In a farewell address to world leaders during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a pledge of $500 million to support African countries in preventing and responding to mpox, along with the donation of one million vaccine doses.
Biden urged U.S. partners to join this effort, saying, “Now we call on our partners to match our pledge and make this a billion-dollar commitment to the people of Africa.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Biden noted the significant changes since he was first elected during the Cold War, highlighting the U.S. relationship with Vietnam as a success story after their diplomatic ties were elevated in 2023.
Addressing global challenges, he emphasized the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, asserting the need for continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. He called for efforts to end the Gaza conflict and urged UN members to act against the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, stating, “The world needs to stop arming the generals… End this war now.”
Biden appealed to leaders to prioritize serving their people, stressing that preserving democracy has been central to his presidency.
He asserted: “The future will be won by those who unleash the full potential of their people to breathe free, to think freely, to innovate, to educate, to live and love openly, without fear.”
Regarding escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the violence in Lebanon, he warned that “full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest” and called for a diplomatic solution to ensure lasting security and safety for residents along the border. “That’s what we’re working tirelessly to achieve,” he concluded.
