Biden makes last presidential address to UN assembly

President Joe Biden gave his final address as president to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. He reaffirmed the United States’ support for a free Ukraine and condemned the terrorist group Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion of Israel. Biden once again called on Israel and Hamas to negotiate a cease-fire agreement and free the Israeli hostages. The future of the West Bank lies in a two-state solution, where Israel is secure and Palestinians have security and self-determination, he said. Biden also emphasized the importance of not allowing Iran to gain nuclear weapons. Palestinian representatives listened to Biden’s speech, along with representatives of their Middle Eastern ally, Lebanon. He also called for more reforms and expansions on the UN’s 15 member security council. Like the UN, the security council must return to brokering peace agreements, he said.

The president advocated for several other non-mainstream humanitarian causes as well, including a call to fix the famine and perpetual warfare in Sudan. The world needs to stop arming generals fighting in the bloody civil war and push them to start allowing aid to enter for the 8 million Sudanese people facing starvation, Biden said. He pushed for more unity and support in fighting the mpox outbreak in Africa. The United States is prepared to commit $500 million for mpox prevention and response in Africa, Biden said. He called on other countries to match the donation and make the fight against mpox a billion-dollar affair.

Did Biden discuss the end of his presidency? Biden briefly referenced his leaving the White House towards the end of his address, telling leaders, “I love my job, but I love my country more.” Biden closed by asking God to bless all leaders who seek peace.