Globalization. The Arab Spring. Democracy. Human rights. Israel. Palestine. Climate change. Nuclear proliferation. Nuclear non-proliferation. Economic crises.
These were some of the common themes explored and at times exploited at the 66th Session of the General Assembly in New York, an annual event where diplomacy, security and emotions run high. Some say the meeting epitomizes all that is wrong with the UN, giving voice to tyrants and reinforcing the world body’s image as an ineffectual talk shop. Others see strength in these purported weaknesses: by gathering all shades of the global political spectrum under one roof and offering an open mic, the forum serves as a sort of catharsis ritual to ease international tensions. Whether profound or profane, messages from the podium provide unique insight into the state of the international community. Here are a few of them.
Follow links for video of the speeches
BAN-KI MOON, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Women hold up more than half the sky and represent much of the world’s unrealized potential. They are natural leaders. We need their full engagement — in government, business and civil society. This year, for the first time, we have UN Women — our own unique and powerful engine for dynamic change.
Dr. GUIDO WESTERWELLE, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
Germany is therefore not only working towards close partnership but also market access. We want to foster the changes through more trade. We are offering investments, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of an open and successful economy.
H.E. DILMA ROUSSEFF, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL
Controls must be imposed on the currency war through the adoption of floating exchange rate regimes. This means putting an end to exchange rate manipulation both by excessively expansionary monetary policies and by the stratagem of fixed exchange rates.
Mr. BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
So this has been a remarkable year. The Qaddafi regime is over. Gbagbo, Ben Ali, Mubarak are no longer in power. Osama bin Laden is gone. Something is happening in our world. The humiliating grip of corruption and tyranny is being pried open. Dictators are on notice. The youth are delivering a powerful rebuke to dictatorship, and rejecting the lie that some races, some peoples, some religions, some ethnicities do not desire democracy.
H.E. Mr. FELIPE CALDERON HINOJOSA, PRESIDENT OF MEXICO
We cannot allow the greatest supra-national body to remain the decision-making body of the few.
Mr. NICOLAS SARKOZY, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE
Regarding the Palestinian question: Let us cease endless debates on the parameters...We should not look for a perfect solution, because there are no perfect solutions.
Mr. JACOB ZUMA, PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA
With regard to the situation in Libya, the AU played a crucial role in seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis, in line with its mandate of working for peace and stability in the continent. However, it is a matter of record now that the AU efforts were never given a chance. Military actions were preferred over peaceful means.
Dr. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCON, GCFR, PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
In spite of the [Security] Council’s many successes, it is our belief that this important organ will benefit from the vigour and fresh perspectives which only a revamped Council that accommodated changing global political realities can provide. I urge you to set up clear criteria for the reform of the UN Security Council in line with the demand of the majority of the World. A reformed UN Security Council is the only way to demonstrate that all nations have equal stake in the UN. Nigeria looks forward to the prospect of membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
HIS MAJESTY KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA , KING OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
More than a decade ago, we in the Kingdom of Bahrain recognized the need to proceed towards greater reform and improvement, keeping in mind the supreme interest of our people, to satisfy their demands for freedom, democracy and political participation; a home-grown participation, according to the evolution of each country and its history...With regard to developments in the brotherly Yemen, the Kingdom of Bahrain supports the Gulf initiative to maintain the security, stability and unity of Yemen and achieve the aspirations of its people.
H.E. Dr. MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Who used the mysterious September 11 incident as a pretext to attack Afghanistan and Iraq , killing, injuring, and displacing millions in two countries with the ultimate goal of bringing into its domination the Middle East and its oil resources? Who nullified the Breton Woods system by printing trillions of dollars without the backing of gold reserves or equivalent currency? A move that triggered inflation worldwide and was intended to prey on the economic gains of other nations. Which country's military spending exceeds annually a thousand billion dollars, more than the military budgets of all countries of the world combined?
