French President Emmanuel Macron delivered his final address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in New York. He emphasized the need for the international community to resist the "law of the jungle" and instead strive for a civilized international society. Macron's appeal came at the opening of the UN's annual gathering, where global crises such as wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, climate change, and artificial intelligence are dominating discussions.
Macron's speech highlighted the double standards that divide countries and undermine the international order. He urged countries to stand firm and not yield to the situation, warning against the rhetoric of defeat that can lead to the abuse of power by empires. The French President emphasized that the international community must defend science, particularly in the face of challenges related to climate change and biodiversity.
The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East were a significant focus of Macron's address. He proposed a moratorium on Russian and Ukrainian strikes against civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as a separate moratorium on attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea. This, he argued, would help free up grain exports and protect food security. Macron also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, criticizing the international response and calling for greater action.
Macron's defense of the UN system included a call for reform, particularly with regards to the use of the Security Council veto. He cited a Franco-Mexican initiative to restrict the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities, which now has the support of 128 member states. The French President emphasized that there is no peace without justice and that the international community must work together to uphold the sovereignty of nations.
Africa was another key area of focus for Macron, who called for a stronger peace and security role for the African Union and regional organizations. He emphasized the need for collective action to address global challenges and urged countries to work together to defend the sovereignty of nations. Macron's speech also highlighted the importance of protecting children and adolescents from the negative impacts of social media.
Macron's address contrasted with that of US President Donald Trump, who had rejected global AI regulation earlier in the day. The French President proposed an open-source advanced AI model that would reduce dependence on China or the United States. He emphasized the need for countries to be able to develop their own AI capabilities, rather than relying on others.
The issue of protecting children and adolescents from social media will be further discussed at the Paris Peace Forum on November 10 and 11. Macron cited concerns over declining learning ability, mental health problems, and obesity among young people, emphasizing the need for stronger protections. The French President's address concluded a significant speech at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the need for collective action and cooperation to address global challenges.
Key points
- Macron urges countries to resist the "law of the jungle" and strive for a civilized international society.
- The French President proposes a moratorium on Russian and Ukrainian strikes against civilian and energy infrastructure.
- Macron calls for a stronger peace and security role for the African Union and regional organizations.
