Thread by @althecat

The world has gathered to hear @JoeBiden the new "Leader of the free world" speak at the #UNGA. And Ethiopia is watching to see what he says about #UNGAEthiopiaCrisis and Human Rights after he imposed sanctions Friday on a nation facing a lethal rebel insurgency from the TPLF.

@JoeBiden And the speech has begun.

His initial remarks address Covid and the shared mourning around the globe due to millions of deaths.

Climate change.

Then: "Will we affirm and uphold Human Rights? ... or will we allow them to be trampled in pursuit of naked political power."

"We have ended 20 years of relentless war in Afghanistan... we have begun an era of relentless diplomacy."

I have prioritized rebuilding our alliances. With NATO, with the European Union. We elevated the Quad Parnership. We are engaging with ASEAN the OAS and the AU. We are reengaged with the WHO and working with Covax. We rejioned the Paris Climate accord.

"US Military power must be our tool of last resort and not be used as an answer to all the problems we see around the world. Bombs and bullets cannot defend against Covid."

Talks about contribution to covid vaccines. And deliveries of a "a dose of hope" around the planet. He says the U.S. has already spent 15 Billion on covid aid. 160 million doses distributed. 500 million more to come.

Talks about #COP26. And US goals - net zero emissions by 2050, more than 50% cuts by 2030. Talks about helping developing nations, announces a second doubling of financing for adaptation and mitigation. Expects to meet the goal of 100 Billion PA in financing.

Talks about investment in innovation associated with climate effort and other threats. "We will pursue new rules in trade to prevent them being tilted in favour of some nations."

"Our approach is fully consistent with the UN Charter. All the major powers have a duty to [not exploit poorer countries or be coercive.]

We are not seeking a new cold war. We will all suffer the consequences of our failure to come together [to address common threats - Covid/Climate/Nuclear proliferation].

[Change in tone of voice] Talks about terrorism. Quite a lot. Says US will work with local partners rather than making large military deployments overseas.

Across the world we hear a common cry for dignity. We are committed to supporting this. There is an enormous need for infrastructure in developing countries. Infrastructure can be a sound foundation. Together with our G7 partners we intend to mobilise 100s of bns in investment.

Committed to continuing to invest in humanitarian aid.

We must redouble our diplomacy to end conflicts. Commits to two state solution in Palestine.

We cannot give up on Ethiopia conflict. Mentions rape and war. "We will continue to work with the IC to end this suffering." #UNGA #UNGAEthiopiaCrisis

Talks about:
- plans to address Afghanistan in UNSC.
- mentions Xinyang and Northern Ethiopia in same sentence.

I am not agnostic about the future we want for the world. The future will belong to those who embrace human dignity. Authoritarianism may seek to end democracy.

The truth is democracy lives on lists several nations. "While no democracy is perfect including the US.... democracy [is still the best way].

Looks kind of determined: "I know this... we will lead but we will not go it alone...with our allies and partners to lift all of our people and to preserve this planet. We will chose to build a better future. We cannot afford to waste any more time. We can do this. Thank you."

/ENDS

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