President Alar Karis attended the 80th UN General Assembly. He said that the UN needs to improve. Karis stated that there should be no place for violence and force in the world.
Karis asked a UN representative what had happened over the year. The representative said that things had gotten worse. This shows that more work needs to be done. Many countries have realized that the UN must take action. Small countries can work together to make the world a better place.
Karis reflected on whether the UN still has a purpose. He asked himself what the alternative would be. Currently, there is no other place where countries can come together to talk. Each country speaks of its concerns and joys. Some countries want to solve their problems. Others want their concerns to be heard further afield.
Karis questioned whether speeches change anything. He said that initially, the speeches of the Secretary-General and the Brazilian president are listened to. The President of the United States is also important. Other speeches are listened to, but the hall is not always full. People go to their meetings.
The speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was emotional. The hall was full. Zelensky spoke not only about Ukraine but also about the world.
Estonia was at the center of attention at the UN because Russia violated our airspace. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna spoke at the UN Security Council. Karis said Estonia did a good job. He hopes that planes will no longer enter our airspace and that the war in Ukraine will end.
Many countries have recognized the Palestinian state. Estonia has not yet done so. Karis said that Estonia supports the two-state solution. He thinks the government needs to decide what to do.
Karis met with many world leaders at the UN. He spoke with the President of Argentina. He learned that speeches are carefully planned. Karis also met with the Queen of the Netherlands. He spoke with her at length.
US President Donald Trump criticized the UN. Karis said that Trump’s speeches can be viewed through a humorous lens. But his words carry weight. The UN has a lot of work to do because there are many conflicts. Karis believes the UN is necessary because there is no alternative.