On Tuesday 20 September, Barack Obama delivered his final speech at a sitting of the United Nations General Assembly as US president.
Although he arrived a few minutes late, Obama did what he does best – deliver an outstanding piece of oratory.
He hit the right notes and covered all the globally relevant topics.
The world economy, the power of globalisation, immigration, and different political schools of thought, among other themes.
This wasn’t Obama’s first time at the rodeo. In the final year of his last term of office, Obama has been part of this group – the UNGA – for at least eight years.
This means he has spoken to this crowd before, and perhaps a few new entrants.
Brilliant as it may be, one cannot help but ask the question: what now?
Do incredible pieces of oratory at the UN matter? Will they bring about change?
Almost every member state is given an opportunity to speak.
Nations with varying political and economic systems or religious and social beliefs, all get an opportunity to have their say.
But I truly wonder, to what end?
Many criticisms have been levelled against the UN and its Security Council – especially the overarching powers of some the permanent members, which often go unchecked.
Are they unfounded and unfair?
Does a body like the UN – or the African Union, for that matter – serve any purpose in bringing about actual global inclusivity and economic change?
Is the UN achieving the goal of reducing the gap between the rich and the poor?
I argue that perhaps that our expectations of the UN and similar bodies need to be a bit more realistic.
The reality – sadly – is that Obama’s words will, in the main, fall on deaf ears.
This was part of my frustration during International Law lectures – no one can do much to enforce “agreements” between nations, or to seek punitive measures when they are broken.
Some nations will see Obama’s belief in a “liberal political system” as an insult to their choice of life. Others may embrace it – but the key question is, will it change the world?
You be the judge – you can watch Obama’s full speech here: