In his first UNGA address, Joe Biden believes world is at an ‘inflection point’
Joe Biden’s speech came as he attempted to put the United States on a more solid foundation with allies and convince foreign leaders that his administration will not be a continuation of former President Donald Trump’s tumultuous four years in office.
NEW DELHI: In his first address as President at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, President Biden said the world is at an “inflection point in history” amid the compounding crises of the Covid 19 pandemic, climate change, and other challenges, urging world leaders to “work together as never before.”
Biden stated that the US, in his opinion, stands at a historical ‘inflection point’. He added that he wanted to discuss how the United States plans to engage with partners and allies to address lingering issues, as well as his new administration’s commitment to helping lead the world toward a more peaceful, prosperous future.
Trying to re-establish the US on more solid foundation
Biden’s speech came as he attempted to put the US on a more solid foundation with allies and convince world leaders that his administration will not be a continuation of Donald Trump‘s rule.
However, the United States is experiencing increased tensions with its allies as a result of the turbulent departure from Afghanistan, which was concluded last month.
The Biden administration is also dealing with the consequences from a submarine agreement made by the US with Australia and the UK, which has strained relations with France, the country’s oldest ally.
‘US is not engaged in Cold War’ with China
Biden also addressed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ accusation that the United States is engaged in a “Cold War” with China.
To put his statement in context, Guterres had encouraged the United States to take a more accommodative stance toward the other major international power.
Biden also underlined the necessity of protecting human rights and standing up to dictatorship wherever human suffering exists.
Joe Biden to meet PM Narendra Modi
Pertinently, the US President is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide in bilateral talks at the White House on Friday. He will be the host of an in-person summit with the prime leaders of Australia, India, and Japan as well.
Meanwhile, dozens of heads of states are descending at the UN headquarters in New York for the annual General Assembly. The high-level General Debate started on September 21st and lasts until September 27th.
Although the event was held almost entirely virtually last year because of the pandemic, many leaders will deliver in-person speeches at this year’s summit, including US President Joe Biden, who made his first address to the 193-member world body since he took office.
