Biden Vows Mpox Aid to Africa at UN

President Biden waves as he leaves the stage after his final address to the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 24. In his valedictory speech, Biden addressed the world's pressing issues, offering both optimism and a stark warning. He announced a significant new aid package to combat the mpox epidemic, pledging $500 million for African countries and donating 1 million doses of vaccine. But this wasn't just about health; Biden's speech painted a picture of a world on a precipice, teetering between progress and peril.

Biden acknowledged the immense changes he'd witnessed since entering politics, referencing the Vietnam War and the Cold War's grip on the world. He contrasted those turbulent times with the current era, highlighting the positive shifts in US-Vietnam relations and other global advancements. Yet, he cautioned that the world is facing new and complex challenges, demanding a united front against forces of division and chaos.

He urged continued support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, emphasizing the need to end the conflict in Gaza and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. Biden also called for decisive action to end the conflict in Sudan and address the humanitarian crisis unfolding there, urging the international community to speak with one voice and demand an end to the violence. He expressed gratitude for China's cooperation in curbing the flow of synthetic narcotics but stressed the importance of standing firm against economic and military coercion.

Biden devoted a significant portion of his speech to artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential to revolutionize life, work, war, and science. However, he also cautioned about the profound risks associated with AI, including deep fakes, disinformation, and the development of bioweapons. He called for urgent international action to ensure AI is used responsibly, emphasizing the need to prevent it from becoming a tool of oppression.

In his closing remarks, Biden issued a passionate plea to leaders to prioritize the well-being of their people. He emphasized the importance of preserving democracy, drawing a parallel between the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of apartheid, and the recent disputed election in Venezuela. He urged leaders to remember that serving their people should be their primary focus, not clinging to power. His words resonated with a sense of urgency, urging leaders to act decisively to protect the future of humanity.