Australia's Prime Minister addresses the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and presses a Security Council bid

25 September 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered Australia's national statement to the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He said countries must work together on the climate crisis, on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and on the breakdown of international rules, calling cooperation the test of our time. He argued that the UN's mission cannot be entrusted solely to the great powers and said Australia wants to amplify the voices of small states and middle powers. He used the speech to seek support for Australia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030. He also pointed to Australia's ban on social media for people under 16, saying it had prompted more than 20 countries to bring in or plan age restrictions.