War in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East at the centre of the UN General Assembly opening

The war in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict were the focus of the debate that took place in New York during the first day of the UN General Assembly, held on Tuesday 24 September. 

“We live in a era of epic transformation. We are facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen. Challenges that demand global solutions, and yet geopolitical divisions are always deeper” stated during his speech the UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

In Secretary General Gutteres’ speech, there was no lack of reference to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East: “a world of impunity is developing, where violations and abuses threaten the very foundations of international law, a world of inequality where injustices threatens countries or push them over the edge – he commented – A great number of governments feel entitled to use the “get out of jail” free card. They trample the international law and turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions”. 

Gaza, according to Gutteres’ vision, right now is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it, while also Lebanon is on the brink. “The world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza. Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023, or the taking of hostages.  And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people – ha added – on the other hand,  the war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up and civilians are paying the price. Time has come for a just peace”.

The war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East also came up in the speech of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“The wound caused to the international framework from the war of aggression of Russia on Ukraine is indeed having destabilizing effect, even beyond the borders in which it is unfolding – Meloni explained -. Democratical political systems are facing unprecedented dangers. 2025 will mark the 18th anniversary of the UN Charter, which enshrines principles and values that are, at this time, being put into question by none other than a permanent member of the Security Council. No one is above the law, and these principles are even more important to defend the ones that are vulnerable. That is why we cannot turn our backs in front Ukraine who wants to defend its borders and its freedom. We also firmly support the right of Israel to defend itself by the external attacks, like the ones on 7th October”.
Turning to the UN reform, Giorgia Meloni stressed that this must “start with what is useful and necessary, not what is easier. We want a reform that serves to represent everyone better, not to represent better only a few.”

During the debate who took place on Tuesday 23rd of September, also the USA President Joe Biden spoke, underlining that this will be his last presence as the American President. 

“Even from the horrors of war, there’s a way forward. Things can get better – President Biden stated – For instance, my country was at war with Viet Nam, but now we are “partners and friends”. 

Coming to the war in Ukraine, Biden added: “When the invasion from the Russian Federation started, the United States could have stood by to merely protest. But me and Vice-President Kamala Harris understood that that was an assault on everything this institution was supposed to stand for”.

“Turning to the Middle East – the USA President continued – the United States has been working alongside Qatar and Egypt on a ceasefire and hostage deal, endorsed by the Security Council. Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home and grant security for Israel and Gaza”. 

The most critical address, however, was that of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who observed that the massacre in Gaza – where over 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives – is the most dramatic example of the fact that “the world is bigger than five”. 

“In the last few years, the United Nations has failed to fulfil its founding mission and has gradually become a dysfunctional structure” President Erdoğan stated.

“As a result of the Israeli attacks Gaza has become the largest cemetery for children and women in the world: over 17,000 children have been the targets of Israeli bullets and bombs – he added, then asking bluntly to the Security Council –  What are you waiting for to prevent the genocide in Gaza and to put a ‘stop’ to this cruelty, this barbarism? In that territory not only are children dying, but also the United Nations system”.