The 80th United Nations General Assembly kicked off today with a powerful address from former President Trump, who used the platform to question the very relevance and effectiveness of the global body. His speech unfolded against a backdrop of escalating wars in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, highlighting a stark disconnect between global aspirations for peace and the grim realities on the ground.
Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a sobering opening speech, warning that the world has entered an “age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering,” where the core principles of the United Nations are “under siege.” He emphasized the urgent need for unity and diplomacy to restore stability, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis is worsening under an Israeli aid blockade.
Key global issues are on the agenda this week, including the UN’s own financial struggles, discussions around Palestinian statehood, potential sanctions on Iran, and the critical need for international regulations on artificial intelligence. Notable speakers expected include French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently hosted a two-state solution conference, and leaders from Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey.
The UN Security Council is also set to hold urgent back-to-back sessions on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet with Trump today, amidst concerns about the Council’s inaction due to veto powers from Russia and the United States.
During his address, Trump asserted that the UN has been largely ineffective in resolving global conflicts, claiming he personally intervened in situations like those between Israel and Iran, Cambodia and Thailand, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, suggesting these were roles the UN should have fulfilled. He famously quipped, “All I got from the United Nations was an escalator on the way up that stopped right in the middle,” further stating the UN “wasn’t there for us.”
His speech was not without technical glitches; a teleprompter malfunction led Trump to read from paper, which he humorously acknowledged, adding, “Whoever is operating it is in big trouble.” He also used the opportunity to criticize his predecessor, former President Biden, and tout American economic growth, highlighting the “soaring American stock market.”
The former President’s critical stance on the UN is consistent with his past actions, including significantly reducing US funding for UN programs and withdrawing from bodies like the Human Rights Council. He remains in open pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize, citing his controversial role in various peace agreements.
Meanwhile, other leaders are also making their voices heard. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opened his speech by painting a “dark picture” of global diplomacy, condemning attacks on national sovereignty and arbitrary sanctions. He stressed that foreign interference in Brazil’s judiciary is “unacceptable,” a clear reference to alleged pressure from the Trump administration regarding former President Jair Bolsonaro’s coup case. Lula also forcefully stated that “fossil fuels are a losing bet,” a direct challenge to current US energy policies.
Artificial intelligence is another major focus, with Guterres noting that AI is “rewriting human existence in real time” but its advancement is “outpacing regulation and responsibility.” The UN Security Council will discuss AI’s threats to peace, and Guterres plans a global governance conference on the topic.
Climate action is also a priority for Guterres, who called for “stepped-up action and ambition” from all countries, especially G20 nations, ahead of the COP30 climate conference in Paris. He is hosting a climate conference this Thursday.
Furthermore, Guterres explicitly called for the “full and immediate” implementation of provisional measures stipulated by the International Court of Justice concerning the “Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip,” underscoring the severity of the crisis in Gaza.
As Guterres approaches the end of his tenure, he faces the daunting task of preserving the UN’s relevance amidst budget crises and global divisions. He concluded his speech with a defiant promise: “For peace. For dignity. For justice. For humanity. I will never give up.”