemen, heads of state and government, secretary general of the United Nations, I would like at the outset to honor God, the all powerful force of wisdom and strength that enabled us to come here together in a spirit of dialogue to look at the challenges of our time and of our world, primarily the questions of development, but also international peace and security. I would like to convey our congratulations to madam Annalena Baerbok, president of the eightieth session of the general assembly, on her election and assure her of the full support of my country in carrying out her mandate. By the same token, I would like to express our sincere thanks to ambassador Philemon Yang, outgoing president, for his outstanding leadership of the previous session. Thus, I would also like to express our sincere appreciation and our full support to secretary general mister Antonio Guterres for his unfailing efforts to fly the flag of multilateralism high embodied by the UN whose mission and even raison d’etre is currently being tried by numerous challenges that are constantly affecting our common bedrock of humanity. Madam president, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking to you before this August assembly with a great weight of history and the force of a sincere conviction. The United Nations, eighty years after it was born, in the pain, so to speak, of wars must come to life once again in the truth of our hopes. Better Together, eighty years for peace development and human rights is more than just a celebration. It is something that strikes us, an invitation to reexamine the role, the relevance, and the political and moral legitimacy of our shared organization. It would be wrong to deny the historic merit of the UN. The UN has contributed to preserving global peace. It has helped decolonization. It has fostered human rights and provides a multilateral cooperation framework. Nonetheless, we need to underscore that eighty years after it was established, the UN is still far from having accomplished the aims that were conferred upon it by the charter. Despite undeniable progress that I have mentioned, we have to note that the UN has never disappointed as much as it is today, in particular because of its inability to stop bloody conflicts that continue to prevail in several areas of the world, in Africa, in Asia, in South America. There is increasing defiance because too often, major decisions taken by this organization seem to serve the interest of some great powers to the detriment of the aspirations of the countries of the South because the Security Council remains a very fixed structure, a legacy of the postwar period where Africa, the cradle of a fifth of humanity remains excluded for all major representation because sanction intervention mechanisms are often selective, and indignation seems to be conditioned on where it’s happening geographically. We need to be bold enough to say here peacekeeping missions of the UN have often failed in their promises and in their duty, be this in Haiti, in The CAR, in the Democratic Republic Of Congo, or in Mali. The blue helmets in certain cases have been accused of inaction and even behavior that runs counter to the very principles of the organization that they represent. How can we understand that instead of protecting, some have been complicit in violations? How can we explain that after being there for decades, conflicts still persist and, in some cases, are worsening? These failures, often tragic, erode the legitimacy of the UN on the ground and in people’s hearts. It is crucial for peacekeeping operations to be reformed very deeply and evaluated in a transparent way, refocused on their fundamental mission to protect civilians. Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, for more than seven decades, the world is witness powerless to a human and political trout tragedy. I’m talking to you about the Israeli Palestinian conflict. The current situation in Gaza with indiscriminate bombing, millions of thousands rather of civilian deaths, and the systematic destruction of vital infrastructure is a collective failure of the international community. We’re not just talking about a conflict anymore. We’re talking about a humanitarian scandal and an unprecedented moral challenge. The latent war between Israel and Iran, regional tensions and the inability of UN, the UN to bring a lasting solution undermines not only stability in the Middle East, but peace throughout the entire world. As long as justice has not triumphed in Jerusalem and Gaza, there will be no clear people’s consciences will not be clear here in New York. As long as international law is flouted in Palestine, it will be weakened elsewhere. We are calling this year, as we do every decade for the effective recognition of the Palestinian state in the nineteen sixty seven borders, the immediate end to legal settlement and a political solution that guarantees the coexistence of two viable, free, and secure states. To this end, my country welcomes the adoption by a broad majority of the New York declaration on Palestine dated the 09/12/2025. This is a historic step forward and a major step in the quest for a just comprehensive, and lasting peace in The Middle East. Our collective duty from now on is to transform this strong declaration into specific acts and to turn the hope of the Palestinian people into a reality. Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, in the area of development, the UN is struggling to make the collective step forward that is needed to ensure the implementation of international agendas and primarily the 2030 agenda. Five years from the fateful deadline, we are going to have to mobilize annually more than 4,000 billion dollars to meet the development financing deficit in poor countries. To this end, the civil commitment is, there is no doubt, our last chance to move from words to action to speed up the implementation of the SDGs. Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, whether we’re talking about peace or international security or development or climate action, the future of multilateralism, we to which we’re all committed, is really at stake here. For this, we need unfailing commitment, relentless determination and more solidarity based collective action and robust action to implement the common goals that we’ve established such as the 2030 agenda, the Seville commitment, the Paris Agreement, the pact for the future, or the Doha plan of action for LDCs, the Antigua And Balbuda plan of action for small island developing states, and the Awaza plan of action for landlocked developing countries. Yes. The success of the UN will be judged in the light of our collective ability to help vulnerable countries such as African countries and countries in special situations, their their ability to meet the challenges to ensure that no person be left behind. Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, despite these legitimate frustrations with the UN and given the challenges that are increasing and becoming more complex from day to day, it is crucial that the world really needs the UN and it needs multilateralism because the world’s challenges can only be addressed through cooperation and act collective action. The aspirations of the peoples of the world for a peaceful life, a healthy planet, and equal opportunities, access to well-being and prosperity, all whilst human rights are upheld, are valid as are everybody’s right to live in a just, fair, and safe society. But they can only be ensured through multilateralism. Therefore, we have the pact for the future and the Seville commitment. And these are exciting because they really translate this thirst, this desire for the UN. So it cannot disappoint or betray the legitimate aspirations of the people of the world. We cannot go it alone. We cannot stop this collective impetus. Of course, we’re fully aware of the troubles that are there in the world because of the increase in unilateral actions and geopolitical tensions. But development aid here is seeing drastic cuts that are having a significant impact on the most vulnerable countries and communities and are really hitting at the heart of the operations of the entire UN system. UN entities and agencies have had to cut off vital services that were benefiting the most vulnerable in the most fragile of countries. Refugees, women, children, AIDS sufferers, for just overnight have been found cut off from treatment and health health care, and therefore their lives are now in danger. It is crucial to preserve what has been achieved in carrying out the reform of the UN very painstakingly because a fatal blow must not be brought to the UN because it must carry out its most noble task to assist the most vulnerable. Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, strengthening and preserving multilateralism, and it’s something that we all want, also involves a long expected reform of global governance. My country, therefore, has quickly implemented the recommendations of the pact on the reform of the international financial architecture and the UN by improving the working methods and strengthening the general assembly. But also, we very much want to see the reform of the Security Council, and it is an extremely urgent matter. It goes without saying that if there is one body that really embodies all frustrations, all injustices, and all double standards, It is the inability of the UN to respond to the expectations of the people, then that is embodied in the Security Council. It is totally unacceptable that Africa, the cradle of humanity, the demographic demographic lungs of the entire world, and the strategic driving force of the twenty first century remains marginalized in the highest echelons of international governance. This exclusion is not just a political aberration. It is a historic injustice, and this injustice must be addressed without delay. For several years now, Africa has been calling consistently and with dignity for what is its right. Two permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council with a veto right in line with the Ezalwini consensus. This is not a favor or a concession. It is a call for justice, for representation, and for coherence. The world cannot claim to be in favor of peace, balance, and legitimacy while more than a billion people are held to one side, kept to one side of vital decisions for the future of the planet. We are not asking for permission in Africa. We are reaffirming our voice, our vision, and our vocation in Africa. Unfortunately, many people believe that a lot of the world is indifferent to the ills that Africans are facing, and the Security Council is just providing very basic service. There are multiple meetings on issues pertaining to the continent, but they have very little impact on people. The facts can attest to this. For example, fourteen years have passed and Libya is still in a political impasse, and so it is pushing peace back into the annals of history in Sudan. Civilians have been abandoned to their sad fate because the Security Council has not been able to or has not wanted to shoulder its responsibility by enforce bringing the warmongers to cessation of hostilities and to ensuring and bringing about a peaceful settlement of their disputes. This inability of the council to fully play its role as the guarantor of international peace and security is a reason to speed up its reform to adapt to the reality of today’s world and to make it more inclusive, more representative, more democratic, and therefore more effective. Ladies and gentlemen, madam president, in a world that is constantly changing, where there is increasing interdependence and challenges transcend borders, country, Chad, would like to reaffirm from this rostrum a fundamental truth. States sovereignty is the bedrock of international order. Sovereignty is not a privilege or a concession. It is an unalienable right enshrined in the United Nations charter. It guarantees that each people can take ownership of their own destiny. It ensures the free determination of its political, economic, and cultural choices and the respect for its own identity. In this body of nations, each state is one particular note, bringing about global harmony. Nobody should be silenced. Nobody should be constrained to be uniform. Sovereignty is the very precondition for dialogue, peace, and international justice. This is why we are calling for more fair global governance where the states of the South, emerging nations, voices that have long been marginalized, can fully enjoy their rights to speak, to take part in decisions, and to enjoy dignity. Africa is calling for its legitimate place in global governance. The United Nations cannot just accept symbolic arrangements anymore. A root and branch institutional reform is necessary. Madam president, my country Chad, in the heart of Africa, is both witness to and part of the struggle for peace and security. We’re at the crossroads of all contemporary challenges, security, humanitarian, climate challenges, but also major sources of hope. Our country is facing this persistent threat of terrorism, is destabilizing the region of the Lake Chad Basin. Given the threat posed by Boko Haram, Chad Chad has spared no has not received any external support and has had to deal with this on our own. This sacrifice bared by the people of Chad, which has often been done without receiving, gratitude, bears witness to our country’s commitment to bring about peace and security. It is time for the international community to recognize this reality and to support us in this struggle. Above and beyond security, Chad is also facing the tragic effects of climate change. We are seeing droughts and natural disasters affecting our food security and undermining our development. We are calling for heightened solidarity to provide equal access to financing, to green technologies and vaccines, which are critical to build resilient and fair societies. In this context, we urgently need to step up efforts to preserve our ecosystem, notably around the Lake Chad Basin, where the the retreat of this lake is directly threatening the life of millions of people. Chad and many other countries in Africa have virtually no greenhouse gas emissions, and nevertheless, they are bearing the brunt of a crisis that they did not cause. That is why we’re calling for fairer global governance where Africa can have its legitimate place. We’re calling for effective climate justice and equal access to financing to green technologies and vaccines. Madam president, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Chad, has been through many different political convulsions and is part of a subregional context which is marked by crises, conflicts and wars. But we were able to overcome this transition holding our head high. Our country has been able to overcome the most pessimistic predictions and we have been able to make progress based on dialogue which has been part and parcel of this transition. From this rostrum, I would like to express our gratitude to God and to the people of Chad who have made this success possible. We would like to thank our partners, and in particular the UN, for their decisive support. Thanks to this multifaceted support, Chad has been able to take decisive steps forward towards democratic and inclusive governance. I’m certain that my compatriots will continue with this momentum and that we’ll be able to overcome the remaining challenges. And in so doing, we will continue dialogue and national reconciliation to bring about peace and national unity, to defend our territory, and to overcome the challenge of achieving socioeconomic development. All of these measures are part and parcel of the political program, which led to my election in May 2024. It is in this context that the government has just adopted the new national development plan for 2025-2030, which is the Chad Connection 2030. This focuses on four key domains, and it aims to carry out significant changes in our economy and in our society. In order to realize this ambitious program, Chad is intending to mobilize US30 billion dollars of which 46% are expected to come from the private sector. I’d like to take this opportunity to invite all our partners to the roundtable for mobilization of resources, which is scheduled for the November in Abu Dhabi in The UAE. As concerns the situation in Sudan, we’d like to express our deep concern about the war, which is devastating that country and which is affecting the entire region with incalculable humanitarian, socioeconomic, environmental, and security consequences. When it comes to the humanitarian domain, instance, the situation to the East of Chad is deeply alarming. Ladies and gentlemen, the impact of this crisis on people is also significant. We are seeing that the number of refugees from Sudan into Chad is more than 2,000,000, of whom 1,500,000 have arrived since the 04/15/2023. In the East, the West and the South, refugees notably from Sudan, Nigeria and Cameroon been have coming in in significant numbers. We have a sense of humanitarian duty and then we will continue to open our doors to welcome our brothers and sisters notably from Sudan. But we cannot bear this significant burden for humanitarian assistance alone, and that is why I call upon the international community to help these people and to help Chad to overcome this challenge with support.

