Austria’s foreign minister made a dramatic appeal to the world – but they didn’t listen. In front of largely empty stands, Schallenberg lamented the “sad situation” in which humanity finds itself. For example, he noted the most violent conflicts since World War II, the “global climate crisis” and Russia, which “invaded its sovereign neighbor Ukraine because of neo-imperial aggression.” The ÖVP politician also warned against “polarizing populists” who “spread fake news”.
Almost no one listened to Schallenberg’s comments, not even when they raised a topic that really should have been of interest to African states. The Foreign Minister criticized that the UN Security Council, which was established after the Second World War, no longer reflects today’s world: “It should offer a seat to more countries that were excluded at its inception Which included Africa.”
Schellenberg’s demand for the reorganization of the UN Security Council exactly matches the statements of Olaf Scholz (SPD), who had earlier said more or less the same thing. The German Chancellor also called for reform of the UN Security Council, criticizing that the Security Council does not reflect the world with its permanent members the United States, Russia, China, France and Great Britain and saying: “Africa is of greater importance. Deserves, as does Asia and Latin America.”
Two is better. Incidentally, Scholz also put forward his demands in front of largely empty seats.
In fact the hall becomes packed only when the US President speaks at the beginning. Then it becomes increasingly empty.
Consolation: UN speeches are also heard via live stream at embassies, where diplomats take notes and then inform their governments about them. Furthermore, heads of state and government use the meeting in New York primarily for confidential discussions.
