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 Saturday, the fifth day of the 2026 General Debate.

“Rebuilding confidence does not mean returning to a world that no longer exists.”

—Prince Abdul Mateen, foreign minister of Brunei

“Creativity is universal. The difference is where society gives it the room to flourish.”

—Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, foreign minister of Iceland

“Peace is not a negative word.”

—Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state of the Vatican

“Moldova may never be a great power, but it has everything it takes to make it a great country.”

—Vasile Tofan, prime minister of Moldova

“The size of a territory must never determine the size of its dreams.”

—Francisco Avelino Vieira de Carvalho, prime minister of Cabo Verde

“Let the smallest voice be heard as clearly as the largest.”

—John Briceño, prime minister of Belize

Belize Prime Minister John Briceno speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Prime Minister Francisco Avelino of Cabo Verde speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan of Moldova speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Foreign Minister Thorgerour Katrín Gunnarsdottir of Iceland speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Foreign Minister Abdul Mateen of Brunei speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto left Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals after being hit by a pitch on his right hand in the ninth inning.

Manager Andy Green said X-rays were negative. Green said he did not know whether Soto would play in Sunday's season finale.

“He got squared up on his hand pretty good,” Green said.

Soto was hit by Richard Lovelady’s 91 mph sinker and immediately spun around, then began shaking his right hand while walking toward first base. He then turned around, was met by an athletic trainer and returned to the dugout.

Soto is hitting .278 with 27 homers and 68 RBIs in his second season with the Mets. He had two injured list stints this season because of calf strains.

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

New York Mets' Juan Soto reacts after he was hit by a pitch by Washington Nationals pitcher Richard Lovelady during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

New York Mets' Juan Soto reacts after he was hit by a pitch by Washington Nationals pitcher Richard Lovelady during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

New York Mets' Juan Soto takes a lead from first base during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)