##Chad: [02:35:16] In the military domain, the continuation of facilities in Sudan will only extend the suffering of civilians from Sudan and exacerbate the humanitarian situation in combat areas and also in neighboring countries such as Chad, who continue to see the further influx of refugees. Chad regrets the fact that the numerous appeals for a ceasefire have not been heard, and we urge the parties immediately to cease hostilities to facilitate humanitarian access and to engage once again in political dialogue. We are convinced that the current crisis in Sudan cannot be resolved through weapons, but rather through peaceful means, through inclusive inter Sudanese dialogue, so that lasting peace can be achieved. Chad, which has a position of strict neutrality vis a vis the conflict in Sudan, and which has always support efforts to bring about peace in Sudan, reaffirms its commitment to peace in Sudan and its availability to contribute to any initiative that can promote dialogue between the protagonists to end this war which has lasted too long. On the situation in the Central African Republic, Chad welcomes the positive momentum towards bringing about peace to achieve national reconciliation and socioeconomic progress, which are all still ongoing in that country. We welcome the policy that his excellency Fausta Archonge Tuaidera of the CAR has been rolling out. Thanks also to the mediation that Chad has had the honor to be part of. We reaffirm our commitment to the peace and stability of the CAR and we are willing to further make efforts to support peace and reconciliation in that country. Ladies and gentlemen, beyond our region Africa as a whole remains a continent that crystallizes all attention in spite of our marginalization in global governance. If the UN wants wishes to survive the next few decades, it must once again become the house of the people and not just that of the powerful. The UN must speak to young people in the Sahel, mothers in Gaza, to farmers in the Amazon, to displaced persons in Sudan, refugees in Ukraine and Burma with us with one voice that have shared humanity. Better together, that means recognizing our failures so that better to overcome them in the future. Better together means admitting that no one has a monopoly on truth or pain. Better together means finally building an international system where every nation counts and where every human life has the same value. We therefore call on the UN to once again find its soul and its moral power. Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, Chad believes in peace. Chad believes in the UN. But even more than this, Chad believes in humanity because Chad is the cradle of humanity, because we are convinced that together united in diversity, we can overcome the challenges of our time. We can change the world. We can protect fundamental rights. We can ensure that peace wins out, and we can bring about sustainable development for all. The words of Idris Debbie Idnaud, the president of Chad. I thank you for your kind attention.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:38:55] On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank his excellency, prime minister and head of government of the Republic Of Chad. The assembly will now hear an address by his excellency, Kamil El-Tayeb Idris, the transitional prime minister of the Republic Of Sudan. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

Sudan: [02:39:53] Madame Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly His Excellency Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, your excellencies and majesties, kings and heads of state and government, your Excellency ministers, ladies and gentlemen, heads of delegations, peace and God’s blessings be upon you. I congratulate Ms. Annalena Baerbock for on her election as president of the General Assembly’s eightieth session. I also congratulate mister Philemon Yang on his presidency of the General Assembly at its previous session, and we appreciate his good performance and the efforts that he made for the cause of peace. We especially appreciate his excellency, the secretary general of the United Nations, mister Antonio Guterres, for his tireless efforts and valuable initiatives for peace and justice and for the achievement of the goals and principles of the United Nations and for his support for the causes of developing countries. I stand before you today. I stand before you today on behalf of the civilian government of the Sudan. I stand before you today on behalf of the civilian government of the Sudan and on behalf of the proud Sudanese people to fulfill the pledge made by his excellency president Abdel Fattah al Burhan, chairman of the Sovereignty Council at this August Global Forum, a pledge to appoint a civilian prime minister with independent powers to consolidate the values of civilian governance and democratic transition. I stand before you from the banks of the Nile, from the land where history runs as deep as a river itself, from where the deserts know the footprints of ancient kingdoms, ancient civilizations, and from where in this present hour. This present hour, the dust still carries the center for. Sudan has bled. Our villages and cities have fallen silent under the shadow of unprecedented war, unprecedented invasion in the history of mankind. Our children have known fear before they have known the meaning of life, And yet and yet, amid the ashes of war, there is a unique pulse that refuses to die. It beats in the refugee’s quiet prayer, in the farmer who plants, though he may never reap, And in the mother, the mother who sings her child to sleep beneath an open sky. From that pulse, distinguished leaders of the world, from that pulse, I share with you these words.Hope reborn of our unity and strength emanating in our peace. I wish to say, in addition to this, that Sudan is a great civilization. Its resources are necessary for the entire world. Madam President, we are witnessing great challenges. We are facing enormous dangers pulled to the principles of the charter and multilateralism. While threatening regional international stability. Meanwhile, the norms of international law are being eroded as the crimes of genocide, aggression, and the employment of foreign mercenaries to occupy the territories of states and slaughter their peoples. These crimes multiply in contempt of the charter and in violation of international law as is now happening in my country. Mister president, we must build trust. We must reinforce transparency and strengthen the role of the general assembly, preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of conflicts. The capacity and the role of the United Nations can be strengthened through collective action and multilateral international cooperation. We can take advantage of the momentum generated by the UN80 initiative, the outcomes of the future summit and of major international conferences. Despite the international consensus on the illegality of unilateral sanctions and unilateral coercive measures, which violate international law. These sanctions continue. They are imposed for political reasons, which threatens the values and bonds of international cooperation, international relations and the rights of peoples to development, well-being and the enjoyment of human rights, especially in developing and least developed countries. We are concerned over the political exploitation of human rights and their use as a means to pressure our country without considering the economic aspects of human rights that are affected by these unilateral sanctions and measures.

Sudan: [02:48:47] We renew our rejection, our absolute rejection of hate speech, racism, extremism, Islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination and racial supremacy that threaten humanity as a whole. Madam Abbegwara, Mr. President, during the past three years, the people of The Sudan have been subject to existential dangers and threats as a result of the crimes perpetrated by the rebel rapid support militia. The people of Sudan have been forced out of their homes and of their homeland to flee systematic killing and torture and looting and rape and humiliation and the savage destruction of all the components of life, the basic components of life. These actions were deliberate. These actions were part of an integrated project to control Sudan, to plunder its wealth and to change the demographics of its population. Preserving the sovereignty of the state and its well established national institutions is a top priority. The is an existential issue for the Sudanese people. Therefore, the civilian transition and democratic transformation under the leadership of the civilian government of hope and the establishment of peace will not be achieved without ensuring that we have strong national institutions that preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state. The international community and you are the leaders of this international community. You are the entire international family. The international community must work to stop the flows of lethal weapons, advanced ones, to the terrorist militia.

Sudan: [02:51:15] It must condemn the militia, criminalize it, and classify it as a terrorist group, and must stop the flow of mercenaries. Violating Resolution fifteen ninety one threatens to prolong the war and prolong the suffering of civilians with it. It decreases the chances of peace and threatens the safety, unity and stability of Sudan and the entire region. Achieving comprehensive peace in Sudan requires the participation of Sudanese political forces and the different walks of Sudanese society in decision making and in determining their future because they are the true stakeholders. There must be no foreign interference or pressure, no hasty partial solutions and no support for ethnic political extremism that plots to destroy Sudan. We affirm from this podium the commitment of the government of Sudan to the road map, which was drawn up by a group of national forces and civil organizations and which we presented to the United Nations and to the mediators. This roadmap includes a ceasefire accompanied by the withdrawal of the terrorist rapid support militia from the areas and cities it occupies. It includes lifting the siege of the city of Al Fasher immediately lifting the siege on the city of Al Fasher immediately, as well as the city’s environs and implementation of Security Council resolution 2,736 adopted over a year ago. Imagine this. This resolution was adopted by the Security Council over a year ago, and nothing has happened to this very day. Is this plausible? Let us take a moment to reflect. Children are dying. Women are dying. The elderly are dying because of starvation, and the international community is silent. All of these measures include the dignified and safe return of the displaced and of refugees. It includes facilitating humanitarian access to the needy and affected and continuing with the transitional political process towards democracy. Here, advanced steps, truly advanced ones, have been taken to implement this road map. I have formed a civilian government of technocrats that will engage in a Sudanese Sudanese national dialogue that includes all political and societal forces to lay the groundwork for elections that are free and fair and to engage positively with regional and international communities. In this context, the government has committed and continues to facilitate all procedures for all Sudanese citizens abroad to return and engage in this important historic dialogue. Mr. President, one of the priorities of the civilian government of hope is to work to achieve objectives that include the following: achieving peace as a top priority, establishing the rule of law, a state based on the rule of law, fighting poverty and corruption in all its forms, activating transitional justice, accountability, ending impunity, adopting a balanced foreign policy, engaging positively with international and regional organizations, providing services such as electricity, water, security, pensions, revitalizing rural development, providing national health care and laying the groundwork for comprehensive national elections with regional and international observers. We will work to remove the remnants of war, to return to the capital, the national capital Khartoum, and start reconstruction efforts, raise the quality of the health sector and increase the participation of women and youth in the national dialogue for peace. Mr. President, the government of the Sudan affirms its commitment to humanitarian international law. The Government of Sudan developed a comprehensive national plan for the protection of civilians that it submitted to the Security Council and the Secretary General of the United Nations. The plan covers all aspects of protection, including the establishment of a national mechanism of protection and a mechanism that facilitates humanitarian access and supports United Nations humanitarian efforts and the rule of law, accountability, and action to halt the proliferation of weapons and combat violence against women and children. This plan addresses issues of displaced persons and the refugees and seeks to achieve a comprehensive peace. Moreover, the government has signed a cooperation framework with the United Nations. And in this regard, the government renews its commitment to facilitate, protect and secure the passage of humanitarian aid through all the agreed upon crossings identified by the government of Sudan. The continued international silence on the crimes of the rebel terrorist militia and their siege of the city of Al Fasher and their bombing of IDP camps and places of worship and educational institutions, their looting of markets and of public and private property, and the destruction of health facilities throughout the country. This silence is tantamount to an encouragement and to giving a green light for these militias to continue with their crimes and their violations. Our doors will remain open to the United Nations and regional and international organizations. We call on the international community to support the choices of the Sudanese people and their civilian government and to support African solutions to conflicts through the will and national ownership and without any tutelage. Mr. President, the dangerous deterioration and escalation and the status quo. What has become of the situation in the Middle East, especially the catastrophic situation in occupied Palestine and the Gaza Strip, warn of Syrian consequences for the region and its people its peoples. And here, we renew our conviction that no stability and no security will be achieved in the region without a just and permanent and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question. That would allow for the establishment of an independent sovereign Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital on the borders of June 1967 in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. And here, we condemn the blatant Israeli attack on the sovereignty of the sisterly state of Qatar, which threatens which threatens international peace and security. Without peace, there is no viable future. Without peace, there is no viable future. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Supportive of peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development goals without which there will be no lasting peace. However, let me say clearly and openly, our sovereignty and territorial integrity are red lines. We will never give up. I promise you, we will never give up, and I thank you for your attention. Thank you. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:00:00] The assembly will now hear an address by his excellency, Américo d’Oliveira dos Ramos, prime minister and head of government of the Democratic Republic Of Sao Tome And Principe. I request protocol to escort his excellency and invite him The Assembly will hear.

