Biden Highlights “Remarkable Sweep of History” in Final UN Address

President Biden delivered his final address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in his lengthy political career, with a strong emphasis on foreign policy themes. His speech underscored the “remarkable sweep of history” he has witnessed, stating optimistically, “things can get better.”

“I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair,” remarked the president. “But I do not. I won’t.”

The current session of the United Nations, referred to as UNGA, has attracted global leaders to New York, focusing on issues central to Biden’s administration. These themes included rallying support for Ukraine, navigating global competition, and reinforcing the importance of adhering to the U.N. Charter. In his speech, he urged fellow world leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens over the quest for power, reflecting on his own choice to refrain from seeking reelection.

“We must never forget who we’re here to represent,” Biden said. “We, the people. These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America, and they inspired the opening words of our U.N. Charter. I have made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency.” He elaborated on the difficulty of his decision to step aside after 50 years of public service, emphasizing his love for the job while expressing a deeper love for his country. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward,” he added.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East looms large over the conference. Biden believes that progress towards a ceasefire and a hostage negotiation agreement is close, though a resolution remains elusive nearly a year after the devastating October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Earlier this month, Biden publicly stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to do more to facilitate a deal.

“The world must not flinch,” he stated in reference to the horrors of October 7, clarifying that the U.S. seeks to prevent further regional escalation. “Hezbollah, unprovoked, joined the October 7 attack, launching rockets into Israel. Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanese border remain displaced. Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” Biden said.

Recent escalations include missile strikes in southern Lebanon, which have reportedly resulted in nearly 500 deaths, as per Lebanon’s health ministry. In response, the Israeli military confirmed it was targeting Hezbollah’s weapons hidden within civilian areas. A senior official from the Biden administration has characterized the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon as “delicate and dangerous.”

The ongoing war in Ukraine remains a focal point of the UNGA, just as it was in previous years. Biden has portrayed rallying international support for Ukraine as a hallmark of his presidency. Following a period of relative isolationism under former President Donald Trump, Biden has reinforced the notion that maintaining close ties with allies serves America’s best interests. He reiterated this position in his latest speech.

“My fellow leaders, I truly believe we’re at another inflection point in world history,” Biden stressed, adding weight to the decisions being made today. “Will we stand behind the principles that unite us? Will we stand firm against aggression? Will we end the conflicts that are raging today? Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger, and disease?”

As Biden navigates a busy week in foreign policy, he has already met with leaders from Japan, Australia, and India over the weekend. He is also scheduled to meet other global leaders at UNGA and hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Thursday.