Mr. DAVID CAMERON, PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
We should not be trying to impose Western values or a single template on the region. Democracy is a process, not an event. Participatory government involves much more than the simple act of voting. The building blocks of democracy have to be developed patiently from the grass roots up. The process will be different in every country. And it is not for us to dictate how Arab nations respond to these challenges. Or to lecture them on how to do it.
H.E. MR. RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
The UN has to reform itself and renew its vision with a view to protecting the universal rights of humanity as a whole, rather than acting upon the interests and remaining under the guardianship of certain countries. Last month in Somalia, I witnessed in person how the UN and the international community remained helpless against the pressing problems of today. The tragedy of Somalia, where tens of thousands of children died due to the lack of even a piece of bread and a drop of water, is a shame for the international community.
H.E. HAMID KARZAI, PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN, DELIVERED BY H.E. Dr. ZALMAI RASSOUL, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
We are particularly concerned by the developments in Libya. We do recognize the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the legitimate government of Libya. However, based on our own experience, we urge the brotherly Libyan nation that the shortest route to peace will be through ensuring inclusivity and safeguarding the unity of the Libyan nation.
H.E. Mr. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PRIME MINISTER OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL
Well, this is an unfortunate part of the U.N. institution. It's the -- the theater of the absurd. It doesn't only cast Israel as the villain; it often casts real villains in leading roles: Gadhafi's Libya chaired the U.N. Commission on Human Rights; Saddam's Iraq headed the U.N. Committee on Disarmament. You might say: That's the past. Well, here's what's happening now -- right now, today, Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon now presides over the U.N. Security Council. This means, in effect, that a terror organization presides over the body entrusted with guaranteeing the world's security.
H.E. Mr. STAVROS LAMBRINIDIS, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC OF GREECE
Every crisis, it has often been said, is also an opportunity. If this is true, then our region, riddled as it has been for decades with big and small crises, is arguably the region in the world that today harbors the greatest opportunities for peace, growth, and stability. It is in our hands to make this happen. Let us, dear Colleagues, begin!
H.E. Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
We need a stronger and more effective United Nations. We need a United Nations that is sensitive to the aspirations of everyone - rich or poor, big or small. For this the United Nations and its principal organs, the General Assembly and the Security Council, must be revitalized and reformed. The reform and expansion of the Security Council are essential if it is to reflect contemporary reality. Such an outcome will enhance the Council's credibility and effectiveness in dealing with global issues. Early reform of the Security Council must be pursued with renewed vigour and urgently enacted.
H.E. Dr ABDIWELI MOHAMED ALI, PRIME MINISTER OF SOMALIA
To the business community, I say Somalia is truly Africa's sleeping giant and a relatively small investment here will go a long way. With the longest coastline on the continent, bountiful and unexploited natural wealth and an entrepreneurial tradition that dates back to the Roman times, a peaceful Somalia would be a force for moderation and an engine of growth and prosperity for the region and for the continent. Further, the integration of Somalia into the global economy will have a considerable and beneficial impact on the phenomenon of piracy from our shores, which imposes huge costs on global trade.
H.E. Mr. MOHAMED KAMEL AMR, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF EGYPT
It has become totally absurd to carry on talking about a peace process while Israel continues, with total comfort and complete disregard to the objections of the countries of the world, constructing settlements on the Palestinian territories in the West Bank, its alteration of the features of the occupied East Jerusalem, its use of violence against civilians and its blockade of Gaza in violation of international legitimacy and the provisions of international law. Regrettably, anyone with a sense of fairness following the situation would see in Israel's action the embodiment of its continuing evasion from admitting that the only way to achieve its security is through reaching a just settlement with the Palestinians through serious negotiations based on clear parameters and a specific time frame.
H.E. Mr. MAHMOUD JIBRIL, CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL OF LIBYA
We do not claim to have a magic wand, as Moammar Gadhafi claimed when he looked at himself in the mirror and suddenly discovered that he is an almighty prophet with a solution to every problem on earth, except for Libya's problems.
