Windhoek: Over 30 heads of state and government delivered speeches at the UN headquarters on Tuesday, the first day of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), focusing on such issues as Palestinian statehood, climate change, multilateralism, and Security Council reform.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the first speaker to address the UNGA, highlighted the challenges facing multilateralism, noting a parallel between its crisis and the weakening of democracy. He emphasized the misuse of hunger as a weapon in Gaza and the continued forced displacement of populations, warning of the existential threat facing the Palestinian people without an independent state.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte echoed Lula's call for strengthened multilateralism, advocating for an open system grounded in international law and UN principles. She urged reforms to restore the UN's capacity to address global challenges like attacks on democracy, climate change, and socioeconomic issues.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the "crisis of trust" in multilateral institutions, calling for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations and its Security Council to empower decisive action. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto focused on climate change, stressing Indonesia's commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized climate policies, labeling the carbon footprint a "hoax," while Chilean President Gabriel Boric countered that denying global warming is a falsehood, not an opinion. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon highlighted environmental challenges, noting the accelerated melting of glaciers in his country.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for decisive action to resolve conflicts globally to achieve sustainable development and global peace. He pointed out the financial constraints faced by many developing countries, which hinder progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

The general debate, featuring representatives from UN member states, including approximately 150 heads of state and government, will continue addressing major global issues until its conclusion on September 29.