##Sao Tome and Principe: [00:00:42] Madam President of the 80 session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Secretary General of the United Nations, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, allow me, Excellencies, to express the profound honor of addressing this distinguished assembly on behalf of the Democratic Republic Of Saint Homme And Principe. At a time when the international community faces challenges of unprecedented complexity, the theme of the eightieth session, Better Together, resonates not only as an ideal but as an imperative necessity for humanity, for collective development and prosperity. On this solemn occasion, we express our solidarity with all nations that, in recent months, have endured natural disasters, conflicts and humanitarian crises. Here we speak not of mere statistics but of real human lives, of broken families, of entire communities forced into suffering. Your losses are felt by us all, and your resilience inspire us to redouble our efforts in pursuit of a safer and fairer world. In the same spirit, I take this opportunity to warmly congratulate your excellency, madam president Anna Elena Bairbok, on your election to preside over this August and historic session. Your vast diplomatic experience and commitment to multilateralism are guarantees of wise and effective leadership. I assure you, Madam President, of the full support of Sao Tome And Principe in the fulfillment of your mandate. Likewise, I extend warm congratulations to the outgoing President, Philemon Yang, for his very successful leadership of the previous session, which greatly honored the legacy of all those who came before him. I could not fail to pay a well deserved tribute to the Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose tireless and persistent voice in defense of peace, human rights and sustainable development continues to serve as a moral compass for our organization. His visionary leadership has contributed to revitalizing the United Nations and adapting it to the pressing challenges of the twenty first century. Madam President, Heads of State and Government Excellencies, Sao Tome And Principe comes before this assembly with a message of hope and a call to action. In recent years, our country has made remarkable progress in consolidating democracy, promoting peace and defending human rights. We are an example that, even with limited resources, it is possible to build an open, pluralistic and tolerant society and to sow the seeds of a better future. The privileged geographical position of Sao Tome And Principe, in the heart of the Gulf Of Guinea, grants us an added responsibility in promoting regional stability and security. Our country has sought to establish itself as a natural bridge between Continental Africa and the Atlantic Island communities, facilitating dialogue, cooperation, cultural and economic exchange, combating piracy and promoting safe trade routes that benefit the entire international community. Our democratic journey, which has become a reference in our subregion, is marked by the regular holding, under existing law, of free and transparent elections, by the active participation of political actors and civil society, and by the guarantee of freedom of the press. We believe that democracy is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and lasting peace. Domestically, the San Tomian state has responsibly undertaken reform processes in the fiscal, economic, judicial and public administration sectors, implementing public policies aimed at improving human development indicators, yet we recognize that the progress achieved remains fragile and constantly under threat.

##Sao Tome and Principe: [00:05:41] Excellencies, the recent graduation of Sao Tome And Principe to the category of middle income country in December 2024, becoming the eighth to achieve such milestone, constitutes without a doubt a significant achievement and a just recognition of the efforts made by our people. This graduation is the fruit of concrete and measurable gains that attest to our progress. Between 2020 and 2022, our gross national per capita income reached $2,271 surpassing the graduation threshold set at $13.00 $6 At the same time, our Human Development Index showed remarkable progress, rising from 59.3 in 2002 to 91.4 in 2024, far above the threshold of 66 points. These indicators reflect advances in fundamental areas such as health, education, and macroeconomic stability. Nevertheless, while this achievement honors us, it also places us before new and demanding challenges that require appropriate responses. It is in this context that we appeal to the international community to ensure that this transition is carried out gradually and harmoniously, accompanied by continuous and transformative support so that we may advance in the economic and productive sectors, preserve the gains achieved and prevent our hard won progress from being undermined. Aligned with our development efforts, we have defined a vision in the National Sustainable Development Strategy twenty twenty six-two thousand and forty, anchored in sustainable tourism, which will be presented at the investment forum scheduled for December in Brussels. On this occasion, we appeal to and invite our bilateral and multilateral development partners to participate actively in this important event, which represents a unique opportunity to establish lasting strategic partnerships. This forum will provide a privileged platform to present our national priority projects, attract foreign direct investment and consolidate alliances that will accelerate our transition to a green and resilient economy. The implementation of the SDGs remains our primary priority. Despite challenges, we have made significant progress in areas such as health, education and access to energy. However, the impacts of the recent global health crisis, coupled with the ensuing global economic crisis and the reduction of development financing, reflecting a decline in solidarity and new donor country priorities, have allowed our progress toward have slowed our progress toward the SDGs. This requires a joint and redoubled effort from our country. Sao Tome And Principe remains firmly committed to the 2030 Agenda. Our current performance places us one hundred and twelfth among 167 countries, with a score of 64, reflecting the significant challenges we still face, notably in Sustainable Development Goal eight, decent work and economic growth. This highlights the urgency of diversifying our economy and creating more opportunities for our youth, the fundamental pillar of our future. We are fully aware that we still have a long road ahead. With satisfaction, we recognized our best performance in Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, which constitutes tangible proof of our unwavering commitments to marine protection and the sustainable management of our ocean resources. Excellencies, Santo Men Principe reaffirms its commitment to the biosphere and to the protection of biodiversity, promoting public policies for the preservation and sustainable use of natural resources. We also noted the conclusion of our rotating presidency of the community of Portuguese speaking countries, exercised under the theme youth and sustainability, which reflected our vision of a future built on inclusion, youth empowerment and collective responsibility for protecting the environment. Saint Oman Principe is proud to be a pioneer in global biodiversity conservation, with the Island Of Principi having been recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as a world biosphere reserve, an acknowledgment of the exceptional nature of our ecosystems and of our exemplary commitment to environmental preservation. We now look forward with equal anticipation to the conclusion of the ongoing process that will, at the fifth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, designate the island of Sao Tome as a world biosphere reserve, along with the creation of eight marine protected areas. Once completed, these initiatives will make Sao Tome And Principe the first country in the world with its entire national territory designated as a world biosphere reserve, alongside extensive marine biodiversity protection areas. This will represent an unprecedented milestone in global conservation history and position our archipelago as a living laboratory of sustainability and global model for small island developing states. I also highlight the decision of the Economic Community of Central African States to establish in Sao Tome and Pencibi the regional headquarters dedicated to the blue economy. This initiative reflects our vision of sustainable development that balances economic growth with the preservation of marine ecosystems, a vital heritage for all humanity.

##Sao Tome and Principe: [00:12:30] Ladies and gentlemen, as a small island developing state, we face one of the greatest injustices of our time. We are among the main victims of climate change despite not contributing to this global scourge. Our greenhouse gas emissions are practically negligible on the global scale, yet we suffer from heavy rains, floods, the destruction of infrastructure, displacement of populations and social problems, all consequences of climate change driven by the irresponsible actions of the world’s largest polluters. In light of this reality, we need new approaches to financing mechanisms that incorporate multidimensional vulnerability criteria, integrating environmental, climate and structural risks that do not focus solely on per capita income. We require financial instruments that are more predictable and accessible with concessional conditions, lower interest rates and repayment terms compatible with our real capacity as well as simplified procedures for accessing multilateral climate funds, namely the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund, whose current administrative complexity excludes countries with limited institutional capacity. These reforms are essential to ensure that international financing translates into tangible, resilient and sustainable development for small island developing states. Excellency’s development requires a context of peace and security. We are deeply concerned by the proliferation of conflicts in various regions of the world, from Ukraine to Sudan, including the Sahel, the Great Lakes, and the Horn Of Africa, causing immense human suffering and undermining development efforts in those regions of the continent. In this regard, we advocate for the peaceful resolution of all these conflicts because only silencing the guns can create an environment in which a better future with peace and development for all peoples can be built. Saint Aument Principe strongly condemns all forms of violence and aggression. We stand for full respect of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We reiterate our call for a peaceful and lasting solution for the Israeli Palestinian conflict based on the coexistence of two states. We secure an internationally recognized borders. We urge the international community to intensify support for African peace and security initiatives, always respecting African leadership and endogenous solutions. Saint Oman Principe solemnly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles of noninterference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and respect for territorial integrity, essential pillars of the international law and the UN Charter. Saint Oman Principe also expressed its deep concern regarding the persistent disregard of the international community’s appeals for the lifting of economic, financial and commercial restrictions imposed on The Republic Of Cuba. We observed with concern the worsening of these policies through new extraterritorial measures that compromise Cuba’s economy and affect its resilient people. Domestically, we remain committed to consolidating peace and stability, essential conditions for our progress. In this regard, a reform of our security and defense system is underway, aimed at institutional modernization, technical capacity building and the construction of a more effective, transparent and resilient sector, founded on a preventive approach to conflict. However, this is a demanding process that requires the cooperation of our international partners, both technically and financially, to guarantee its success. Distinguished participants, to control these challenges, we need a revitalized United Nations, more agile and more representative of the diversity of today’s world. We support reform of the Security Council so that it reflects 20 century geopolitical realities and includes at least one permanent seat for the African continent. It is equally crucial to reduce bureaucracy within the UN system so that our organization can respond more rapidly and effectively in global crises. We need a UN that is closer to the people it serves, more transparent, more inclusive in its decision making, and more accountable for its results. Crosscutting issues, such as women’s empowerment and multilingualism, must be at the heart of this reform. Saint Aument de Principe has made significant progress in promoting gender equality, with women occupying leadership positions in government, parliament, the judiciary and the private sector. We cannot build a sustainable future without the full participation of women at all levels of decision making. Saint Tomeian women are the pillars of our society, leaders in their communities and agents of change in their families. Madam President, in conclusion, I wish to reiterate the unwavering commitment of Saint Germain Principe to multilateralism. In an increasingly polarized world, we believe that cooperation and solidarity are the only weapons capable of overcoming the challenges that threaten us all. As a small island, our voice may be modest, but we bring a message of great significance to the world. Our strength lies in the unity of peoples and in our capacity to converge efforts toward a common destiny. Our hope is nourished by the conviction that, united, we can build a more just, sustainable and harmonious future for all, and by our resolve truly to be better together. In this spirit, I cannot fail to congratulate the United Nations on its eightieth anniversary. Eight decades of tireless service to peace, human dignity and sustainable development have made this organization a symbol of hope for all humanity. We therefore reaffirm our confidence in the central role of the UN as the pillar of multilateralism and we renew our commitment to continue walking side by side so that all peoples may live in peace with justice and prosperity. At this solemn moment, I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all cooperation partners with whom Saint Clemente Principe has the privilege to work. In particular, I highlight the support of the United Nations and its various agencies, whose contributions have been decisive in strengthening institutions and improving the living conditions of the Sao Tomean people. Our gratitude also expands to our bilateral, multilateral and regional partners, whose solidarity has allowed our country to overcome structural challenges and move forward on the path of progress. Saint Homais and Principe will continue to be an active voice and make its contribution on the international agenda, advocating for democracy and peace, for justice and equality, for sustainable development, and for a prosperous and shared future centered on people and on the good of humanity. Together we can build a world where no child, youth, woman, or elderly person goes hungry or suffers violence, where no family fears climate change, and where all peoples can live in peace, with dignity and happiness. Thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:21:27] On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Democratic Republic Of Sao Tome And Principe. I now give the floor to His Excellency David Lammy, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister of The United Kingdom.

