United States President, Joe Biden, has urged world leaders to preserve democracy in his valedictory address to the United Nations, describing his decision not to seek re-election as an example of putting the greater good ahead of personal interest.

“My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power,” he said at the UN General Assembly to widespread applause.

Biden’s fourth and final address to the global body came as many of Washington’s closest allies nervously anticipate former president Donald Trump’s possible return to power next year.

“Never forget we are here to serve the people, not the other way around,” he said, adding that the future “will be won by those who unleash the full potential of their people to . . . live and love openly without fear. That’s the soul of democracy”. Despite his plea, Biden failed to offer any new ideas on how to end conflicts that are threatening stability in Europe and the Middle East, instead repeating his administration’s appeals for peace.

On a ceasefire agreement to end the conflict in Gaza, he said: “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home and secure security for Israel and Gaza free of Hamas, ease the suffering in Gaza and end this war.”