New President of the General Assembly on her mandate - Media Stakeout

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Published Sep 14, 2025

Informal comments to the media by Annalena Baerbock, the Incoming President of the General Assembly.

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Speaking to reporters outside the GA, she said, “being sworn in on the original UN charter reminds us what the world can achieve together. But looking from Gaza to Ukraine and to Sudan, Haiti, reminds us as well, how many times we have failed to deliver on its promises on peace and security, human rights and justice and sustainability.”

The President-elect said, “we currently stand at a crossroad. The UN is under pressure financially and politically. This is why the 80th session is no ordinary session. Our job, 80 years after the UN's creation - back then, also in a world with divide - is to keep all United Nations alive, to strengthen it and to make the UN fit for the 21st century.”

Asked about Israel bombing of Hamas’ leadership residences in Qatar earlier in the day, she said, “as required by our UN charter, the Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states must be respected and not violated by any member states. We do not need more tension in the region but intensified diplomatic efforts towards an immediate and permanent cease fire, an improvement of the humanitarian situations for the civilians in Gaza by the Israeli government, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.”

Baerbock assumes the role at a challenging time, with ongoing conflicts, faltering development goals, mounting financial pressures, and the upcoming selection of the next Secretary-General.

She received 167 votes following the secret ballot in June. 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.