In his September 19 address to the UN General Assembly, President Donald Trump stressed the United Nations' success depends "on a coalition of strong and independent nations that embrace their sovereignty to promote security, prosperity, and peace for themselves and for the world."
"We do not expect diverse countries to share the same cultures, traditions, or even systems of government," said President Trump. "But we do expect all nations. . .to respect the interests of their own people and the rights of every other sovereign nation."
"Strong, sovereign nations let diverse countries with different values, different cultures, and different dreams not just coexist, but work side by side on the basis of mutual respect," said President Trump. "Strong, sovereign nations let their people take ownership of the future and control their own destiny. And strong, sovereign nations allow individuals to flourish in the fullness of the life intended by God."
The United States, said President Trump, does "not seek to impose [its] way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to watch."
The U.S. Constitution, the oldest in the world, marked its 230th anniversary this month. "This timeless document," said President Trump, "has been the foundation of peace, prosperity, and freedom for the Americans and for countless millions around the globe whose own countries have found inspiration in its respect for human nature, human dignity, and the rule of law."
America does more than speak for the values expressed in the United Nations charter. "Our citizens have paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom and the freedom of many nations," said President Trump. After the U.S. and its allies emerged victorious from the bloodiest war in history, they did not seek territorial expansion, or attempt to. . .impose their way of life on others. "Instead," said President Trump, "we helped build institutions such as [the UN] to defend sovereignty, security, and prosperity for all."
"We want harmony and friendship, not conflict and strife. We are guided by outcomes, not ideology. We have a policy of principled realism, rooted in shared goals, interests, and values."
"This is our hope," said President Trump.
