Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivered an extraordinary and monumental speech at the United Nations General Assembly, making history as the first Syrian leader in almost sixty years to address this prestigious global forum.
Starting his address with profound emotion, al-Sharaa vividly described Syria’s journey as one brimming with intense emotions, intertwining tales of pain and hope. He eloquently portrayed it as an epic struggle between the forces of good and evil, emphasizing that the nation had endured many decades of profound repression and severe hardship.
With pride, the Syrian president announced he came from Damascus, the illustrious capital steeped in history and regarded as the cradle of civilizations. He highlighted Syria’s pivotal historical role, even amid the adversity of prolonged conflict.
Repression and resilience
Reflecting on the challenges of the past sixty years, al-Sharaa expressed how Syrians had faced significant injustice, deprivation, and relentless oppression. He, however, pointed to a remarkable turning point last December—what he termed a unique Syrian achievement—allowing the nation to reclaim its long-lost dignity.
According to the president, it is the unwavering solidarity among Syrians that has empowered them to resist the scourge of sectarianism and thwart any attempts to further divide the nation. He framed these enduring struggles as intrinsic to Syria’s broader endeavor to uphold its unity and sovereignty.
Standing with Gaza
As he concluded, al-Sharaa shifted focus to the war in Gaza, linking Syria’s past suffering to the plight of Palestinians.
“We are among the peoples most deeply aware of the horrors of war and destruction,” he said. “For this reason, we stand firmly with the people of Gaza, its children and women, and all peoples facing violations and aggression. We call for an immediate end to the war.”
He also reaffirmed that Syria’s suffering is something “we wish upon no one.”