Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made history by addressing the United Nations General Assembly, becoming the first Syrian leader in nearly sixty years to speak at the global platform. His speech resonated with emotion, mixing reflections of pain, hope, and resilience in the face of decades of turmoil.
Opening his address, al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria’s path has long been “a struggle between good and evil.” He highlighted the challenges faced by the nation, including years of repression, deprivation, and division, while underscoring the perseverance of the Syrian people.
The president described himself as coming “from Damascus, the capital of history and the cradle of civilizations.” His words reflected Syria’s cultural and historical significance, even as the nation continues to recover from conflict.
Looking back on nearly six decades of hardship, al-Sharaa acknowledged that Syrians had suffered immense injustice. Yet, he pointed to a decisive moment last December, which he called a “unique Syrian achievement,” that allowed the country to reclaim dignity and stand united against attempts to fragment it.
Al-Sharaa credited national solidarity for enabling Syria to resist sectarian divides and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding unity and sovereignty. He framed this resilience as a testament to the will of the Syrian people to overcome adversity.
In a powerful conclusion, the Syrian leader turned his attention to the ongoing war in Gaza. Drawing parallels between Syria’s painful history and the suffering of Palestinians, he declared, “We are among the peoples most deeply aware of the horrors of war and destruction.”
Al-Sharaa expressed solidarity with Gaza, especially with its women and children, calling for an immediate end to the conflict. He stressed that Syria’s own suffering is an experience it “wishes upon no one,” making clear his stance against war and aggression.
His speech, historic both in its timing and content, marked Syria’s return to the global diplomatic stage with a message of resilience, unity, and support for oppressed peoples around the world.