This is UN week in New York. This week we have heard speeches from many of the 193 countries that make up the UN. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, addressed the General Assembly by video because the US denied him a visa. What was the point of that? And Iranian delegates were barred from shopping at Costco. Surely a stroke of diplomatic genius on our part.
It’s almost impossible to consider the rant that Donald Trump gave: “Your countries are going to hell,” complaining that they are ignoring “clean beautiful coal” and stating that the earth is getting cooler. Nothing like being diplomatic.
President Alexander Stubb of Finland took a different approach, stating that we must all consider our shared values and interests and the role of international law even as the post WW2 world order is being reconfigured. In a calm but deliberate manner he called out the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, noting that without a stable Palestinian state Israel would not be secure. He also stated that the UN must recognize the Global South by providing Security Council seats in a more equitable manner. No histrionics, just steady and thoughtful in a very Finnish way.
Prayer for the Day
Gathering from all over the earth, presidents and diplomats come,
Some hoping to make bargains, others to speak truths we need to hear;
In finery and suits, representing interests on their nations,
They come, wanting not to be ignored or shunted aside.
Grant, you who made us all, that all hear their concerns,
And that we are able to find ways to make peace and justice.
In the name of the One who is our guide,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Eighty years ago, in a world scorched by war, leaders made a choice. Cooperation over chaos. Law over lawlessness. Peace over conflict. That choice gave birth to the United Nations – not as a dream for perfection, but as a practical strategy for the survival of humanity….at its best the United Nations is more than a meeting place. It is a moral compass.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General United Naitons, 2025
God shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks,
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2:4