On the second day of the 2026 UN General Debate, AP spotlighted five leaders’ remarks: Palau said the Pacific must not be a theater for geopolitical competition; Paraguay backed Taiwan; others raised youth unemployment, Africa’s decision-making role and human suffering.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. called the Pacific “our home,” not a theater for geopolitical competition, and said it must remain an ocean of peace. Botswana President Duma Boko described youth unemployment as an urgent challenge and shared responsibility; Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye called for greater African representation in decision-making. Paraguay President Santiago Peña said his country stood with Taiwan, saying what happens there affects Japan, East and Southeast Asia, and the global economy. Andorra Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora urged people not to reduce human suffering to statistics, citing victims, children killed, and schools and hospitals destroyed.
