Biden says world is at ‘inflection point’ in first UN address

Washington – President Biden said the global community stands at a “turning point in history” amid the worsening crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and other challenges, telling world leaders that ‘they are to “work together like never before” in his first speech as president at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

“Simply put, we are, in my opinion, at an inflection point in history,” Mr. Biden said. “And I’m here today to share with you how the United States intends to work with its partners and allies to answer these questions, and my new administration’s commitment to help lead the world toward a a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. ”

Mr Biden’s speech came as he sought to put the United States on a more solid footing with its allies and reassure world leaders that his administration will not be an extension of the chaotic four years under the former president. Donald Trump. But the United States faces increased tensions with its American allies due to the chaotic exit from Afghanistan, which ended last month. The Biden administration is also grappling with the fallout from a underwater agreement the United States negotiated with Australia and the United Kingdom, which caused a break with France, the country’s oldest ally.

Yet the president reiterated on Tuesday that America is back, a sentence he repeated often to demonstrate how his administration differs from Mr. Trump’s approach to foreign affairs. Without criticizing his predecessor, Biden underscored his recurring theme that the United States is ready to re-engage in international partnerships.

“We are back at the table of international forums, especially the United Nations, to draw attention and stimulate global action on common challenges,” Biden said. “We are re-committed to the World Health Organization and are working in close partnership with COVAX to deliver life-saving vaccines around the world. We have joined the Paris climate agreement and we are about to resume a seat on the Council. rights next year at the UN And as the United States seeks to rally the world to action, we will lead not only by the example of our power, but God willing, the power of our example. ”

The president underlined in his speech that many of the challenges facing the world “cannot be solved or even addressed by force of arms”.

“Bombs and bullets cannot defend against COVID-19 or its future variants,” he said.

To that end, Biden noted that planes carrying vaccines from the United States have landed in more than 100 countries, offering a “dose of hope.” The president said he would announce additional vaccine commitments around the world soon.

Mr. Biden also responded to criticism from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the United States is waging a “cold war” with China. Guterres urged the United States to pursue a more conciliatory approach with the other great world power.

“We are not looking – I repeat – we are not looking for a new cold war,” Biden said.

Guterres also lamented that “our world has never been more threatened – or more divided”, which comes as we are witnessing “the greatest cascade of crises of our lives,” he said, in reference. COVID, climate change and upheaval in Afghanistan. , Ethiopia and Yemen. He pointed to “the drama of lack of political will, selfishness and mistrust, a surplus in some countries, empty shelves in others”.

“We get an F in ethics,” Guterres said.

Mr. Biden stressed the importance of standing up for human rights, wherever human suffering is, and opposing authoritarianism.

“I am not agnostic about the future we want for the world,” he said. “The future will belong to those who embrace human dignity, will not trample on it. The future will belong to those who unleash the potential of their people, not those who stifle it. The future will belong to those who give to their people. people the capacity to breathe free, not those who seek to strangle their people with an iron fist. Authoritarianism, the authoritarians of the world, may seek to proclaim the end of the era of democracy. But they are wrong. The truth is, the democratic world is everywhere. “

The president arrived in New York on Monday, meet Guterres. After delivering his remarks on Tuesday morning, Mr Biden will meet with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in New York and then return to the White House for a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. On Wednesday, the president will host a virtual COVID summit, during which he will ask attendees to step up their commitments to provide COVID-19 vaccines and deal with the oxygen crisis, according to the White House.

He will also participate in bilateral meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide at the White House on Friday, and host an in-person summit with the Prime Ministers of Australia, India and Japan.

Pam Falk contributed to this report.