The high point of her short stay, clearly, was her chairing the summit of the United Nations Security Council, the only third such meeting in the history of the most powerful organ of the world organization.

She set a record of three “firsts” — the first Philippine President, first Asian leader and first woman head of state to chair the summit by virtue of her country’s two-year elective non-permanent seat in the Council. Her stint came as the last of the Philippines’ two turns at the rotating presidency of the 15-member Council.

“The President’s chairing of the Security Council enhanced the respect of the UN member-states for the Philippines,” reports Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Lauro L. Baja, Jr.

Of the 191 world leaders who addressed the General Assembly, including U.S. President George W. Bush, President Arroyo’s speech received wide coverage in news dispatches for its relevance to the current oil crisis.

Arroyo went further than most speakers when she suggested the United Nations take the lead in easing the effects of high oil prices. She said it should study oil rationing and conservation, as well as consider alternatives to fuel engines with coconut oil and convert cane sugar to ethanol.

Her suggestions could not have come at a more opportune time now that gasoline prices, even in the United States, have gone haywire due in part to low production from Gulf Coast refineries as an aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

But after stirring speeches, the United Nations closed yet another session with nothing more than the usual rhetorics with a touch or two.

At the end of the 60th anniversary, world leaders urged the UN to play a bigger role in the world stage, from fighting terrorism to protecting migrants rights.

A UN treaty against global corruption received its 30th ratification, which will be effective in three months. But like other treaties before this, its enforcement among member-states is problematical.

The delegates adopted a document towards revamping the UN to meet the challenges of the 21st century and add new impetus in the struggle against poverty.

In the meantime, New Yorkers can heave a sigh of relief. The monstrous traffic grid in midtown Manhattan will be gone — at least until the UN meets again next year.