New York, 23 September 2025 – The United Nations celebrated its 80th anniversary before opening its annual session attended by leaders of the 193 state members. UN Secretary General Antonio warned, however, that the organization’s principles are under siege.
The UN chief was not alone to admit that there was nothing to celebrate. The newly appointed president of the 193-nation UN General Assembly, former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, said the UN was founded in the aftermath of two world wars and the signing of the UN Charter on 26 June 1945 “was a promise from leaders to their peoples, and from nations to one another, that humanity had learned from its darkest chapters.”
But she said, “the hours indeed feel dark once again,” with crises in Gaza, Ukraine and in some African countries. “As we mark 80 years of our United Nations, we are once again standing at a crossroads,” Baerbock told the assembly members. “We cannot take the easy path and simply give up. We have to choose the right path; to show the world that we can be better together.”
Guterres said in an address opening the 80 UN General Assembly session. ”We have entered an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering. Look around. The principles of the United Nations that you have established are under siege. Listen. The pillars of peace and progress are buckling under the weight of impunity, inequality, and indifference.”
He said the UN’s ability to carry out its mission has been cut while sovereign nations are invaded, hunger is weaponized and truth is silenced.
Despite the brutal assessment of the current conditions around the world, Guterres said the UN remains “a moral compass” for all its members, a force for peace and peacekeeping, a guardian of international law, a lifeline for people in crisis and a lighthouse for human rights.
The UN chief urged governments to choose to strengthen the UN for the 21st century because “the forces shaking our world are also testing the foundations of the United Nations system. We are being hit by rising geopolitical tensions and divisions, chronic uncertainty, and mounting financial strain. But those who depend on the United Nations must not be made to bear the cost.”
A total of 36 presidents were to address the assembly on its first day (September 23) of debate, which is to conclude on September 29. The speakers on the first day included the presidents of Brazil, the US, Indonesia, Turkeye, Peru, Portugal, Egypt, Slovenia and Uzbekistan.
US President Donald Trump blasts the UN
President Trump complained to the assembled world leaders that the escalator leading to the assembly hall wasn’t working properly and the teleprompter at the podium was not working either. But he said he can deliver his speech without notes and teleprompter. But he was reading from a script.
“I’ve always said the UN has such tremendous, tremendous potential,” he said. “But it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential. For the most part, at least for now, all they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter. It’s empty words and empty words don’t solve war.”
Trump told the UN that the US is “the hottest country anywhere in the world, and there is no other country even close.” He said the US is the “best country on earth to do business” and its economy now is “bigger and even better” than during his first term, which he described as “the greatest … in the history of the world.”
The US president also criticized European nations that have recognized Palestine as a state. “As if to encourage continued conflict, some in this body seek to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state,” he said. “This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including October 7th. But instead of giving in to Hamas as ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages now. Just release the hostages now.” (By J. Tuyet Nguyen)
United Nations journalists – United Nations journalists – United Nations journalists
United Nations News – United Nations News – UN Correspondents Association – UNCA Awards