Biden's Second U.N. Appearance Highlights An Odd Focus
In his second appearance at the United Nations General Assembly as President of the United States, Joe Biden will focus on key global issues such as sustainable development, infrastructure, and climate change. He will also use this opportunity to show strong support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
During his two-day trip to New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, President Biden will meet with several world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and leaders from Central Asia. He will also deliver a speech outlining his vision for promoting peace, defending human rights, and strengthening global alliances.
According to senior administration officials, one of the main topics on the agenda will be the need for reforms within global organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank to make them more effective and inclusive. This emphasis on reform comes at a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, including geopolitical tensions and aggression from countries like Russia and China.
With the recent unprovoked war by Russia on Ukraine, President Biden is expected to use his speech to highlight the importance of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also be present at the U.N. gathering before heading to Washington to push for more military aid from the U.S. to fight against the Russian invaders.
While the presence of the U.S. delegation will be significant, it will be noticeable that other major world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, will not be attending. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also be absent, with Macron citing a scheduling conflict as the reason for his absence.
However, the U.N. General Assembly will see the arrival of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday, who is tentatively scheduled to speak on Tuesday afternoon. This comes at a time when the U.S. and Iran have just completed a prisoner swap, indicating ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Despite the notable absences, senior administration officials have emphasized the U.N. as an important platform for collaboration and problem-solving. President Biden sees this gathering as a valuable opportunity to engage with world leaders and address critical global issues.
Overall, President Biden's second appearance at the United Nations General Assembly will be a chance to showcase his foreign policy goals and demonstrate strong support for Ukraine. It will also serve as a reminder to world leaders of the importance of working together to tackle global challenges and promote peace and prosperity.