##United Kingdom: [00:22:05] Well, thank you, president, your excellency’s colleagues, and friends. Having witnessed the United Nations work throughout his life, His majesty, the king, has asked me to offer a personal message of his congratulations to the UN on its eightieth anniversary. The United Nations is a powerful testament to our collective determination for a better world. The king recalls that on the eve of the first UN general assembly, his majesty’s grandfather, king George the sixth, told the delegates gathered in London. In the long course of our history, no more important meeting has ever taken place within its boundaries. Millions of people across The United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the wider international community share the view that the UN’s founding principles and the work of its organizations remain essential, particularly as the world must face new and pressing challenges. Let us affirm these principles as the United Nation responds to today’s reality and evolves for tomorrow’s challenges. My friends, today, I echo his majesty’s sentiments, and I join him in celebrating the remarkable institution’s proud eighty years as we reaffirm our historic commitment to the United Nations. We must face the challenges of the present. A present in which we, in The United Kingdom, do not stand up for one nation’s rights whilst ignoring others, but act resolutely with the charter as our compass. This is why I want to address directly the Israeli Palestinian tragedy. What is happening in Gaza is indefensible. It is inhumane. It is utterly unjustifiable, and it must end now. The people of Palestine, whose state we proudly recognize this week, and the people of Israel deserve better better than the horrific acts by Hamas on October 7 that left children without their parents and parents without their children, better than the torment of families waiting desperately for the return of their loved ones from the most barbaric captivity, better than the fanatical rule by Hamas, a vile, pitiless terrorist organization that must have no future in Gaza, better than Israel’s denial of life saving humanitarian aid and the catastrophic famine that it has caused. As Israel escalates its military operations and displaces Palestinian families again and again and again. There can be no answer to these horrors but concerted diplomatic action to keep the hope of peace alive as we work with leaders from across the region and beyond in support of The US’s efforts to build a consensus around a durable plan for peace. We commend the momentum achieved by The United States, Arab, and Muslim states. Annexation must be prevented. A process of peace advanced, and this terrible, terrible war ended. There can be no answer except for the hostages out now, aid in now, and a ceasefire now. And I vow to you that we will not rest until this day has come, and there are two states living side by side in peace and security. Friends, we stand with Palestine because we believe in the values of the UN Charter, in equal rights, self determination, and the dignity of all peoples. We stand with Ukraine because we must defend the core values of the UN charter, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the respect for international law. And because the world will suffer if aggression is allowed to pay. We must all strive for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which maintains the integrity of our UN charter and sees Ukraine emerge from Russia’s brutal war as a sovereign, secure, and independent nation. President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to that peace at every turn, while president Putin savagely rains down evermore missiles and drones on the Ukrainian people. Our message to Ukraine is clear. We will stand with you today, tomorrow, and one hundred years from now. We also stand with the people of Sudan because we never forget the values of the UN Charter of human rights and the pursuit of peace for all men and women. This is a conflict waged against Sudan’s civilian population, millions displaced, more facing famine. As I speak, the long besieged city of El Fasha is falling. Its people facing unspeakable atrocities. The people of Al Fasha and all across Sudan need the international community to come together to make renewed efforts to achieve peace and allow aid to reach those who desperately need it now. We do all this with our charter as our guide in the name of the equal rights of men and women and nations large and small.

##United Kingdom: [00:29:37] The United Nations and its reform are vital because we need our United Nations more than ever to confront these tragedies and to face our historic opportunity. As we are living for a moment of revelation, a new technological frontier is coming into view. We are entering a bracing new era of promise, power, and potential. You know, my friends, to live through the industrial revolution was to see the first iron bridges that mankind had made, the first railways, the first smoke stacks, and to live today through the technological revolution as we are. It is to witness the coming of the Internet, the spread of smartphones, and now the dawn of super powerful AI. This is a lightning strike of change, a technological revolution which our leading scientists think could only be compared to the industrial revolution, compressed into decade. This is a moment of truth for us, our institutions, and our ability to work together, and I believe we must act. I see promise on this technological frontier. AI is the most powerful new lever we have to advance the Charter’s vision of social progress, better standards of life. This is why it is at the very heart of my own country’s growth plan. I believe that by embracing artificial intelligence, we can all build better businesses. We can better fight crime. Look, for example, at dirty money. By spotting fraud in real time, we can crack down on illicit finance, a fight we will lead at a UK hosted summit next year. And AI is not hypothetically making lives better, it is already saving. At Imperial College, a new AI stethoscope detects major heart conditions in seconds. In our National Health Service, AI mammogram trials double the speed of diagnosis. And AI research tools are unlocking new drug combos to fight cancer. On the horizon, the promise of fusion power, powering limitless servers through quantum computing, enabling ever stronger AI could unleash ever more advanced biotech. This is the defining opportunity of our generation, and we must run towards it with hope. I believe in this promise. I believe in our UN values, which is why this promise must now be shared. We are witnessing a truly historic surge in investment in AI. This investment promises outstanding productivity gains, and with it growth of historic proportions. Yet while this promise may well be diffuse, for now it remains concentrated. But there’s not just possibility on the technological frontier. There are profound challenges as well, as AI is being used to consolidate repression, fuel disinformation, empower criminals across the Internet. Authoritarian states, notably Russia, are manipulating large scale, large model language models so that chatbots answer in the voice of their propaganda across the world. Organized crime is using AI to supercharge their scams, deceiving victims on an unprecedented scale. This is the truth. AI can empower freedom, or it can entrench oppression. AI can empower truths, or it can entrench lies. AI can empower law, or it can empower crime. Only by cooperation together can we set artificial intelligence on the right millennia defining course. So my question is this, how can we most effectively share the glittering prizes of this new era across our global community? Well, this is how. We must invest. Invest. Invest. We must partner. Partner. Partner. Because without a concerted effort, we risk a world of ever deeper inequality where the benefits of this technology fail to reach those who need it most. That revolution in health care, that revolution in education, that revolution in opportunity, this we must share. This is the world we face, and we take it and its challenges that it is, but never lose sight of the world as it can be. This is why our approach to foreign policy is one of progressive realism, patiently advancing progress through pragmatism and persistence. I see this in the United Nations as his approaches the technological frontier. I salute the secretary general for championing the global digital compact, which embodies both progress and realism. And this is why I commend the new independent international scientific panel on AI, which will provide evidence based assessments to all. And I welcome the new global dialogue on AI governance. It is in this spirit of progressive realism that The UK champions AI as a bridge builder across The Atlantic, across the Commonwealth, and across continents, seeking everywhere to share its extraordinary potential. This is why we invest so heavily in the AI Security Institute with more dedicated researchers than anywhere else in the world, and this is why we launched OpenBind and its gigantic dataset. And this is why we champion AI for development, working with 10 African partners, creating AI ecosystems that empower thousands of communities to meet the sustainable development goals. This drives our digital access programs, which seek to narrow the technological divide for millions. I have seen this happening with my own eyes. I’ve been so moved to see in Africa, the continent of my ancestors, the young entrepreneurs using artificial intelligence to launch and scale so many businesses that I know will astonish the world. Like The UK funded startup, Vinsight, supported by our assistive technologies program, which is using its AI powered app to help thousands of blind Nigerian students read, learn, and live more independently. This is the promise of tech, the promise of growth, the promise of a better world. A better tomorrow turns on one pivotal question. Can we seize the potential in the technological revolution? Can we commit to forging AI as a force for freedom, prosperity, and human dignity? I believe we can together, and together we must. Thank you very much indeed.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:38:18] I thank the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria.

##Austria: [00:38:46] Madam president, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, as the Austrian foreign minister, it is both a truly an honor and a profound responsibility to address this assembly today. Yet, I am not only a foreign minister and, by the way, a party leader, I’m also a mother of three daughters. When I reflected about why I’m coming to New York to participate in the General Assembly, it became clear to me. The values of the United Nations are the very same values that my husband and I try to pass down to our children. That conflict and dispute can and must be resolved by mediation. That every human being, regardless of their offspring, sex, religion or race, deserves dignity and owns the same rights. That rules have to be followed by everyone, and big problems can only be solved together, and that every one of us has the responsibility to act not only in their own interest, but to work for a better future for everyone. I suppose that all parents around the globe share a common wish for their children to grow up with the promise of a bright future, especially now, especially in critical times like these, especially in times when these values and simple rules are threatened by disrespect. Madam President, excellencies, when I listen to my oldest daughter, a teenager, I sometimes get the feeling that weighs really heavy on me, namely that for our children, for my children’s generation, the future does not seem brighter than the present. We all can sense that there are fundamental fears fears of war and conflict, fears of climate change, of radicalization, of fundamentalism, enter the division of our societies. That burdens me deeply as a mother, but also as a leader. I believe that the most powerful and most important promise leaders can make is to do everything in their power to ensure that our future is at least a little better than the present. Yet today we cannot close our eyes to the gap between this aspiration and the harsh reality we live in. For example, in Gaza, where devastation, starvation and despair have reached terrible proportions. For Austria, is clear. The attacks of Hamas on Israel on October 7 were horrible and beyond unimaginable brutality. They must be condemned by all of us. We have said it from day one and will continue continue to do so. Hamas must immediately and unconditionally free all hostages and its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons. At the same time, nothing justifies the devastating humanitarian catastrophe we are witnessing in Gaza. Civilians must be protected at all times. There is no justification for violating international law, including international humanitarian law. Austria is not only, because of our own historical responsibility, a friend of the people of Israel, but the actions and decisions of the Israeli government break my heart. This war must must end now. The hostages must be freed, and humanitarian aid must reach the suffering civilians in Gaza as soon as possible. Our vision, the Austrian vision, is clear: a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in The Middle East. Two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders. Austria’s support for the two state solution is not just words. We have supported the Palestinian Authority for many decades. At that point in the future, when this step can make the most meaningful contribution to peace, and when the right conditions have been met, we will also recognize Palestine as a state. We welcome President Abbas’ condemnation of the October seventh attacks, his call to free the hostages, the prospect of elections, and his demand to disarm Hamas. We thank all those who took a huge effort to end this war and bring solutions for peace and security to this region. These are steps towards peace, and Austria will work with all partners to turn them into reality. Madam President, excellencies, we all see the basic principles of the Charter challenged in Ukraine, where Russia has been waging an illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against its neighbor. A very brutal war with horrific numbers of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians.

##Austria: [00:44:18] We support US and all efforts to end the war through high level diplomacy. Since the beginning of the war and especially since March, many initiatives have been launched to end this war. Ukraine showed several times that they are ready for peace, but instead Russia continues its attacks on cities and villages, on schools, on hospitals and kindergartens. Russia even escalates now towards the EU and NATO countries, and this is unacceptable. Austria calls urgently for an immediate ceasefire as a precondition for genuine talks to end this war. Russia cannot simple simply talk peace during the day and bomb during the night. And it is absolutely clear that it is up to Ukraine and Europe to decide on their, on our hopefully common future and security architecture. But Ukraine and Gaza are not alone. In Sudan, civilians face massacres while a humanitarian catastrophe unfolds on an unparalleled scale. In Haiti, gang violence and organized crime hold an entire nation hostage. In Afghanistan, women and girls are denied their most basic human rights. Against the backdrop of rising insecurity and armed conflicts, countries are now heavily investing in security and defence, also in Europe, also in Austria. We all have the duty to protect our citizens. This is necessary, as we are confronted with the biggest war on our continent since 1945. But let us not fool ourselves. Growing nuclear arsenals or uncontrolled autonomous weapons systems will not make our world a safer one. While we all must ensure the safety and security of our populations, we must never give up on international humanitarian law and we must ban weapons which kill randomly. Excellencies, today we face growing disregard of the UN Charter itself. A rising tide of coercion and unilateralism. A dangerous erosion of trust. The United Nations were born out of the ashes of war and the promise of never again. Do we? Does the UN still live up to this promise? Is the UN still fit for purpose? What we do today today matters. We must not fail our ancestors. We must not fail our population. We must not fail our children. We must therefore ensure our activeness and active world community and effective United Nations that can deliver. Austria is ready to do its part to fulfil the UN’s promise: to engage in open and fair dialogue, to build true partnerships, to rebuild trust that has been eroded by reckless actions of one country without considerations of others. It is about time to rebuild partnerships. It is about time to rebuild trust. That is why Austria presented its candidacy for the UN Security Council for twenty seventwenty eight already back in 2011. We strongly hope to count on your valuable support at the elections in June year. Why should you support us? Austria is a rather small country and a military neutral one. We are a reliable host country proud host country of one of the UN headquarters in Vienna and support the secretary general’s reform efforts. Many negotiations in Vienna took place that have bridged divides and saved lives. We know that small countries depend on the rule of law, on diplomacy, transparency and inclusiveness. That’s why we will serve the entire international community if elected. We champion international law, the protection of civilians, disarmament and UN peacekeeping. More than 100,000 Austrians have served as peacekeepers around the world since the 1960s. We are a reliable development partner and make our contribution to the enormous challenge of climate change. And no, denial will not help us to adapt to this challenge. This is why Austria is proud to co chair the UN climate security mechanism this year. Excellencies, the people of the world, our populations, the children of the world, rely on us. They trust us to protect peace, prosperity, stability and healthy united nation that delivers answers to global challenges. Eighty years ago, our predecessors gave the world a charter and a promise for a better future. Let us renew this promise and work hard so that the future is better than the present. Thank you very much.

