UN General Assembly 80th Session: High-Level General Debates – Day 1 (23 September 2025)
Opening Ceremony and Framework
The high-level debates of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced on 23 September 2025. The session was opened under the chairmanship of General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock. Baerbock emphasized that this year is not an ordinary one, drawing attention to the humanitarian catastrophes unfolding in crisis regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She stated that these failures must not be used to justify the erosion of the UN’s relevance, asserting that the UN Charter is only as strong as the will of member states to implement it. Baerbock clarified that the primary purpose of this session of the General Assembly is to resist despair, jointly build a better future, and uphold the values of the United Nations.
Opening Address by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered the opening address of the high-level debates of the General Assembly on 23 September 2025. In his speech, he recalled that the UN was established 80 years ago after the Second World War to preserve peace, but today humanity finds itself in an “age of merciless suffering.” Guterres stated that the principles of the UN are under siege, and the pillars upon which peace and progress rest are collapsing under impunity, inequality, and indifference.
Guterres highlighted the growing polarization in the world, warning that multipolarity without functioning multilateral institutions could lead to chaos. He noted that sovereign territories are being occupied, hunger is being weaponized, and facts are being silenced. The Secretary-General posed the question: “What kind of world will we choose? A world dominated by brute force, or a world where the rule of law prevails?”
In his address, Guterres focused particularly on the ongoing war in Gaza. He stated, “The horror in Gaza is approaching its third devastating year,” and attributed this situation to political decisions that violate fundamental humanitarian values. He said the scale of death and destruction surpasses any conflict he has witnessed during his tenure as Secretary-General. He reiterated his condemnation of Hamas’s attacks on 7 October, but emphasized that the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the systematic destruction of Gaza cannot be justified under any circumstance. In this context, he called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages, unhindered humanitarian access, and a two-state solution.
Guterres also addressed the crises in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Haiti, noting that these conflicts pose a threat to global stability. He recalled the International Court of Justice’s rulings on Israel’s obligations to prevent genocide in Gaza, stressing that international law must not be violated.
Guterres stated that human rights are not the ornament of peace but its foundation, and that they are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. He noted that political will is required to implement human rights and that the voice of justice must be amplified. He also warned that the cutting of global aid amounts to a death sentence for millions. He emphasized that recent reductions in contributions from the United States and other countries to the UN have directly undermined humanitarian efforts.
Guterres also addressed the destructive impacts of climate change and the unchecked advancement of artificial intelligence technologies. He called for urgent global action on the climate crisis, asserting that artificial intelligence must serve humanity and that no corporation can stand above the law. He stressed the need for common international safety standards and regulations on technology, stating that new technologies must not be deployed without principles of transparency, accountability, and security.
Statements by Heads of State and Government
President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
By tradition, President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered the first address at the high-level session of the General Assembly on 23 September 2025. In his speech, Lula first addressed the issue of climate change. He recalled that 2024 was recorded as the hottest year on record and noted that developing countries, while confronting the impacts of climate change, also face other structural challenges. He emphasized that wealthy nations achieved their level of prosperity at the cost of two centuries of greenhouse gas emissions and called on them to assume greater responsibility. He also urged international cooperation for fair resource sharing and access to technology ahead of COP30, to be held in Brazil in November.
Lula devoted significant attention in his speech to the ongoing war in Gaza. He stated that Hamas’s attacks on 7 October 2023 cannot be justified under any circumstance, but that the massive destruction in Gaza and the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians cannot be legitimized by any rationale. He underscored this point by declaring, “Nothing, absolutely nothing, can justify the genocide in Gaza,” and noted that international humanitarian law and the myth of Western moral superiority lie in ruins. He highlighted that hunger is being used as a weapon in Gaza and that forced displacement remains unpunished. He also acknowledged the Jewish communities opposing Israel’s policies, asserting that the Palestinian people can only survive with an independent state.
The Brazilian leader also criticized U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, carried out under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. He argued that these operations lack legitimacy under international law, result in civilian casualties, and amount to extrajudicial executions. According to Lula, the most effective way to combat drug trafficking is through international cooperation, the prevention of money laundering, and the restriction of arms trade.
In his speech, Lula also addressed domestic politics, recalling the imprisonment of former president Jair Bolsonaro for his attempts to remain in power after the 2023 elections. He stated that this conviction demonstrated the strength of Brazil’s democracy and sent a clear message against authoritarian tendencies. Lula emphasized that this process affirmed the functioning of democratic institutions in his country with the statement: “Our democracy and sovereignty are not subject to negotiation.”
