When President Joe Biden took office nearly four years ago, he pledged to restore American leadership on the global stage. His farewell address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, marking the culmination of his presidency, will offer a crucial opportunity to reflect on the administration’s achievements and articulate his message to the world before leaving office in January.
A senior administration official has indicated that Biden will highlight America’s efforts to unite the international community in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. He will also discuss the administration’s approach to navigating competition with nations such as China and addressing ongoing, serious global conflicts.
In Gaza, for instance, the President has worked to negotiate a hostage ceasefire, while in Sudan, an “unprecedented” displacement crisis demands urgent international attention, as emphasized by the senior official.
The Middle East is expected to be a prominent theme in his address, according to sources familiar with the speech’s content.
Throughout this pivotal week at the UNGA, Biden’s engagements will reflect his vision of collaborative international action in tackling pressing global challenges. In his address, he will outline not only the accomplishments of his approach but also the need for continued unity. “We need to keep working together to address these significant challenges,” noted the senior administration official.
The world needs strong and effective global institutions, including an adapted United Nations. This is his vision of countries working together. There’s been a theme of his [Biden] presidency and an important part of his legacy
Senior administration official
The President will be joined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, other Cabinet officials, and some members of Congress to advocate for American interests and values at this year’s General Assembly.
Biden’s remarks will encompass critical issues such as the climate crisis and humanitarian efforts.
“We’ll be talking about the need to strengthen our systems for providing humanitarian assistance to end brutal wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. We’ll also be talking about the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence,” the senior official revealed.
Last week, Biden released a video message in advance of the summit, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He emphasized the need for a more robust and effective United Nations and the reform and expansion of the Security Council, topics anticipated to be addressed during the UNGA. Additionally, he highlighted the administration’s investment of billions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building on the global consensus reached last spring regarding principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
“We’re going into a General Assembly this year with the world facing many steep challenges, problems so big no one country can solve them on their own,” said the senior administration official. “The world needs strong and effective global institutions, including an adapted United Nations. This is his vision of countries working together. There’s been a theme of his presidency and an important part of his legacy.”
Play-by-Play Agenda
On Tuesday morning, President Biden will deliver an address to the United Nations General Assembly. Following his speech, he will meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the collaboration between the United States and the UN in advancing peace, safeguarding human rights, and supporting sustainable development.
In the afternoon, the President will host a summit of the Global Coalition, a forum he launched in June 2023 to mobilize international action against the synthetic drug crisis. Over the past year, this coalition has expanded to include 158 countries and 15 international organizations, all working together to prevent the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of synthetic drugs, detect emerging drug threats, and promote effective public health interventions.
Later in the afternoon, Biden will deliver a significant address emphasizing the urgent need to combat climate change.
On Wednesday, the President is scheduled to meet with Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng, who assumed office just four months ago. This meeting presents a crucial opportunity for the two leaders to discuss their shared interests in promoting stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia. In the afternoon, Biden will participate in a meeting focused on the reconstruction of Ukraine alongside other world leaders.
That evening, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the President will host a reception for world leaders and senior UN officials.
High-level meetings will address the future of multilateral cooperation, sea level rise, and antimicrobial resistance, among other pressing global challenges. Senior U.S. representatives will participate in discussions on the impact of emerging technologies and specific meetings regarding global crises, including the situations in Haiti, Sudan, Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria, and the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Additionally, U.S.-hosted and attended side events will focus on climate initiatives, scaling clean energy for Africa, and a major core group meeting of countries committed to LGBTQ rights, which will be attended by the First Lady. These events will also emphasize partnerships for a sustainable future.
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