Former German Foreign Minister Baerbock elected UNGA president
Annalena Baerbock of Germany addresses the United Nations General Assembly after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the body, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
HAMILTON (BERNAMA-ANADOLU): Former foreign minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock was elected on Monday (June 2) as president of the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, which will begin in September, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
Baerbock conveyed her gratitude for the "overwhelming support" from member states for her election.
The current president of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang, wholeheartedly congratulated Baerbock on her election.
"I warmly congratulate Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock, on her election as the next president of the United Nations General Assembly.
"It is fitting that in this milestone 80th year of the General Assembly, leadership should fall to someone whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to multilateralism," Yang said.
Arguing that the "challenges of our time are enormous," Yang said Baerbock's pledge to serve as an honest broker - to listen, build trust, and foster dialogue across different divides - is precisely what this Assembly needs.
"Our priorities align powerfully with the aspirations of our global community," he said, expressing his "full support" for Baerbock.
In her remarks, Baerbock expressed her commitment to serving all and said: "My door will always be open to everyone - better together."
"My first key objective will be to support member states to renew, to refocus, and to make our organisation fit for purpose - fit for the 21st century," she said.
As her second priority, Baerbock emphasised the importance of "the Pact for the Future."
"It is key to further strengthen the role of the General Assembly with regard to peace and security matters, in close cooperation with the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission," she said, adding that her third priority "is a United Nations that embraces everyone." - Bernama-Anadolu
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