A glare, a handshake, a pope: Busy UN summit makes history
World
A glare, a handshake, a pope: Busy UN summit makes history
Russian airstrikes launched in Syria during the U.N.’s 70th anniversary gathering of more than 150 world leaders stole the spotlight and highlighted deep divisions on how to end that conflict and deal with the many thousands of people fleeing to Europe in search of safety.There were also some bright spots during the U.N. General Assembly’s nine-day gathering that ended Saturday.The 193 member states adopted a sweeping new agenda for the next 15 years to eradicate extreme poverty and preserve the planet.
When we feel the cool breeze of the ocean caressing us, we cannot imagine that those same waters will become our watery grave.
General Assembly
That included long-awaited pledges from India and Brazil.In addition to speeches from almost all 193 member states, hundreds of side events tried to address crises that showed little improvement (Libya, Yemen, South Sudan) and those erupting again (Central African Republic). Obama chaired a side event on strengthening U.N. peacekeeping, and the United States announced that more than 50 countries had pledged to contribute more than 40,000 new troops and police to serve in some of the world’s most volatile areas.Chinese President Xi Jinping received a long handshake from Obama after making major peacekeeping commitments, and he opened China’s checkbook during his first U.N. visit, pledging billions of dollars including $1.1 billion for peace efforts and $2 billion for meeting the global development goals.But Xi was criticized for hosting a meeting on women’s rights while cracking down on female activists at home, with presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeting that it was “shameless.”
