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Baerbock sets 'Better Together' agenda as president of UN General Assembly's 80th session
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Summary
President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock laid out priorities for the UN's 80th session, urging unity, sustainable development acceleration, funding and efficiency reforms, a strengthened role for the General Assembly on peace and security, and an inclusive, multilingual approach to selecting the next secretary-general.
President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock delivered the opening address for the UN General Assemblye28099s 80th session, stressing a theme of "Better together" and calling for renewed multilateral cooperation to address armed conflict, financing shortfalls and lagging progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Baerbock said her office will pursue a trust-based dialogue among member states and place a priority on making the organization "fit for purpose" through better funding, efficiency and inclusiveness. "My door will always be open for everyone, better together," she said.
The president emphasized three principal objectives: uphold the UN Charter and the Organizatione28099s founding principles; accelerate delivery on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and broaden inclusion across regions, genders and civil society. She warned that the UN is under "immense pressure politically and financially," and cited "more than 120 armed conflicts" and that "less than one-fifth of the SDG targets are on track" as reasons for urgent action.
On institutional reform and financing, Baerbock welcomed an initiative launched by the secretary-general (referred to in the speech as the UNAT/UNITY initiative) and said the General Assembly must exercise oversight and "do our homework" to avoid simply cutting costs. "The UNITY initiative should not be a mere cost cutting exercise. Our common goal is a strong, focused, nimble, and fit for purpose organization," she said, adding that she will emphasize that "the perspectives and interests of all member states are considered."
Baerbock also called for strengthening the General Assemblye28099s role in peace and security in cooperation with the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, and said lasting peace is linked to sustainable development, noting the interconnectedness of the Chartere28099s three pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights.
She said the selection process for the next secretary-general will be conducted in line with General Assembly resolutions and past practices, and that transparency and inclusiveness will be central to that work. Baerbock committed to promoting multilingualism across her office and to rely on contributions to a trust fund and secondments to staff a diverse Office of the President of the General Assembly.
The address drew repeatedly on historical reference and symbolism: Baerbock quoted former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjf6lde28099s line that the UN "was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell," and framed the 80th session as a moment to preserve the Organizatione28099s achievements since 1945 while adapting to new challenges.
Her remarks outlined intentions and priorities rather than specific, binding actions by member states; she repeatedly called for member-state support and cooperation to achieve the reforms and policy goals she described. "I depend on your support and commitment," she said, noting that she is "only the fifth woman in this position in 80 years."
