Quotes from Leaders at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — During the annual gathering at the U.N. General Assembly, various leaders quoted a range of sources, including ancient texts and modern figures. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi quoted Hammurabi, stating, "Laws are made to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak." Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine referenced a proverb, describing "the coral reef where different species of fish congregate to feed and seek shelter." Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis quoted David Byrne from the band Talking Heads, saying, "We're on a road to nowhere." Abdullah Abdulkader al Alimi-Bawzer, vice president of Yemen's internationally recognized governing council, quoted a Yemeni poet, stating, "We are the land, its custodians and its inhabitants..." Finnish President Alexander Stubb quoted Mahatma Gandhi, saying, "The breach of one rule inevitably leads to the breach of other rules." Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley quoted poet laureate Esther Phillips, emphasizing the commitment of the U.N. General Assembly members. President Azali Assoumani of The Comoros quoted author Chinua Achebe, stating, "When we gather together in the moonlit village ground, it is not because of the moon..." President Godwin Friday of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines quoted calypso singer David Rudder, expressing solidarity with Haiti. Palau President Surangel Whipps quoted local sayings about knowledge. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten referenced Anne Frank, stating, "How wonderful it is that no one has to wait, but we can start right now to gradually change the world!"