The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced Tuesday with Annalena Baerbock (Greens) assuming the role of President. In her opening address, Ms. Baerbock characterized the session as anything but celebratory, stating that the United Nations finds itself at a critical juncture.
She posed a challenging question, suggesting a reckoning rather than a festive atmosphere, referencing the hardships experienced by families in Gaza facing starvation, women in Darfur protecting their daughters from violence and communities on Pacific islands threatened by rising sea levels. She also highlighted the staggering number of people – approximately 808 million – living in extreme poverty globally.
Instead of marking the anniversary with festivities, Ms. Baerbock urged reflection on the organization’s effectiveness. “Where are the United Nations when conflicts escalate, when our planet burns, when human rights are trampled upon?” she asked. Her message was clear: “We will not give up”. Drawing a parallel to the resilience of parents in Gaza persevering through dire circumstances, she emphasized a moral obligation to continue striving for progress.
Ms. Baerbock underscored the vital role of the United Nations in the world, pointing out that its absence would exacerbate global suffering. She cited examples from the previous year, noting that 26 million children would have lacked access to education and 62 million individuals would not have received emergency assistance without the organization’s intervention.
Looking ahead, Ms. Baerbock acknowledged that the election of the next UN Secretary-General will occur during her presidency. She emphasized that this decision will serve as a strong indication of the organization’s values and its commitment to serving all people, particularly women and girls. She remarked on the significant disparity, noting that in 80 years, no woman from a pool of 4 billion potential candidates has ever held the position.
