Beyond the Big Speeches: Walkout, Playlist and Crime Push at UN General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly, which opened on Tuesday, has produced headlines well beyond the major addresses. While leaders of powerful nations dominate coverage, several smaller moments are drawing attention in delegates' home countries.

Cuba's delegation left the chamber when President Donald Trump, during his speech, described the country as a "failed" state. Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez later rejected what he called "falsehoods" and "slanders" in a post on X. He said Washington cannot accept that Cuba is a fully independent and sovereign nation, describing the economic blockade, including an energy siege, as an act of genocide and collective punishment. "We are a country of peace and we deserve peace," he wrote.

Before Trump was set to sign an agreement allowing the United States to expand its military presence on Greenland, an unusual playlist played as aides and media waited. It included a cover of "Send in the Clowns," "One More Night" by Phil Collins, "I Wanna Know What Love Is" by Foreigner, and Frank Sinatra's "My Way" before Trump entered.

South American leaders agreed that transnational organized crime is one of the region's greatest challenges. The presidents of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, and Chile, José Antonio Kast, called on the United Nations to strengthen measures against criminal organizations and to join forces in combating "terrorism." Kast said that for the first time in a long while, Latin American governments are truly coordinating on the issue. He said recent measures had cut the homicide rate by 11.5% over six months, while warning that the task is just beginning. "A safer country is a country with greater confidence," he said. "Where there is confidence, there is more growth, employment, and investment."

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 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.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb paid tribute to Elena Kalku, a Finnish ambassador he said has had a "wonderful 44-year career" in diplomatic service and will retire at the end of the month. She was seated behind Stubb as he spoke. "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," he joked.