Small Moments at the U.N.: A Walkout, a Playlist and a Push Against Organized Crime
UNITED NATIONS — Donald Trump spoke, made the diplomatic rounds and drew a protest walkout. The U.N. secretary-general delivered his final opening address. And at the United Nations, Greenland entered a new era as the U.S. prepared to sign an agreement allowing it to expand its military presence there.
But those were hardly the only moments that mattered.
The General Assembly's annual gathering, which opened Tuesday, brings together leaders and diplomats from all 193 member states. While the most powerful nations tend to dominate headlines, the debates and side events often produce news that resonates far beyond the meeting halls — and can travel faster in delegates' home countries than in the global press.
A Cuban walkout
The Cuban delegation withdrew from the session when Trump began discussing Cuba in his speech, accusing it of being a “failed” state.
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez later responded on X, rejecting what he called “falsehoods” and “slanders.”
“The U.S. government is unable to accept that Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country,” Rodríguez wrote.
“The economic blockade, including the energy siege, only threatens Cuba and the rest of the nations. It is an act of genocide and collective punishment,” he said. “We are a country of peace and we deserve peace.”
A Greenland signing, with a soundtrack
Before Trump was set to sign an agreement giving the U.S. the ability to expand its military presence on Greenland, the room was treated to an unusual playlist.
As aides and reporters waited for the leaders to arrive, they heard a cover of “Send in the Clowns,” the ballad from the musical “A Little Night Music,” with its lyrics: “Sorry, my dear, / But where are the clowns? / Quick, send in the clowns. / Don't bother, they're here.”
Other tracks included Phil Collins' “One More Night” and “I Wanna Know What Love Is” by — wait for it — Foreigner. Before Trump entered, Frank Sinatra's “My Way” played.
Whether intentional or not, the selection underscored the odd mix of ceremony, power and theater surrounding the Arctic territory, whose strategic value has only grown in recent years.
A regional push on organized crime
South American leaders agreed that transnational organized crime is one of the region's greatest challenges, with the presidents of Peru and Chile, Keiko Fujimori and José Antonio Kast, calling on the United Nations to strengthen measures against criminal organizations and join forces in combating “terrorism.”
Chilean President Kast said that for the first time in a long while, Latin American governments are truly coordinating to tackle organized crime.
“Latin America is the continent of the future, and those of us leading the continent today are ready to drive that change,” Kast said.
Kast, who was backed by Trump during his presidential campaign, said recent measures had cut the homicide rate by 11.5% over the past six months, while warning that “the task is not finished” but rather “just beginning.”
“A safer country is a country with greater confidence. Where there is confidence, there is more growth, employment, and investment,” Kast said.
Qatar's emir on Gaza
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said Israeli leaders were “openly advocating the displacement of Gaza's population,” warning that such a policy would obstruct efforts to improve conditions for Palestinians.
He called on Israel to fulfill its commitments to halt operations, withdraw from Gaza and lift the blockade. Qatar has worked with Egypt and the United States to mediate the Gaza ceasefire and push for implementation of the agreement.
A farewell in the Finnish delegation
Finland President Alexander Stubb paid tribute to Elena Kalku, a Finnish ambassador he said had had a “wonderful 44-year career” in diplomatic service and will retire at the end of the month.
She was sitting behind Stubb as he spoke, and he thanked her for her service.
“And of course, with her president speaking here, you never know whether this will be the low point or the high point of her career,” Stubb joked.