President Joe Biden’s Final UN Speech: Ukraine, West Asia, and Future Leadership
On September 24, US President Joe Biden delivered his final address at the UN General Assembly in New York City. Biden, who has had a long political career focused on foreign policy, emphasized the US’s national security priorities, particularly Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He stated, ‘The good news is Putin’s war has failed at his core aim,’ and promised continued support for Kyiv until a ‘durable peace’ is achieved.
The ongoing tension in West Asia was a significant topic at the UN conference. Biden mentioned that a ceasefire and hostage negotiation agreement is close, but nearly a year after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, a deal remains elusive. He stressed that the ‘world must not flinch’ from the horrors of October 7 and acknowledged the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza. Biden also highlighted the unprovoked involvement of Hezbollah in the conflict and the displacement of many people on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanon border.
Biden began his speech with a joke about his age, saying, ‘I was first elected to office in 1972. Now, I know I look like I’m only 40,’ which drew laughs. He reflected on his decision not to seek a second term, stating, ‘Being president has been the honor of my life. But as much as I love the job, I love my country more. It’s time for a new generation of leadership.’
Besides the conflict in West Asia, Biden called on countries to unite against Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and expressed concerns about China’s growing influence. He praised the Quad, a partnership between the US, Australia, India, and Japan, for rebuilding alliances. Biden hosted the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware on September 21, with leaders from Japan, Australia, and India participating.
Doubts Revealed
Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the President of the United States, which is a country in North America.
UN General Assembly -: The UN General Assembly is a big meeting where leaders from all over the world come together to talk about important issues.
Ukraine -: Ukraine is a country in Europe that has been in conflict with Russia.
Russia -: Russia is a large country that is partly in Europe and partly in Asia. It has been in conflict with Ukraine.
West Asia -: West Asia is a region that includes countries like Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. It is also known as the Middle East.
ceasefire -: A ceasefire is when two groups agree to stop fighting for a while.
hostage negotiation -: Hostage negotiation is when people talk to try to free someone who has been captured.
Hamas -: Hamas is a group that controls the Gaza Strip and has had conflicts with Israel.
Israel -: Israel is a country in West Asia, also known as the Middle East.
second term -: A second term means being elected again for the same job, like being President for another four years.
Quad partnership -: The Quad partnership is a group of four countries—India, the United States, Japan, and Australia—that work together on important issues.
