Macron calls for global resistance against a return to the ‘law of the jungle’ in final UN speech

French President Emmanuel Macron urged nations to reject a resurgence of the “law of the jungle” during his final address to the UN General Assembly. As France’s leader, he defended international rules while calling for action on Gaza, Ukraine, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the impact of social media on children.

“The question put to us, in very simple terms, is whether we want to live in this state of nature, with a kind of return to the law of the jungle, or in a civilised international society,” Macron told the assembly on Tuesday.

His remarks opened the UN’s annual gathering in New York, where wars in the Middle East and Ukraine dominate discussions alongside growing concerns over climate change and AI. He argued that these crises reveal double standards that divide countries and erode the international order.

“My message is to stand firm. Do not yield to the situation which is developing … The rhetoric of defeat that is giving way to abuse of power by empires, threatening the sovereignty of some nations,” he said.

Wars and sovereignty

Ukraine represents an immediate test. Macron, a long‑time supporter of Kyiv, raised the country’s cause during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

At the UN, he proposed a moratorium on Russian and Ukrainian strikes against civilian and energy infrastructure, calling the destruction “a new era of barbaric acts.” He also advocated a separate moratorium on attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea to safeguard grain exports and food security.

Gaza drew sharper criticism of the international response. “What is our credibility worth if we remain inactive on Gaza? Some claim that peace has been achieved, but this has not opened up humanitarian deliveries. It is a spectacle that shames us all,” Macron said.

He extended his criticism to Israeli actions in the West Bank, asserting that violations occur daily and noting that “Hamas has never struck in the West Bank.” Israel’s office rejected the claim, describing it as “grotesque absurdity.” Netanyahu’s office cited a fatal shooting of Israeli‑French citizen Netanel Shukrun as evidence of Hamas attacks in the area.

Macron called for sovereignty for Palestinians, Lebanon, and Syria, arguing that linking Israel’s security to the violation of neighboring states’ sovereignty is a “disastrous mistake” that weakens that security.

Turning to the UN’s structure, he backed a Franco‑Mexican initiative to limit the use of the Security Council veto in cases of mass atrocities. The proposal enjoys support from 128 member states, he noted. “Our duty is not to yield,” he said. “There is no peace without justice.”

Africa featured in his agenda, with France urging a stronger peace and security role for the African Union and regional organisations.

Climate, AI and children

On climate and biodiversity, Macron urged nations not to surrender to fatalism or dismiss scientific consensus. “We must defend science,” he declared.

Artificial intelligence offered a contrast with Trump, who rejected global AI regulation in his own address. Macron proposed an open‑source advanced AI model that would reduce dependency on China or the United States. “We should not depend on somebody else,” he said.

Social media emerged as another priority. Citing declining learning ability, mental health issues, and obesity among youth, Macron warned, “We have waited too long to protect our children and adolescents from social media. Everywhere in our societies, we see the consequences.” The issue is slated for discussion at the Paris Peace Forum on 10–11 November.

(with newswires)

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