UN leaders highlight threats and achievements on 80th anniversary
Sep 23, 2025
New York [US], September 23: At an event to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the world stands at a "crossroads" that echoes the moment of the UN's founding in the aftermath of World War II.
Speaking at a ceremony in New York on Monday, a day before the start of the high-level debate week at the UN General Assembly, the former German foreign minister said: "Today, the hours indeed feel dark once again."
She highlighted global crises including hunger in the ruins of Gaza, the war in Ukraine, sexual violence in Sudan, gang violence in Haiti, and unrestrained hate speech online.
"Today is not about celebrating," she said. Rather, it is about "drawing on the courage to once again agree to find hope instead of resignation."
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also spoke at the event, noting the UN's achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, the healing of the ozone layer, and above all, the prevention of "a Third World War."
Guterres and Baerbock acknowledged that the UN faces a profound crisis amid the rise of nationalist ideologies worldwide and funding cuts from member states. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
