Quotes and References at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly

The annual gathering at the U.N. General Assembly has seen a variety of influential figures—presidents, premiers, monarchs, and cabinet ministers—share their thoughts with the world. During these sessions, some speakers borrow from a diverse array of sources, adding depth and personal touches to their speeches with heartfelt quotes and references.

Throughout the week, delegates quoted homeland sayings, ancient texts, figures of moral authority, and even lyrics from a band that marked the 1980s music scene. Here is a sample of the quotes shared:

“Laws are made to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak.” – ancient Babylonian king Hammurabi, quoted by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Drawing from a Marshallese proverb, President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands referred to “The coral reef where different species of fish congregate to feed and seek shelter.”

“We’re on a road to nowhere.” – David Byrne of Talking Heads, quoted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Abdullah Abdulkader al Alimi-Bawzer, vice president of Yemen’s internationally recognized governing council, shared a poignant quote from a Yemeni poet: “We are the land, its custodians and its inhabitants…” This quote was translated for the audience by U.N. interpreters.

“The breach of one rule inevitably leads to the breach of other rules.” – Mahatma Gandhi, quoted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

During Finland’s President Alexander Stubb’s address on September 22, delegates listened intently as he shared this wisdom at the 81st United Nations General Assembly held at UN headquarters in New York City.

“Members of the United Nations General Assembly, your very name implies commitment, through your peace initiatives and humanitarian policies, to igniting the fires of conscience, empathy, unity and equity.” – Barbados’ poet laureate, Esther Phillips, quoted by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

Referencing Chinua Achebe, President Azali Assoumani of Comoros reminded the assembly of the value of community: “When we gather together in the moonlit village ground, it is not because of the moon…”

“When there is anguish in Port-au-Prince, it’s still Africa crying…” – calypso singer David Rudder, quoted by President Godwin Friday of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

President Surangel Whipps of Palau imparted local wisdom with a saying about knowledge: “Knowledge is like the ocean’s waves…”

“How wonderful it is that no one has to wait, but we can start right now to gradually change the world!” – Anne Frank, referenced by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. He also quoted other notable figures including Mahatma Gandhi and Robert H. Jackson, sharing an inscription from an American World War II cemetery in the Netherlands.

These speeches emphasized the importance of a free press as a cornerstone of healthy democracy, encouraging support for trusted journalism and civil dialogue.