Annalena Baerbock, former German Foreign Minister, was elected President of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session despite strong opposition from Russia.
According to the United Nations statement, Ms. Baerbock received 167 votes following the secret ballot. Write-in candidate Helga Schmid, a former OSCE Secretary-General and career diplomat, also from Germany received seven. Fourteen delegations abstained.
She becomes the first woman from the Western European group to hold the post and the fifth woman overall to lead the General Assembly. The presidency rotates among the world body’s five regional groups.
At 44 years, Ms. Baerbock is also one of the youngest leaders to secure the top job.
The vote for the presidency of the UN General Assembly is typically conducted by acclamation. However, this year Russia, which opposed Annalena Baerbock’s candidacy, requested a secret ballot, according to diplomatic sources cited by AFP.
Baerbock emerged as a candidate only in March, shortly before stepping down as Germany’s foreign minister following the country’s parliamentary elections in February. She replaced diplomat Helga Schmid, whose candidacy for the UN post had been announced the previous year.
Russia objected to the switch, criticizing Baerbock for what it described as “repeated incompetence, extreme bias, and a lack of understanding of basic diplomatic principles.”
“The decision by the authorities in Berlin to push through her candidacy is nothing less than a slap in the face to the world organization and a blatant show of disrespect,” Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said in May.
Pledge to be an honest broker
In her acceptance speech, President-elect Baerbock acknowledged the current global challenges and pledged to serve as “an honest broker and a unifier” for all 193 Member States, emphasising her theme of “Better Together.”
She outlined three priorities for her presidency: making the Organization more efficient and effective; advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and making the Assembly a “truly inclusive forum”.
She called for a UN “that embraces everyone. I see the diversity of the General Assembly as our strength. This is the place where all nations come together and where every country has a seat and a voice.”
She also highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality, multilingualism, and engagement with civil society and youth.
UN80 initiative
Ms. Baerbock also touched on the UN80 initiative, which was launched by Secretary-General António Guterres in March.
“The UN80 Initiative should not be a mere cost-cutting exercise,” she said, stressing the need for bold ambition and readiness to take difficult decisions.
“Our common goal is a strong, focused, nimble and fit-for-purpose organization. One that is capable of realising its core objectives – we need a United Nations that delivers on peace, development and justice.”
Thousands of firefighters worked tirelessly on Saturday in Victoria, Australia, to combat bushfires that have destroyed homes, left tens of thousands ...
A South Korean court hearing the case of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection postponed the sentencing request until next week af...
Türkiye is reportedly in discussions to join the defence alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a strategic move that could reshape security dyn...
The United Nations has described footage of the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis as deeply disturbing, urging a thorough investigation and reaffirmin...
The foreign ministries of Armenia and Iran held political consultations in Yerevan, according to official statements....
European countries and the United States presented a united front in support of Ukraine, unveiling security guarantees backed by Washington and a detailed plan for long-term assistance contingent on a ceasefire with Russia.
Germany’s foreign intelligence service secretly monitored the telephone communications of former U.S. President Barack Obama for several years, including calls made aboard Air Force One, according to an investigation by the German newspaper Die Zeit.
World leaders and organisations have responded strongly to the United States’ military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture and departure of President Nicolás Maduro. Many condemn the action as a breach of international law and calling for restraint and peaceful resolution.
Up to 45,000 households in Berlin are without electricity after a suspected arson fire.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
New York City parents could soon have access to free childcare for two-year-old children following a joint announcement made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (8 January).
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and across at least 28 cities in a wave of anti-government demonstrations, now entering their twelfth day.
President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the U.S. must acquire Greenland to prevent Russia or China from potentially occupying the island in the future.
Thousands of firefighters worked tirelessly on Saturday in Victoria, Australia, to combat bushfires that have destroyed homes, left tens of thousands without power, and scorched large areas of bushland.
A South Korean court hearing the case of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection postponed the sentencing request until next week after a lengthy session. This case could potentially lead to a death penalty verdict for Yoon due to his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024.
Türkiye is reportedly in discussions to join the defence alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a strategic move that could reshape security dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
The United Nations has described footage of the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis as deeply disturbing, urging a thorough investigation and reaffirming the right to peaceful protest.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment