The German Annalena Baerbock took on the presidency of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly this Tuesday, becoming the first European woman to hold this position. In her inaugural speech, Baerbock emphasized the motto commemorating the eight decades since the organization’s founding: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.” The new president underscored that this cycle represents a crucial moment for the UN, which faces increasing political and financial pressures, along with more than 120 armed conflicts highlighting the ongoing challenge of fulfilling its mission to prevent wars.
One of the most significant events on her agenda will be the General Debate, scheduled from September 22 to 26, a meeting that gathers world leaders and is described by Aissata Camara, the Commissioner for International Affairs in New York, as “the Super Bowl of diplomacy.” The influence of Baerbock’s predecessor, María Fernanda Espinosa, is notable; between 2018 and 2019, she defined the role of president as one requiring skilled diplomacy and fair negotiations. Espinosa also warned that most of the work is done “behind the scenes” to reach consensuses in an increasingly fractured world.
Trusting in Baerbock’s capabilities in the face of profound structural changes, Espinosa also mentioned that the new president not only needs to implement key reforms for the UN80 process but also has the task of paving the way for the election of the next Secretary-General in 2026. The former president expressed concern about the historic nature of the position, traditionally held by men, suggesting that the time has come to encourage a change in this regard.
Throughout its eight decades, the UN has proven capable of adapting to changing circumstances. Espinosa recalled that the first resolution in 1946 focused on atomic energy, recognizing the need for such adaptability in the face of transformative forces. During her term, she led complex negotiations, such as the Global Compact for Migration, leaving a legacy regarding the importance of seeing tangible improvements in people’s lives as a result of multilateral decisions.
In this context of growing global polarization, this 80th session is expected to be one of the most important in the organization’s history. Amid various crises, the General Assembly presents itself as a laboratory in search of common solutions. New York, which will host representatives from 200 countries, is preparing with extensive security measures encompassing multiple levels of police and intelligence services. Camara highlighted that, beyond security concerns, these weeks will be an opportunity to enjoy the cultural diversity the city offers, along with the economic impact that UN activities generate in New York, comparable to the annual budget of several countries.
Under Baerbock’s leadership, the General Assembly is at a critical moment where the urgency for reforms and the need to build consensus are more relevant than ever. This 80th anniversary not only commemorates its history but also represents an opportunity to redefine its role in the years to come.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish