Biden Aims to Cement Foreign Policy Legacy Amidst Global Crises at Final UNGA Speech
President Joe Biden will deliver his final address at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 25, 2024, where he will aim to highlight the achievements of his presidency while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape marred by ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises. The speech provides a significant opportunity for Biden to shape his foreign policy legacy before leaving office in January 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- Biden will emphasize the success of his administration in addressing global challenges, including supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, managing competition with China, upholding the UN Charter, outlining principles for artificial intelligence, and working to address humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan.
- The speech will come at a time of heightened global tensions, with ongoing wars in Ukraine and Sudan, as well as escalating conflict in the Middle East following the recent escalation between Israel and Hamas.
- Biden is expected to discuss the need for stronger global institutions, including a reformed United Nations, to address pressing global issues, highlighting this as a central theme of his presidency and a component of his legacy.
- The speech will be followed by a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders to discuss pressing issues, demonstrating the importance of collaborative diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
- The upcoming election will further complicate diplomatic efforts, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the major party nominees, also participating in a series of meetings with foreign leaders during the UNGA week.
A Global Stage for Diplomacy and Legacy Building
With four months left in office, Biden’s UNGA speech presents a strategic opportunity to frame his administration’s foreign policy accomplishments before handing over the reins to a new president. While the administration is expected to celebrate key successes, notably its staunch support to Ukraine and its efforts to rally international action against Russia’s invasion, the speech is likely to take on a more somber tone given the realities of the increasingly fractured global landscape.
Navigating a Tumultuous World
Despite significant achievements such as shaping international consensus on responsible artificial intelligence development and leading the global response to crises in Sudan and Gaza, Biden faces difficult diplomatic waters. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Sudan, coupled with the escalating conflict in the Middle East, pose considerable challenges to global stability and require decisive international action.
In the Middle East, the situation is particularly complex and volatile. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a horrific humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with tens of thousands of civilians killed or injured, and many more trapped under a brutal siege. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine has also worsened, with winter approaching and the threat of further escalation looming.
The Sudan crisis, which has endured for over a year, continues to deteriorate with no clear path forward. The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with millions displaced and in desperate need of assistance.
Biden’s speech will need to address these complex issues while demonstrating a commitment to a peaceful resolution. He is expected to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza and the safe return of hostages, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is also likely to call for renewed efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging the need for a long-term solution to the ongoing conflict.
Beyond the Speech: Bilateral Meetings and Future Prospects
The UNGA speech is only one part of a busy week for President Biden. He will also participate in a series of bilateral meetings to address pressing global issues and strengthen alliances. These meetings will focus on addressing the ongoing crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan.
Biden’s schedule includes a summit with the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan, as well as meetings with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Ukraine. These meetings are intended to foster cooperation and coordinate international responses to critical global issues.
The election year adds another layer of complexity to the already charged geopolitical landscape. While Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the major party nominees, are also scheduled to meet with foreign leaders during the UNGA week, it is unclear how their interactions will influence the international discourse. This dynamic underscores the importance of the UNGA platform as a space for both diplomacy and political positioning.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Global Leadership
Biden’s final UNGA speech will likely emphasize the importance of international cooperation and multilateralism as cornerstones of global stability. He is expected to argue that collective effort is needed to address the increasingly complex challenges facing the world, from climate change to pandemics to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He will likely frame his presidency as a period of "building back better," both domestically and internationally, highlighting the importance of restoring America’s global leadership and its commitment to multilateral institutions. Biden will likely call for a renewed focus on diplomacy and cooperation, emphasizing the benefits of a rules-based international order.
This speech provides a final opportunity for President Biden to shape his legacy as a leader who understood the complexities of the 21st century and sought to address them through collaboration, diplomacy, and international engagement. While the world faces significant challenges, it is clear that the UNGA platform will continue to serve as a critical space for dialog and cooperation as global leaders work to navigate the complexities of the years to come.
