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3w ago

Annalena Baerbock elected UN General Assembly president despite Russian objections

She secured 167 votes in a Russia-demanded secret ballot to bring a ‘Better Together’ agenda to the UN in September.

Annalena Baerbock of Germany addresses the United Nations General Assembly after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the body, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Annalena Baerbock of Germany, second from right, talks with delegates in the United Nations General Assembly, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Annalena Baerbock of Germany, center, is greeted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, right, and current UNGA President Philemon Yang, left, after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Annalena Baerbock of Germany addresses the United Nations General Assembly after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the body, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Overview

  • Annalena Baerbock won the presidency of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session with 167 votes in a secret ballot demanded by Russia.
  • Russia’s deputy envoy had criticized her as biased and incompetent, prompting the unprecedented secret vote.
  • Baerbock replaced Helga Schmid as Germany’s nominee after stepping down as foreign minister following parliamentary elections.
  • She will assume the largely ceremonial post in September with the theme 'Better Together' to promote trust-based dialogue among member states.
  • U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the assembly faces pressing crises including conflicts, climate catastrophe, and funding shortfalls.