Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Albanese said cooperating on urgent global challenges, developing solutions that work for citizens and remaining true to the UN's founding purpose “remains the test of our time” — a test that “we can and we must pass”.

The UN was established eight decades ago “from the ruins of war”, when citizens and leaders pledged to work together to prevent another global conflict, Albanese said.

Uniting nations

“We can seize and share and shape the opportunities this moment holds in the interests of our citizens. But we can only do it together,” he said.

Albanese said the UN's mission “cannot be entrusted solely to the great powers or the biggest countries, or even the loudest voices alone”, nor can it “be subcontracted to the world's richest companies or dictated by the pace of technology”.

“Shaping a secure, peaceful and prosperous world is a task for all of us,” he said, adding that Australia is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030.

Promoting wider perspectives

If elected, Australia would “safeguard the rules that protect us all by upholding international law, including the UN Charter and the sovereignty of all States”, Albanese said.

“We will amplify the voices of small States and middle powers to ensure a wider range of perspectives shape the Council's decisions,” he added.

The Australian prime minister said the world is changing rapidly, with issues including climate change, emerging technologies such as AI, and the erosion of trust, civility and social cohesion demanding the full attention of the international community.

He also called for countries to “embrace” change and reform multilateral institutions to meet emerging challenges.

Cooperation, not coercion

“As a middle power, Australia is showing leadership and working with others on fresh ideas to tackle the big issues now facing the world in our region,” Albanese said.

He highlighted his government's efforts to strengthen relationships that help build sovereign capability and give nations greater choice “free from coercion”.

Such partnerships, he said, can help countries address major challenges including economic and energy security, development and transnational crime.

Social media restrictions

Albanese also referred to Australia's decision last year to introduce restrictions on social media access for people under 16, following a campaign by grieving parents who addressed the UN General Assembly and helped turn the issue into a global discussion.

“Already, more than 20 countries are bringing in or have brought in age restrictions on social media,” he said, adding that with the European community also taking action, “there are many more to come.”