US President Joe Biden, in his final address to the UN General Assembly, called on member states to support the expansion of the often-stalled Security Council, emphasizing the need for “new voices” in its decision-making.
Speaking to global leaders at the UN headquarters in New York, Biden stressed that both the Security Council and the UN itself must return to their primary roles of fostering peace and negotiating to end conflicts and human suffering. “I want to get things done together. To achieve this, we need to build a stronger, more effective, and more inclusive United Nations,” he stated. “The UN needs to adapt by incorporating new voices and perspectives. That’s why we advocate for reforming and expanding the Security Council’s membership.”
Biden pointed out that the Council’s inability to reach consensus on critical global issues has become increasingly evident in recent years. Permanent members, including the US, China, and Russia, frequently use their veto power to block actions. The US, for instance, has repeatedly done so while the Council attempts to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 41,000 deaths, widespread hunger, and the resurgence of diseases not seen in decades.
Russia and China have also prevented the Council from addressing North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as issues related to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Alongside these three nations, the UK and France hold veto power as well, and while there is broad agreement on the need for reform, differing opinions on how to implement changes have led to a stalemate.
As he addressed his counterparts for the last time before leaving office in January, Biden expressed optimism that world leaders could find a path forward to tackle pressing challenges like war, hunger, terrorism, and displacement. “I genuinely think we’re at a crucial turning point in global history,” he stated. “The decisions we make today will significantly affect our future.”
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Biden stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has failed” in his attempts to undermine Ukraine, inadvertently strengthening NATO and bolstering the transatlantic alliance. “We cannot afford to let up now. The world faces another choice: Do we continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom, or do we abandon them and allow aggression to resume, putting a nation at risk of destruction?” he asked.
Biden affirmed that the US is prepared to work with China on pressing global issues that benefit people everywhere, citing cooperation on combating synthetic opioids as an example of his efforts to “manage competition with China responsibly.” However, he also made it clear that the US will continue to push back against unfair economic practices and military coercion in the South China Sea, while ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding advanced technologies from being used against the US or its allies.
