UN General Assembly LIVE: Biden, Erdogan, Jordan King Among Leaders Addressing

New York: US President Joe Biden joined other world leaders in New York on Tuesday for the United Nations General Assembly, convening amid ongoing global conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and beyond.

Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon advocates for accelerated action on UN sustainable goals 

At the United Nations General Assembly, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon reaffirmed his commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. His remarks echoed a growing concern among world leaders regarding the slow progress toward these critical targets.

Rahmon highlighted a recent report indicating that the international community is on track to achieve only 17 percent of the SDGs by 2030. “We need to intensify other efforts to implement the 2030 agenda in a timely manner and pay particular attention to the financing for sustainable development,” he urged.

Israel’s UN Ambassador hits out at Guterres

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sharply criticized UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a recent General Assembly debate, labeling the discussions as an “annual charade of hypocrisy.” His remarks came in response to Guterres' focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Danon expressed frustration over the perceived bias in the UN's discourse. “When the UN Secretary-General speaks about the release of our hostages, the UN assembly is silent. But when he speaks about the suffering in Gaza, he receives thunderous applause,” he stated.

In his address, Danon also conveyed gratitude towards the United States for its steadfast support of Israel during the ongoing conflict. “We appreciate the US support for Israel at this time when we are fighting against the forces of evil,” he remarked. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that while diplomacy is preferable, Israel remains resolute in its commitment to restoring security for its citizens. 

Danon concluded with a stern message about the ongoing violence, noting the toll on both hostages and civilians: “After a year in which our hostages are being murdered in terror tunnels and the residents of the north cannot return to their homes, we are determined to restore security to our citizens in any possible way.

Turkey's Erdogan condemns Israeli actions in Gaza, calls for international justice 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan while addressing, criticized the global community's inaction regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza, asserting that "international justice" cannot be left solely to the five veto-wielding members of the United Nations Security Council. He described the situation as a “massacre,” citing that since October 7, approximately 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to continuous Israeli attacks, with a significant number of victims being women and children.

Erdogan highlighted the plight of journalists and medical personnel, stating that at least 172 journalists and over 500 medics have been killed while attempting to fulfill their duties under perilous conditions. He condemned Israel for targeting civilian structures, including marketplaces, refugee camps, and religious sites, claiming that 820 mosques and three churches had been struck, alongside numerous hospitals and schools.

"The actions of Israel have shredded the charter of the United Nations and shamelessly challenged the entire world," Erdogan declared, calling for urgent action and accountability from the international community in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. 

King Abdullah II of Jordan warns of UN’s diminishing legitimacy

King Abdullah II of Jordan, a country bordering the occupied West Bank and home to many Palestinian refugees, has issued a stark warning regarding the "legitimacy" of the United Nations amid rising global tensions. His remarks come as UN facilities and staff face ongoing attacks in Gaza, and rulings from the UN’s International Court of Justice go largely ignored.

“The UN is under attack, literally and figuratively,” King Abdullah stated, emphasizing that the organization is confronting a crisis that threatens its credibility and the global community's trust. He underscored that the current situation could lead to a collapse of moral authority on an international scale.

“The harsh reality is that many nations appear to operate above international law, and global justice often bends to the will of powerful states,” he said. “Human rights seem to be a selective privilege, granted or denied at will. We cannot stand for that.”

Reflecting on the state of the world, the King noted, “It often feels like there has not been a moment when our world was not in turmoil, yet I cannot recall a time of greater peril than this.” 

Biden announces to spend $500 Million for Mpox outbreak in Africa 

While addressing for the final time as US President, Joe Biden announced that the United States will spend $500 million to respond to the growing mpox outbreak in Africa, and will donate 1 million doses of vaccines to prevent the viral infection.

Biden refers to the October 7 attacks on southern Israel

“Any country, any country, would have the right responsibility to ensure that such an attack could never happen again,” Biden said, referring to the October 7 attacks on southern Israel. 

Innocent civilians in Gaza going through hell: Biden 

Referring to the families of captives, Biden said, ““Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers.Too many families dislocated, crowded in a tent, facing a dire situation. They didn’t ask for this war.”

Biden vows to continue to support Ukraine 

“I vow to continue to support Ukraine,” said Biden. 

We must address the rise of violence against Palestinians: Biden 

“We should address the growing violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank and take out a two-state solution for a better future,” Biden said. 

Biden calls for end of fighting in Sudan

While addressing, Joe Biden urged for the end of fighting in Sudan

World leaders should invest in sustainable development goals: Biden 

Biden further said, “All leaders around the world must do more and more to invest in sustainable development goals. They should also cut emissions, prepare for pandemics, stop the illegal flow of weapons and monitor the effects of AI.” 

Putin’s war has failed: Biden 

“The good news is, Putin’s war has failed, and as has his core aim,” Biden added. “He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free. He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, more united than ever before, with two new members, Finland and Sweden.”

Let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power: Biden

“My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power. It’s your people,” he said.