This Week in Global Development: UNGA80 - Trump, Climate, and the Biggest Headlines from the Summit

Episode Date: September 25, 2025
Hosts: Rumbi Chakamba, Adva Saldinger, David Ainsworth
Guests/Reporters: Jesse, Colum

Overview of the Episode

This episode, broadcast from the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, dives deep into the major headlines dominating the summit. The conversation is anchored around President Donald Trump’s high-profile, controversial speech, explores global reactions to US climate policy rhetoric, outlines ongoing movements for UN reform and finance, and highlights the evolving international dynamics as countries align—sometimes in spite of US leadership. The hosts, alongside Devex’s on-the-ground reporters Jesse and Colum, provide detailed analysis and firsthand reporting on the ground.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Speech at UNGA80

(00:04-02:48)

• Characterized as aggressive and grievance-laden, Trump's speech fixated on migration, national sovereignty, military strength, and criticism of both the UN and European nations.
• He exaggerated crises of migration, suggesting European countries were descending into chaos and even cited the adoption of “Sharia law” in London.
• Trump aired personal resentments, e.g., not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize and criticism of the UN for not supporting his initiatives.
• Made claims about ending wars and obliterating Iran’s nuclear program that are not substantiated by public records or US intelligence.
• Advocated for closed borders, pushed a US-centric policy agenda globally, and gave conflicting statements—threatening and then voicing support for the UN, creating uncertainty about US policy direction.
• Notable quote (Colum, 01:23):
  “He really played up the issue of migration... Basically telling the Europeans they needed to follow the American model, close their borders, exaggerating the impact of migration and immigration on the conditions in these countries.”

2. Trump’s Anti-Climate, Anti-Renewables Rhetoric

(02:48-05:15)

• Trump called climate change “the biggest con job ever” and derided UN officials as “stupid people,” directly targeting climate science and international policy.
• Attacked renewable energy, labeling wind and other green technologies as “a joke” and “too expensive,” despite global evidence to the contrary.
• Personal motivations were noted—his opposition to wind farms linked to his golf course view in Scotland.
• Complained about UN logistics, including personal slights on an escalator and teleprompter mishaps, blaming the UN, though evidence suggests US responsibility.
• Notable quote (Jesse, 03:20):
  “He said, you know, renewables are a joke. They're not enough to make your country great. Said a lot about, you know, how they were too expensive, which has been proven time and time again to, to not be true.”
• Notable quote (Colum, 04:19):
  “A lot of this stuff is kind of personal… one of the reasons he's so dead set against wind farms is because he has a golf course in Scotland.”

3. Global Response to the US Climate Stance

(05:15-07:25)

• No major countries aligned themselves with Trump’s climate skepticism; global momentum for climate ambition remains strong.
• Recent high-level summit (with over 100 countries) featured new and updated climate commitments, key step before COP30.
• Only 47 out of 197 countries have officially submitted new Paris Agreement-aligned climate ambitions; many more made announcements at the summit.
• China committed to a modest 7-10% emissions reduction, with an understanding that actual progress will likely surpass the target due to their renewables investment history.
• The EU announced a 66-72% reduction target.
• The global community is largely moving ahead on climate action, disregarding US federal antagonism.
• Notable quote (Jesse, 06:34):
  “Overall, I think the rest of the world's really moving on without the US on climate action. They don't seem to be really influenced by that speech a couple days ago.”

4. UN Reform and Financing

(07:25-12:59)

• Trump’s speech notably omitted UN reform and financing, although these are central topics at this year’s summit.
• Other countries are making headway on major international treaties (pandemic, finance for development, high seas) without US involvement.
• The US is generally supportive of Secretary-General’s internal reform efforts, like agency mergers and budget streamlining, but deeper US-driven cuts are forecasted—substantial reductions expected in the 2026 budget, especially for peacekeeping.
• The process for reforms, such as sunsetting UNAIDS, involves both the Secretary-General’s proposals and agency-specific, member-state-driven processes, showing the complexity of UN governance.
• Notable quote (Colum, 11:52):
  “The Secretary-General controls the UN Secretariat, but he doesn't necessarily control UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNHCR. They all have their own executive boards…so the secretary general just can't say to them, I'm going to do this.”

