Archive · 25 Sep 2026
UNGA Speeches Feature Defiance, Taiwan Support and Chilly Headquarters
World leaders gathered at the United Nations to give important speeches.
Some leaders talked about wars, security and problems in their countries.
Colombia's president stayed home because he had promised to focus on problems inside Colombia.
Bolivia's president gave a strong speech defending his leadership during protests and shortages.
Ghana's president said no country or group of people should be treated as less valuable.
Paraguay's president said his country supports Taiwan.
China, which is called Beijing in the article, says Taiwan is part of its territory.
The UN building was unusually cold, making reporters and staff uncomfortable.
The speeches showed that countries have very different views about global problems.
Competing speeches by Benjamin Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas drew attention, although Abbas was denied a United States visa.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella skipped his first UN address, honoring a pledge to focus on domestic problems.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira defended his government despite political turmoil, fuel shortages and protests.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama condemned annihilation threats and praised recognition of transatlantic slave-trade crimes.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña reaffirmed support for Taiwan, while chilly UN headquarters discomforted staff and journalists.
- Who
- UN General Assembly participants, including Benjamin Netanyahu, Mahmoud Abbas, Abelardo de la Espriella, Rodrigo Paz Pereira, John Dramani Mahama and Santiago Peña.
- What
- World leaders delivered speeches and addressed national crises, human rights, Taiwan and international security.
- When
- Thursday, September 25, 2026.
- Where
- The United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Why
- The leaders were participating in meetings of the UN General Assembly and presenting their countries' positions.
Support for Taiwan
Beijing's Position
Taiwan's international status
Support for Taiwan
Paraguay supports Taiwan and says tensions around the island affect regional security and the global economy.
Beijing's Position
Beijing considers Taiwan its own territory and has sought to draw away Taiwan's diplomatic allies while increasing military pressure around the island.
- Main venue
- United Nations headquarters in New York
- Colombia's representation
- Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo delivered President Abelardo de la Espriella's speech.
- Bolivia's challenges
- Political ruptures, corruption scandals, street protests and contaminated gasoline affecting more than 10,000 vehicles.
- Ghana's resolution
- Ghana's president thanked 123 nations for supporting recognition of crimes linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
- Paraguay's position
- Paraguay reaffirmed its support for Taiwan.
- Taiwan's diplomatic recognition
- The article says Paraguay is the only South American country and one of 12 worldwide to recognize Taiwan.
- Building conditions
- The UN press briefing room was described as unusually cold on Thursday.