U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 19, 2023. During this major address, Biden aimed to reconcile the diplomatic achievements and goals of his presidency with the stark realities of ongoing wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. This address marks the final appearance of his presidency at the annual UN gathering.
With four months remaining in office, Biden’s speech served as one of the last opportunities to shape his foreign policy legacy before a global audience. The speech highlighted the administration’s key accomplishments, such as supporting Ukraine against Russia’s 2022 invasion, managing competition with China, upholding the UN Charter, outlining global artificial intelligence principles, and addressing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan.
A senior administration official emphasized that Biden’s final appearance at the General Assembly was a chance to demonstrate how his approach had yielded tangible results for both the American people and the broader international community. However, the geopolitical context for the speech left little room for celebration.
Since Biden’s UNGA address in September 2023, the wars in Ukraine and Sudan have continued, and tensions in the Middle East have escalated into severe conflicts. Israel’s large-scale military operation in Gaza, following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, has pushed the region to the brink of an all-out war. Hostages taken by Hamas are either deceased or remain captive, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.
Despite these severe challenges, Biden’s administration consistently underscores its commitment to achieving a ceasefire and a hostage deal. In Ukraine, two and a half years into the conflict with Russia, some congressional Republicans have begun opposing further U.S. military support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Sudan’s civil war has persisted for over a year, with new ceasefire negotiations in early stages amidst worsening humanitarian conditions.
In his speech, Biden will stress the necessity for robust and effective global institutions, including an adapted United Nations. This vision aligns with his overall theme of international cooperation, which has been central to his presidency and legacy.
Biden has a series of high-level meetings scheduled to address various geopolitical issues behind closed doors. A senior administration official noted the advantage of having the entire world represented at the UN General Assembly, allowing current crises to be addressed directly.
On September 21, Biden hosted a summit in Wilmington, Delaware, with leaders from Australia, India, and Japan. On Monday, he met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Washington. After his Tuesday speech in New York, Biden will host a summit to combat synthetic drug trafficking. On Wednesday, he will meet with President Tô Lâm of Vietnam, and on Thursday, Biden will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington.
As Biden’s presidency concludes, foreign leaders are also meeting with his potential successors, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, who are the primary nominees for the November election. Harris met with the UAE President on Monday and will meet Zelenskyy on Thursday in Washington. Trump is also expected to meet with Zelenskyy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Polish President Andrzej Duda.
