Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been elected to preside over the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, set to begin in September 2025. Baerbock secured an overwhelming majority during secret balloting on Monday, receiving 167 out of 188 votes, with 14 member states abstaining.
Stepping into her new role, Baerbock will succeed Philemon Yang of Cameroon, the current General Assembly President. In her address following the election, she pledged to act as an honest broker and unifier for all 193 UN member states.
“As President of the General Assembly, I will engage in a trust-based dialogue with all member states,” Baerbock affirmed. “We stand at a pivotal moment where unity and collaboration are essential to tackle global challenges.”
Baerbock highlighted the pressing issues facing the international community, noting that more than 120 active armed conflicts underscore the unfinished mission of the UN to prevent war. She stressed the urgency of taking bold, transformative actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing that without accelerated efforts, these goals will remain out of reach.
“The United Nations has achieved much since 1945, but we must adapt to address current crises and future challenges,” she stated. “Together, we can preserve and build upon the progress we’ve made.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed Baerbock’s election, acknowledging the difficulties ahead for the multilateral system. “Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty, and inequality continue to challenge humanity,” he said. “President-elect Baerbock’s vision of ‘Better Together’ is an inspiring call to action for us all.”
Guterres also noted the historic significance of her election, as Baerbock becomes only the fifth woman to serve as President of the General Assembly in its 80-year history.
Baerbock brings a wealth of experience to the role. She served as Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister from December 2021 to May 2025 and has been a member of the German Bundestag since 2013. As co-chair of the Green Party from 2018 to 2022, she advocated for environmental sustainability and social justice.
Born on December 15, 1980, in Hanover, Baerbock holds a degree in political science from Hamburg University and a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
As the world faces mounting challenges, Baerbock’s leadership at the UN General Assembly is seen as a beacon of hope for renewed international cooperation and progress.
