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call to [Music] order okay before proceeding to the general debate the general assembly will hear an introduction by the secret general of his annual report on the work of the organization issued as document a SL 79 SL1 on the agenda [Music] item1 in accordance with resolution 51241 I now give the floor to the Secretary General of the United Nations his Excellency Antonio gues [Applause] Mr President of the general assembly excellencies ladies and gentlemen our world is in a whirlwind we are in a era of Epic transformation facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen challenges

that demand Global Solutions yet geopolitical divisions keep deepening the planet keeps hitting Wars Rage with no clue how they will end and nuclear posturing and new weapons cast The Dark Shadow we are edging towards the unimaginable a power keg that risks engulfing the World meanwhile 2024 is the year that Alp of humanity goes to the polls and Alp of humanity will be affected I stand before you in this Whirlwind convinced of two overriding truth first the state of our world is unsustainable we can't go on like these and second the challenge we Face are solvable

but that requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem solving actually solve problems the summit of the future was a first step but we have a long way to go and getting there requires confronting three major drivers of unsustainability a world of impunity where violations and abuses threaten the very Foundation of international law and un Charter a word of inequality where injustices and grievances threaten to undermine countries or even push them over the edge and the world of uncertainty where unmanaged Global risks threaten our future in unknowable ways these worlds of impunity in

equality and uncertainty are connected and colliding excellencies the level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable today a growing number of governments and others feel entitled to get out of jail free cards they can trample international law they can violate United Nations Charter they can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts they can thumb their nose at International humanitarian law they can invade another country lay waste to all Societies or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people and nothing will happen we see

this age of impunity everywhere in the Middle East in the heart of Europe in the Horn of Africa and Beyond the war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up civilians are paying the price in Rising their stalls and shattered lives and communities it is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter on international law and on un resolutions meanwhile Gaza is a Non-Stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it look no further than Lebanon we should all be alarmed by the escalation Lebanon is at the brink the

people of Lebanon the people of Israel and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza let's be clear nothing can justify the abor acts of Terror committed by amas on October 7th or The Taking of hostages both of which I have repeatedly condemned and N can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people the speed and scale of the the speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years a Secretary General more than 200 of our own staff have been killed many with their families

and yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver humanitarian Aid and I know you join me in paying a special tribute to un and to all humanitarians in [Applause] Gaza the International Community must mobilize for an immediate ceasefire the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and the beginning of an IR reversible process towards a two-state solution for those who go on and Mining that goal with more settlements more land grabs more incitement I ask what is the alternative how could the world accept a one state in which a large number of

Palestinians would be included without any freedom any rights or dignity in Sudan a brutal power struggle has Unleashed horrific violence including widespread rape and sexual assaults a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads yet outside Powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace in the Sahel the dramatic and Rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity but Regional and international cooperation have broken down from Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to 80 to Yemen and Beyond we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human

suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find Solutions meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often oper ing in areas where simply there is no peace to keep instability in many places around the world is a byproduct of instability in power relations and geopolitical divides for all its perals the Cold War had rules there were hot lines red lines and guard rails it can feel as though we don't have that today and nor do we have a unipolar world we are moving to a multi-polar world but we are not yet there yet we are

in a Purgatory of polarity and in this Purgatory more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divides doing whatever they want with no accountability that is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the charter to respect international law to support and implement decisions of international courts and to reinforce human rights in the world anywhere and [Applause] everywhere excellencies ladies and gentlemen Rising inequalities are a second driver of unsustainability and a stain on our Collective conscience inequality is not a technical or bureaucratic issue at its heart inequality is a question of Power

with historic Roots conflict climate upheaval and the cost of living crisis are pushing those routes even deeper at the same time the world has not recovered from the surge in inequalities caused by the pandemic of the world's poorest 75 countries 13d are worse off today than they were five years ago during that same period the five richest men in the world Excellence La discrimination [Music] the men AC [Applause] respons sec [Applause] e [Music] [Music] foral for EX the EX excellencies the thir driver of our unsustainable world is uncertainty the ground is Shifting under our feet