United States President Donald Trump
United States President Donald Trump took the podium on 23 September 2025 as the second speaker in the General Assembly. At the beginning of his speech, he stated that during the first seven months of his term he had ended “seven wars deemed unstoppable.”
Trump directed criticism at the effectiveness of the United Nations. “What is the purpose of the United Nations?” he asked. “It seems to write harsh letters but empty words do not end wars.” He argued that the organization has proven ineffective in crises. Referring to those who have suggested he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, he said: “The real reward will be saving millions of lives.”
In a key section of his speech, Trump addressed Iran, labeling it “the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism.” He claimed that Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity had been “completely destroyed” and asserted that his administration had ended a 12-day war.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump said he initially believed it would be the easiest conflict to end, but noted that it had now lasted three years. He claimed that “five to seven thousand young people are dying each week” and accused NATO countries of “hypocrisy,” pointing out that while fighting Russia, they continue to purchase oil and natural gas from Moscow. As a solution, he stated: “If Russia does not end the war, the United States will impose very strict tariffs and this war will end very quickly. But Europeans must also accept this.”
Trump also made direct appeals regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We must immediately stop the war in Gaza,” he said. “We must begin negotiations immediately, engage in peace talks, and release all hostages.” At the same time, he opposed the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, declaring: “This would be a reward for Hamas’s horrific brutality.”
Criticizing the United Nations’ financial management and operations, Trump recalled that years ago he had offered $500 million for the reconstruction of the UN headquarters, but that a lower-quality and far more expensive project was chosen instead. “They spent between two and four billion dollars and still could not even afford the marble floors I promised them,” he said, expressing his frustration. He also strongly criticized migration policies, claiming that in 2024 the UN provided $372 million in cash support to facilitate the arrival of 624,000 migrants at the southern border of the United States.
Climate and energy policies were also among the critical themes of his speech. Trump opposed renewable energy, particularly wind turbines, which he dismissed as “ridiculous.” He labeled the concept of carbon footprint as “a fraud” and warned: “If you do not abandon the green energy fraud, your country will fail.” He cited Germany’s energy policies as an example, arguing that open migration and energy dependence had weakened Europe. He criticized China for emitting “more CO₂ than all other developed countries in the world combined,” highlighting its role in the climate crisis.
President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the UN General Assembly on 23 September 2025 as the fourth speaker during the high-level segment of the 80th session. He began his speech by expressing hope that the General Assembly would serve as a force for good for humanity, congratulated the new president of the session, Annalena Baerbock, and praised his predecessor, Philemon Yang, for his service.
President Erdoğan opened his speech by saying: “At the outset of my remarks, I wish to express my sorrow that Palestinian President Mr. Mahmoud Abbas is not present among us today, at a time when an increasing number of countries are recognizing the State of Palestine. We are here on this podium today to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people, whose voice is being silenced alongside our own citizens. I thank all countries that have declared their recognition of the State of Palestine and call on those that have not yet made this decision to act without delay.”
Recalling that the Charter of the United Nations was signed 80 years ago in San Francisco and entered into force on 24 October 1945, Erdoğan said he wished to remind everyone of the first words of the first article of the UN Charter: "The purpose of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security." Yes, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations in this hall, horrific events are unfolding across many regions of the world that cast a shadow over those opening words of the Charter. In particular, in Gaza, before our very eyes, a genocide has been ongoing for more than 700 days.
Even as we meet here, civilians in Gaza are being killed right now. The number of civilian deaths in Gaza has surpassed 65,000. The number of bodies still buried under rubble remains unknown. More than 20,000 of the dead are children. For the past 23 months, Israel has brutally snatched a child from life every hour in Gaza. These are not numbers—they are friends, each one a life, an innocent human being. People are being killed not only by weapons but also by hunger. In the 21st century, under the watchful eyes of the civilized world, 428 people have died of starvation, 146 of them children, and the number grows every day.
Following this, President Erdoğan showed a photograph depicting daily life in Gaza and said: "Women carrying basins in their hands. Let us all place our hands on our consciences and answer: In the year 2025, could there be any reasonable justification for such barbarity? Yet, this shameful spectacle has been repeated every day in Gaza for 23 months. Two and a half million Gazans living within an area of 365 square kilometers are displaced daily, forced to flee to another area each day."