5. Changing Global Alliances—UK Response

(12:59-15:08)

• The relationship between the US and traditional allies like the UK is shifting in response to changes in tone and rhetoric under the Trump administration.
• UK Prime Minister David Lammy addressed Trump’s remarks diplomatically, emphasizing the “special relationship,” while audiences reacted with laughter and skepticism.
• On migration: Lammy acknowledged that every leader must address immigration, and Trump’s approach simply represents one end of that spectrum.
• Notable moment (Jesse, 13:50):
  “As the question came out about this…there was quite a lot of laughter from David Lammy himself and from the audience. So there's this just sort of like—everyone knows there's a big question of, you know, what Trump's saying, and then no one really says out loud what they're thinking.”

6. UN Peacekeeping Funding Uncertainty

(15:08-17:41)

• Major funding cuts for UN peacekeeping are in draft budgets, but diplomats in New York continue to advocate for and support peacekeeping missions.
• Example: Recent White House budget proposal seeks to eliminate funding, yet the US is leading negotiations for new peacekeeping mandates—including a potential anti-gang force for Haiti.
• Voluntary funding mechanisms, as opposed to assessed contributions, could force the US to carry disproportionately higher costs.
• Internal contradictions between the White House and the State Department, leaving policy observers unclear about future commitments.
• Notable quote (Colum, 16:29):
  “The White House is saying we want to wipe it out, and the diplomats are sort of authorizing new financial obligations. And so the rest of us are left scratching our heads…”

7. Upcoming Tensions and Climate Developments

(17:41-20:00)

• China’s reluctance on the Haiti peacekeeping resolution and potential Security Council roadblocks are being closely watched.
• Anticipation for Israeli PM Netanyahu’s combative address, with possible major announcements regarding the West Bank and Palestine.
• Brazil’s President Lula announced $1 billion for a new forest-based climate fund—first commitment towards a $125 billion goal for tropical forest protection, though some activists call for a higher direct contribution from Brazil due to potential benefits.
• Notable quote (Jesse, 19:11):
  “Brazil would benefit by far the most from this fund if they were to stop deforestation. And so some are feeling like, okay, well if you're going to benefit the most, maybe you should give a little bit more into it. But for now this is the first investment and, and seen mainly as a symbolic gesture.”

8. Health Commitments—High-Level Meeting on NCDs

(20:00)

• The day’s final notable agenda item was a high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• The resulting declaration disappoints some advocates, missing out on strong targets for health taxes and measures to tackle air pollution.
• Coverage to follow on the Devex website.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Paraphrase | |-----------|---------|------------------| | 01:23 | Colum | “He really played up the issue of migration… exaggerating the impact of migration and immigration on the conditions in these countries.” | | 03:20 | Jesse | “He said, you know, renewables are a joke. They're not enough to make your country great.” | | 06:34 | Jesse | “Overall, I think the rest of the world's really moving on without the US on climate action. They don't seem to be really influenced by that speech…” | | 11:52 | Colum | “The secretary general just can't say to them, I'm going to do this. So... all the different agencies will be pursuing their own reforms.” | | 13:50 | Jesse | “There was quite a lot of laughter from David Lammy himself and from the audience. So there's this just sort of like—everyone knows…” | | 16:29 | Colum | “The White House is saying we want to wipe it out, and the diplomats are sort of authorizing new financial obligations…” | | 19:11 | Jesse | “Brazil would benefit by far the most from this fund if they were to stop deforestation…maybe you should give a little bit more…” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04-02:48 – Trump’s speech: aggression, migration, foreign policy
• 02:48-05:15 – Climate rhetoric, renewables, personal motivations
• 05:15-07:25 – Global climate responses and summits
• 07:25-12:59 – UN reform, budget, UNAIDS, agency independence
• 12:59-15:08 – UK’s David Lammy on US-UK relations post-speech
• 15:08-17:41 – Funding uncertainty for UN peacekeeping
• 17:41-20:00 – Haiti mission, climate fund announcements, anticipations for Netanyahu
• 20:00 – Health meeting on NCDs and coverage to follow

Additional Context and Tone

The episode blends insightful, sometimes sardonic, firsthand reporting with clear-eyed analysis. The hosts and reporters acknowledge global confusion over US policy, highlight moments of international levity and unity, and emphasize the world’s momentum on issues like climate action and multilateralism, even as the US government recedes from global leadership roles in key areas.

For more coverage: Visit devex.com for stories referenced and further reporting from UNGA80.