During the upcoming 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, US President Joe Biden is set to champion significant action to combat the climate crisis, support development efforts, and provide increased backing to Ukraine in light of Russia’s invasion, as revealed by a White House advisor. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, speaking to reporters, expressed the President’s eagerness to leverage his visit to New York City for this crucial international gathering to advance a wide range of US interests and values.
The event will see President Biden engaging with various world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Biden is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech during the high-level General Debate, the UN’s most widely watched event, where he will outline the steps taken by his administration to promote American leadership based on collaboration to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Approximately 150 heads of state and government ministers are expected to attend the General Assembly in person, marking a recovery in in-person participation after the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated prerecorded video messages in previous years. Key topics of discussion for this year’s talks are likely to revolve around the climate crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with President Zelenskyy making his first in-person appearance since the conflict began.
Zelenskyy is slated to address the General Assembly and participate in a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. He will also visit Washington, DC, to meet with President Biden and congressional leaders, advocating for further assistance to his war-torn nation as the September 30 deadline for passing a federal spending bill that includes aid to Ukraine approaches.
Amid questions regarding the Biden administration’s commitment to the UN, the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized Washington’s dedication to global partnerships and its reaffirmation of support for the international body. Observers have noted that President Biden will be the sole leader from the UN Security Council’s five permanent veto-wielding members attending the event, as other heads of state from these countries have chosen not to participate.
The UN General Assembly meetings this year will also address concerns about climate change, health, financing for development, and revitalizing the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting the increased attention of Western nations keen on garnering support to isolate Russia.
This year’s General Assembly occurs against the backdrop of heightened US-China tensions and competition, as Washington and its allies seek to counter China’s growing influence in developing nations through financial commitments for development and climate aid. While diplomats acknowledge their focus on the developing world, they dismiss suggestions of rivalry playing a significant role.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of this annual gathering as a unique moment for global leaders to assess the state of the world and act for the common good. He highlighted the urgent need for action in a world facing multiple challenges.