A Call for Courage and Reform: Germany’s Foreign Minister Opens UN General Assembly with Urgent Plea for Action
New York, NY – September 9, 2025 – The 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced today with a powerful opening address by German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, who underscored the profound challenges facing the international community and urged a renewed commitment to courage and systemic reform. Speaking from the iconic General Assembly Hall, Minister Baerbock declared this session to be “no ordinary session,” emphasizing the critical juncture at which global cooperation stands.
Minister Baerbock’s address was marked by a tone of both urgency and cautious optimism, acknowledging the complex tapestry of crises and conflicts that demand immediate and concerted action. She highlighted the escalating threats to peace and security, from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the proliferation of weapons to the devastating impacts of climate change and the persistent inequalities that fuel instability. The Foreign Minister painted a vivid picture of a world grappling with interconnected crises, where traditional approaches may no longer suffice.
A central theme of her speech was the imperative for bold leadership and a willingness to embrace necessary reforms within the United Nations itself. Minister Baerbock stressed that for the UN to effectively fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and security, it must adapt to the realities of the 21st century. This included a clear call for strengthening multilateralism, the very bedrock of the UN’s existence, and ensuring its institutions are equipped to address contemporary threats with agility and efficacy.
The German Foreign Minister particularly emphasized the need for tangible progress on key global issues. She spoke passionately about the urgent need for increased international solidarity in tackling climate change, urging member states to accelerate their efforts towards achieving climate neutrality and supporting vulnerable nations on the front lines of the climate crisis. Furthermore, she reiterated Germany’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, stressing that peace and prosperity are intrinsically linked to equitable development for all.
Beyond specific policy areas, Minister Baerbock’s address resonated with a broader call for a renewed spirit of diplomacy and dialogue. She advocated for de-escalation of conflicts, the promotion of peaceful dispute resolution, and a commitment to upholding international law. Her remarks served as a stark reminder that in an increasingly interconnected world, isolationism is not a viable path forward, and that shared challenges require shared solutions.
The opening of this year’s General Assembly, under the thoughtful guidance of Minister Baerbock, sets a significant tone for the deliberations to come. Her call for courage in the face of adversity and for a determined pursuit of reform signals a commitment to revitalizing the United Nations and ensuring its continued relevance as a vital platform for global cooperation in navigating the complex landscape of the present and shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future for all. The world now watches to see how these impassioned words will translate into meaningful action in the weeks and months ahead.
‘No ordinary session’: Baerbock opens UN General Assembly with call for courage and reform
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