‘Great powers’ cannot rule the world, PM says in UN speech
Climate change, AI, and the deterioration of the world order were at the heart of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s speech to the United Nations this morning.
In a week where many delegates and world leaders questioned whether the UN had failed in its mission, Albanese pushed for countries to “lean in” to the original ideals of cooperation and pre-empted conflict that powered the multinational body.
Anthony Albanese addresses the UN. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Underscoring this was his push for an Australian seat on the UN Security Council in 2029-30.
“Should our Security Council bid prove successful, our purpose and approach will be consistent with how we have always conducted ourselves at the UN,” he said.
“We will listen with respect, we will partner as equals, and we will protect what matters most.
“Australia will safeguard the rules that protect us all by upholding international law - including the UN Charter - and the sovereignty of all states.”
Albanese also spoke of the importance of elevating the voice of smaller nations and “middle powers”, saying the world could not be run by “great powers” alone or relegated to the whims of the “loudest voices” and “richest companies”.
He also touched on the recently revealed breach of a federal government Medicare website by a rogue OpenAI agent, saying the incident was “unacceptable” and showed the need for guardrails around the technology.
“And it is why Australia has been leading the way in establishing Australian standards for AI,” he said.
“Standards to ensure that AI will work and deliver for people, not for other way around.”
The technology could improve lives, he said, but it had to be kept under control.
On global order, Albanese stuck to the script and reiterated Australia’s long-standing calls for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, and for resolution on conflicts in the Middle East.
He emphasised Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state, and named slain Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, as he addressed the Israel-Hamas war.
He didn’t bring up the recent Israeli decision to close the investigation into her death without pursuing criminal charges, but demanded stronger protections for humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
And on the US-Israeli war on Iran, he repeated Australia’s “consistent” call for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iranian attacks on its US-aligned neighbours.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy sign the Australia-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement. Dominic Lorrimer
Addressing climate change, Albanese said Australia’s position in the Pacific offered a unique insight into the existential danger posed by a warming world.
Climate change threatened the very existence of the island nations in the ocean, he said.
“Accepting the science of climate change and acting upon it is rightfully the entry point for engaging with these vital nations of the Pacific, or, as we call it, the Blue Continent,” he said.
“Pacific countries have long been leaders on climate action. Their voices are essential to shaping the global response, and we proudly work with them.”
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
