Macron Pushes for UN Over ‘Law of the Jungle’
French President Emmanuel Macron used his latest address to the United Nations General Assembly to call for stronger international cooperation and respect for international law. Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Macron warned against a return to a world where military and economic power could replace international rules.
Macron placed the United Nations and the international rules-based system at the centre of his speech. He argued that countries need to work together to deal with conflicts and global challenges rather than allowing powerful states to determine the future of smaller nations.
The French president also addressed the situation in Ukraine and the wider security crisis in Europe. Before his UN speech, Macron said he had discussed with US President Donald Trump the possibility of a moratorium on attacks against energy and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Macron said protecting Ukraine’s energy system remained an important priority as the war continues.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza was another major issue in Macron’s international agenda. France has continued to call for humanitarian assistance and support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron and the leaders of the UK and Canada had earlier said that the situation in Gaza and developments in the West Bank required further international action to protect the possibility of a two-state solution.
Macron’s comments reflected his broader argument that international law should remain a central part of global relations. He warned that weakening international institutions could make it harder for countries to resolve conflicts peacefully and protect national sovereignty.
Artificial intelligence was also an important part of the wider discussions surrounding this year’s UN General Assembly. France has been pushing for international cooperation on AI governance and greater coordination between countries. France is also leading a coalition with Spain, Kenya and Australia focused on protecting children’s rights in the age of artificial intelligence.
Macron’s UN appearance comes as international leaders debate how global institutions should respond to conflicts, technological change and growing geopolitical tensions. His message focused on cooperation, international law and strengthening multilateral institutions at a time when several major conflicts are putting those principles under pressure.
The speech marked an important moment in Macron’s international diplomacy as he continued to argue for a stronger role for multilateral institutions in addressing global challenges.