Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 17, 2025 UN
In anticipation of the opening high-level debate of the UN General Assembly The President of its 80th session, Annalena Baerbock, stated the need to renew and modernize the United Nations so that it can cope with the challenges of the coming decades.
Baerbock previously outlined her vision for the coming year under the theme "Working Together," emphasizing unity, solidarity, and collective action as fundamental principles.
The need for reform
"No country, no matter its size, strength, or wealth, can confront the immense challenges we face alone," she explained, speaking to reporters in New York on Wednesday. "This Organization was born in a moment of profound division—perhaps the darkest hour in history. But it gave us the UN Charter, which remains a guiding light today, guiding our work and reminding us of what we want to achieve together."
Read also:
EXPLAINED | What you need to know about the 80th session of the UN General Assembly
However, according to Baerbock, eighty years is a long time, and the world has changed significantly. Therefore, as the UN celebrates its anniversary, it is necessary to "rethink and restructure" its work in order to "show the world's eight billion people why this Organization still matters."
Baerbock also noted that the General Assembly's efforts during her presidency will be focused on advancing the reform agenda within the framework of UN-80 initiatives, the election of the next Secretary-General and implementation of the Pact for the Future.
High Level Week
Speaking about the upcoming High-Level Week, Baerbock said that approximately 150 heads of state and government, as well as thousands of delegates, are expected to attend. She emphasized that she intends to use every opportunity to emphasize the need for dialogue and diplomacy. "My message to leaders will be: speak, listen, discuss“,” said the Chairperson of the General Assembly.
Among the planned events, Baerbock highlighted:
a meeting to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations; the Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine; a high-level meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the World Programme of Action for Youth; a meeting on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being; a conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar; and a meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Principled conviction
According to the General Assembly President, the Organization faces a growing list of challenges with limited resources. "We are at a crossroads—a moment of truth for the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole. But right now, we must work even harder," Baerbock noted.
"Our predecessors in 1945 showed the courage and wisdom to overcome differences and work together. We need the same principled conviction today," she added. Baerbock emphasized that she would convey this message to world leaders during the debate and throughout the session to "turn promises into action, commitments into progress, and hope into reality."
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.