anxiety levels are off the charts and young people in particular are counting on us and seeking Solutions uncertainty is compounded by two existential threats the climate crisis and the rapid advance of technology in particular artificial intelligence excellencies we are in a climate meltdown extreme temperatures Rising fires droughts and epic floods are not natural disasters they are human disasters increasingly fueled by fossil fuels no country is [Applause] spared but the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest itat climate hazards are blowing a whole through the budgets of many African countries costing up to 5% of GDP every

year and this is just the start we are are on course to Ken past the global limit of a 1.5 degree temperature rise but as the problem gets worse Solutions are getting better renewal prices are plummeting roll out is accelerating and lives are being transformed by affordable accessible clean energy Renewables don't just generate power they generate jobs wealth energy security and the pass out of poverty for Millions but developing countries cannot be plundered in that Journey our panel on critical minerals has recommended fair and sustainable ways to meet Global demand for these resources which are

essential to the Renewables Revolution excellencies a future without fossil fuel is certain a fair and fast transition is not that is in your hands by next year every country must produce an ambitious New National Climate action plan or national determined contributions and this must bring National energy strategies sustainable development priorities and climate Ambitions together they must align with 1.5 degree limits cover the whole economy and contribute to every one of the top 28 energy transition targets an inter interntional energy agency report released today breaks this down by 2035 on average advanced economies must slash energy

emissions 80% and the Emerging Markets 65% the G20 is responsible for 80% of total emissions they must lead the charge keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respected capab abilities in the light of different National circumstances but these must be done with a joint efforts pulling resources scientific capacities and proven and affordable techn Technologies for all to be able to reach those targets I'm honored to be working closely with President Lula of Brazil with both G20 share and cop 30 OST to secure maximum ambition acceleration and cooperation we just met for that

purpose Finance is essential cop 29 is around the corner it must deliver a significant new Finance goal and we also need a loss and damage fund that meets the scale of the challenge and developed countries meeting their adaptation Finance promises and we must finally flip the script on a crazy situation we continue to reward polluters to wreck our planet the fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies while Everyday People bear the costs of climate catastrophe from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods I call on G20 countries to shift money from fossil Fu

subsidies and Investments to adjust energy transition to put an effective price on carbon and to implement new and Innovative sources of financing including solidarity levies on fossil full extraction through legally binding transparent mechanisms all by next year and this taking into account that those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill polluters must pay excellencies the rapid rise of new technologies poses another unpredictable existential risk artificial intelligence will change virtually everything we know from work education and communication to culture and politics we know AI is rapidly advancing but where is it taking us to more

freedom or more conflict to more sustainable worlds or greater inequality to being better informed or easier to manipulate a handful of companies and even individuals have already amassed enormous power over the development of AI with little accountability or oversight for the moment without a global approach to its management artificial intelligence could lead to artificial divisions across the board a great fracture with two internets two markets to economies with every country forced to pick aide and enormous consequences for all United Nations is the universal platform for dialogue and consensus it is uniquely placed to promote cooperation

on AI based on the values of the charter and international law the global debate happens here or it does not happen and I welcome important First Steps two resolutions in the general assembly the global digital Compact and the recommendations of the high level body on AI can lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI let's move forward together to make AI a Force for good excellencies nothing lasts forever but the feature of human life is that it appears otherwise the current order always feels fixed until it is not across human history we see Empires rising

and falling old certainties crumbling tectonic shifts in global Affairs today our course is unsustainable it is in all our interests to manage the Epic Transformations underway to choose the future we want and to guide our world towards it many have said that the divisions and differences today are just too great that it is impossible for us to come together for the common good you proved that is not true the summit of the future showed that with a spirit of dialogue and compromise we can join forces to our world to a more sustainable pass it is

not the end it is the start of a journey a compass in the whirlwinds let's keep going let's move our world towards less impunity and more accountability less inequality and more Justice less uncertainty and more opportunity the people of the world are looking to us and succeeding Generations will look back on us let them find us on the side of the United Nations Charter on the side of our shared values and principles and on the right side of history and I thank thank [Applause] you I thank the secr gener hello the assembly will now turn

to agenda item 8 entitled General debate [Music] excellencies heads of state and government your Excellency Antonio gutiz Secretary General of the United Nations honorable ministers distinguished delegates ladies and gentlemen good morning I extend heartfelt welcome to the delegations from member states observers and esteemed guests it is my profound honor and privilege to welcome you to this August hall for the general debate of the 79th session of the general assembly before I proceed I would like to recognize the presence here today of nine of my predecessors past presidents of the general assembly although barely two weeks

