In final address at U.N. Assembly, Joe Biden says world is at ‘inflection point’

Joe Biden's final United Nations General Assembly address as U.S. President emphasizes global challenges, peace deals, and democratic values.

In his fourth and final address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as U.S. President, Joe Biden said the world was at an inflection point . He asked the warring parties in West Asia to accept the peace deal and urged continued support for Ukraine.

Mr Biden used his speech to outline some of his decisions in office and to warn of future challenges, even as he expressed optimism about facing them. Addressing the 79th session of the Assembly, Mr Biden also used his speech to explain his decision not to run for a second term.

“I truly believe we’re at another inflection point in world history,” he said, adding, “The choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come.”

Mr Biden spoke of having seen a “remarkable sweep of history”, as he joked about his age. He walked through the major events of his political career, including the Cold War, the U.S.’s Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa.

“Things can get better. We should never forget that. I’ve seen that throughout my career,” he said, warning there was a lot to be done.

Mr Biden called for continued support to Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

He called on Israel and Hamas to finalise the terms of a peace deal and to address the condition of innocent Palestinians in the West Bank facing violence.