POTUS' Final UN Address

 President Biden delivered his fourth and final address to the United Nations, reflecting on the "remarkable sweep of history" he's seen throughout his five-decade career and warning that the world was at a new "inflection point."

 
The 81-year-old president said he was more optimistic than ever despite wars raging in the Middle East and Ukraine and the world facing emerging challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.

• "I recognize the challenges from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan and beyond: war, hunger, terrorism, brutality, record displacement of people, a climate crisis, democracy at risk, strains within our societies, the promise of artificial intelligence and its significant risks. The list goes on," he said.
   
• "But maybe because of all I've seen and all we have done together over the decades, I have hope. I know there is a way forward."

The president, who campaigned on his foreign policy credentials, touted his administration's efforts to rebuild America's alliances and partnerships "to a level not previously seen."
 
He defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, calling it "a hard decision but the right decision," while paying tribute to the 13 service members who were killed amid the chaotic evacuation as well as the 2,461 who were lost during the 20-year war.

• "Four American presidents had faced that decision, but I was determined not to leave it to the fifth," he said.

President Biden also addressed two major conflicts that began during his presidency that have no end in sight: Ukraine and Gaza.

He challenged fellow leaders to not let up on their support for Ukraine, warning that it would destroy a democratic nation and encourage further aggression.

• "We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away and we will not let up on our support for Ukraine," he said.

The president mourned the 1,200 Israelis who were slaughtered by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, noted that innocent Palestinians are "going through hell" in Gaza, and called on both parties to swiftly reach a ceasefire and hostage deal.

• "Now is the time for the parties to finalize the terms," he said. "Bring the hostages home, secure security for Israel and Gaza free of Hamas's grip, ease the suffering in Gaza, and end this war."

He also urged Israel and Hezbollah to step away from the precipice of a full-scale war, arguing that such a conflict was "not in anyone's interest."

• "A solution is still possible. In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security and to allow the residents of both countries to return to their homes," he said.

In closing his remarks, President Biden touched on his "difficult" decision to step aside to allow for a new generation of leaders to come forward, casting the move as an example for other world leaders.

• "There is so much more I want to get done. But as much as I love the job, I love my country more," he said. "My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power. It's your people that matter the most. Never forget, we are here to serve the people, not the other way around."