NextFin news, On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Annalena Baerbock, former German Foreign Minister and Green Party politician, was officially sworn in as President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City. She will preside over the Assembly's meetings and guide its agenda for the coming year.
Baerbock, 44, was elected to the position on June 2, 2025, in a secret ballot requested by Russia, reflecting some geopolitical tensions. She received 167 out of 193 votes from UN member states. Baerbock resigned her Bundestag mandate to assume the UN role.
In her opening address to the Assembly, Baerbock called for unity and urgent action to address global crises including hunger in Gaza, the conflict in Ukraine, the plight of Afghan girls, climate change threats to small island states, and poverty eradication. She pledged impartiality and commitment to serve all 193 member states equally, guided by the UN Charter.
Baerbock also highlighted the importance of implementing the UN80 reform agenda and preparing for the upcoming selection of the next UN Secretary-General, António Guterres' term ending in 2026. Guterres congratulated Baerbock and emphasized the need for member states to work together to rebuild trust and accelerate progress on sustainable development goals.
The 80th session of the General Assembly was officially opened by Baerbock on Tuesday afternoon, with the gavel handed over by outgoing President Philémon Yang of Cameroon. Baerbock is only the fifth woman in history to preside over the General Assembly.
Her appointment follows a politically charged nomination process in Germany, where she was proposed by the previous coalition government. Some German politicians, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have expressed criticism of Baerbock's diplomatic style and political stance, particularly regarding her outspoken criticism of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Baerbock's presidency comes at a critical time for the United Nations, as the Assembly faces overlapping global crises and heightened geopolitical divisions. She urged member states to demonstrate the courage and ambition needed to turn commitments into measurable progress.
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