They said it: Leaders at the UN, in their own words

UNITED NATIONS (AP) —

Many leaders saying many things about many topics that matter to them, to their regions, to the world: That’s what the U.N. General Assembly invariably produces each year.

And each year, certain voices dominate. Here, The Associated Press takes the opposite approach and spotlights some thoughts from leaders who might have not captured the headlines and airtime on Tuesday, the first day of the 2026 General Debate.

“The true test of this organization, therefore, is not only how well we respond when people have suffered. It is how well we can work together to prevent that suffering in the first place.”

— Sylvanie Burton, president of Dominica

"The voices of Africans must be heard in all circumstances, at all times, in strategic decision-making processes on issues of peace, global security, financing for development as well as climate issues and global governance of artificial intelligence."

— João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, president of Angola

"Mongols say, “If you do your best, fate will do the rest.'”

Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, president of Mongolia

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“In Peru, we will pursue crime, from the individual who carries out the act to the network that sustains it. We will not back down in the face of those who seek to impose terror over the rule of law.”

— Keiko Fujimori, president of Peru

“From Lebanon to Yemen to Sudan, protracted conflict is deepening humanitarian suffering. And if anyone had any doubt that a crisis in our part of the world stays there, just look at the energy and grocery bills of ordinary families, from Mumbai to Madrid to Minnesota.”

— King Abdullah II of Jordan

“Children in Gaza must be safe. When Palestinian children look up at the sky, they will see kites flying freely, not fighter jets, UAV or drones.”

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey

“Chile is back. And that’s not just a slogan.”

— José Antonio Kast, president of Chile

“Seychelles approaches the world guided by an enduring, foundational principle: we are a friend to all, and an enemy to none. Our commitment to non-alignment is not passive indifference; it is an active choice for peace. It is the conviction that principled diplomacy, mutual respect, and international law are the true foundations of global stability.

— Mathew Herminie, president of Seychelles

”Is the United Nations today capable of saving humanity from war, poverty, and disaster? Is the United Nations living up to its promise of restoring peace and achieving sustainable development? … Today, I stand here to make clear the Republic of Korea’s bold resolve to lead the effort to restore the spirit of the United Nations and reconnect the world, as a nation that has risen through the solidarity of the international community."

— Lee Jae Myung, president of South Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Chile's President Jose Antonio Kast speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Peru's President Keiko Fujimori speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Mongolia's President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa arrives ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Angola's President João Lourenço speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

President of Dominica Sylvanie Burton addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

President of Dominica Sylvanie Burton addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The New York Jets signed former Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis, a second-round draft pick in 2023, to their practice squad Tuesday.

The Jets released quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to make room for Levis, who worked out for the team earlier this month.

The 27-year-old quarterback was released by the Titans last month as part of their final roster cuts.

New York has starter Geno Smith and rookie Cade Kubnik, a fourth-rounder, on its active roster, so Levis would be the third-string quarterback and inactive on game day unless he's promoted from the practice squad.

The Jets, who play at Detroit on Sunday, also announced they placed defensive lineman David Onyemata (groin), linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball (ankle) and wide receiver Arian Smith (knee) on injured reserve. They were all hurt in New York's 20-17 overtime loss to Green Bay on Sunday.

Linebacker Troy Reeder, wide receiver Malik McClain and defensive lineman Jack Heflin were signed to the active roster, and defensive tackle Isaiah Loudermilk and tight end Cody Hardy were added to the practice squad.

Levis, who missed all of last season after having shoulder surgery, said in August he thought he was still capable of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.

“There are not 32 quarterbacks in this league better than me,” Levis said. “I know that for sure.”

The former Kentucky star was taken with the second pick of the second round — 33rd overall — in 2023 after the Titans traded up to draft him.

He began his rookie season as the third-stringer behind starter Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis, but later started nine games. Levis entered the 2024 season as the starter, but missed three games and much of a fourth with a sprained AC joint in his right, throwing shoulder.

The Titans, with a new front office, drafted Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the 2025 draft — putting Levis' future with the franchise in doubt.

Levis is 5-16 as a starter with 3,899 yards passing, 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also threw four pick-6s in 2024, the most for the franchise in a season since the then-Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1997. Levis also had trouble with fumbles, losing five that season.

Zappe, who spent last season with Cleveland, signed with the Jets in the offseason, was among their final cuts last month and re-signed to the practice squad. He has started nine games in the NFL with the Browns and New England Patriots, who drafted him in the fourth round out of Western Kentucky in 2022. Zappe also has had two stints with Kansas City.

AP Pro Football Writer Teresa Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

FILE - Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis warms up prior to a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Aug. 29, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)