H.E. YANG JIECHI, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
China supports the transition of the G20 from a short-term crisis response mechanism to a long-term mechanism of economic governance. The G20 should play a bigger role in global economic governance and in promoting the full recovery and growth of the world economy. We support the efforts of emerging markets to explore new modes of international cooperation.
H.E. Mr. SERGEY V. LAVROV, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Wide international cooperation is needed to keep the situation in the global economic and financial system under control. One can hardly deny the importance of the role that the G20 plays in the post-crisis recovery of the world economy. The efficiency of these efforts will only grow if the G20 strengthens its dialogue with the UN and its specialized agencies. A significant contribution to the reform of the global economy and finance is being made by BRICS – a global- scale association of five major rapidly growing economies that reflects the realities of the evolving multipolar world. BRICS does not aim at confrontation with anyone, – its goal is to enhance productive multilateral collaboration to address the urgent problems of the contemporary world.
H.E. Mr. WALID AL-MOUALEM, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EXPATRIATES OF THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
We deeply regret the surge in the activities of armed groups in Syria which have not waned and instead continued to spiral. The presence of these groups, which of itself is the other aspect of the problem in Syria, is the manifestation of foreign intervention. We expected the states that advocate the need for reform and change to support the Syrian official position instead of opting for incitement and defiance. In fact, the more ground we cover towards stability and reform, the stronger the foreign incitement. Armed violence surges in tandem with multiple economic sanctions. By targeting the Syrian economy with sanctions, the United States and the European Union jeopardize the interests and the basic daily subsistence needs of the Syrian people.
H.E. Mr. PAK KIL YON, VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND HEAD OF DELEGATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Now in the DPRK, general march is in full swing to realize the cause of building a powerful state under the wise leadership of the great General KIM JONG IL. The DPRK Government concentrates all its resources on economIC construction with main emphasis on significantly improving the people's livelihood, thus achieving unprecedented remarkable successes.
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Profound or Profane? Quotes from the 2011 UN General Assembly
September 29, 2011
Globalization. The Arab Spring. Democracy. Human rights. Israel. Palestine. Climate change. Nuclear proliferation. Nuclear non-proliferation. Economic crises.
These were some of the common themes explored and at times exploited at the 66th Session of the General Assembly in New York, an annual event where diplomacy, security and emotions run high. Some say the meeting epitomizes all that is wrong with the UN, giving voice to tyrants and reinforcing the world body’s image as an ineffectual talk shop. Others see strength in these purported weaknesses: by gathering all shades of the global political spectrum under one roof and offering an open mic, the forum serves as a sort of catharsis ritual to ease international tensions. Whether profound or profane, messages from the podium provide unique insight into the state of the international community. Here are a few of them.
Follow links for video of the speeches
BAN-KI MOON, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Women hold up more than half the sky and represent much of the world’s unrealized potential. They are natural leaders. We need their full engagement — in government, business and civil society. This year, for the first time, we have UN Women — our own unique and powerful engine for dynamic change.
Dr. GUIDO WESTERWELLE, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
Germany is therefore not only working towards close partnership but also market access. We want to foster the changes through more trade. We are offering investments, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of an open and successful economy.
H.E. DILMA ROUSSEFF, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL
Controls must be imposed on the currency war through the adoption of floating exchange rate regimes. This means putting an end to exchange rate manipulation both by excessively expansionary monetary policies and by the stratagem of fixed exchange rates.
Mr. BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
So this has been a remarkable year. The Qaddafi regime is over. Gbagbo, Ben Ali, Mubarak are no longer in power. Osama bin Laden is gone. Something is happening in our world. The humiliating grip of corruption and tyranny is being pried open. Dictators are on notice. The youth are delivering a powerful rebuke to dictatorship, and rejecting the lie that some races, some peoples, some religions, some ethnicities do not desire democracy.
H.E. Mr. FELIPE CALDERON HINOJOSA, PRESIDENT OF MEXICO
We cannot allow the greatest supra-national body to remain the decision-making body of the few.
