The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced Tuesday, marked by a sobering assessment of the organization’s current role and future direction from its newly appointed President, Annalena Baerbock. Addressing the assembly, Baerbock characterized the session as anything but celebratory, asserting that the United Nations finds itself at a critical juncture.
Questioning the appropriateness of revelry at this milestone anniversary, Baerbock brought attention to the stark realities faced by vulnerable populations globally. She cited the plight of parents in Gaza struggling to feed their children, women in Darfur safeguarding their daughters from violence, individuals on Pacific islands threatened by rising sea levels and the estimated 808 million people living in extreme poverty.
Rather than dwelling on the past, Baerbock urged the assembly to examine the UN’s effectiveness in addressing escalating conflicts, planetary degradation and human rights violations. “Our answer must be clear: we will not give up” she stated, drawing inspiration from the perseverance of those facing dire circumstances. “We owe it to them.
Baerbock emphasized the indispensable nature of the United Nations in a world grappling with immense suffering. “Our world is suffering, indeed” she observed, positing that the impact of those afflictions would be far greater without the UN’s intervention. She specifically noted that last year alone, 26 million children were denied access to education and 62 million people lacked essential humanitarian aid due to lack of resources.
Looking ahead, Baerbock highlighted the imminent election of the next UN Secretary-General during her tenure. She underscored that this decision will serve as a powerful statement of the UN’s values and commitment to serving all people globally, particularly women and girls, noting the absence of female leadership in the position throughout its 80-year history. “One must ask how it is possible that in 80 years, not a single woman from 4 billion potential candidates has ever held the office of Secretary-General” she remarked.