Trump, Fidel Castro and more… The longest and shortest speeches at the UNGA

Fidel Castro, Cuba Castro, Cuba’s leader, delivered UNGA’s longest-ever speech, speaking for over 269 minutes in 1960. His fiery address criticised US imperialism, defended socialism, and highlighted the country’s struggle against foreign interference.

Sekou Toure, Guinea During his 144-minute-long speech in 1960, Guinea’s President Ahmed Sekou Toure championed African independence, denounced colonialism and apartheid, affirmed Guinea’s sovereignty, promoted non-alignment, and urged global justice.

Nikita Khrushchev, USSR Another longest UNGA speech took place in 1960 when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev spoke for 140 minutes. His speech famously included desk-thumping theatrics as well. He condemned Western policies, attacked colonialism, and promoted socialism, leaving a dramatic imprint on UNGA history.

Soekarno, Indonesia In 1960, Indonesian President Soekarno urged solidarity among newly independent nations during his 121-minute-long UNGA speech. He denounced colonialism and imperialism, and emphasised Indonesia’s support for peace, non-alignment, and global justice, positioning the Bandung spirit as a guide for the United Nations.

Muammar Gaddafi, Libya  Speaking for 96 minutes, Gaddafi’s speech far exceeded his allotted time. His rambling address in 2009 criticised UN structures, the Iraq war, and Western dominance, with moments of controversy.

Donald Trump, USA US President Donald Trump spoke at the UNGA meet on September 23 for 58 minutes, making this the longest speech by an American president. He stressed the threats posed by open borders, sharia law and the UN failings during his speech.

Felipe Calderon, Mexico Lasting only a few minutes, Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s 2009 address at the UNGA focused on climate change and stressed its urgency.

Boni Yayi, Benin In 2015, the President of Benin Boni Yayi spoke for less than three minutes at the UNGA. During the speech, he stressed Africa’s development needs, democratic governance, and regional security. He further called for stronger international solidarity and poverty eradication,

Joseph Deiss, Switzerland Yet another short speech by any country at UNGA took place in 2002 by Switzerland when it was admitted to the UN. Joseph Deiss, the country’s finance minister, emphasised neutrality, humanitarian tradition, commitment to peace, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation.

9 world leaders at China’s Military Day parade