Mr. NICOLAS SARKOZY, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE
Regarding the Palestinian question: Let us cease endless debates on the parameters...We should not look for a perfect solution, because there are no perfect solutions.
Mr. JACOB ZUMA, PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA
With regard to the situation in Libya, the AU played a crucial role in seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis, in line with its mandate of working for peace and stability in the continent. However, it is a matter of record now that the AU efforts were never given a chance. Military actions were preferred over peaceful means.
Dr. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCON, GCFR, PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
In spite of the [Security] Council’s many successes, it is our belief that this important organ will benefit from the vigour and fresh perspectives which only a revamped Council that accommodated changing global political realities can provide. I urge you to set up clear criteria for the reform of the UN Security Council in line with the demand of the majority of the World. A reformed UN Security Council is the only way to demonstrate that all nations have equal stake in the UN. Nigeria looks forward to the prospect of membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
HIS MAJESTY KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA , KING OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
More than a decade ago, we in the Kingdom of Bahrain recognized the need to proceed towards greater reform and improvement, keeping in mind the supreme interest of our people, to satisfy their demands for freedom, democracy and political participation; a home-grown participation, according to the evolution of each country and its history...With regard to developments in the brotherly Yemen, the Kingdom of Bahrain supports the Gulf initiative to maintain the security, stability and unity of Yemen and achieve the aspirations of its people.
H.E. Dr. MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Who used the mysterious September 11 incident as a pretext to attack Afghanistan and Iraq , killing, injuring, and displacing millions in two countries with the ultimate goal of bringing into its domination the Middle East and its oil resources? Who nullified the Breton Woods system by printing trillions of dollars without the backing of gold reserves or equivalent currency? A move that triggered inflation worldwide and was intended to prey on the economic gains of other nations. Which country's military spending exceeds annually a thousand billion dollars, more than the military budgets of all countries of the world combined?
Mr. DAVID CAMERON, PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
We should not be trying to impose Western values or a single template on the region. Democracy is a process, not an event. Participatory government involves much more than the simple act of voting. The building blocks of democracy have to be developed patiently from the grass roots up. The process will be different in every country. And it is not for us to dictate how Arab nations respond to these challenges. Or to lecture them on how to do it.
H.E. MR. RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
The UN has to reform itself and renew its vision with a view to protecting the universal rights of humanity as a whole, rather than acting upon the interests and remaining under the guardianship of certain countries. Last month in Somalia, I witnessed in person how the UN and the international community remained helpless against the pressing problems of today. The tragedy of Somalia, where tens of thousands of children died due to the lack of even a piece of bread and a drop of water, is a shame for the international community.
H.E. HAMID KARZAI, PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN, DELIVERED BY H.E. Dr. ZALMAI RASSOUL, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
We are particularly concerned by the developments in Libya. We do recognize the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the legitimate government of Libya. However, based on our own experience, we urge the brotherly Libyan nation that the shortest route to peace will be through ensuring inclusivity and safeguarding the unity of the Libyan nation.
H.E. Mr. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PRIME MINISTER OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL
Well, this is an unfortunate part of the U.N. institution. It's the -- the theater of the absurd. It doesn't only cast Israel as the villain; it often casts real villains in leading roles: Gadhafi's Libya chaired the U.N. Commission on Human Rights; Saddam's Iraq headed the U.N. Committee on Disarmament. You might say: That's the past. Well, here's what's happening now -- right now, today, Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon now presides over the U.N. Security Council. This means, in effect, that a terror organization presides over the body entrusted with guaranteeing the world's security.
H.E. Mr. STAVROS LAMBRINIDIS, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC OF GREECE
Every crisis, it has often been said, is also an opportunity. If this is true, then our region, riddled as it has been for decades with big and small crises, is arguably the region in the world that today harbors the greatest opportunities for peace, growth, and stability. It is in our hands to make this happen. Let us, dear Colleagues, begin!