##The president of the general assembly: [00:50:10] I thank the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria. I now give the floor to His Excellency Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mexico.

#Mexico: [00:50:45] Madam president, excellencies, the time of women has come, and Mexico has made this very clear through the landslide election of Doctor. Claudia Scheinbaum Pardo as the first female president of our country. It’s an honor for me to participate in this assembly representing her and being the voice of a government that is delivering the transformation of the public life of Mexico. I come from a country that was born in the wisdom, bravery and dignity of its original peoples, with a rich political history of extraordinary heroes and heroines, who built a free, independent and sovereign country. Now, we must also say that we are becoming an ever more prosperous country with shared prosperity. The Mexican people are a fraternal people both within and beyond our borders. We have shown this being an active and responsible member of the United Nations community under the premise of defending the dignity and the rights of individuals and nations who love peace, with full respect for the sovereign equality of states. The historic time that we are living through in Mexico, under the leadership of our first female president, is rooted in a vision that we have called Mexican Humanism. The trail blazed over the last seven years is a clear one and has a universal vocation, that is, to build a society based on democracy, freedom, equality and shared prosperity for the benefit of everyone putting the poll first. The guiding pillar of this project is a vision of justice, full recognition of the dignity of people and inclusive social development without discrimination. It is a project that establishes a separation between political and economic power that moves towards achieving a moral economy that seeks coordination and cooperation with external actors and doesn’t accept any type of subordination because national sovereignty is nonnegotiable. This new way of doing politics has given voice and agency to those who were historically marginalized and forgotten: women, girls, indigenous peoples and persons of African descent, youth, LGBT plus persons and the elderly. And the results speak for themselves. The UN itself has recognized that 13,500,000 Mexicans were raised out of poverty thanks to a policy of labor justice and social programs. Inequality is being reduced. Peace is being built and violence contained. Justice has reached indigenous peoples. There is democracy, freedoms, plurality, and the rights to dissent. Justice is being transformed and today, an indigenous person is president of the Supreme Court of Justice of our nation. We have the largest reforestation program in the world with a billion trees planted. Girls, boys and youth are being included in social programs and have access to school. Elderly adults have a guaranteed and universal pension, and women are exercising power. These are some of the good things that we have achieved in this fourth transformation of public life in Mexico and that deserve to be proudly proclaimed loud and clear from this podium, from this rostrum. As members of the international community, the challenges that we face are huge. Poverty persists in a world of exorbitant wealth. There are countries that spend more servicing their debt than they do in investments in health and education for their peoples, and expenditure on arms has has grown at tripled the rate of the global economy, just to mention a few. And the diagnostic has always been clear: the arms race, the immoral concentration of wealth, violations of international law and of human rights are the fuel that fuel the flames of war and violence. Mexico has not forgotten the lessons of history. Eighty years ago, we participated in founding the United Nations convinced of the moral obligation that we have as a nation to contribute to avoiding the scourge of wars. It is not a coincidence that many of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter are reflected in the constitutional principles of our foreign policy. The self determination of peoples, the peaceful settlement of disputes, prohibiting the threats or the use of force, the legal equality of states, cooperation for development and the defense of human rights. Without seeking to be exhaustive, please allow me to share some of the premises that can contribute to getting the international community back on track. Number one: The world needs a moral economy of well-being. It’s necessary to mobilize regional coalitions around well-being in order to deliver effective cooperation for development that acknowledges that fighting poverty is the investment that gives the best return, both financially and socially speaking an international financial architecture that includes criteria of collective well-being and trade that is grounded in clear rules with shared benefits between peoples. Number two: Peace Peace is built from the bottom up.

#Mexico: [00:58:09] Ensuring well-being involves addressing the structural causes of violence. Solving conflicts often begins in the home. It continues in education and then in decent jobs with fair wages and social security that enables the inclusion of the whole of the social fabric. The international community must take a look with a more critical and innovative spirit at what youth today have as alternatives. Similarly, it’s the role of the international community to put an end to the arms race, not only when it comes to nuclear weapons, but also the illicit trafficking of firearms and the spiral of expenditure on arms that is feeding poverty and exacerbating conflict. In response to the staggering proliferation of weapons, it is necessary to respond with politics, mediation, diplomacy, law and dialogue. The United Nations must play a much more active role in the prevention and the solving of these conflicts. Multilateralism must become again the space where disputes are settled. And this leads us to our third premise. Number three: It’s necessary to uphold international law alongside human rights. If we really want to avoid the proliferation of conflicts that have an impact on the lives and the dignity of people, we must respect international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Whether it’s in The Middle East, in Europe, in Africa, in Latin America, or in any other part of the world. War is taking an intolerable toll, and it threatens, triggering an even larger escalation of conflict that could even be profoundly destructive for the whole world. The wars in Gaza, in Ukraine, and in all the other places that they’re taking place must end now. We will not tire in insisting on the urgent appeal for a ceasefire to always achieve a negotiated solution with the participation of all parties directly involved. There can be no negotiated solution if any of the parties are excluded. The solution must be a diplomatic one. Otherwise, it will be hardly achievable. Mexico will always advocate for the peaceful settlement of disputes, and that’s why we reject sanctions and trade embargoes that only harm the well-being of peoples and do not contribute to building regions of peace or prosperity. We reiterate unambiguously our historic position against the embargo on Cuba and our appeal to remove this country from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism, state sponsors of terrorism. Respecting international law is safeguarding peace. It’s the antidote to a logic of power that makes the weakest nations even more vulnerable. In the words of our our eminent everything through reason and law and nothing by force. Madam president, the struggle for justice is rooted in the conviction that all people are equal before the law, compelled by fraternity fraternity to understand each other and to respect each other as equals in dignity and in rights. Mexico has a tireless commitment to human rights, to freedoms, and to nondiscrimination in the world. We condemn classism, racism, and all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual diversity or gender identity. We particularly reject the criminalization of people who, for whatever reason, have been forced to leave their homes and forced to migrate, whether it’s to seek refuge or to escape conditions of injustice or poverty. For us, migrants are people with rights, who care for their families and who contribute with their efforts to improving and strengthening their host communities. It’s only by understanding the phenomenon and addressing its structural causes that we will be able to move towards a framework of global and regional collaboration that will enable us to move towards a safer and more orderly mobility. Let there be no doubt: Mexico will not tire in ensuring the attention to and protection of Mexican nationals who are outside of our country and those that deserve all of our support and assistance. In this framework of justice and rights, we are including the fight of women and for gender equality because despite the progress, there are still gaps and violence against women in the world that are wrenching away freedom from girls, young women and women in all of their diversity. Thirty years since the Beijing Declaration and Programme of Action, the diagnostics and the roadmap are clear, and we invite all nations to mobilize, to accelerate the progress towards gender equality. In my country, the transformation of consciences has been intrinsically linked to the fight for gender equality. Today in Mexico, we are seeing gender parity prevail in the legislative and judicial branches of government, in public policies. We are including a strict gender perspective, and that has been enshrined in our constitution. Madam President, eighty years since the United Nations was created, we must recognize the grave dilemma that it faces, and this is something that cannot be delayed. The United Nations must assert itself once again as an institution that not only helps to contain war and prevent pandemics, but also shapes narratives that leads to public policies for human dignity. We believe that the United Nations must go back to its purposes and its principles and return to its fundamental pillars, which are the maintenance of international peace and security, sustainable development, and the protection and promotion of human rights. It is necessary to get back to these objectives, and everything must revolve around this, from working on the budget to reviewing the thousands of mandates that we have given to the secretariat, many of which really are not that useful today. The legitimacy of the of the United Nations will depend ever increasingly more on its ability to respond to the grave challenges that the world faces. We trust that the next secretary general, who we hope will be a woman from our region, will accelerate progress will accelerate the transformation process that we set forth with the objective of ensuring peace and justice as well as the well-being and freedom of people, the sustainability of the planet and shared prosperity. In Mexico, excellencies, colleagues, madam president, in Mexico, the time of women has come, and it’s going very well for us. We think that at the United Nations also, the time for women has come. Thank you very much.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:07:29] Am Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. And I now give the floor to his Excellency, Olivier Nduhungirehe , Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation of Rwanda.

##Rwanda: [01:07:56] Your excellency, Annalena Baerbock, president of the eightieth General Assembly, your excellency Antonio Gutierrez, secretary general of the United Nations, excellency’s heads of delegation. Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Allow me to begin by congratulating her excellency, Annalena Baerbock, on her election as president of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly. I take this opportunity to thank his excellency, Philémon Yang, their outgoing president, for his work and dedicated service to multilateralism. Rwanda extends its gratitude to Secretary General Antonio Guterres for his comprehensive report on the work of the United Nations aimed at improving its efficiency. In this regard, Rwanda has formally expressed interest in hosting UN agencies as part of our shared commitment to a cost effective and decentralized UN system. We reiterate our support to the work of the United Nations and the secretary general, particularly in advancing peace and security, and drive progress on sustainable development goals. Excellencies, this year, the United Nations turned 80. This journey has not been without challenges. Fast changing realities, including economic shocks and the legitimate aspirations of regions long denied a voice, compel us to quickly adapt to make the UN fit for purpose. That is why Rwanda strongly supports reforms, especially of the Security Council. The composition of this body does not reflect current realities. Africa is a 1,200,000,000 people strong continent, where most of the conflict of the Security Council’s agenda reside. Therefore, it cannot remain excluded from permanent membership. Excellencies, the United Nations development pillar remains central to advancing peace, prosperity, and dignity for all. We commend the UN development system and its partners for their tireless efforts in supporting countries to address pressing development challenges from poverty eradication to climate resilience, and in driving forward the ambition of the 2030 agenda. This 2030 agenda for sustainable development embodies our collective aspirations for a just, inclusive, and prosperous world where no one is left behind. Rwanda remains firmly committed to its full implementation, recognizing that connectivity, innovation, and inclusive development are indispensable drivers of progress. Despite global challenges such as the existential threat of climate change and widening technological inequalities, Rwanda has taken bold steps to align national priorities with SDGs. These efforts demonstrate that development, connectivity, and environmental stewardship can move forward hand in hand. Yet, the persistence of unequal access to finance, technology, and markets threatens to widen the gap between those with means and those without. In this context, solidarity among nations through a development corporation has contributed to bridging development gaps. However, we believe that it is time to transition from aid to trade, enabling developing countries to become self reliant in a win win partnership. Mister president, excellencies, Rwanda regrets the politicization of development cooperation, which is used by some development partners for partisan political reasons and interest. Let me recall that every nation is sovereign and cannot be forced to choose between its security and development. Development aid must serve as a tool for solidarity and progress, not as a weapon of coercion. Excellencies, the history of the nineteen ninety four genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda called on us to become global advocates for a peacekeeping that always puts civilians first. We pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the blue helmet and who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of humanity. Their legacy is written in the history of the United Nations and lives on through the lives they helped save. But peacekeeping must be judged by its results. For the sake of the millions who look to the UN for protection, we must ensure that peacekeeping remains true to its purpose. That is why Rwanda champions robust peacekeeping, the responsibility to protect, and the implementation of the twenty fifteen Kigali principles on the protection of civilians. Moreover, Rwanda has led calls for sustainable peace financing, both in Africa and globally. Among milestone achievements is the revitalization of the African Union Peace Fund, which now mobilizes over $400,000,000 As a direct result, the Security Council decided to finance three quarters of African Union peace operations for the first time. Excellencies, beyond the UN, Rwanda contributes to peace support operations on a bilateral basis in the in the Central African Republic and Mozambique, in an effort to promote South South cooperation under Pan African solidarity. Major progress has been recorded in both countries in the restoration of state authority, capacity building of local security forces, and the fight against terrorism. Excellencies, I may recall that the United Nations was established to spare succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

