Start of the 80th UN General Assembly debate
In her new role as President, Annalena Baerbock opened the 80th General Debate of the UN General Assembly yesterday, stressing her message that “we must do better”.
New York (dpa/d.de) – In her new role as President of the United Nations General Assembly Germany’s former foreign minister Annalena Baerbock called on the United Nations’ member states to improve their cooperation. In view of, among other things, the numerous wars and conflicts around the world, Ms Baerbock stated that we “clearly have to do better” as part of her speech delivered at the start of the 80th General Debate of the UN General Assembly in New York that is taking place under the main theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”.
The 80th session was therefore not about “big celebrations” but about “finding the resolve not to give up, the resolve to be better together,” Ms Baerbock said.
Around 150 heads of state and government are taking part in the General Debate. The topics on the agenda include the war in Gaza, Russia’s attack on Ukraine, climate action, regulation of artificial intelligence and institutional reforms of the UN.
51 founding states comprised the United Nations (UN) when the UN Charta entered into force on 24 October 1945. In Article One, the UN defines its purpose as being “to maintain international peace and security”.
The Federal Republic of Germany and the then German Democratic Republic (GDR) joined the alliance in 1973. Germany has been among the United Nations' most important supporters and sponsors for more than 50 years.