Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 9, 2025 UN
Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was sworn in as President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. “Our task at this 80th session is to show 8 billion people why this organization still matters,” she said.
Before the opening of the new session, the closing ceremony of the 79th session of the General Assembly was also held at UN headquarters on Tuesday.
"The founders of this organization in 1945 recognized a fundamental fact. The strength of the United Nations comes from the desire of nations to look beyond their national interests and think about what we can achieve when we stand together. That truth is as important today as it was 80 years ago," the UN chief said. Antonio Guterres, speaking at the closing ceremony.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Baerbock placed her hand on the 1945 UN Charter and then received the iconic carving from the outgoing President, Philemon Young. hammer.
Speaking to reporters outside the General Assembly, she said: "Looking at Gaza and Ukraine, Sudan and Haiti reminds us how often we have failed to deliver on our promises of peace and security, human rights, justice and sustainable development."
"We are now at a crossroads. The UN is under financial and political pressure. That is why the 80th session is not an ordinary session. Our task, 80 years after the creation of the UN – when the world is divided – is to preserve the entire United Nations system, to strengthen it and make the UN fit for the 21st century," Baerbock said.
Asked about Israel's strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar, she stressed that, in accordance with the UN Charter, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all UN member states must be respected.
"What we need is not tension in the region, but an intensification of diplomatic efforts aimed at an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an improvement in the humanitarian situation for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip with the assistance of the Israeli government, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas," she said.
Baerbock was elected in June with the support of 167 member states. She takes office amid geopolitical tensions, with multiple conflicts continuing around the world. Elections for the next UN Secretary-General are scheduled for 2026.
Baerbock is the first woman from the Western European group and the fifth woman in history to hold the post of President of the General Assembly.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.