New York, MINA – The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly opened Tuesday with incoming President Annalena Baerbock urging unity and concrete action to tackle pressing global crises.
Baerbock, Germany’s foreign minister, received the gavel from outgoing Assembly President Philemon Yang, becoming only the fifth woman in history to preside over the UN body.
“As conflict spreads, as our planet burns, as human rights are trampled, our answer must be clear: we are not giving up. We are here. We see you,” Baerbock declared in her opening remarks.
She emphasized that the UN stands at a “make-or-break moment,” stressing that member states must turn promises into action and commitments into measurable progress. Baerbock pledged impartiality in her role, vowing to serve all 193 member states equally under the guidance of the UN Charter.
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In her address, Baerbock highlighted urgent priorities: relief for children in Gaza, restoring the future of Afghan girls, peace in Ukraine, safety for Sudanese women and girls, protection of small island states from climate catastrophe, and ending poverty in all forms.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Baerbock, calling her election significant and reaffirming his support. He reminded member states that the UN Charter requires active commitment, urging them to summon the same determination that shaped the organization in 1945.
The session comes amid controversy after the United States denied and revoked visas for senior Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, effectively barring them from attending the meetings in New York. This decision coincides with European preparations to recognize the State of Palestine, while Washington insists such recognition would “create big problems” as Israel pushes ahead with West Bank annexation plans.
The 80th General Assembly officially opened under the theme: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” The high-level week, where world leaders deliver speeches, will begin on September 22 with participation expected from 190 countries. []
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