PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali’s speech at the 80th UN General Assembly shows Guyana’s rise as a strong voice for international justice during a crucial time in global affairs.

Speaking as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Ali provided a clear evaluation of current crises that call for urgent international action rather than empty diplomatic moves.

Guyana’s unique role as both a Caribbean nation and a Security Council member allows it to speak out in ways that larger countries cannot.

Ali’s direct confrontation of what he called genocide in Palestine, along with his steady support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, proves that smaller states can take the lead where major powers are held back by political interests. This moral clarity stands out, especially considering Guyana’s own land disputes, which add weight to its demands for upholding international borders.

Ali’s description of Israel’s actions as “mass extermination” instead of legitimate self-defence matches the growing evidence from international organisations, including UN investigators who have noted possible genocidal deeds.

With over 64,000 Palestinian casualties reported and vast destruction of civilian infrastructure, Ali’s condemnation reflects the widening global agreement that Israel’s actions go far beyond acceptable limits.

Ali’s attention to Haiti highlights the severe humanitarian crisis affecting Guyana’s Caribbean neighbour. With more than 5,600 people killed in gang violence in 2024 alone and over one million internally displaced, Haiti serves as a critical example for international intervention.

The President’s focus on historical injustices, especially the financial burdens imposed after Haiti’s independence, shows a deep understanding of how colonial legacies lead to current suffering.

His call for strict enforcement of the arms embargo and strong support for a UN-authorised mission reflects a pragmatic view that security needs to come before political solutions. However, Ali’s insistence on processes led by Haitians demonstrates respect for sovereignty, setting Guyana’s approach apart from traditional actions by larger powers.

Ali’s renewed calls to lift the US embargo on Cuba highlight an issue that has cost the Cuban economy over $5 billion each year. The ongoing embargo, which affects healthcare, education, and basic services, exemplifies unilateral pressure that undermines international law.

Guyana’s position mirrors the wider frustration of the Global South with approaches that exploit economic vulnerability against smaller nations.

Despite pressure from powerful countries to soften its stance, Guyana’s reaffirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity shows consistency in upholding international law. With Russia controlling about 20% of Ukrainian land and over 40,000 civilian casualties reported, Ali’s position aligns with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter that Guyana committed to uphold as a Security Council member.

President Ali’s speech reveals why Guyana’s Security Council membership matters beyond just having a seat at the table. As the country looks towards the end of its term in December 2025, it has used its platform to stand for principles over political manoeuvring.

The President’s warning that the UN’s “noble mission will ring hollow if it allows power to prevail over principle” highlights the challenges international institutions face when dealing with powerful nations.

Guyana’s actions during its Security Council term, framed by the theme “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity,” demonstrate how smaller nations can lead with moral courage in global matters. By consistently applying international law in various conflicts, regardless of the parties involved, Guyana has shown that effective diplomacy requires the bravery to address uncomfortable realities.

As President Ali said, “our generation will be judged not by the eloquence of our declarations, but by the substance of our deeds.”

Guyana’s readiness to label the situation in Gaza as genocide, demand justice for Ukraine, and advocate for Haiti’s recovery while calling for an end to Cuba’s economic chokehold embodies the principled leadership the international community urgently needs.

In a time when major powers often prioritise their own interests over institutions, Guyana’s moral clarity serves as both inspiration and criticism, illustrating what is achievable when nations choose conscience over convenience.