President Biden’s Farewell Address at the U.N. General Assembly: A Call for Global Unity in a Tumultuous Time

 

Today, as the United Nations 79th General Assembly gathers in New York City, all eyes are on President Joe Biden as he prepares to deliver his final address as president to world leaders. With only four months left in office, Biden’s speech is expected to be a defining moment of his presidency, offering a reflection on the turbulent global landscape and his vision for a unified response to the ongoing crises.

In what many are calling his farewell presidential address, Biden will emphasize the importance of global cooperation amidst significant international conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating violence in the Middle East. The president’s speech comes at a critical juncture in world politics, with his foreign policy legacy under intense scrutiny. From the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden faces the challenge of shaping diplomatic solutions that could outlast his presidency.

 

Addressing the Ongoing Conflicts

As Biden steps up to the green-marbled lectern today, two major conflicts will be at the forefront of his speech—the war in Ukraine and the intensifying war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. These conflicts, both of which have shaped Biden's presidency, are likely to persist well beyond his time in office.

The Ukrainian Crisis

Biden has been one of the most vocal proponents of supporting Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression, and this has been a cornerstone of his foreign policy. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Biden’s administration has rallied NATO allies to provide Ukraine with critical military aid and imposed severe sanctions on Moscow. In his speech, Biden is expected to reaffirm America’s support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for continued solidarity from the international community. He will also likely push for a just and lasting peace, while underscoring the importance of defending Ukraine’s sovereignty against Russian territorial ambitions.

While the conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved, with Russia holding onto key regions in eastern Ukraine, Biden's insistence on providing Kyiv with weapons and diplomatic backing speaks to his belief in Ukraine’s right to self-defense. However, the war remains at a stalemate, and Biden's speech is likely to address the reality that this crisis could extend beyond his presidency, requiring continued attention from his successor.

Gaza and the Middle East

On the other side of the globe, the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to rage. The violence escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which involved hostages and deadly clashes. The aftermath has seen Israel intensify its military campaign against Hamas, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. Biden has expressed strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but has also pushed for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to spare civilian lives—a goal that has thus far proven elusive.

With the Pentagon deploying additional troops to the Middle East out of caution, Biden's address will not only focus on the immediate conflict but also on the broader regional implications. The president has spent significant time dealing with the influence of Iran—which backs both Hamas and Hezbollah—and the growing tensions between Israel and its northern neighbor, Lebanon. Biden is expected to call for a concerted international effort to stabilize the Middle East, while promoting diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions between Israel and its adversaries.

Defining His Foreign Policy Legacy

For Biden, today’s speech is about more than just addressing ongoing conflicts—it’s about defining his legacy on the world stage. His administration has faced unprecedented global challenges, from navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to responding to China’s growing influence and the persistent threat of Iran. Biden’s final months in office will focus on ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in tackling these global issues, while laying the groundwork for future diplomatic efforts.

One of the key points of Biden’s speech will be his vision for how the world should come together to resolve these major crises. According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden will emphasize the importance of defending fundamental principles such as the U.N. Charter, calling for a united international front in addressing global security, human rights, and economic cooperation.

Looking Forward: The Challenges for His Successor

As Biden looks to solidify his legacy, the global issues he has faced will undoubtedly linger beyond his presidency. Whether his successor is Vice President Kamala Harris—

 

 

who has largely mirrored Biden’s foreign policy approach—or former President Donald Trump, 

who has expressed a more isolationist stance, the next president will inherit the task of dealing with the aftermath of the current conflicts.

For instance, Harris, though aligned with Biden’s policies, has struck a more forceful tone on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for increased international attention to the civilian death toll. On the other hand, Trump’s isolationism poses a potential shift in how the U.S. approaches global conflicts, particularly in regard to Ukraine and Israel. Trump has expressed less enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia, while fully backing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose relationship with Biden has been somewhat strained.

As President Joe Biden delivers his final address to the U.N. General Assembly, the weight of the moment is clear. This is more than a farewell—it’s an opportunity to call for unity and collaboration in a world rife with division and conflict. His presidency may be coming to an end, but the global challenges of war, diplomacy, and human rights will continue to shape the international landscape long after his term.

Biden’s message to world leaders will likely emphasize that, even in the face of adversity, international cooperation is key to overcoming the challenges of our time. As wars rage on in Ukraine and the Middle East, the legacy of his presidency will be defined by how these crises are managed and whether the foundation he lays today can help lead the world toward peace tomorrow.