President Biden announces new aid to stop the ampox epidemic in farewell speech to the United Nations on Tuesday Where he expressed optimism towards wars and other global challenges.
Biden said the US will provide $500 million to help African countries prevent and combat the virus and donate 1 million doses of the virus vaccine. “We now call on our partners to follow through on our pledge and make this a $1 billion commitment to the people of Africa,” Biden said in his speech.
Biden told the leaders he has witnessed “a remarkable evolution of history” since he was first elected to office during the Cold War, noting that at the time the United States was still embroiled in the Vietnam War.
“Our country was divided and angry, and there were questions about our stability and future,” he said.
Biden says US-Vietnam relations an example of diplomatic success
But last year, the United States and Vietnam officially enhanced its diplomatic and trade ties“This is part of a long list of other global issues that have changed for the better,” Biden said.
“This is proof that there was a way forward, even from the horrors of war. Things can get better. We must never forget that,” he said.
“I know many people who look at the world today see difficulties and react with despair, but I don't. I won't do that,” Biden said, urging leaders to stand up against forces that seek to create division and chaos in the world.
Biden says wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan are top global challenges
He said the world should not reduce its support for Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, and should continue to work to end the war in Gaza and reduce tensions in the Middle East. He urged UN members to take action to end the conflict in Sudan and address the humanitarian crisis there.
“The world must stop arming the generals. Speak with one voice and tell them, 'Stop tearing your country apart. Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people. End this war now,'” Biden said.
Biden praised China for its cooperation in stemming the global flow of synthetic narcotics, but said the world must continue to stand up against economic and military pressure.
He said, “Our task — our test — is to make sure that the forces that hold us together are stronger than the forces that pull us apart.”
Biden said AI is the biggest test for world leaders
Biden spent a lot of time on artificial intelligence in his speech, saying it is the greatest test of international leadership and that the technology could bring sweeping changes to life, work, war and science.
“AI also brings serious risks, from deep fakes to misinformation, new pathogens to biological weapons,” Biden said, noting early international work on “global rules of the road” for the technology.
“But honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. What we need to do is to manage this new technology,” he said, adding that “urgent efforts” are needed to make AI safe, secure and equitable.
“We must ensure that the amazing capabilities of AI are used to uplift and empower ordinary people, rather than give dictators an even more powerful hold on human emotions in the years to come,” he said.
Biden concluded his address by urging leaders to listen to and serve their people, noting that preserving democracy has been a central goal of his presidency.
“The future will be won by those who unleash the full potential of their people to breathe free, think freely, innovate, educate, live and love openly without fear,” Biden said, drawing a line from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the end of apartheid and events of the more recent past. Disputed elections in Venezuela For LGBT activism Uganda,
He said, “My fellow leaders, let us never forget that there are things more important than remaining in power. It is your people. It is your people who matter most. Never forget that we are here to serve the people, not the other way around.”
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