President Joe Biden focused his Tuesday remarks at the United Nations around unity, stressing that no nation can effectively meet the challenges of the modern era alone. Susan Walsh/AP

Biden stresses unity against climate change and Russian aggression in UN address

Christian Datoc September 19, 11:24 AM September 19, 11:24 AM Video Embed

President Joe Biden focused his Tuesday remarks at the United Nations on unity, stressing that no nation can effectively meet the challenges of the modern era alone.

Biden, speaking before the 78th United Nations General Assembly, urged the gathered nations to continue working together to counter Russia‘s aggression in Ukraine, combat the “existential threat” of climate change, defeat the global fentanyl crisis, and on a host of other problems.

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“The United States seeks a more secure, more prosperous, more equitable world for all people because we know our future is bound up with yours,” he stated.

On climate change, a through line of his international diplomacy, the president cited recent heat waves in the U.S. and China, wildfires in Europe, drought in the Horn of Africa, and flooding in the western part of the continent.

“Taken together, these snapshots tell an urgent story of what awaits us if we fail to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and begin to climate-proof our world,” he claimed. “From day one of my administration, the United States has treated this crisis as the existential threat that it is, not only to us but to all of humanity.”

Biden also challenged nations to continue opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s assault in Ukraine.

“Russia believes that the world will grow weary and allow it to brutalize Ukraine without consequence. But I ask you this: If we abandon the core principles of the U.N. Charter to appease an aggressor, can any member state feel confident that they are protected? If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?” Biden posed. “The answer is no. We must stand up to this naked aggression today to deter other would-be aggressors tomorrow.”

“That is why the United States, together with our Allies and partners around the world, will continue to stand with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity — and their freedom,” the president continued.

Biden’s comments, however, come as Congress debates meeting the president’s supplemental funding request for additional Ukraine aid.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has stated his desire to pull Ukraine aid out of a government funding package and advance it as a stand-alone bill, yet Senate leaders are seeking to address the request in an omnibus bill ahead of the looming government shutdown deadline.

The U.S. has approved roughly $120 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war broke out in 2022, and many House Republicans have called for the end to any future aid despite the president’s request.

Biden also reiterated his call to expand the U.N. Security Council, a call he originally made during his 2022 address before the General Assembly.

“The United States has undertaken serious consultation with many member states and will continue to do our part to push more reform efforts forward, look for points of common ground, and make progress in the year ahead,” he stated. “We need to be able to break the gridlock that too often stymies progress and blocks consensus on the council. We need more voices, more perspectives at the table.”

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You can watch Biden’s remarks in full below.

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