President Biden, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, announced new aid to combat the mpox epidemic. He expressed optimism amidst global challenges such as wars and other crises, outlining the United States’ commitment to providing $500 million to African countries for mpox prevention and response, along with a donation of 1 million doses of the mpox vaccine. Biden called on international partners to match this pledge, aiming for a billion-dollar commitment to support Africa.
Reflecting on his tenure since the Cold War era, Biden highlighted the challenges and divisions the United States faced, including the Vietnam War. Noting the deep divisions and questions about America’s future during that period, he pointed to the recent elevation of diplomatic and trade relations between the United States and Vietnam as a testament to successful diplomacy. He emphasized that progress is possible, even from the aftermath of war, and urged leaders to not lose hope despite current global difficulties.
Addressing ongoing conflicts, Biden stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russia, ending the war in Gaza, de-escalating Middle Eastern tensions, and resolving the conflict in Sudan. He called on the international community to stop arming Sudanese generals and to pressure them to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to reach the Sudanese people.
Biden praised China’s cooperation in combating global flows of synthetic narcotics, specifically mentioning fentanyl, but underscored the need to resist economic and military coercion. He called for global unity and stronger collaborative efforts to overcome divisions.
Focusing on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), Biden described AI as the greatest test for international leadership, capable of significantly impacting life, work, warfare, and science. He warned of the risks associated with AI, including deep fakes, disinformation, novel pathogens, and bioweapons, and called for urgent efforts to ensure AI is safe, secure, and equitable. Biden advocated for the use of AI to empower individuals rather than bolster authoritarian regimes.
Concluding his speech, Biden appealed to world leaders to prioritize their people’s needs over holding onto power, stressing that democratic principles and freedom are crucial for a prosperous future. He drew connections from historical milestones like the fall of the Berlin Wall and apartheid’s end to contemporary issues such as the disputed election in Venezuela and LGBT activism in Uganda. In a final plea, Biden reminded leaders of their duty to serve the people, emphasizing that it is the people who matter most.