Over six days, 189 Member States spoke from the iconic green marbled podium – including 124 heads of states and government, underscoring both the gravity of today’s global challenges and the possibilities of collective action.
“If this high-level week is an indication, this house is fulfilling that purpose – the United Nations is still relevant,” Ms. Baerbock told the Assembly.
“The test is whether we act.”
Peace and conflict
Protracted conflicts dominated the debate – from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan – prompting repeated calls for urgent steps to protect civilians and stem violence.
Ms. Baerbock stressed the Charter’s centrality to resolving disputes peacefully and warned of the cost when it is ignored.
“When bombs fall on civilians, when famine is used as a weapon, when sovereignty is trampled by force, it is the credibility of this Organization that is at stake,” she said, urging that diplomatic momentum translate into tangible measures for Gaza.
She reiterated the call for “an immediate ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid for civilians, [and] the immediate release of the remaining hostages,” as well as renewed push for a two-State solution.
Climate crisis won’t stop
Delegations also sounded alarm on climate change and the ticking deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Dozens of delegations spoke on the impacts of climate change and the ticking clock we face in delivering on the SDGs by 2030,” the Assembly President said. “That clock does not stop while we are here in this room.”
“It’s happening now. The climate crisis won’t stop if you deny it,” she continued, noting one positive sign: “Last year alone investment in renewable energy amounted to $2 trillion.”
Still, she warned, “we are still not as far as we need to be and financing is the clear obstacle.”
Two United Nations flags in front of a UN emblem on the wall behind.
Reform and renewal
Institutional reform was also a recurring theme. Ms. Baerbock pointed to the Secretary-General’s proposals as a concrete pathway to strengthen the UN’s ability to deliver.
She said the Secretary-General’s report on implementing new mandates, his revised budget and other reform proposals “offer us a concrete pathway to make this institution better, stronger, more effective, fit for purpose.”
“This is not only about trimming budgets; it is about strengthening delivery. It is about priorities.”
Looking ahead
As she drew to a close, Ms. Baerbock invoked the UN’s founding in the wake of World War Two and its mission “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”
“Let us be inspired by the legacy of our past … and daring for a better future that is better together. Unafraid. Unbroken. United.”
Thank you for joining us
Throughout the high-level week, UN News explored how the debates reflected the “five critical choices” outlined by Secretary-General António Guterres at the opening of the general debate.
- The call to choose peace rooted in international law echoed in stories covering the crises in Gaza and Ukraine, where urgent appeals for ceasefires, protection of civilians and respect for the UN Charter.
- The choice to uphold human rights and put technology at the service of humanity came through in stories on youth.
- Leaders highlighted young people as both the most affected by barriers to education, healthcare and political voice, and the most capable of using innovation and technology to drive inclusive, rights-based solutions.
- The need to choose climate justice was underscored by leaders from vulnerable island and forest nations, who warned that climate action is a matter of survival, not choice.
- Finally, the appeal to strengthen the United Nations for the 21st century resonated in debates on Security Council reform and development financing, where many called for institutions that deliver for all.
Together, these stories show how the UN remains a vital forum for confronting global challenges – and how the choices made here will shape the world’s collective future.
