The president defended his foreign policy approaches in his U.N. speech and called for unity to address global challenges.
World leaders gathered in New York City on Tuesday for the U.N. General Assembly, where President Joe Biden delivered his keynote address, which also served as his farewell speech to the international community as U.S. president.
During his speech, Biden advocated for a stronger and more effective United Nations, as well as a reformed and expanded U.N. Security Council.
“It’s time to move forward,” he said. “The U.N. itself needs to go back to the job of making peace, of brokering deals, to end wars and suffering.”
The president defended his foreign policy approach before the U.N. body, urging member countries to unite in addressing the big challenges, including the need to end the wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
The president delivered his final speech in an environment that starkly contrasted last year’s address, which occurred before the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel by Hamas that claimed more than 1,200 lives.
He began his speech by stating that he has seen a “remarkable sweep of history” since he began his political career as a U.S. senator at the age of 29.
Biden listed crises that the world has faced since then, including the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
“Today, the United States and Vietnam are partners and friends,” he said. “Things can get better.”
In his final four months in office, Biden seeks to highlight his achievements and leave a positive legacy in areas such as the economy and foreign policy.
He has directed his cabinet to “get as much work done as possible,” according to a recent memo from his senior adviser Ben LaBolt titled “President Biden’s ‘Sprint to the Finish.’”
The memo details the president’s plan for the coming weeks, including his final address before the U.N. body and meetings with world leaders.
As he embarks on a busy week of diplomacy, the White House views this as a key moment for Biden to define the legacy of his presidency to Americans and the world.
By Emel Akan
