They said it: Leaders at the UN, in their own words
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Many leaders saying many things about many topics that matter to them, to their regions, to the world: That’s what the U.N. General Assembly invariably produces each year.
And each year, certain voices dominate. Here, The Associated Press takes the opposite approach and spotlights some thoughts from leaders who might have not captured the headlines and airtime on Tuesday, the first day of the 2025 General Debate.
Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Our international order is being slowly eroded by the irresponsible actions of those who should know better.
Lithuania President Gitanas Nauseda addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Lithuania President Gitanas Nauseda addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Not for the first time, developments on the ground have made me question the worth and utility of words in capturing the magnitude of the crisis.
Jordan King Abdullah II addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Jordan King Abdullah II addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
South Korea President Lee Jae Myung addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
South Korea President Lee Jae Myung addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)