Erdoğan stated that Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has completely collapsed, that doctors have been killed or arrested, ambulances shot, and hospitals bombed and destroyed, making treatment, surgery, and access to medicine impossible. President Erdoğan added: "Look, as Tayyip Erdoğan, I speak with a burning heart, with tears of blood in my soul. Unfortunately, innocent children, barely two or three years old, without arms, legs or hands, have now become the ordinary image of Gaza."
Showing a photograph of a child on the brink of death from starvation, Erdoğan said: "What conscience can endure this? What conscience can remain silent in the face of this? Can there be peace in a world where children die of hunger and lack of medicine?" Erdoğan reminded everyone that all are parents, that all have children and grandchildren they cherish, and continued: "Here in America, in Europe, everywhere in the world, if a child’s hand is pricked by a small thorn, parents’ hearts ache. But in Gaza, children’s hands, arms and legs are amputated without anesthesia. No one take offense, but this is the lowest point of humanity. In the last century, human history has never witnessed such brutality. Everything is unfolding before our eyes. The genocide in Gaza is broadcast live every moment through media and social media."
Israel has deliberately killed 250 journalists working for national and international media outlets in Gaza so far and has banned all access to the territory. Yet it has failed to conceal the genocide. I wholeheartedly support Secretary-General Mr. Guterres for consistently drawing attention to the ongoing genocide in Palestinian territories, and I commend him once again for his courage. However, the United Nations has, unfortunately, been unable to protect even its own staff in Gaza. Five hundred people who rushed to deliver aid to Gaza have been killed, 326 of whom were UN personnel."
President Erdoğan described genocide as a shameful, inhumane and barbaric concept, identical to the Holocaust, designed for the mass extermination of people. He emphasized that in Gaza, it is not only people who are being killed, and continued: "In Gaza, animals are being targeted and killed. Agricultural land, gardens, trees, grasses, centuries-old olive trees, and water sources are being destroyed and polluted. Buildings, homes, libraries, hospitals, schools, mosques, churches and historical structures in Gaza are being deliberately demolished. The land of Gaza is being rendered unusable for humans, animals and plants alike. Here is another photograph for you. Now I ask you: What possible connection can this image have with security concerns? Is this not, simply, hostility toward life, enmity toward existence? I declare openly from this podium: There is no war in Gaza. There are not two sides in Gaza. On one side stands a regular army armed with the most modern and lethal weapons; on the other side stand innocent civilians, innocent children. This is not a fight against terrorism. This is an occupation, a forced displacement, an expulsion, and above all, a policy of mass extermination, falsely justified by the events of 7 October."
While President Erdoğan noted that Gaza is being destroyed under the pretext of targeting Hamas, he also pointed out that the West Bank, where Hamas has no governance, is being gradually occupied, and innocent civilians are being killed by executions. "Israel does not confine itself to Gaza and the West Bank; it is launching attacks against Syria, Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, threatening regional peace," Erdoğan said, reminding the delegation that recently met in Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire that Israel had carried out fresh attacks.
President Erdoğan: "The attacks directed at Qatar have demonstrated that the Israeli government has completely lost control. It has once again become clear that Netanyahu has no intention of pursuing peace or rescuing hostages. Not only its neighbors, but all countries in the Middle East are facing Israel’s reckless threats. Let us also recognize that due to Israel’s escalating aggression, the values that emerged after World War II in the West—with Europe at the forefront—have suffered severe damage. Fundamental concepts such as human rights, freedom of expression, press freedom, the right to assembly and protest, women’s rights, children’s rights, democracy, equality, and justice have been set aside. At this point, we all must confront this reality: the Israeli leadership, driven by an obsession with promised lands, is pursuing an expansionist policy that undermines regional peace and humanity’s shared achievements. Jerusalem, the holy city of the three Abrahamic faiths and a shared heritage of humanity, is directly targeted by this radicalism. This madness, which disturbs conscientious Jews and is not endorsed by them, and which moreover fuels antisemitism worldwide, can no longer continue. A ceasefire in Gaza must be achieved immediately, attacks must cease, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid must be guaranteed. The perpetrators of genocide must be held accountable under international law. God willing, this will surely happen."
Erdoğan stated that anyone who remains silent and inactive in the face of the barbarism in Gaza is complicit in this cruelty, and added: "I am addressing all world leaders today. Today is the day to stand firmly alongside the oppressed Palestinians in the name of humanity. While your peoples protest against the barbarism in Gaza, show your courage step by step. Fulfill your moral duty toward Gaza, where children have raised children. Through this occasion, I send my heartfelt greetings to all defenders of Palestine—academics, artists, politicians, activists, and students—who have filled squares in countries around the world to stand up for the oppressed people of Gaza and set sail across the seas in support of its innocent civilians."
