Albanese Tells UN Its Mission Cannot Be Entrusted Solely to Great Powers

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24 that the UN’s mission “cannot be entrusted solely to the great powers, or the biggest countries, or even the loudest voices alone,” nor “sub-contracted to the world’s richest companies or dictated by the pace of technology.” He said the multilateral system is under immense strain and the world must “embrace change and reform.” Albanese pressed Australia’s bid, launched earlier in the week, for a non-permanent Security Council seat in 2029 and 2030, pledging to amplify the voices of small and mid-sized states. He also committed to backing Pacific partners on the existential threat of climate change.