'Or, we can be a generation that chooses to see the shoreline beyond the rough waters ahead; that comes together to serve the common interests of human beings, and finally gives meaning to the promise embedded in the name given to this institution: the United Nations.'
Obama cited his own status as the first black US president in issuing a call to respect human rights and democratic government around the globe.
'True leadership will not be measured by the ability to muzzle dissent, or to intimidate and harass political opponents at home,' Obama said. 'The people of the world want change. They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history.'
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon opened Wednesday's session with a call to secure a pact on climate change, approve a ban on nuclear testing and reverse the slide into grinding poverty of workers in a 'spirit of renewed multilateralism'.