A Voice for Peace and Principles of Freedom

Jordan at the UN General Assembly

Every September, the United Nations General Assembly in New York becomes the world’s largest stage for dialogue. Leaders gather to share their visions of the future, defend national interests, and sometimes clash over global priorities. This year, Jordan’s King Abdullah II stood at the podium once again, continuing the Kingdom’s longstanding tradition of using the UN as a platform to champion peace, humanitarian values, and multilateral cooperation.

Jordan’s Message at the UNGA

In his speech at the 80th session, King Abdullah II delivered a message that resonated beyond Jordan’s borders. He emphasised the urgency of addressing ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly the plight of the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate end to violence and a recommitment to a just and lasting peace. He also spoke of the strain on Jordan and neighbouring countries as they continue to host millions of refugees — reminding the global community that the burden of displacement is not confined to one region, but a challenge to humanity as a whole.

The King’s words reflected both Jordan’s vulnerability as a small state in a volatile region and its strength as a moral voice advocating dialogue over division. For Jordan, the UN General Assembly is not merely a diplomatic formality — it is a critical platform to amplify calls for fairness, stability, and cooperation.

Why This Matters in a Liberal Context

Jordan’s message to the UN shares common ground with values that the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom also seeks to advance: freedom, dialogue, human dignity, and the rule of law. By prioritising negotiation over force, the speech underscored the importance of upholding international law while ensuring that the rights of individuals remain protected.

The emphasis on supporting refugees also reflects a principle central to liberal democracy: the protection of vulnerable individuals regardless of borders. Jordan, despite its limited resources, continues to demonstrate solidarity with displaced communities — a reminder that responsibility-sharing must be a global effort.

The Role of Small States in Global Governance

In an era where superpower rivalries dominate headlines, Jordan’s presence at the UN shows that smaller nations can still play an outsized role in shaping conversations on peace and justice. By standing firm on issues of humanitarian responsibility and inclusive dialogue, Amman projects influence that far exceeds its geographic size or military capacity.

For liberal thinkers and policymakers, this is a powerful lesson: international legitimacy is not measured only by power, but by principles. States that consistently advocate fairness and responsibility, even when politically costly, strengthen the moral foundations of multilateralism.

Why Jordan’s Voice Matters

The UN General Assembly is often criticised as a stage for speeches without immediate action. Yet for Jordan, these moments matter. They are opportunities to remind the world that peace requires persistent voices, even when solutions feel distant.

For those committed to advancing freedom and democracy, Jordan’s message this year offers inspiration. It shows that in the face of polarisation and conflict, there is still space for dialogue, dignity, and solidarity — values that resonate deeply with the vision of a freer, more cooperative global order.