As of: 09/21/2021 5:33 p.m.
In his speech at the United Nations, US President Biden invoked peaceful solutions to global crises and conflicts. The US did not want a “world divided into rigid blocks”. US climate aid would be doubled.
No more going it alone and “America First” politics, instead more multilateralism and a clear commitment to international institutions: US President Joe Biden assured the international community of his will to cooperate in his speech at the UN general debate.
The US is back at the table of international forums such as the United Nations. “Our security, our prosperity and our freedoms are, in my view, more interlinked than ever before,” he said.
UN General Assembly in New York – Biden promotes more international cooperation
Heribert Roth, ARD New York, daily news 5:00 p.m., 9/21/2021
“Great Powers in Responsibility”
Against this background, he also promised not to strive for a “new Cold War” with China. The US is ready to “compete” with other nations, but does not want a “new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocks”.
The great powers of the world have a responsibility to shape their international relations carefully. “So we don’t tip from responsible competition into conflict.” The US President did not explicitly name China. Biden made it clear, however, that the US stood up for partners and allies and opposed all attempts by stronger countries to dominate weaker countries.
In his speech, Biden emphasized that the end of the Afghanistan mission marked a new era of diplomacy. “As we end this period of relentless war, we are opening a new era of relentless diplomacy,” he said. Military force only needs to be used as a last resort.
More climate aid for poor countries
The US president said the world was facing a crucial decade in light of the climate crisis. The USA therefore wants to double its climate aid for poorer countries. “This will make the United States a pioneer in public climate finance,” said Biden.
Together with the international community and other donors, the goal of providing 100 billion dollars a year to support developing countries can be achieved. In April, Biden had announced an increase in climate aid to 5.7 billion dollars (4.9 billion euros) per year. Climate aid for developing countries is an important part of the international strategy in the fight against global warming.
“Standing on the Edge of the Abyss”
Before Biden’s appearance, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres initiated the start of the UN General Assembly. “I’m here to sound the alarm: the world has to wake up,” he said. “We are on the edge of the abyss and we are moving in the wrong direction. Our world has never been in greater danger and never more divided. We stand before that greatest cascade of crisis of our lifetime. “
Guterres described the uneven distribution of vaccine against the coronavirus as “profanity”. The world is not standing together enough in the face of crises such as the pandemic and climate change, lamented the UN chief. “Instead of humility in the face of these epic challenges, we see presumption. Instead of the path of solidarity, we are in an impasse of destruction.”
Nevertheless, he still had hope, Guterres continued. “The problems we have created are problems we can solve. Humanity has shown that we can achieve great things when we work together.”
“Sign for climate conference”
In the run-up to the top-level meeting, Chancellor Angela Merkel campaigned for more ambitious climate protection goals around the world. Germany wants to be climate neutral by 2045, she said in a video message. “We are also setting an example for the climate conference in Glasgow,” she said with a view to COP26, which begins on November 1st.