in the job I can already appreciate the challenges they navigated through the general debate remains one of the world's most inclusive representative and authoritative platforms for Global reflection and Collective action this year the urgency of our task cannot be overstated we are falling behind in our pursuit of the sustainable development goals I am informed that with just 5 years to go less than 18% of the goals have been achieved also the climate crisis is no longer are a distant threat it is here now ravaging ecosystems and dismantling the Lively hoods of entire communities conflicts rage

from the Middle East to Ukraine from hay to South Sudan living in the awake death destruction and immense suffering I call for an immediate ceasefire in all these conflict settings for almost a year now for almost a year now the people of Gaza and Israel have been caught in a spiraling cycle of conflict and retribution I take this opportunity to call for an immediate ceasefire for the Hamas Israel war the unconditional release of hostages and for all parties to abide by by international law including International humanitarian law and work towards a just and Lasting solution

grounded in the United Nations Charter relevant resolutions and international law ensuring dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis indeed only a two set solution can end the cycle of violence and instability ensuring peace security and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis excellencies we should be coming together for peace and the well-being of our citizens we should not divert essential resources into military stock pipes fueling and arms raised never before seen since the Cold War era nuclear weapons continue to be a threat to Human ity and to our planet a nuclear war must never be fought conditions

for their use or accidental explosion must always be avoided we call for Urgent measures for the abolish of these tools of the annihilation of the human race and our environment old hatress rooted in Prejudice and ignorance persist and new divisions arise where none should exist in the recent past mistrust among states has grown steadily complicating prospects for peaceful settlement of Interstate disputes it is time to invest more in building trust and practicing dialogue constant dialogue is a powerful weapon for all governments have in their hands trust and dialogue are integral parts of our human for

our human dignity and precondition for lasting peace and security excellencies gender equality remains a distant goal as many women and girls around the world continue to be denied their basic rights Justice and opportunities globally we witness a troubling regression in the protection of Human Rights and human dignity Millions remain trapped in poverty their lives restricted by forces beyond their control Force labor and modern slavery extending even to young boys and girls of school age are an insult to human dignity they must be converted in every society at all times excellencies there is an urgent need

to reform the International Financial system as two too many countries remain burdened by crippling debt forc to choose between servicing loans and improving the lives of their citizens meanwhile the digital divide continues to widen cutting off entire populations from the TOs need to succeed in the 21st century excellencies we are not me expectators of these crisis nor are we powerless to act within this Hall are the leaders and representatives of the worst Nations the very people with the authority and responsibility to shape the cause of our shared future at our dispos disposal is one of

the most powerful tools for positive change International cooperation grounded in the undeniable truth that even the most powerful Nation cannot solve these complex borderless challenges alone this truth was reaffirmed through our efforts at the summit of the future and the consensus adoption of the PA of the future the P of the future CH a path forward reinvigorating our multilateral institutions with Renewed Energy focus and Clarity to meet the demands of a rapid the changing World let us build on this momentum excellencies a better world begins with unlocking the potential of we the peoples of the

world freedom and good governance ensure that no one no individual no Community is Left Behind in this endeavor we must never Overlook the challenges faced by the small island developing States the landlock developing States the least developing countries and the small states it is incumbent on the United Nations to do more than just Express solidarity specific programs responding to the unique situations in which these groups of States find themselves must be invested this will be a priority of my presidency Africa is one of the priorities of the United Nations we must support Africa the African

Union's agenda 2063 presents a bold and transformative vision for the continent Africa currently has the youngest population in the world and by 2063 one in four people will be African the generation of resources for the well-being of these peoples are has been much slower than the population growth we must not let Africa's potential go unrealized in fact truly to truly unlock Africa's vast potential we must actively cultivate Global Partnerships that align with the continent's aspirations and drive its success in this endeavor I look forward to working with member states of the United Nations this year

on keeping Africa at the heart of our agenda excellencies in this 79 session I also want to prioritize multilingualism as a recognition of our world's cultural and linguistic richness we understand that the multitude of languages cultures and perspectives should not be viewed as a source of division but as a Wellspring of strength excellencies we anticipate a very successful high level week in addition to the recently concluded Summit of the future and this ongoing General debate several critical high level events are expected to take place these include the high level event on microb Resistance the high