Recalling that for 13 years he has raised the plight of Syrians on the UN podium, Erdoğan said: "Just as we now raise our voices for the oppressed people of Gaza, for 13 years we have drawn attention to the cries of the Syrian people. Here, we became their voice and their breath. The oppression that cost one million lives and forced millions more to abandon their homeland has, praise be to God, now become a chapter of history since the 8 December revolution."
Erdoğan noted that the Syrian people have opened the door to a new era as of 8 December 2024 and continued: "The Syrian people, who have won their struggle against a regime stained with blood, I believe will, with the heavy sacrifices they have made, surely reach the destination of their victory. We will fully support the vision of a united and whole Syria, free from all forms of terrorism, beginning with ISIS, and committed to establishing security. As stability takes root in Syria, undoubtedly the winners will be not only the Syrian people but all neighboring countries and our entire region. I extend my thanks to our Gulf brothers for their contributions to Syria’s recovery. We hope to continue our cooperation with all regional and international actors who share our principles."
We wish for the nuclear issue concerning our neighbor Iran to be resolved through diplomacy at the earliest possible moment. It must not be forgotten that our region cannot withstand another crisis. The stability, security, and prosperity of our neighbor Iraq are of exceptional importance to the peace of our region. We attach great significance to strategic initiatives such as the Development Path Project that prioritize collective prosperity. In the north, we are hosting the Istanbul Process with great enthusiasm to address the conflict between our two neighbors, Russia and Ukraine. Through direct talks, we have facilitated the exchange of numerous prisoners and remains. We have worked to establish the modalities for peace negotiations between the parties. Do not forget: 'The winner of war is never the loser of a just peace.' With this slogan, we will continue our efforts toward a ceasefire in the coming period."
Erdoğan stated that Turkey has consistently encouraged the parties in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia to pursue peace since the outset, and said: "We welcome the steps taken on 8 August toward a lasting peace between the two countries. Once again, I congratulate U.S. President Trump, along with Azerbaijani President Mr. Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Mr. Pashinyan, for their contributions to this process."
President Erdoğan also noted that the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia is progressing on its proper path and added: "We are continuing our efforts under the Ankara Process, another of our mediation initiatives, to resolve the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia. We hope the parties will swiftly and successfully conclude this initiative."
Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey has faithfully applied the Montreux Convention, the guarantor of security in the Black Sea, with complete neutrality for exactly 89 years, and added: "We wish to see the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean as zones of stability and prosperity where the legitimate interests of all parties are respected. We are ready for constructive cooperation in all areas, especially energy and the environment, and we expect the same from our neighbors. I wish to emphasize here that projects excluding Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean cannot succeed. On the island of Cyprus, Turkey’s rights and jurisdiction extend to its western side, while the legitimate rights of Turkish Cypriots apply to the surrounding areas. The Eastern Mediterranean Conference, which I previously proposed, will contribute to establishing a common platform. The solution to the Cyprus issue cannot be based on the exhausted federal model, which has been repeatedly tested but blocked by the intransigence of the Greek Cypriot side. There are two distinct states and two distinct peoples on the island of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots are equal owners of the island and will not accept being treated as a minority. The international community must now end the unjust isolation that Turkish Cypriots have endured for half a century. I repeat today my appeal made at the last three United Nations General Assemblies: I invite the international community to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and to establish diplomatic, political, and economic relations with it."
President Erdoğan expressed Turkey’s desire for a new beginning and vision in its relations with the European Union: "This vision must not be one that saves the day but one that redefines the horizon and shapes our common future. For this, it is essential that the European Union shares our level of willingness and determination."
Reiterating Turkey’s continued contributions to the operations and missions of the United Nations, NATO, OSCE, and the European Union as a clear security provider, Erdoğan said: "We will host the NATO Summit in Ankara in 2026. Our NATO alliance is strengthening our relations with the United States of America in numerous areas, including trade, investment, energy, and defense industry."
