Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was elected Monday as president of the United Nations General Assembly’s 80th session, becoming the fifth woman to lead the body.
Baerbock secured 167 votes in a secret ballot conducted at the request of Russia, despite being the sole candidate for the one-year post. The presidency rotates annually among regional groups, and this year’s turn fell to the Western European and Other States Group.
Philemon Yang, outgoing president of the 79th session, praised Baerbock’s multilateral background, saying, “It is fitting that in this milestone 80th year of the General Assembly, leadership should fall to someone whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to multilateralism.”
As General Assembly president, Baerbock will preside over plenary sessions of the 193-member body and represent the Assembly in global forums. She assumes the role at a time of heightened international conflict, with wars ongoing in several regions.
“Today, we live in challenging times. We are walking on a tightrope of uncertainty,” Baerbock told the Assembly following her election. “The birth of the United Nations 80 years ago reminds us we have lived through difficult times before, and it’s up to us to take on these challenges.”
Baerbock’s term will begin in September when the 80th session officially opens.