“After 10 years, I hold this conviction even more strongly than when I first arrived. The greatest power is not the power of domination. It is the power to build a future that works for everyone… by upholding the law before impunity becomes the norm. By ending wars before they wipe out generations.” António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Amid applause and in a spirit of reflection, António Guterres took the podium to address the UN General Assembly for the last time as UN Secretary-General and to send messages to the world. Messages that seem to indicate that the legacy he leaves behind is entirely different from the one he would ideally have liked to leave. For, as he admitted, the Charter and Principles of the United Nations themselves are observed as it suits and as… expedient.
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“On January 1, when I am no longer Secretary-General… rest assured of this: wherever I may be, whatever I do… I will continue to defend the belief that peace is possible. I will continue to defend the values of the United Nations Charter. And I will never give up.” António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
With three war fronts open and the energy crisis at its peak, the Secretary-General pointed out that humanity is facing all the same horrific dilemmas it faced during World War II, from the ashes of which the International Organization was born.
“This far and no further. I call on the leaders in this room… to make the most of this week for de-escalation and dialogue.” António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Among other things, he pointed out that the two-state solution in the Middle East cannot be abandoned and that the UN needs internal reforms, particularly within the fragmented Security Council. And after speaking of a world of justice and equality, his vision was shattered mere minutes later from the very same podium by the U.S. President.
Another “world”
“America is back, and our country is stronger today than ever before.” Donald Trump, President of the United States
In a monologue lasting nearly 40 minutes, and touting the successes of his administration, Donald Trump presented himself as the leader of it all. And with his much-hyped “mutilation” of Iran as the crowning achievement, he attempted—while speaking of war—to present himself as a peacemaker.
“I have a big decision to make. Should I reach an agreement with Iran, or should I annihilate the Islamic Republic? Should I send them to hell? I believe, however, that we will reach an agreement immediately after the elections.” Donald Trump, President of the United States
And after announcing the creation of 18 new factories for the production of weapons and ammunition and praising his tough anti-immigration policy, he also praised himself for the landmark agreement on Greenland, which will be signed tonight.
“We will build two very large military bases. No adversary of the U.S. will be allowed… to establish a military presence in Greenland… or to make sensitive investments there without our explicit written approval.” Donald Trump, President of the United States
The President also defended the development of Artificial Superintelligence, dismissing as a hoax —on par with the climate crisis—the fears being expressed, and in yet another spectacle, he turned the global spotlight on his wife.
“I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our great First Lady… who ensured the safe return of many displaced children… from Ukraine and Russia to their families. Where is the First Lady? Where is she? Melania, thank you! Great job!” Donald Trump, President of the United States
Watch the report by Yiannis Xenophontos