President Erdoğan emphasized that peace, stability, and prosperity in the Central Asian sister countries are indispensable for Türkiye, and continued: "Our Organization of Turkic States is moving beyond being a regional umbrella to becoming a global actor. We are making intense efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Balkans, where we share deep historical and human ties. The Balkan Peace Platform, established in July, is the latest example of our efforts in this direction. This year in October, we will once again assume the command of KFOR. Our fundamental aspiration is for the authorities in Afghanistan to adopt an approach that takes into account the needs of the entire society. It is essential that the international community does not abandon the Afghan people during their recovery process. As Türkiye and the Turkish nation, we will continue to stand firmly alongside our Afghan brothers. We consider the preservation of peace and stability in South Asia to be of utmost importance. We welcome the ceasefire reached in April amid the tensions that escalated between Pakistan and India. We place great importance on cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism."
We support a dialogue-based resolution of the Kashmir issue, centered on the expectations of our Kashmiri brothers, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. Our relations with the African continent are strengthening year by year across a wide spectrum, from education to health, and from infrastructure to trade. While providing all necessary support to Somalia in its fight against terrorism, we continue our humanitarian aid activities. The conflict in Sudan, which has lasted for over two years, deeply distresses us. Ending the bloodshed in Sudan and establishing sustainable peace is a shared responsibility of the international community. Our efforts in this regard will continue."
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized in his speech that his country is directly affected by climate change. As the world’s largest archipelagic state, he noted that Indonesia is experiencing firsthand the threat posed by rising sea levels. In this context, he stated that climate change is not merely a future risk but a present reality felt in the daily lives of the Indonesian people.
Subianto referred to his country’s long-term climate goals and reiterated its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. He announced that more than 12 million hectares of degraded forest areas will be reforested. He also highlighted that reducing deforestation and empowering local communities through quality green jobs for the future are among Indonesia’s priority policies.
Opening a separate section on energy transition, Subianto said Indonesia has made a clear shift in its development model from fossil fuel-based growth to growth based on renewable energy sources. In his speech, he stressed that from 2026 onward, the majority of the country’s additional energy generation capacity will come from renewable sources. He noted that this transition will strengthen not only environmental sustainability but also economic diversification and energy security.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte
Peruvian President Dina Ercilía Boluarte Zegarra, in her speech, drew attention to rising authoritarian threats and attacks on democratic values. She stated that totalitarianism is making a comeback and called for the world to be more vigilant and resolute. She reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to an open and multilateral system based on international law and emphasized that the United Nations must fulfill this role more effectively.
Boluarte stressed that disinformation and hate ideologies are infiltrating democratic societies and causing serious harm to humanity. She pointed out that this situation intensifies ideological polarization and poses a threat to global stability. Peru will support efforts to enhance the representation and effectiveness of the United Nations in combating these challenges.
Boluarte stated that the United Nations must be reformed and that expanding its representativeness is essential. She argued that such reforms are necessary to address global challenges such as attacks on democracy and the rule of law, as well as climate change and socio-economic inequalities. In her speech, she said: "The world needs not less but more and better United Nations."
She also emphasized the need for Latin America to be more strongly represented in the selection of the UN Secretary-General, stating that the next Secretary-General should come from Latin America, reflecting the region’s commitment to the UN Charter and global representation justice.
French President Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron, in his speech at the UN General Assembly, underscored the indispensable role of the United Nations in the international order. While acknowledging the organization’s shortcomings and criticisms, he stated that there is no viable alternative at the global level. He affirmed that international law and the principle of multilateralism remain the most reliable foundations in the face of current global crises.
Macron specifically addressed peace processes in Syria, Ukraine, and Africa. He stated that the ongoing war in Ukraine constitutes a threat to European security and that the international community must adopt a united and determined stance on this issue. Regarding Syria, he emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through a political solution and that international institutions must play an active role in this process. In Africa, he outlined France’s continued partnerships in security and development and its support for regional peace initiatives.
In his speech, Macron opposed approaches based on power politics, asserting that the notion that "the strong are right" undermines international peace and cooperation. He argued that this mindset is incompatible with international humanitarian law and instead increases instability in international relations. He also stated that the protection of human rights is not merely a complementary element of peace but its very foundation. Macron’s speech was built on the message that the United Nations must strengthen its effective multilateral approach. In this framework, he emphasized that member states must fulfill their responsibilities and remain faithful to the fundamental principles of the United Nations.
King Abdullah II of Jordan
King Abdullah II of Jordan placed the Palestinian issue at the center of his speech. He noted that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank constitutes a recurring crisis that the international community has failed to resolve for years. In this context, he drew attention to the lack of a lasting solution with the phrase: "We keep returning to the same point again and again."
