A Historic Vote for the 80th UNGA
On Monday, former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was elected president of the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. In a secret ballot, she secured 167 out of 188 votes, with 14 abstentions, and will take office in September 2025, succeeding Philemon Yang of Cameroon.
Unity and Action on Global Challenges
In her acceptance speech, Baerbock vowed to serve all 193 member states as an honest broker and unifier. "As president of the General Assembly, I will engage in a trust-based dialogue with all member states," she said, calling for bold actions to tackle armed conflicts, climate change, and funding shortfalls that threaten the Sustainable Development Goals.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised her vision, saying, "Better Together" is an inspiring call to face today’s crises—from climate catastrophe to growing inequality—and to reform the multilateral system for a changing world.
Breaking Ground and Looking Ahead
Baerbock’s election marks only the fifth time a woman will lead the General Assembly in its 80-year history. Her background as Germany’s federal foreign minister (2021–2025), Bundestag member since 2013, and former co-chair of the Greens equips her to steer debates on sustainability, human rights, and global solidarity.
Born in Hanover in 1980, Baerbock holds degrees from Hamburg University and the London School of Economics. As she steps into this historic role, young entrepreneurs, activists, and global citizens will be watching as she champions a more united and ambitious United Nations.
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Former German FM Baerbock elected president of UN General Assembly
cgtn.com
