NEW YORK (Gray Media) – The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly is underway in New York and for the final time President Joe Biden addressed the summit. The president’s appeal to the world’s largest international organization: keep fighting for democracy.
“Let us never forget – some things are more important than staying in power. It’s your people,” said President Biden.
It was a goodbye to an institution President Biden knows well and a moment to reflect on his legacy.
“I was…determined to rebuild my country’s alliances and partnerships to a level not previously seen. We did,” said President Biden.
The speech was not just a swan song for the president, taking the lectern at a moment of strife and conflict worldwide. President Biden reiterated support for Ukraine with Russian and Ukrainian officials looking on.
“We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away. And we will not let up on our support for Ukraine. Not until Ukraine wins a just and endurable peace,” said President Biden.
Then he moved on to the growing war in the Middle East, criticizing Hamas’ attack on Israel nearly a year ago while highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Israeli response. For months the UN has worked on resolutions calling for peace in the region, but the ceasefire negotiations on the ground remain stalled with tensions increasing by the day.The president once again called for an agreement that includes the safe return of Israeli hostages and an end to hostilities.
“Ease the suffering in Gaza and end this war,” said President Biden.
In his roughly 20-minute speech the president also mentioned his support for UN Security Council expansion and reform, the threat climate change poses, and the dangers and promise of new technologies like artificial intelligence.
President Biden will return to Washington Wednesday. Thursday he is slated to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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