Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a forceful first address to the United Nations General Assembly, calling on world leaders to stand firm against “dictators,” “tyrants,” and authoritarian regimes undermining global peace and democracy.
In his National Statement, Albanese stressed that Australia, as a middle power, seeks “a world governed by rights and rules, not fear or force.” He argued that the UN’s mission must go beyond containing war and instead create the conditions for lasting peace.
The Prime Minister singled out Iran, noting that last month Australia expelled Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi after intelligence services confirmed Tehran’s involvement in attacks targeting Australia’s Jewish community, including the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne and a Jewish restaurant in Sydney. “There is no place for anti-Semitism,” Albanese declared.
He also condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for the “illegal and immoral invasion” of Ukraine. Australia, he said, continues to provide both military and humanitarian support to Kyiv, while keeping open the possibility of joining peacekeeping efforts. Canberra has already imposed sanctions on Russia and aligned itself with global measures to weaken Moscow’s oil industry.
Albanese painted a grim picture of the challenges facing the world in 2025: dictators clinging to power through cruelty, tyrants invading sovereign states, regimes using technology to undermine democracy, intimidation in air and sea routes, and terrorism fueled by state sponsors.
He also reiterated Australia’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council for 2029–30, highlighting his country’s role in global security and human rights advocacy.
“In times of global uncertainty, there are no easy days, but there are clear choices,” he said. “If the UN steps back, we all lose ground. If we allow any nation to think itself above the rules, the sovereignty of every nation is eroded. And if we resign ourselves to the belief that war is inevitable, then we risk being trusted with nothing.”