King Abdullah addressed Israel’s occupation policies and settlement activities, stating that these practices violate international law and destabilize the region. Recalling the scale of destruction and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, he declared the conditions endured by the Palestinian people to be unacceptable. He emphasized that Israel’s attacks extend beyond Palestinian territories, triggering a broader security crisis in the region.
Criticizing the international community’s ineffectiveness, Abdullah stated that the lack of political will to find a solution to the Palestinian issue harms both regional and global peace. He noted that the United Nations’ failure on this issue has created a level of disillusionment that undermines the organization’s legitimacy.
Abdullah also highlighted Jordan’s role in humanitarian aid, stating that his country continues to host millions of refugees and that this burden is increasingly heavy. He emphasized the need to increase humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians and called on the international community to assume greater responsibility. He further underscored that the two-state solution remains the only viable path forward.
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani focused his speech particularly on the Palestinian issue and regional security concerns. He referred to the attack on a Hamas delegation in Doha on 9 September 2025, noting that this attack posed a threat not only to Qatar but also to regional peace efforts.
Emphasizing the need to end the ongoing war in Gaza, the Emir called for the immediate initiation of a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive peace negotiations. He stated that the release of hostages is an essential component of this process. He recalled Qatar’s mediation efforts alongside the United States and Egypt, affirming that his country would continue its role in this regard.
The Emir also drew attention to Israel’s aggressive policies in the region, asserting that these policies extend far beyond Palestinian territories and constitute a broad regional threat reaching as far as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and even Qatar. He argued that this situation reinforces the concept of “Greater Israel” and directly undermines regional stability.
In his speech, he stressed that safeguarding the historical rights of the Palestinian people and recognizing an independent State of Palestine are urgent responsibilities for the international community. He reiterated Qatar’s firm stance on this issue and called upon all states to support the recognition of Palestine.
Other Speakers
On the first day of the UN General Assembly, numerous heads of state and government from different regions also addressed the General Assembly plenary sessions.
President of Suriname Jennifer Simons recalled that her country is one of only three carbon-negative nations in the world and emphasized the importance of preserving forests and increasing climate finance. President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda recalled the 1938 Munich Agreement, asserting the need to support Ukraine and stating that Russia’s aggression must not be ignored.
President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared that the United Nations is irreplaceable, emphasizing that “no G1, no G2, no G3, not even a G1 plus one or two” can substitute the UN’s role. President of Uruguay Yamandú Orsi highlighted his country’s commitment to peace and condemned the barbarism of modern warfare.
President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar opposed the normalization of the notion that “the strong are right” in international relations and advocated for strengthening the United Nations. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that a crisis of trust is deepening within the UN, asserting that current divisions are neither immutable realities nor inevitable destinies.
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa drew attention to Africa’s rising global standing and called for fairer development and trade frameworks. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared that the era of closed borders and unresolved conflicts in Central Asia has come to an end.
President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh highlighted his country’s contributions to peacekeeping, environmental protection, and women’s participation in decision-making processes. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that neutrality is one of the most effective mechanisms for peace and development.
President of Chile Gabriel Boric rejected climate change denial and nominated former president Michelle Bachelet as a candidate for UN Secretary-General. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon called for international cooperation on artificial intelligence and the protection of glaciers.
President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun has called on the international community to support Lebanon’s model of coexistence. President of Kyrgyzstan emphasized that ordinary people suffer the most from conflicts and opposed unilateral economic sanctions imposed on his country.
President of Colombia Gustavo Petro rejected the United States’ drug policies and characterized the U.S. President as a “accomplice to genocide.” President of Poland Karol Nawrocki stated that democratic nations must act against the aggression of the Russian Federation.
President of Mozambique Daniel Chapo highlighted democratic progress in his country and said that the United Nations should be an inclusive platform rather than a “council of stakeholders.” President of Vietnam Lương Cường stated that unprecedented challenges in a rapidly changing world can only be resolved through multilateralism.
President of Angola João Lourenço stressed that attacks and interventions by major powers endanger the global order. President of Liberia drew attention to his country’s upcoming membership in the UN Security Council and called for climate justice.
President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi addressed rising global conflicts and said that the UN must ensure the implementation of its peace agreement with Rwanda. President of Iraq Abdullatif Rashid stated that his country has become a “beacon of hope seeking partnership, not pity.”
President of Nauru highlighted that the vulnerability of small island states goes beyond income levels. Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba noted that the UN Security Council’s veto system prevents it from fulfilling its function and warned of increasing nuclear threats. Prime Minister of Morocco Aziz Akhannouch emphasized the need for peaceful solutions to conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.