##Rwanda: [01:15:16] Yet, eighty years on, conflict continue to erupt across every continent. Rwanda firmly maintains that for for most of those conflicts, lasting peace cannot be achieved through military means. We have consistently held that only genuine good faith dialogue offers a sustainable path towards global peace. However, peacekeeping alone is not enough. Too often, we deplore relapse into conflict because its root causes were not properly addressed. Prevention, mediation, and effective peace building must be our first resort. This lesson is particularly urgent for the Great Lakes region of Africa. The current conflict in Eastern DRC is not new. It is rooted in decades of bad governance, marginalization and persecution of minorities, genocide ideology, and a persistent colonial legacy. Rwanda believes that peace in Eastern DRC is in everyone’s best interest. Our goal has always been, and will remain, the security and well-being of Rwandans and the people of our region. In June, Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement in Washington. It provides for a comprehensive framework encompassing security, political, and economic components. This achievement was made possible thanks to the strong leadership of his excellency president Donald Trump of The United States, and of his highness sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Tani Emir of the state of Qatar, whose vision for peace and prosperity in our region, Rwanda fully shares. We also acknowledge the vital role played by Africa led initiatives, notably the joint EAC SADEC process, supported by the African Union Mediation for their efforts in favor of peace. Nevertheless, since the signing of this peace agreement, progress has been moving slowly. While promising meetings are taking place in Washington to implement the June peace agreement, the situation on the ground remains deeply troubling. The DRC’s renewed militarization, coupled with its continued collaboration with genocidal and UN sanctioned armed groups, such as the DRC backed FDLR and Wazalendo militias, and the deployment of attack drones and fighter jets against civilian populations, particularly the Maya Mulenge and other Congolese Tutsi underscore the gravity of the crisis. This goes against the letter and spirit of the Washington peace agreement. Additionally, this coalition is supported by foreign forces, including mercenaries in a clear violation of the nineteen seventy seven OAU convention, and the nineteen eighty nine UN convention against the use of mercenaries. Rwanda condemned this development and called on the DRC to reject the military solution and implement in good faith the Washington peace agreement, which is a golden opportunity to end this conflict that has lasted for far too long. Excellency, since 1999, the United Nations has maintained a robustly mandated peace keeping mission in the Democratic Republic Of Congo, named Monusco, to help address the crisis. Yet, despite its efforts, the mission has not succeeded in halting the proliferation of armed groups, especially the the eradication of the DRC backed FDLR. Instead, Monusco has ended up working alongside military coalition that includes the FDLR, going against more than 20 secondurity council resolutions calling for the neutralization of that group. There is an urgent need to review the legal the legal conformity of Manusco’s mandate. Of particular concerns to Rwanda is the emergence of Wazalendo militia, armed and supported by the DRC government, which are committing countless abuses, including burning down whole villages of Congolese Tutsi, lynching, and burning alive civilians and military officers, as well as arming children for ethnic cleansing. Their brutality, methods, and ideology bear an alarming resemblance to that of the genocidal militia of 1994 in Rwanda. Strong action is needed to put an end to this dangerous development before it is too late. Excellencies, human rights are a major pillar of the United Nations. Rwanda rose from the ashes of the genocide in ’94 by placing human dignity, unity, and and accountability at the center of our governance. We thank the United Nations for establishing the International Day of Reflection of the nineteen ninety four genocide against the Tutsi commemorated every April 7. We also thank the Secretariat and the many member states who have established genocide memorials on their soul as a lasting pledge to never forget. Equally, we commend the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the residual mechanism for prosecuting genocide perpetrators. However, Rwanda is deeply concerned about the persistence of genocide ideology and related crimes in Eastern DRC under the watch of the international community and the UN itself. We call on the international community to not turn a blind eye once more for what is clear to see. The targeting, persecution, and massacre of Congolese Tutsi, including the Banyamulenge community, amounts to crimes against humanity, which have all the early warning signs over genocide. Indeed, genocide follows a pattern. It follows clear stages. It is not an umbrella term, it is defined by international law. Genocide targets a specific group for who they are with the intent to exterminate them as such. In this regard, no amount or calculated cynicism can rewrite the truth and request perpetrators as victims or victims as perpetrators. These are denialist behaviors over often deployed by perpetrators. In the same vein, no claims from a government arming a genocidal militia will change the facts of history. Financing and providing weapons to a group with a proven genocidal record and ongoing intent is nothing less than complicity in the crime itself. I must say that if there are crimes in the DRC committed for economic gains, they have clear names. Those are corruption, bad governance, and the embezzlement of public funds. Mister president, excellencies, I wish to conclude by reaffirming that Rwanda stands ready to work alongside all member states to ensure that the United Nations remains a force for peace, justice, and sustainable development. While the challenges and solutions for multilateralism are clear, it is political will that must guide us today to build a UN fit for purpose. Together, we must build an organization capable of addressing the needs of billions across the globe, tackling human rights abuses, climate change, and responding to an increasingly interconnected world for successive generations to come. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:24:19] I wish to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda. I now invite Her Excellency María Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador to address the assembly.

##Ecuador: [01:24:56] Madam president, on the eightieth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Charter, Ecuador honors with respect and renewed commitment its status of of as a founding member of this organization. What was born out of hope for peace upon the ruins of the Second World War has become the most ambitious project of international cooperation in history, a system of norms, institutions, principles, purposes, and universal values geared towards protecting human dignity, preventing violence, and driving development. Eighty years ago, states chose cooperation over disputes, peace over war. My presence here at this assembly is an opportunity to reiterate before the international community that Ecuador will continue to prioritize cooperation between states because it is only by working together that we will be able to ensure a future of peace, security, and prosperity for our peoples. Therefore, the foreign policy of Ecuador supports multilateralism, which is the model that enables international cooperation to be possible in order to address global challenges and to achieve common goals. Madam president, multilateralism needs to change in order to respond to the current demands of peoples and to confront new threats. Ecuador believes that the concept of international peace and security must be broadened and includes the fight against transnational organized crime, which is a phenomenon that undermines governability, that feeds corruption, that perpetuates violence, and that erodes the perspectives of progress. Indeed, it causes consequences that are similar to traditional armed conflicts in the economic, political, and social realms. We’re not talking about local gangs here, but rather international networks and logistic chains that move thousands of tons of drugs, that exploit illegal mining and that traffic weapons, people, and even human organs. In light of the rise of the many acts of violence and narcoterrorism, the government of Ecuador recognized the existence of non international armed conflict in January 2024 and designated several of these groups as terrorists. We have deployed huge efforts and resources in order to safeguard our security and to put our citizens first. We are doing this by adopting programs focused on the prevention of youth violence, including the recruitment, use and utilization of boys, girls and adolescents. At the same time, we are implementing public policies to attract investment and jobs in order to ensure sustainable security. I wish to insist on the fact that Ecuador, without having sought this out, but due to the fact that we are very close to the main producers of cocaine in the world, is on the front line of the battle against transnational organized crime and is waging an existential war against narcoterrorism. Milestones in the fight of Ecuador against transnational organized crime and narcoterrorism include the seizure of two ninety five tons of illicit drugs in 2024, as well as the decision to call on friendly countries to provide their support in different areas of this confrontation the given the potential of joint military operations fully respecting the constitutional framework. The Ecuadorian government has called a national and democratic debate on foreign military bases by way of a referendum that will take place in November next, providing strategic areas that can serve to help us to control and monitor criminal activities in order to achieve peace and international peace and security. This referendum will be coupled with a call for a constituent assembly that will be tasked with drafting a new fundamental charter that will contribute to defeating narco terrorism and lead us inexorably down the path of prosperity and social peace. Madam President, on a regional level, Ecuador has spearheaded the establishment of the Resolutive Plan of Action as a strategic response of the Andean community to the illicit trafficking of drugs and transnational organised crime. On a multilateral level, Ecuador has spearheaded initiatives such as the presidency of the Latin American Community of Security and Intelligence, where we have promoted the updating of the operational action plans and organized the Latin American Securities Summit, consolidating strategic alliances with the European Union and Ameripol. We agree that transnational organized crime and narcoterrorism are global scourges that know no borders, and no country can act against them alone. It’s therefore essential to coordinate our efforts to reach cooperation agreements with countries and with international bodies that include financial assistance and technological equipment. Madam president, over the last eight years that the UN has been in existence, it has been shown that lasting peace can only be built upon solid foundations, security, development, and human rights. These three pillars, which are independent and indivisible, represent the pillars of the international order and multilateralism that are currently seeing cracks in them that are compromising their stability. Indeed, today multilateralism is being called into question and rightly because it hasn’t been able to address the contemporary conflicts and challenges effectively. Ecuador advocates for a more innovative, inclusive and representative multilateralism that takes account of the realities of countries, in particular those of the developing world, that promotes the equality of men and women, and that finally opens up a space for youth in decision making. It’s essential to strengthen the respect of the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, that is the bedrock of this organization and whose strength depends on our adherence to a spirit and letter. Abandoning it would lead us back to a time in which the only source of law was force. It is therefore our role to reform it and update it so that it can respond to the current challenges we face on a global level so that precisely we can strengthen these principles. In summary, this institution is called to support the evolution and accompany the evolution of human beings and of the planet to address technology changes and new challenges. Madam President, human mobility is yet another of the most complex challenges of our time. Ecuador, which is a country of origin, transit, and destination and refuge for migrants, reaffirms its commitment to safe, regular and orderly migration, convinced that managing it properly can contribute to sustainable development. Ecuador strongly rejects irregular, unsafe and disorderly human mobility, because this often responds to the interests of transnational organized crime groups that can also be transnational in nature.

##Ecuador: [01:34:06] Emerging technologies, in particular artificial intelligence, offer up unprecedented opportunities for human progress. However, they also offer up significant risk for security, equity and human rights. Ecuador believes that it’s essential to move towards multilateral and ethical governance of these tools that would guarantee their inclusive access to them, that would avoid new digital gaps, and that would ensure their uses guided by the common good. Climate change and the loss of biodiversity threaten our stability and development. As a mega diverse country, Ecuador advocates for more environmental financing for technology transfer and for international support for the conservation of unique ecosystems like the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands, which are the treasure of humanity. Financing for development is another great challenge. The international financial architecture must respond to the needs of developing countries, in particular those that are classified as middle high income countries. The exclusive use of GDP per capita, which is limiting unlimited, does not reflect our reality nor does it reflect our vulnerabilities. We require more comprehensive indicators that include multidimensional poverty, structural inequality and climate resilience, as access to concessional resources and international cooperation are not unfairly undermined. Ecuador supports the use of sustainable financial instruments such as green and thematic bonds and promotes the creation of new financing mechanisms. Madam president, youth of Ecuador and of the world, I’m proud to represent a young people. Ecuador is a country of more than 18,000,000 inhabitants in which youth represent around 40% of our population. The government of Ecuador and President Daniel Novoa are focused on providing them with opportunities that did not exist in the past. The time of youth has come. If we provide them opportunities, we can promote and provide better attention to all citizens. It is a positive and multiplying effect. For us, the youth embody the priority of all priorities. Today, youth see in the new Ecuador a country of opportunities and progress in which there is a firm commitment to eradicating corruption and impunity, as well as the old politics and ideological struggles that perpetuate a status quo that is unsustainable and that benefit only a few people. The new Ecuador is moving with stability and responsibility on an ambitious path of productive transformation as well as social and institutional transformation towards a new chapter in our development model involving efforts that include the diversification of our energy mix, that include the diversification of our productive mix. The current global economic environment that is ever more complex and demanding, marked by the volatility of the markets, geopolitical tensions, uncertainty in the supply chain and rapid technological changes, require us to adapt rapidly and in an agile manner. We are fostering a competitive economic environment, generating openness to business and providing attractive opportunities for foreign investments. Several factors foster investment and business in Ecuador. A large range of natural resources, our strategic location in South America, the economic stability provided by us using the United States dollar as our national currency and our condition is a mega diverse country with an extremely rich cultural heritage. Our risk indicator as a country continues on its downward trend, and yesterday was at seven zero one points, which is the lowest level over recent years. Our economy grew by 3.9% in the first half of the year, achieving growth of well, heralding growth for around 5% for the second half of the year. And as for the security environment, well, the economy is improving even with the challenges that we still face. In July 2025, we saw 38.6% of decent jobs. In other words, 282,000 more Ecuadorians are benefiting from a decent job compared to 2024. So that is a change of 3.7 compared to July 2024. These achievements are also to do with the laws that President Daniel Novoa and his cabinet have drafted and put to the National Assembly that seek to safeguard peace, transparency, and the fight against terrorism and crime, and also providing jobs, economic stability, and creating social programs and opportunities for development. Madam president, the eightieth anniversary of the UN is a turning point. On this historic commemoration of the United Nations, I invite you to adopt a creative vision like the one that we had in 1945 that’s able to renew and strengthen this institutionality grounded in an ethical model of democracy and changing to adapt to contemporary challenges. Global challenges such as transnational organized crime, narco terrorism, migration and climate change require more multilateralism, more cooperation and more collective action. Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to the defense of peace and security, human rights and development. Thank you very much.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:41:17] I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador. I now give the floor to her excellency, Maria Malmer Stenegaard, minister for foreign affairs of Sweden.

