Here are the countries we are waiting for today

President Biden plans to use his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to advocate for a global response to the main issues the world is currently facing, according to a senior administration official.

The pandemic, climate change, human rights and the assault on democracy in countries around the world will all be topics of Biden’s speech.

Biden has been working on the speech with his team for the past few weeks and spent part of the weekend in Rehoboth polishing it, the official said.

The events of the past few days and weeks – including the withdrawal from Afghanistan, a drone strike that killed 10 civilians, and a row with France over nuclear submarines – complicate all of his debut as president at the rostrum. of the General Assembly.

Officials consider the speech and other events surrounding it – including a Covid-19 summit on Wednesday and a “Quad” leaders’ meeting on Friday (leaders of the United States, Japan, India and the United States). ‘Australia) – as a critical time for Biden to express his vision for foreign policy and lay out what he believes should be the world’s priorities.

The official said Biden didn’t necessarily feel the need to explain himself after a troubled streak that sparked disagreements with key allies. But officials believe that at this difficult time, Biden can use his speech and other events to help other leaders better understand his worldview.

He will talk about Afghanistan in his speech, including outlining the Taliban’s expectations. Biden and other leaders are still weighing whether and when to recognize the Taliban as the country’s official government.

He will also discuss the Covid-19 pandemic and advocate for more aggressive measures around the world to contain the spread of the virus and prevent the emergence of new variants.

Speaking to the world’s leading institution for multilateral diplomacy, the President will advocate for a collective approach to global issues. Unlike his predecessor, Biden believes in the UN mission – if he’s realistic about its effectiveness – and wants to talk about its vital role in the world, the official said, especially after four years under President Trump. when the American commitment was called into question.