US President Joe Biden gave his final address as president at the United Nations General Assembly, reflecting on major global issues such as the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, while identifying the key challenges the world faces today.
Biden opened his speech by acknowledging it would be his last as US president, sharing insights from his long political career. He emphasized how the world successfully navigated the Cold War without nuclear conflict and restored peace, referencing his experience witnessing pivotal moments like the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa.
He discussed ongoing efforts in conflict zones, including Ukraine, where he reaffirmed US support in standing against Russian aggression, noting the resilience of the Ukrainian people. He also touched on NATO’s growing strength, especially with the recent addition of Finland and Sweden as members, underscoring that Putin’s efforts to weaken the alliance had failed.
Turning to the Middle East, Biden highlighted the situation in Gaza and efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing the importance of ending the violence and pushing for peace, while also addressing the threat posed by extremist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
On the topic of climate change and humanitarian crises, he pointed to the dire situation in Sudan, where millions face hunger. He reiterated the US commitment to providing humanitarian aid and combating global hunger, while also discussing significant investments made under his administration to promote environmental sustainability.
Biden also addressed the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, warning that it poses new risks to democracy, jobs, and even warfare. He called for global cooperation in setting safety standards for AI to prevent its misuse by dictators or extremist groups.
In his final remarks, Biden reflected on his decision not to seek a second term, citing his deep love for his country and expressing his belief that a new generation should lead the nation. He ended with a call for world leaders to focus on serving their people, stating, “Our mission is to serve our people, not our power.”
Biden’s speech highlighted both his achievements during his presidency and the global challenges that will define the coming decades, offering a vision of hope, resilience, and cooperation.
