This story at a glance…

1. Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to the U.S.-Mexico border, hoping to counter Trump’s lead on immigration issues.

2. This visit, her first since Biden exited the race, aims to convince skeptical voters she’s capable of handling the challenge.

3. Trump continues to spotlight her past missteps, keeping immigration front and center in his campaign.

4. With Trump narrowly leading in Arizona, will Harris’s visit change the game?

 Biden Addresses the United Nations Amid Global Crises

The 79th United Nations General Assembly is underway, bringing together world leaders to address pressing issues facing our globe. President Joe Biden, in his fourth and final address as President, delivered a speech that focused on his vision of a world where countries unite to tackle major challenges. Despite Biden’s optimism, conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East continue to cast a shadow over this year's session.

A Call for Unity Amid Ongoing Conflicts
President Biden began by emphasizing his belief in the power of countries coming together to solve big problems. The White House shared that Biden intended to demonstrate how this vision has resulted in "real achievements" for both Americans and the broader international community. However, as many acknowledge, numerous problems remain unsolved.

The war in Ukraine continues without a clear resolution, now in its third year. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip has seen over 11 months of fighting without a cease-fire with Hamas, and tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are escalating, threatening a multifront conflict in the Middle East. These challenges, along with conflicts in Sudan, have drawn attention to the difficulties in achieving peace.

Biden’s Broader Focus: Climate, Technology, and Humanitarian Aid
Beyond conflict resolution, President Biden highlighted the importance of addressing the climate crisis, advancing humanitarian aid, and navigating the implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The President emphasized the need to strengthen systems that provide support to regions suffering from war and disaster, such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.

One of Biden's key themes was the significance of personal diplomacy, which he believes plays a crucial role in international relations. On the sidelines of the assembly, he is expected to meet one-on-one with various world leaders, engaging in dialogue that could foster deeper cooperation and understanding.

Secretary General’s Call for Reform
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened the session with a call to modernize international institutions such as the Security Council and the World Bank. Highlighting the turbulence and transitions the world is facing, Guterres stressed that we cannot wait for perfect conditions to make necessary changes. He urged that international cooperation must become more inclusive and fair.

Other Key Voices
Tuesday’s assembly saw other significant leaders addressing the General Assembly, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and leaders from Qatar, Poland, and Argentina.

However, not all scheduled leaders were present. Due to recent escalations of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati canceled his appearance, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed his trip until Wednesday, when he is expected to speak on Thursday.

Biden’s Legacy and the Path Forward
President Biden’s speech marked a significant moment in his extensive political career. Having spent over 50 years on the world stage, his address was seen as a valedictory, a moment of reflection on decades of service in international diplomacy. Yet, it also occurred in a time of uncertainty about America's role on the global stage.

As the U.S. heads toward a pivotal presidential election, the country’s future foreign policy remains in question. Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump could take vastly different approaches to international engagement, making this General Assembly a significant moment of transition.

Reflection
The Scripture encourages us to "seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14). While governments and institutions work towards peace, let us, as individuals, commit to being peacemakers in our own communities, praying for wisdom, compassion, and the courage to act justly in a world that desperately needs healing and hope.