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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jennifer Peltz

UN speakers' go-to quotes: Ancient texts, modern greats and a little Talking Heads

UN General Assembly Iraq - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Presidents, premiers, monarchs and cabinet ministers have plenty to say at their annual gathering at the U.N. General Assembly. Still, sometimes they borrow a few words, quoting from a range of sources.

Speakers this week touched on homeland sayings, ancient texts, figures of moral authority and more — even a bit of Talking Heads (not TV pundits — the 1980s new wave band.)

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