In a strong rebuke of Donald Trump’s stance on climate science, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the United Nations in New York, warning that leaders who pull back from global challenges may lose the trust of the international community. Albanese’s speech marked his first appearance before the UN General Assembly, where he called on countries to remain committed to international cooperation to resolve wars and combat Climate change.
Reinvigorating Australia’s bid for a temporary seat on the UN Security Council, set for the 2029-2030 period, the Prime Minister also pushed for extensive reforms to the organization. He foregrounded that any nation that sees itself outside or above international rules erodes the sovereignty of all nations.
Earlier in the day, Albanian had encouraged China to bolster its efforts to decrease its carbon emissions. In response, China’s President Xi Jinping pledged a reduction in emissions by 7-10% by 2035, marking a significant commitment from Beijing. However, Albanese remarked at a climate conference that China can still do more, especially in terms of closing coal-fired power stations.
Albanese further praised US leadership for establishing the current international rules-based system, yet made clear that no single nation can be expected to uphold these rules. He affirmed that every nation has a part to play in maintaining the global order, securing the rise of new powers while safeguarding the rights of all nations.
In contrast to Trump’s view of climate change as “the greatest con job ever,” Albanese emphasized its threat to low-lying Pacific countries and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to its 2030 target of reducing emissions by 43%.
Adding to this, he called the 2035 target range of 62-70% mission reduction “ambitious and achievable.” Scientists, however, have expressed concerns, urging the government to set a more ambitious goal.
Signing off his week of UN meetings with a speech advocating for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, Albania joined France, Canada, and the UK in this assertion. Citing the UN Charter, he stressed the need to protect future generations from the destructive forces of war, promoting a world of tolerance and peace.
Following the assembly, Albanese is due to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London and engage in meetings in the United Arab Emirates.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/25/unite-to-end-wars-and-tackle-climate-crisis-australian-pm-tells-un-in-veiled-swipe-at-us-isolationism