##Sweden: [01:41:48] Mister president, excellencies, eighty years ago, nations came together. It was a bold act of faith. Faith in multilateralism, the rule of law, and the shared responsibility to save future generations from the devastation of war. But as we gather here, the world and our organization, the United Nations, are facing the risk of failing. Leaders of several nations are choosing conflict over cooperation around the world. We are witnessing grave violations of the rules and principles that we have all agreed to. For too many, peace is fragile, justice abstract, and dignity denied. There is so much wasted potential. The UN was founded to curb aggression and the arbitrary exercise of power by the strong against the weak. That vision remains as valid today as it was then. Mister president, it is not only the UN that turns 80 this year, it happens to be eighty years since Astrid Lindgren published her first book about the strongest girl in the world, Longstocking, a strong willed girl who believed everything was possible. Pippi has inspired generations of children, especially girls, to believe that strength and independence are not confined by expectation or tradition. I have never tried that before, so I should definitely be able to do it. Although not a direct quote, it captures the spirit of Pippi. Let us use the coincidence of anniversaries as a reminder that even in the face of unprecedented challenges, we must approach the impossible with boldness and resolve. Mister president, Sweden is a committed defender of international humanitarian law, principles that safeguard human dignity even in the darkest of times, and they must be upheld without exception. We cannot be deterred by few states disregard for our charter. This is our time to act and to defend these fundamental rules and principles for us and for future generations. We need an efficient UN that defends the right of every state, big or small, to uphold its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. We need a strong UN that helps member states deliver on their commitments to respect, protect, and promote the human rights of every individual, and we need a focused UN. The UN must remain true to its core, securing peace, advancing human rights, driving sustainable development, and providing humanitarian relief. Mister president, as a steadfast partner and major donor to the United Nations, Sweden remains committed to addressing global development challenges and to humanitarian efforts to provide protection and life saving assistance. Sweden is also a strong supporter of UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. We actively take part in the peacebuilding commission. We chair the Liberia configuration, and we have contributed substantially to the peacebuilding fund since its creation. The Security Council must evolve to better reflect today’s global realities. Sweden supports a balanced expansion of the Security Council by adding permanent and non permanent seats, including African countries. We need to act together based on our shared principles and common goals. These include our commitments under the pact for the future adopted last year. Looking ahead, we will seek a candidate for the next UN secretary general who leads the way and builds on important reform initiatives. And let me be clear, Sweden’s choice is always merit based.

##Sweden: [01:46:07] But isn’t it strange that for eighty years, no woman has been elected, especially if this election is based on merit? Mister president, in a world in which armed conflicts are multiplying, we must not allow injustice to go unpunished. Accountability is critical to uphold our international rules based order. The integrity, independence, and impartiality of our international legal system, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, must be protected. When I think of accountability, I think of little Angelina. You have probably seen the picture of her celebrating her second birthday next to a giant teddy bear. Angelina never got to celebrate her third birthday. She was born during Russia’s war, and she died from a Russian missile. Little Angelina and her mother were killed in one of Russia’s deadliest attacks on Ukraine in Kyiv Kyiv in August. The only one saved from the rubble was her giant teddy bear. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a blatant violation of the very foundation of this organization. A permanent member of the Security Council has brutally invaded another UN member state. This cannot be tolerated. Holding Russia accountable is essential for all of us to deter further aggression and to preserve the global order. From the very outset, Ukraine has sought a just and lasting peace based on international law, including the UN charter. Sweden remains unwavering in its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mister president, on 10/07/2023, Hamas carried out the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust. Men, women, and children were brutally murdered and kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. And when the music faded at the Nova festival, so did the lives of young peace loving people. They were raped, killed, and taken hostage. It was truly a painful reminder of how dark the world can be. The hostages are being held in appalling conditions by Hamas. More pressure must be put on Hamas to immediately release them, and Hamas must never have a place in the future governance of Palestine. The war in Gaza led to has led to suffering beyond imagination. We are reminded daily of the painful desperation inside Gaza. The offensive against Gaza City is worsening an already catastrophic situation. Parts of Gaza are now officially in the grips of famine. This cannot go on. Israel has a right to defend itself, but that right must be exercised in accordance with international law. And the way the Israeli government is waging its war is unacceptable. The UN and other humanitarian actors must be allowed to work safely in all parts of Gaza. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicized. Increased pressure on the Israeli government to change its course and meet its obligations according to international law is urgently needed. Sweden welcomes international efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict. It is in the interest of all states to not only bring this war to an end, but to ensure a sustainable two state solution for a better future for all, both Israelis and Palestinians. Mister president, the situation in Sudan is deeply alarming. It is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world and not given enough attention. Full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access and immediate ceasefire and negotiations ensuring a return to civilian rule are urgently required. Conflicts all over the world are wasting human potential. Every conflict tears families apart, disrupts education, and silences voices. The cost is immeasurable. Mister president, authoritarian regimes challenge democracy, rule of law, and gender equality. Sadly, resistance against women’s and girls’ rights is on the rise. Sweden is honored to serve as president of the UN executive board this year. Gender equality is too often framed as a women’s issue, which is a profound misunderstanding. Equality is not only a value we should aspire to, it is a driver of progress. Strengthening women’s and girls’ rights is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do, because we know that where women prosper, societies prosper, equal access to education, work, resources transforms communities. Economically empowered women invest more in the families, leading to better health, education, and overall quality in life for future generations. Societies that include women in peace building are more likely to enjoy sustainable peace. We must stand firm against those who seek to roll back freedoms. We must push back the pushback. Everyone has the right to live safely and freely regardless of gender, religion or beliefs, skin color, or whom they love. Sweden will always defend the equal rights and dignity of every human being. Mister president, the crisis of our time, armed conflicts, climate change, extreme poverty, demand urgent collective action. But public aid alone is not enough. To achieve our goals, we need to mobilize finance from every source, not least private capital. We must use synergies between development cooperation and trade to meet growing needs and lay the foundation for economic growth and entrepreneurship. The green and digital transition brings great opportunities in terms of jobs, growth, and solutions to mitigate climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Emerging technologies such as AI hold immense promise in addressing some of our most pressing common challenges. The global community must support innovation while addressing risks. Mister president, the UN was created was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell. These words of the second secretary general of the United Nations, Dag Hamachal, remain just as valid today. These are difficult times, but times have been difficult before. Let us not surrender to despair. Most nations continue to stand by the fundamental principles agreed upon eighty years ago. We should not let this anniversary become a celebration of the past alone. Let’s see this as a call to action. Let’s embrace the spirit of Pippi Longstocking and carry on with fearlessness and conviction. Together, we must act for ourselves and for future generations. Let them inherit a better, freer, and fairer world than the one we found. For my son, Christian, and for my daughter, Kaiser, for all our sons and daughters who deserve to grow up in a world where their paths are not limited by their gender, tradition, or violence, we must not let potential go to waste. We must not let them down. I thank you.

##The president of the general assembly: [01:55:18] I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden. And I now give the floor to his excellency, mister Lejeune Mbella Mbella, minister for foreign affairs of Cameroon.

##Cameroon: [01:56:05] Madam president, I was, entrusted with the honor on behalf of his excellency Paul Bia, president of The Republic Of Cameroon, head of state, and he instructed me to speak on his name. Allow me, therefore, to renew Cameron’s warm congratulations on your election as president of the eightieth session of the General Assembly of our organization. Your diplomatic experience and vision, which encourage us to unite our efforts for a better future are guarantees of success for both your mandate and deliberations throughout this session. You can count in this regard on the full cooperation from the Cameroonian delegation. As you know, my country was honored to see your predecessor, ambassador Philemon Young, preside over the seventy ninth session of the General Assembly. And I would like here to commend his commitment, his professionalism, and his determination, which was marked by his spirit of being able to listen and conduct a dialogue as he fulfilled his mandate. Let me also reiterate to Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, the sincere appreciation of Cameroon for his tireless efforts at the helm of our organization and for his clear commitment to strengthen multilateralism in international context, which happens to be particularly difficult and complex. Madam President, excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Mr. Secretary General and distinguished representatives. We meet this year at a pivotal moment for our organization, which is celebrating its eightieth anniversary. And anniversaries are usually joyful occasions, but we must acknowledge that this particular one leaves us with questions. This is an opportunity for us to take stock and reflect on how we can make the United Nations more effective in fulfilling its mission and recommendations and promises contained in the charter. You, therefore, proposed in this regard, madam president, that we pull our will, our efforts, and our resources. And you believe, and rightly so, that we are better together. Cameron shares this vision and welcomes the theme we have chosen for our discussion, which is, I quote, Better Together, eighty years and more for peace, development and human rights. This theme is more than just a slogan. It is a relevant program that we must translate into concrete actions at both the national and international levels. The Union of Our Forces is the very foundation of the UN Charter. Its founding fathers understood that maintaining international peace and security and promoting economic and social development for all could only result from our collective labor. And that is why we must maintain this dynamic for the well-being of our populations. Madam President, the UN was created to be, at the same time, a beacon of hope, a forum for dialogue, and a catalyst for concrete actions so as to build a more just, safer and more united world. And eighty years later, it is useful, as I mentioned earlier, it is useful to take stock and draw lessons for the future. So the following questions arise here. Have we succeeded? Have we managed to shield our peoples from the fear of war, uncertainty about their future? Have we succeeded to shield our peoples from famine? The current international situation, which is marked by numerous crises, offers a clear and negative answer to these questions. Indeed, in 2025, the global security environment remains unfortunately characterized by a proliferation of conflicts and threats of all kinds to human security, including the nuclear threat, which we once thought to be a thing of the past. Whether in Europe, Central Asia, The Middle East, Latin America or Africa. Tensions are emerging or persisting, endangering peace, stability and international security more than ever before. The ongoing armed conflicts around the world are a painful reminder for us that eighty years later, we neither could nor would succeed in protecting the world from the scourge of war. And this situation is further compounded by various natural disasters, including extreme weather events such as storms, hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, landslides, which cause significant material damage and loss of human lives, not to mention various pandemics on that list. The world will only meet the challenge of development if it first wins the challenge of peace. We have a historic responsibility to choose. Either we allow war and these multiple scourges to thrive or we offer our children a stable, united, and prosperous world. And Cameroon has made its choice. It made the choice of peace and development and stands firmly by your side in order to turn this aspiration into a shared reality. Madam President, your excellencies, it is well known that there can be no development without peace, nor can there be lasting peace without development. The ongoing crises, which negatively affect international trade, the cost of raw materials and market supplies undoubtedly hinder the development of many countries. And yet, economic development through the Sustainable Development Goals remains a primary objective that the United Nations must attain for the well-being of our peoples. In recent years, however, we have seen with regret that millions of people still live in extreme poverty, disease and food insecurity. In this particular context, children, women and the elderly and people with reduced mobility are the most vulnerable. And although access to education has expanded, many children and young people remain outside of the school system. At the same time, we observe a decline in life expectancy. We see deteriorating health indicators and a critical shortage of health care professionals, especially in Africa. With five years remaining until the SDG deadline, it is urgent that coordinated actions be taken to fulfill the promises of the 2030 agenda. We must indeed take our responsibility individually and collectively so as to achieve these goals that we had freely and voluntarily set for ourselves. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Cameron, a ward of the United Nations, remains committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and spares no effort under the high leadership of His Excellency Paul Bia, President of the Republic, to promote peace and international security.