H.E. Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
We need a stronger and more effective United Nations. We need a United Nations that is sensitive to the aspirations of everyone - rich or poor, big or small. For this the United Nations and its principal organs, the General Assembly and the Security Council, must be revitalized and reformed. The reform and expansion of the Security Council are essential if it is to reflect contemporary reality. Such an outcome will enhance the Council's credibility and effectiveness in dealing with global issues. Early reform of the Security Council must be pursued with renewed vigour and urgently enacted.
H.E. Dr ABDIWELI MOHAMED ALI, PRIME MINISTER OF SOMALIA
To the business community, I say Somalia is truly Africa's sleeping giant and a relatively small investment here will go a long way. With the longest coastline on the continent, bountiful and unexploited natural wealth and an entrepreneurial tradition that dates back to the Roman times, a peaceful Somalia would be a force for moderation and an engine of growth and prosperity for the region and for the continent. Further, the integration of Somalia into the global economy will have a considerable and beneficial impact on the phenomenon of piracy from our shores, which imposes huge costs on global trade.
H.E. Mr. MOHAMED KAMEL AMR, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF EGYPT
It has become totally absurd to carry on talking about a peace process while Israel continues, with total comfort and complete disregard to the objections of the countries of the world, constructing settlements on the Palestinian territories in the West Bank, its alteration of the features of the occupied East Jerusalem, its use of violence against civilians and its blockade of Gaza in violation of international legitimacy and the provisions of international law. Regrettably, anyone with a sense of fairness following the situation would see in Israel's action the embodiment of its continuing evasion from admitting that the only way to achieve its security is through reaching a just settlement with the Palestinians through serious negotiations based on clear parameters and a specific time frame.
H.E. Mr. MAHMOUD JIBRIL, CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL OF LIBYA
We do not claim to have a magic wand, as Moammar Gadhafi claimed when he looked at himself in the mirror and suddenly discovered that he is an almighty prophet with a solution to every problem on earth, except for Libya's problems.
H.E. YANG JIECHI, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
China supports the transition of the G20 from a short-term crisis response mechanism to a long-term mechanism of economic governance. The G20 should play a bigger role in global economic governance and in promoting the full recovery and growth of the world economy. We support the efforts of emerging markets to explore new modes of international cooperation.
H.E. Mr. SERGEY V. LAVROV, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Wide international cooperation is needed to keep the situation in the global economic and financial system under control. One can hardly deny the importance of the role that the G20 plays in the post-crisis recovery of the world economy. The efficiency of these efforts will only grow if the G20 strengthens its dialogue with the UN and its specialized agencies. A significant contribution to the reform of the global economy and finance is being made by BRICS – a global- scale association of five major rapidly growing economies that reflects the realities of the evolving multipolar world. BRICS does not aim at confrontation with anyone, – its goal is to enhance productive multilateral collaboration to address the urgent problems of the contemporary world.
H.E. Mr. WALID AL-MOUALEM, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EXPATRIATES OF THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
We deeply regret the surge in the activities of armed groups in Syria which have not waned and instead continued to spiral. The presence of these groups, which of itself is the other aspect of the problem in Syria, is the manifestation of foreign intervention. We expected the states that advocate the need for reform and change to support the Syrian official position instead of opting for incitement and defiance. In fact, the more ground we cover towards stability and reform, the stronger the foreign incitement. Armed violence surges in tandem with multiple economic sanctions. By targeting the Syrian economy with sanctions, the United States and the European Union jeopardize the interests and the basic daily subsistence needs of the Syrian people.
H.E. Mr. PAK KIL YON, VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND HEAD OF DELEGATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Now in the DPRK, general march is in full swing to realize the cause of building a powerful state under the wise leadership of the great General KIM JONG IL. The DPRK Government concentrates all its resources on economIC construction with main emphasis on significantly improving the people's livelihood, thus achieving unprecedented remarkable successes.
