1. Rejecting the “law of the strongest” and protecting the weak

Prabowo challenged the global order’s tendency to let powerful nations dominate weaker ones, urging the world to resist such injustice. He declared, “The strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must. We must reject this doctrine.” He further called for a rule-based international system that safeguards smaller nations.

2. A balanced stance on Israel and Palestine

In one of the speech’s most striking moments, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for Palestinian statehood, while also calling for Israel’s security to be guaranteed.

“We must have an independent Palestine, but we must also recognise, respect, and guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then can we have real peace,” he firmly remarked.

His comments stood out as Indonesia, long a strong supporter of Palestine, took a more balanced position than usual.

3. Offering 20,000 peacekeepers for global stability

Prabowo pledged Indonesia’s willingness to contribute massive troop support for peacekeeping missions, especially in conflict zones such as Gaza .

“Not with just words, but with boots on the ground. Indonesia is prepared to deploy 20,000 or even more of our sons and daughters to help secure peace in Gaza or elsewhere,” he pledged.

4. Turning Indonesia into a global rice supplier

Highlighting Indonesia’s recent agricultural successes, Prabowo announced ambitions to help feed the world.

"Indonesia recorded the highest rice production and grain reserves in our history. We are now self-sufficient and starting to export rice to other nations in need,” he said. Adding that, “We are confident that in a few years we will be the granary of the world.”

5. Green energy and sustainable development

Prabowo further pressed climate action as a national priority, pledging real change rather than “empty slogans.”

“We choose to confront climate change not by slogans, but by immediate steps. We are committed to meeting our 2015 Paris Agreement obligations and aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2060,” he said.

Indonesia, home to over 270 million people , is one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The assembly hall erupted with jeers as the session’s chair tried repeatedly to call the gathering to order. 

Once at the podium, Netanyahu rejected international calls for a Palestinian state, saying Israel would not “commit national suicide.” He further criticised governments that have recently recognised Palestinian statehood, warning, “It will be a mark of shame on all of you.”

“The Republic of the Congo firmly believes that a stronger and more effective United Nations is an essential condition for preserving peace and ensuring sustainable development,” he said. “That is why we call for the reform of its bodies, starting with the Security Council, to make them more representative, more transparent, and more attuned to the realities of our world ,” he added.

“Africa can no longer remain marginalised. We must now ensure that it has complete participation in global decision-making. I say it and I say it forcefully, Africa deserves permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. Not as a recipient of charity, but as a legitimate partner. This is the solemn appeal that the Republic of the Congo makes from this very podium,” he said. 

Sassou Nguesso argued that Africa, a continent of more than 1.4 billion people and one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing regions, can no longer be sidelined in decisions affecting global peace and security.

“The most concerning is the distressing dehumanisation of a world with selective emotions based on interests and geopolitical stakes,” Faye said. “There can be no justice based on law when what serves as international order is governed by the logic of double standards, by the law of the strongest and partisan spirit,” he remarked.

Faye warned that Africa remains on the front lines of insecurity, facing armed conflicts, terrorism in the Sahel, transnational crime, and political instability. He called for an integrated response combining prevention, resilience, and responsibility, backed by predictable and sustainable funding for African peace support operations. 

Turning to economic reform, the Senegalese leader said the current global financial system fails to serve developing nations. Faye also pressed for the full implementation of the Seville Commitment and the Sustainable Development Goals, arguing these reforms are essential to guarantee universal access to healthcare, water , food, education, energy, and digital technology.

Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo landed in New York for the 80th UN General Assembly , urging his delegation to project unity and discipline. He said the forum must be used to “expose, in no uncertain terms, Burkina Faso’s position on major global issues.” Starting Monday, September 22, the Burkinabè team will begin a series of high-level meetings, vowing to defend national sovereignty and make their voice “clear and coherent” among world leaders.

Global governance

Burkinabè Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré met China’s ambassador Zhao Deyong on Friday for the official presentation of President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative. The framework promotes a multipolar world anchored in respect for sovereignty, international law, and multilateralism. Traoré praised the plan as fully aligned with Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s vision for Burkina Faso, saying the country “fully adheres” to its principles.

International Criminal Court

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger jointly announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), blasting it as “a tool of neocolonial repression.” The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) argued that the ICC is incapable of addressing war crimes and is selective in its justice. The move follows their earlier break from ECOWAS and pivot toward Russia, underscoring the bloc’s widening distance from Western institutions.

Guinea-Burkina Faso partnership

Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo met Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang on the sidelines of the UNGA, with both sides pushing for ties that go beyond “declarations.” Ouédraogo insisted the political friendship must translate into “operational content” through bilateral consultations and joint commissions. The talks mark a renewed effort to turn warm words into shared projects in security and development.

Visit to Crimea

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned as “illegal” a September 19 visit by ambassadors from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to Crimea, where they held talks with local authorities on trade, investment, and education. Kyiv said the move violated international law. The three Sahel states — now aligned as the AES — have already cut ties with Ukraine, citing its alleged support for “terrorist activities” in the Sahel. The controversy adds another layer of strain between Kyiv and the region’s juntas.