##Cameroon: [02:09:00] And in this spirit, my country actively participates in UN peacekeeping operations and through its three major specialized schools, trains police, gendarmory and other African civilian personnel who take part in these operations. Moreover, Cameroon remains consistently engaged in the fight against terrorism in general in the Sahel and particularly in the Lake Chad Basin where the Boko Haram sect operates. Now in economic terms, my country has adopted an ambitious national strategy that promotes harmonious economic and social development across the nation, whilst advancing democracy, respect for human rights and good governance. This allows us to progressively and systematically realize the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2,063, among others. Madam President, in the Congo Basin, Cameroon actively contributes to finding solutions to global climate change and to protecting wildlife and biodiversity. He will always do its part and expect that promises made, especially in terms of financing, will be honored. For Cameroon, it is essential that the efforts of developing countries be supported. In this regard, it is worth recalling yet once again that over a decade ago, developed countries pledged collectively to mobilize US100 billion dollars annually to support climate change efforts. The same applies to development aid, which was set at 0.7% over fifty years ago. To date, none of these promises have been fulfilled. Cameron believes that it is time for these funds, which were expected to be effectively mobilized to support the substantial efforts made by developing countries, especially in Africa, to preserve our shared environment for the benefit of all. On another front, Cameroon is mobilizing resources for major projects in education, health, infrastructure and rural development, etcetera, all aiming to bring about structural transformation in our country. We take this opportunity here to thank our multilateral and bilateral partners who support us in this endeavor. Then we encourage them to strengthen this partnership to help us achieve our goals. Your excellencies, the Pact for the Future and its two annexes, namely the Digital Compact and the Declaration for Future Generations, require that we implement them. Similarly, the recent final documents that came out of the Nice and the Seville conferences, as well as the Yaounde Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy in the Gulf Of Guinea reaffirm commitments regarding financing and access to technologies, especially in this digital and artificial intelligence era, as decisive factors for promoting sustainable development. Cameroon welcomes these advances and the commitments made during these occasions for reforming the international financial architecture and advancing energy transition. My country aspires very much to see the realization of other long awaited reforms, notably that of the United Nations Security Council to allow Africa to occupy its rightful place in line with the Azulwiny consensus and the Cirque Declaration. When it comes to human rights, Cameron welcomes the drafting of the International Pact on the Right to Development. The eventual adoption of this important instrument will mark a milestone in human history by unequivocally affirming that development is a fundamental right and not a privilege. Madam President, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, at this pivotal moment in the history of the United Nations, we must act. It is imperative obligation that we cannot ignore. This requires, in my view, respecting our commitments to development financing, fulfilling our promises for peace and ensuring the effectiveness of our choices in human rights and humanitarian assistance. In the years to come, we must strengthen the foundations of lasting peace rooted in prevention, resilience and justice. And we have the means to do so, especially now when global wealth in 2025 has reached unprecedented levels and technological development allows for significant improvements in living conditions for all. In conclusion, and as a call to action, we must do better and we must do more so that the United Nations fulfills the promises made to the peoples of the world and becomes more than ever the engine of strengthened multilateralism, fair and equitable cooperation and reimagined solidarity in the face of the concerning rise of multipolarity. I thank you for your kind attention.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:17:38] I thank the minister for foreign affairs of Cameroon. I now give the floor to his excellency, mister Espen Barth Eide, minister for foreign affairs of Norway.

##Norway: [02:18:10] Mister president, excellencies, distinguished delegates, Eighty years ago, against the backdrop of the second World War, world leaders gathered in San Francisco to sign the UN Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. This once in a lifetime once in a generation moment brought the idea of the United Nations to life. Let us imagine for a moment that we are there in San Francisco in 1945 as the UN was negotiated. Participants who were at my age would have experienced the first World War, the short lived roaring twenties, the great depression of the nineteen thirties, fierce trade wars, the rise of fascism and Nazism, the second World War, the Holocaust, and the nuclear bomb, and all of that in their own adult life. If events like these constitute your life experience, you do not believe that the world is a rose garden. Those who shaped the United Nations were not guided by naive idealism. Quite on the contrary, this was a deep realist recognition that mankind simply could not continue as before. Centuries of great power rivalry, competing spheres of interests, and imperialism had not forged peaceful coexistence. The founders, however, were indeed visionaries as they believed that a better world was possible. Our founders realized that the world needed shared norms and principles in order to avoid yet another world war. They were adamant not to repeat the debacle of the interwar years. This noble insight shaped the United Nations Charter. Simply put, the Charter rests on three sets of principles. Peace and security should be achieved through recognizing the sovereign equality of states, the prohibition of the use of force, and through peaceful settlement of disputes. Economic and social development should be ensured through close international cooperation and through finding common solution to common problems. The dignity and worth of all human beings should be established through a mutual commitment to universal human rights. Our United Nations, imperfect as it is, has since provided an unrivaled global arena for seeking common solutions to common challenges. There is little doubt that the world would have been a more brutal and less prosperous place without the United Nations. Since 1945, interstate wars have been fewer and farther apart. Former colonies gained independence and became sovereign states of their own. Hundreds of millions have been brought out of poverty. President, however, at 80, we find our United Nations in crisis. This crisis is both political and financial. Political because core principles of the charter are under threat. The world is more divided, more dangerous, and more unpredictable than it has been for decades. Respect for international law is eroding. Gross violations go unchecked. This, in turn, weakens the trust in our institutions. It is a vicious cycle. The crisis is also financial because several member states are significantly reducing their economic contributions, and this, in turn, makes it difficult to accomplish the core mission of the United Nations. President, savage wars are raging in several corners of our world. In Sudan, civilians are facing the largest displacement and hunger crisis in the world today. The war in Sudan has been raging for almost nine hundred days. This is but one of the many horrific wars that receives way too little attention in the power centers of the world, even in this organization. In Ukraine, Russia has violated the most fundamental principles of international law. There is simply no other way of seeing it. Russia’s invasion of the sovereign state of Ukraine is a blatant violation of article two four of the UN Charter. While Ukraine is in its full right to defend itself as affirmed by article 51, Norway and so many other states stands firmly with Ukraine’s fight for freedom and independence. We do so in solidarity with the brave Ukrainian people, but we also do so to uphold the respect for international law, an interest shared by all states, large and small. In Palestine, Israel is in clear violation of international law. Life in Gaza is living hell. For almost two years, we have witnessed extreme levels of death, starvation, forced displacement, and massive suffering. The fact that these atrocities continue is a disgrace to all you humanity. In the West Bank, the illegal occupation, settlements, and settler violence continues unchecked. The Palestinian authorities are under massive stress, its finances strained, and its capacity to operate is severely restricted. The war must end now. Massive humanitarian aid must reach those in need now. The remaining hostages must be released now, and the illegal occupation must end now. But colleagues, there is an alternative to this never ending cycle of violence. We have made important steps just these past few days. At the conference on Palestine in this hall on Monday, member states further developed the road map to a settlement to the deeper conflict between Israel and Palestine. By now, 159 member states have recognized the state of Palestine as a contribution to the realization of the two state solution. However, the recognition of Palestine is only one of the elements needed to reach such a two state solution. There are many pieces in this puzzle. Palestinian governance and economy must be strengthened. Hamas must be demobilized. We need security guarantees to both Israel and Palestine, and key Arab states aim to normalize their relation with Israel as part of a broader agreement. In order to put together these pieces of the puzzle, the global alliance for the implementation of the two state solution was launched here in New York last year during the last UNGAN. It continues to gather support for a comprehensive settlement. It is our firm conviction that both Israel and Palestine have the right to live in peace and security, side by side in two states. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, a world order based on international law is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. When we condemn Russia’s blatant violations of international law in Ukraine, we must also speak just as clearly against Israel’s violation of the rules in Palestine. International law cannot be applied with double standards. It must be upheld universally regardless of who commits the violations and regardless of where they take place. This is not often optional. This is fundamental. We must also defend the institutions that safeguard accountability, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Just as important as the sacrosanct integrity of borders and the sovereign equality of states is our mutual commitment to human rights. The UN Charter commits us to respect and promote these fundamental freedoms for all. Without distinction to race, gender, language, or religion, human rights are universal. They are our best hope for a world that rejects injustice, inequality, violence, and brutality. A more equal world where women and girls participate on equal footing with men and boys is a more peaceful and a more prosperous world. President, in these times of crisis, the United Nations must reposition itself to meet a new political and financial reality. The UN 80 initiative gives us a unique chance to turn this crisis into an opportunity and to build a United Nations that is not only stronger, but also smarter. As a country with an unwavering commitment to the United Nations, I can say this with conviction. It is time for some tough love. We want the UN that is stronger, yet leaner. A UN that is more efficient. A UN with structures optimized to deliver real impact where it matters most, on the ground with the people we serve. We need a UN with sharper prioritization of resources, clearer mandates, and a UN that works smarter, not just harder. This is also a moment for self reflections for all of us as member states and for our United Nations. As member states, we have contributed to a proliferation of mandates, long, complicated, overlapping, and burdened with endless reporting requirements.

##Norway: [02:29:03] My country, Norway, is not exempt. We too are guilty as sin. The time has come to change this. We need bold and ambitious reform. We must stand firmly behind the secretary general to drive this forward. We need a UN that can continue to uphold the rules and the principle that have underpinned our international order for the past eighty years. And we need process with a road map for the next secretary general. When she assumes office in fifteen months, she must be able to have the reformed UN fit for the next eighty years. President, we need a global convention on tax cooperation. States have the primary responsibility to provide essential service to their people, but then we must enable states to fulfill this duty. The capacity to tax both citizens and companies is paramount. It is the backbone of public service delivery, the engine of resource redistribution, and the cornerstone of sustainable development. We know what works, but we must assure that it can work for all. Colleagues, let there be no doubt. The climate crisis is real. It is here. It is man made, and it’s affecting the lives of millions of people around the world. As an Arctic nation, we experience some of the fastest paces of climate change anywhere on the planet, and we feel its impacts in our everyday life. The science is irrefutable. Observed warming is outpacing predictions. Curbing global warming and making peace with nature is the greatest collective challenge of mankind. We have no time to lose. Yet over the past decade, the world has achieved significant progress in this area. At COP twenty eight in Dubai, nations united around the goal of phasing out fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner. Today, countries, regional organizations, companies, and investors are beginning to recognize a fundamental truth. Embracing the technologies of the future, low on carbon, high on circularity and responsible resource management, is not an obstacle to growth. It is an opportunity for growth, innovation, and a sustainable future. Now we must build on this momentum. COP thirteen Belem presents a crucial opportunity to reconnect the climate, biodiversity, and pollution agendas into a coherent, integrated approach. President, as we mark the eightieth anniversary of our United Nations, let us protect the foundations for peace, human rights, and development. The norms and the principles are not the problem. They are just as relevant for the world today as they were back then. What does deserve scrutiny is the system we have established to protect and enforce these norms and principles, and that is what the UN eighty is all about. Let us make sure that these principles apply for all people, everywhere, all the time, So that in another eighty years, future generations do not have to build a new version from the ashes of another devastating world war. It is up to us to find the answers that fit the twenty first century. But when it comes to the core purpose, we should take the cue from our founders. We are indeed better together.

##The president of the general assembly: [02:33:23] I thank the minister for foreign affairs of Norway. We have heard the last speaker in the general debate for this meeting. We will continue the general debate tomorrow at 9AM in this hall. The meeting is adjourned.