Syrian president makes UN debut as thousands rally for peace outside the UN

New York — Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa delivered a historic address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, the first time a Syrian leader has spoken at the world body in nearly six decades. The moment came as thousands of Syrians and members of the diaspora gathered outside the UN headquarters to press for peace, reconstruction, and a lifting of international sanctions that they say hinder recovery after years of war.

Outside the United Nations, supporters waved flags, carried banners, and chanted calls for peace and rebuilding. Hamza Mustafa, Syria’s information minister, told Fox News Digital it was an emotional day and a historic moment for the Syrian people after 14 years of conflict. "It’s a historical moment for all the Syrian people — after 14 years of conflict, after revolution, after a lot of sacrifice, now we are here representing the Syrian people," Mustafa said. "We are gathering with the Syrian people to say that we are all serious in our struggle for a united and sovereign Syria." Mustafa also thanked the Trump administration for steps to ease sanctions, saying, "As a government, we say thank you to Mr. Trump for his courage in lifting sanctions on Syria."

![Ahmad al-Sharaa at the UN] (https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/09/1024/512/ahmad-al-sharaa.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)

In his UN address, al-Sharaa called for lifting sanctions and pledged to pursue "a new Syria built on unity, sovereignty, and peace with its neighbors." He said the conflict had brought "untold suffering" and emphasized that "Syrians deserve the right to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their country." The speech underscored Syria’s desire to rejoin the regional and international community, even as it faces a continuum of security challenges.

The gathering at the UN was part of a broader, highly visible push by the regime to position Syria as a reconciled actor in the Middle East. Raad Saleh, Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, addressed questions about reports of a U.S.-brokered security agreement with Israel, telling Fox News Digital that the issue is a political decision for the president to determine. "But Syrians are not looking for any conflict anymore — Syrians are only looking for reconstruction and rebuilding."

The security landscape surrounding Syria remains volatile. Israeli strikes in recent months have targeted what officials say are Iranian-backed forces, weapons depots, and positions near the Israeli border. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had signaled that any broader deal in the region must align with Israel’s interests, including the demilitarization of parts of southwestern Syria and protection of minority communities such as the Druze. Netanyahu is expected to speak at UNGA later in the week.

The demonstration outside the UN was organized by Dr. Hicham Alnachawati, who said the new Syrian leadership seeks peace, including with Israel. "This is a historic moment for us as Syrians. We haven’t seen a president give such a speech at the UN in over 57 years," Alnachawati said. "We are hoping that this message of peace and prosperity will encourage other world leaders, and especially President Trump, to support lifting the remaining sanctions so we can rebuild a new Syria." He also framed reconciliation with regional neighbors as a broader opportunity, saying, "Let’s extend the Abraham Accords here — this is an opportunity for the Trump administration to lead a peace process. Israelis are looking for the same thing, and Syrians are ready for peace, reconstruction, and development."

Alnachawati cited former U.S. General David Petraeus, who has suggested that Sharaa could evolve into a statesman, as part of his argument that people can change. "I listened to Petraeus, and he said he saw this man as having hope to change," Alnachawati said. "He wants to unite Syria, achieve peace in the region, and reflect that peace on the whole world. Syrians are ready to reestablish themselves, to live a normal life like any other citizen, and to extend their hands for peace."

The day carried emotional weight for Syrians who resettled in the United States. Shadi Martini, chief executive of the Multifaith Alliance and a Syrian who fled at the start of the war, told Fox News Digital that it had been decades since a Syrian president addressed the UN. "It’s probably been 50 or 60 years since a Syrian president came to the U.N., so it’s very historic and emotional for a lot of Syrian Americans to see. President Sharaa was greeted by so many presidents and foreign dignitaries, and hopefully there will also be a meeting with President Trump," Martini said.

The scene in New York highlighted Syria’s delicate balancing act: pursuing a reentry into the international system and seeking sanctions relief while facing ongoing regional conflicts and foreign military activity on and around its soil. The path forward remains uncertain, shaped by regional dynamics, US policy decisions, and the evolution of ties with neighboring states.

Efrat Lachter, an investigative reporter and war correspondent, provided context through her reporting on regional dynamics and the broader implications of a potential shift in Syria’s international posture. Lachter has reported from multiple conflict zones to illuminate the humanitarian and political dimensions of Syria’s ongoing crisis.