In his final address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe Biden delivered a message that resonated beyond the halls of international diplomacy. Speaking to a gathering of world leaders, Biden emphasized the importance of public service over political ambition.
"My fellow leaders, let us never forget some things are more important than staying in power. It's your people that matter the most. Never forget, we are here to serve the people, not the other way around."
This statement, delivered on September 24, 2024, marked a poignant moment in Biden's long political career, which has spanned over five decades. The President reflected on the significant historical events he has witnessed, including the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975, the fall of apartheid in South Africa in 1994, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991.
Biden's speech, however, stood in stark contrast to the prevailing mood at the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who has held his position since 2017, set a somber tone earlier in the day. Guterres expressed concern about the absence of diplomatic safeguards that existed during the Cold War, which lasted from 1947 to 1991.
The President's optimistic outlook faced criticism from several world leaders. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indirectly criticized Western nations for their stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Jordan's King Abdullah II, who has ruled since 1999, highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa justified his country's decision to bring genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice, established in 1945. Ramaphosa drew parallels between the current situation and South Africa's apartheid era, which ended in 1994.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, serving his third term since 2023, advocated for diplomatic solutions to both the Gaza conflict and the war in Ukraine. This approach subtly challenged Biden's unwavering support for Ukraine's resistance against Russia.
Biden's speech also touched on his administration's efforts in international diplomacy, including the reinforcement of alliances in Asia and the coordinated Western response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The President quoted Irish poet William Butler Yeats, who died in 1939, to illustrate his belief in the resilience of global institutions. However, this optimism was not universally shared. Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned of rising far-right movements and global inequalities, invoking the words of Ernest Hemingway, the American novelist who passed away in 1961.
As Biden prepares to potentially leave office in January 2025, his final U.N. address serves as a reflection of his presidency and the complex global landscape he navigated. From the establishment of the U.N. in 1945 to the present day, the world has witnessed significant changes, and Biden's speech highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain in international relations.