UN General Assembly 2025: Global Leaders Speak on War, Democracy, and the Future

Every year at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), global leaders take to the podium to sketch their vision for the world — the 2025 session was no exception. In this post, we review some of the standout speeches, their themes, controversies, and what they tell us about the prevailing global order.

Setting the Stage: Theme & Context

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly (from 23–29 September 2025) carries the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” This theme underscores the tension many leaders face: how to maintain multilateralism and global cooperation in a world under strain from conflicts, climate stress, and questions about the efficacy of institutions.

With wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine, rising fragmentation, and backlash against global governance, many speeches this year were framed in binary — “us vs. them,” rights vs. security, national sovereignty vs. collective responsibility.

Voices That Dominated the Stage

Volodymyr Zelenskiy: Warning of an Arms Race

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy used his platform to make a stark appeal: stop Russia’s aggression — or risk unleashing the “most destructive arms race in history.” He also advocated for regulation of military AI and drone technologies, and criticized the weakness of current international law in the face of aggression.

His speech was both plea and threat — calling on world powers to act before the conflict escalates beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Donald Trump: A Provocative Rebuke

One of the most controversial speeches came from Donald Trump, who used strong language against migration, climate action, and global cooperation, calling climate change “a hoax” and warning nations that they were heading “to hell” if they didn’t rethink their path.

He also criticized the UN itself, challenged Western European immigration and energy policies, and reasserted an “America First” posture.

The reaction was mostly subdued — unlike previous years where such provocations drew laughter or vocal pushback — which many commentators saw as a sign of shifting global norms.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: The Defense of Democracy

Brazil’s President Lula positioned his speech as a defense of democratic norms against rising autocratic pressures. He referred to the conviction of his rival Jair Bolsonaro as proof that “would‑be autocrats” can be held accountable under the rule of law.

Lula’s address highlighted how domestic struggles over democracy now carry global implications, especially when elites who flout norms may find encouragement elsewhere.

Benjamin Netanyahu: Defiance and Isolation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a defiant address amid mounting diplomatic backlash over Gaza. His speech reaffirmed Israel’s military posture, criticized those recognizing a Palestinian state, and rejected accusations of genocide.

His delivery came after a walkout by dozens of nations during his address — a loud symbolic gesture of the isolation he faced.

New Zealand: A Call for Reform and Humble Leadership

Not all speeches centered on confrontation. New Zealand’s address, delivered by its Foreign Affairs leadership, lamented the erosion of trust in institutions and called for leadership that persuades rather than coerces.

They warned about the paralysis of the UN Security Council (especially via veto powers), and argued for bold reform to restore the UN’s legitimacy.

Cross-Cutting Themes & Tensions

Multilateralism Under Stress

Many leaders lamented the weakening of multilateral institutions. Trump’s comments directly challenged them; New Zealand’s speech urged reform. The tension is real: when states balk at constraints on sovereignty, can collective institutions still function meaningfully?

War, Human Rights & the Rules-Based Order

Conflict in Ukraine and Gaza dominated the agenda. Zelenskiy’s speech warned of cascading effects beyond national borders. Netanyahu pushed back against universal norms in favour of national security narratives.

Meanwhile, questions of civilian harm, accountability, and proportionality remain at the heart of global disagreement.

Technological Disruption & Governance Gaps

Several speeches touched on the emerging challenge of AI, drones, and unmanned weapons. Zelenskiy explicitly called for regulation of military AI. As technology accelerates faster than treaties or norms, new gaps are forming in how states manage conflict, surveillance, and accountability.

Democracy vs. Authoritarianism

Lula’s narrative is instructive: democratic backsliding at home is part of a broader struggle globally. His assertion that even powerful figures can be held to account stands against creeping authoritarian influence elsewhere. This speech signals how domestic politics and global norms are intertwined more than ever.

What Do These Speeches Mean Going Forward?

1. Signals of alignment, not firm commitments. Speeches are often rhetorical — implementation is where the real test lies.
2. Institutional reform is now on the agenda. Many recognize that the post‑World War II architecture is creaking; but there is no consensus on how to remake it.
3. Conflict resolution will be uneven. Gaza and Ukraine will dominate future multilateral efforts, but competing national interests may derail progress.
4. Emerging tech governance is a blind spot. As AI, drones, and digital warfare evolve, existing frameworks will struggle to keep pace. New norms or treaties are necessary — soon.
5. Domestic governance matters. The example of Brazil shows how national politics can become global signals — with ripple effects for legitimacy, norms, and alliances.

Conclusion

At this UN assembly, leaders reasserted familiar divisions while hinting at deeper structural shifts. The tensions between sovereignty and cooperation, democracy and autocracy, war and rights, technology and regulation — all are playing out in real time. Speeches offer insight, but the real test will be whether the resolve voiced in New York translates into action on the ground.