UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations General Assembly has chosen Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former foreign minister, as the upcoming president of this 193-member institution. The selection was made through a secret-ballot vote prompted by Russia’s request.
Baerbock prevailed with 167 votes, considerably surpassing the 88-vote threshold required for victory. Meanwhile, Helga Schmid, a prominent German diplomat written in by a few voters, secured 7 votes, and 14 countries opted to abstain.
Germany’s initial nomination for the role was Schmid; however, a shift occurred, appointing Baerbock following her departure from the position of foreign affairs chief post-election. This switch was met with criticism within Germany.
During her candidacy presentation to the assembly on May 15, Russian Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky criticized Baerbock, asserting accusations of incompetence, pronounced bias, and a fundamental lack of diplomatic understanding.
Furthermore, Polyansky accused her of championing an “anti-Russia policy,” suggesting a potential bias in her capacity as General Assembly president, potentially hindering her pursuit of peace and dialogue.
Baerbock remained unfazed by Russia’s demand for a secret ballot, expressing gratitude for the substantial support her candidacy received while expressing eagerness to collaborate with member states through current adversities.
She is set to succeed Philemon Yang, the outgoing president and former Prime Minister of Cameroon, at the commencement of the assembly’s 80th session in September. Her new role will involve orchestrating the annual summit of world leaders and commemorating the 1945 establishment of the U.N.
Notably, the General Assembly’s presidency rotates across different geographic regions every year, reflecting the diverse representation of the U.N.’s member states. Recently, the assembly has gained increased visibility, especially in addressing conflicts, given the Security Council’s paralysis due to veto powers by Russia on Ukraine and the United States on Gaza.
In her acceptance address, Baerbock emphasized her tenure’s guiding theme, “Better Together.” She underscored the present global predicaments as an era fraught with uncertainty, comparing it to a precarious tightrope walk, yet urging unity amid such testing times.
She highlighted the formation of the United Nations in the aftermath of World War II as a historical reference point, emphasizing humanity’s resilience in overcoming difficulties, thus challenging the global community to address prevailing crises actively.
Baerbock cited over 120 armed conflicts worldwide as a stark indicator that the U.N.’s foundational goal, to prevent war for future generations, still requires unwavering commitment.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged that Baerbock’s presidency emerges during a period complicated by conflicts, climate crises, and social inequalities, with mounting divides and mistrust looming large.
Guterres remarked on the dwindling resources for aid and development, pointing out that contemporary global structures and institutions remain outdated. He highlighted this pivotal moment as an opportune time for unity, demanding collaboration to devise innovative solutions for pressing worldwide challenges.