UN General Assembly speakers draw on proverbs, poets and popular music
Speakers at the United Nations General Assembly used quotations from ancient rulers, religious and moral figures, poets, novelists and musicians to frame their addresses. References included Hammurabi, Mahatma Gandhi, Chinua Achebe, Anne Frank and Talking Heads, alongside proverbs from countries including the Marshall Islands and Palau.
World leaders and senior officials speaking at the United Nations General Assembly this week drew on a wide range of quotations, including ancient texts, national proverbs, poets, novelists and popular music. The references were used to discuss themes including justice, solidarity, peace, humanitarian responsibility and the future of international cooperation. Speakers quoted figures from different periods and regions rather than relying only on contemporary political language.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi cited the ancient Babylonian king Hammurabi, saying laws existed to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine referred to a proverb comparing a coral reef to a place where different fish gather for food and shelter. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis quoted David Byrne of the 1980s band Talking Heads, using the line “We’re on a road to nowhere.” The quotation appeared among references made by leaders during the annual gathering.
A representative of Yemen’s internationally recognised governing council quoted a Yemeni poet on the relationship between people, land, history and the future. Finnish President Alexander Stubb cited Mahatma Gandhi on the consequences of breaking rules. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley quoted poet laureate Esther Phillips in an appeal involving conscience, empathy, unity and equity.
President Azali Assoumani of Comoros used a passage from Chinua Achebe about people gathering because it is good for relatives to come together. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines President Godwin Friday quoted calypso singer David Rudder in discussing Haiti and the obligation to respond to suffering in neighbouring countries. Palau President Surangel Whipps referred to sayings comparing knowledge with ocean waves.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten cited Anne Frank, Gandhi, Robert H. Jackson and an inscription at a Second World War cemetery in the Netherlands. The collection of references illustrated how speakers used cultural and historical sources to reinforce their political messages.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.