World leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York for the 2025 session, and the message was clear: the wars in Gaza and Ukraine must end. From presidents to prime ministers, speaker after speaker urged dialogue, ceasefires, and long-term peace to replace the destruction and suffering caused by conflict.
Global Stage, Global Concerns
The UNGA is the world’s biggest diplomatic event, where leaders from nearly every country deliver speeches on international challenges. This year, the focus was dominated by two crises: the ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, and the continuing violence in Gaza, which has left thousands dead and millions displaced.
Both conflicts have drawn international attention not only because of the human cost but also because of their impact on global stability, trade, and security.
Calls for Peace in Ukraine
Several leaders condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and called for renewed peace talks. The president of Poland said that “Europe cannot be safe until Ukraine is safe,” while Germany’s chancellor urged the international community to keep supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
At the same time, some leaders, including from countries in Africa and South America, stressed the need for diplomacy over weapons. They argued that military aid alone cannot solve the conflict and urged the UN to take a stronger role in mediating negotiations.
Gaza Conflict in the Spotlight
The Gaza war also took center stage, with Arab and Muslim-majority countries strongly pressing for an immediate ceasefire. The president of Turkey described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “unbearable,” calling for more aid and international guarantees to protect civilians.
The UN Secretary-General echoed these concerns, reminding delegates that children in Gaza are living without safety, schools, or medical care. Many leaders argued that without a fair solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the cycle of violence will continue.
Divisions Among Leaders
Despite the strong calls for peace, divisions were visible. Western nations largely focused on condemning Russia over Ukraine, while many Global South countries emphasized the Gaza conflict as a test of fairness in international law.
Some leaders pointed out that the UN’s credibility depends on treating all conflicts with equal urgency. “We cannot call for justice in one place and ignore it in another,” one African leader said.
Role of the UN
The General Assembly itself does not have the power to enforce peace but serves as a platform for shaping international opinion. Resolutions passed by the UNGA carry political weight, even if they are not legally binding.
This year, there were discussions about new humanitarian aid pledges for both Ukraine and Gaza. Some countries also pushed for reforms to make the UN more effective in crisis response.
Looking Ahead
As speeches continue, the central message remains: the world wants an end to war. While solutions may differ, the calls for ceasefires, negotiations, and humanitarian relief show that leaders recognize the urgency of stopping the suffering in Gaza and Ukraine.
Whether these appeals will lead to concrete action remains uncertain, but the 2025 UN General Assembly has made one thing clear: peace is the world’s top demand.