level meeting on addressing the existential threat exposed by sea level rise and the high level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the total elimination of nuclear weapons throughout the 79th session we will address the Urgent issues of our time while we may not agree on every issue we all share the same fundamental goal to Build a Better World for everyone everywh here today are representatives from 193 member states each ilding our Collective aspirations each Guided by a shared Vision the path ahead is difficult fraud with obstacles that may at times seem

insurmountable but they are not impossible we have the tools the knowledge and the Collective will to overcome these challenges if we act together with courage and conviction thank [Applause] you thank you before giving the floor to the first speaker for this morning I would like to remind members that the list of speakers for the general debate has been established on the agreed basis that statements should no should be no longer than 15 minutes to enable all the speakers to be heard at a given meeting within this time frame I would like to appeal to speakers

to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace so that interpretation into other official United Nations languages may be provided properly I would also like to draw your attention to the decision taken by the general assembly at previous sessions namely that the practice of expressing congratulations inside the General Assembly Hall after a speech has been delivered is strongly discouraged after delivering the statements from the rrom speakers are invited to exit the General Assembly Hall through room ga2 200 located behind the podium before returning to their seats may I take it that the general assembly agrees to

proceed in this manner it is so decided finally I should like to draw the attention of members that during the general debate official photographs of all the speakers are taken by the department of Global Communications members interested in obtaining these photographs are requested to contact the photo library of the United Nations the assembly will hear an address by his Excellency Luis inao Lula D Sila president of the federative Republic of Brazil I request protocol to escort his Excellency and invite him to address the assembly m [Applause] [Music] is for for for for Mobil for [Music]

for [Music] for for for [Music] [Music] for for for for the for effect for Dem for [Music] El for [Music] for for say [Music] pass for Minas some my [Music] for [Music] for for for for [Applause] for for e prom [Music] for for [Music] [Applause] on behalf of the assembly I wish Tok for for for for e for for e [Music] the assembly will hear an address by his Excellency Joseph R Biden Jr president of the United States of America I request protocol to escort his Excellency and invite him to address the assembly for on

[Applause] my fellow leaders today is the fourth time I've had the great honor of speaking to this assembly as president of the United States it'll be my last I've seen a remark a sweep of History I was first elected office in the United States of America as a US senator in 1972 now I know I look like I'm only 40 I know that I was 29 years old back then we were living through an inflection point moment of tension and uncertainty the world was divided by the Cold War Middle East was was headed toward War

America was at war in Vietnam at that point the longest war in America's history our country is divided and angry and there were questions about our stain power and our future but even then I entered public life not out of Despair but out of optimism United States and the world got through that moment wasn't easy or simple without significant setbacks but we go on to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons throughout through arms control and then go on to bring the Cold War itself to an end Israel and Egypt went to war but then forged

a historic peace we ended the war in Vietnam the last year in anoi I was met with the Vietnamese leadership we elevated our partnership to the highest level it's a testament to the resilience of the human Spirit and the capacity for reconciliation that today the United States and Vietnam are partners and friends and it's proof that even from the horrors of War there's a way forward things can get better we should never forget that I've seen that throughout my career in the 1980s I spoke out against the partite in South Africa then I watched the

racist regime fall in the 1990s I worked to hold movich accountable for war crimes he was held accountable at home I wrote in pass the violence against women act to end the scourge of violence against women and girls not only in America but across the world as many of you have as well but we have so much more to do especially against rape and sexual violence as weapons of war and Terror we were attacked at 9911 by Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden we brought him Justice then I came to the presidency in another moment in

the crisis and uncertainty I believed America had to look forward new challenges new threats new opportunities were in front of us we needed to put ourselves in a position to see the threats to deal with the challenges and to seize the opportunities as well we need to end the era of war that began on 911 as vice president to President Obama he asked me to work to wind down the military operations in Iraq and we did painful as it was when I came to office as president Afghanistan to replace Vietnam as America's longest war I

was determined to end it and I did was a hard decision but the right decision ision four American Presidents had faced that decision but I was determined not to leave it to the fifth was a decision accompanied by tragedy