This article was revised to fix a typo and include updated details.

UNITED NATIONS – Over his lengthy career spanning five decades, President Joe Biden has witnessed the harsh realities of wars and famines, along with the remarkable process of oppositional sides mending their relationships and forming alliances.

These significant transformations have fostered a sense of hope in Biden as he prepares to step away from international politics, despite ongoing crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan that have led to immense suffering. He addressed these concerns in what would be his last address to the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

“Perhaps due to all I’ve observed and our collective efforts over the years, I maintain hope,” Biden conveyed to the assembly of world leaders on Tuesday. “I believe there is a forward path.

As he spoke in Manhattan, Biden’s legacy as a diplomat was at stake amid renewed violence in the Middle East and the intense political atmosphere surrounding the upcoming presidential race, which involves his predecessor, Donald Trump, and his chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Reflecting on his journey since being first elected to the Senate in 1972 at the young age of 29, Biden, now 81, remarked on the “extraordinary arc of history” he has witnessed. Back then, the United States was deeply involved in the Vietnam War and entrenched in a Cold War with the Soviet Union, with Egypt and Israel in long-standing hostility.

“Our nation was fractured and filled with anger, leaving many to question our stability and future,” he noted about the U.S. at that time.

Today, many of those conflicts have been resolved.

He mentioned that the U.S. and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to the highest level last year. “This reflects the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to reconcile,” he stressed.

“I know that many perceive the current world scenario as filled with challenges and may feel hopeless. But I do not share that view. As leaders, we cannot afford that sentiment.”

Advancing to new leadership

Biden’s choice to conclude his decades-long career, which included leading the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and serving as Vice President under Barack Obama before winning the presidency in 2020, is a pivotal change that may influence global dynamics.

From the podium at the General Assembly, he shared his journey towards stepping back from the presidential race, describing the personal challenges of that decision. He announced his decision in July to endorse Harris as his successor.

“Though I cherish this role, my love for my nation surpasses that. After 50 years in service, I believe it is time for a new generation to lead our country forward,” he expressed on Tuesday. “Let us remember, my fellow leaders: some things outweigh the desire to hold power.”

In his speech, Biden linked global events with the trajectory of his career, pointing to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which have profoundly impacted international relations since then. He emphasized, “We must bring an end to the era of warfare that commenced on 9/11.”

He reflected on his choice to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and expressed his somber thoughts for Americans who lost their lives there.

“It was my resolve to end the conflict, and I accomplished that. It was a challenging yet right decision. Previous presidents faced this same choice, but I was determined not to let it fall to the next.”

Discussion on Israel and Gaza: ‘Experiencing immense suffering’

In his address, Biden also covered the situation in the Middle East, approaching the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel, which resulted in the death of over 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of about 250 hostages. The Health Ministry of Gaza, governed by Hamas, reported a death toll exceeding 40,000 Palestinians from the subsequent conflict.

“I’ve met with the families of these hostages. I’ve shared in their sorrow,” he stated.

Mirroring his remarks about the pain inflicted on the Israeli families, Biden emphasized that “innocent civilians in Gaza are also enduring unimaginable hardships.”

“Too many families have been uprooted, squeezed into tents, and facing a dire humanitarian crisis,” he detailed, highlighting a fraught cease-fire initiative along with a hostage agreement that the U.N. Security Council is currently seeking to negotiate with the assistance of the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.

“We must act now to finalize its terms,” he urged.

Biden emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomacy, even as tensions escalate, particularly with Israeli actions in Lebanon in response to rocket attacks by Hezbollah, which have resulted in over 500 deaths this week.

“A full-blown war benefits no one. Despite rising tensions, diplomatic paths must remain open,” he reiterated.

He also highlighted the necessity of establishing a two-state solution that guarantees Israel’s security and peace while ensuring that Palestinians experience dignity, security, and the opportunity for self-governance.

Biden asserts: Putin aimed to ‘destroy Ukraine’ and has not succeeded

Biden called on the global community to support Ukraine, asserting the commitment dictated by the U.N. charter for nations such as the U.S. to resist Russian aggression.

“We must support them,” stated Biden.

During Biden’s address, a member of the Russian diplomatic team was seen typing on their phone via a livestream. Shortly after, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared, attentively listening to Biden’s remarks.

Biden posed a critical question: “Will we continue our assistance to ensure Ukraine prevails and retains its freedom? Or will we turn our backs and allow aggression to resurface and a nation to crumble?” He swiftly came to Ukraine’s aid after Russian forces invaded in 2022.

“I know where I stand. We cannot grow tired, we cannot look away, and we will maintain our commitment to Ukraine until they achieve a fair and lasting peace as outlined in the U.N. charter,” Biden stated, earning applause.

Biden also took the chance to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The positive news is that Putin’s war has failed at its central objective. He intended to annihilate Ukraine, but Ukraine remains free,” Biden remarked. “He aimed to weaken NATO, yet NATO is now larger, stronger, and more unified than ever, with Finland and Sweden as new members.”

The US will be ‘unapologetic’ in standing up to China

Biden discussed the resumption of collaboration with China, particularly in combatting the spread of lethal synthetic drugs.

“I value this partnership. It’s significant for the people in my country,” he noted.

However, he emphasized that the U.S. will be “unapologetic” in its opposition to unfair economic practices and military intimidation against smaller nations in the South China Sea, as well as in support of Taiwan.

Biden highlighted the importance of bolstering alliances within the Pacific region, avoiding mention of the Quad, a coalition comprising the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan, whose leaders he met with over the weekend.

“These alliances aren’t aimed at any specific country,” he clarified. “They are fundamental for creating a free, open, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.”

‘Stop arming the generals’ in Sudan, Biden urges

Biden addressed the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between two factions of the military government, pushing the country further into famine.

He urged the international community to halt the provision of weapons—while not specifying the providers. The United Arab Emirates, whose president Biden met recently, is reportedly a significant backer of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, which seeks to overthrow the government, according to human rights organizations.

“The world must cease arming the generals,” he insisted. “Stop obstructing aid to the Sudanese populace. Let’s conclude this conflict now.”

Biden concluded his address by citing Nelson Mandela, the trailblazing first black president of South Africa.

“What appears impossible is merely an illusion,” he remarked. “It always seems unattainable until it is accomplished.”

Closing on a positive note, Biden said, “There is nothing beyond our reach if we collaboratively strive towards it.”

Francesca Chambers and Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy are White House Correspondents for YSL News. Follow them on Twitter at @fran_chambers and @SwapnaVenugopal