(Resumed) Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system - Security Council, 10159th meeting

All right.
Yeah.
So terrible.
That's what I'm.
The 10,159th meeting of the Security Council is resumed.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Pereira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.
Excellent, Excellency.
Mr.
president, distinguished permanent representatives.
We greatly value the leadership of the People's Republic of China in defending international peace and security, and upholding international law and preserving, strengthening and carrying out the necessary reforms of the United Nations, in particular its democratization, transparency and the issue of the Security Council and the empowerment of the General Assembly, as well as in building a multilateral international order based on sovereign equality in order that is just and democratic.
As proof of this, are global initiatives promoted by President XI Jinping that we support to tackle current challenges through genuine multilateral cooperation.
The convening of this open debate is also clearly a testimony of this.
On the 26th of September of 1960 and the General Assembly of the UN, the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruiz, stated, once the philosophy of pillage disappears, the philosophy of war will disappear.
We're.
Recall this and in the year of his 100th anniversary of his birth, Mr.
president, how come we referred to the defense of the central role of the United Nations to promoting peace and development, safeguarding the international order based on international law and basic norms in international relations, in order to avoid further conflicts where the strong force themselves on the weak without, of course, mentioning the genocide against Palestine or the imperialist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the war in the Middle East.
The government of the United States, by its deeds, is in a position to erode international peace and security and violate international law and international humanitarian law.
With regard to the Republic of Cuba, the criminal charges brought against the leader of the Cuban Revolution Army, General Raul Castro Ruiz, is a morally outrageous act.
Legally its arbitrary.
Given the abuse of the jurisdiction of the.
Of the U.S.
courts.
Also, by manipulating the location of the place where, uh, aircrafts were brought down over, uh, air airspace and maritime area of Cuban of Cuba and the terrorist missions that are illegal, uh, that are frequently carried out by this government in violation of U.S.
laws.
And due to the impunity and complicity by the authorities of this country and in disregard of the legitimate right of self-defense of states this is a politically motivated decision.
It is a fraudulent one, and it is aimed at, uh, fooling the U.S.
citizens and foreigners.
30 years after the events, with the vile purpose of supporting a military adventure against Cuba to achieve a change of regime or nation building, as they euphemistically refer to it.
Now, the and the, uh, oil and energy blockade that the United States applies against Cuba is, by its effects, is equivalent to a naval blockade, which is an act of war and genocide that subjects the Cuban population to conditions that threaten its integrity and existence and constitute a cruel and indiscriminate collective punishment that today causes deaths, as is reflected by the, uh, doubling of the rate of child mortality from 4 to 9.9 per 1000 births, or the reduction of life expectancy of uh, children with cancer from 85 to 65%.
A military aggression would provoke a bloodbath.
Thousands of Cubans would die defending their, uh, country and the, uh, their sacred values.
And also young Americans would perish without a cause or an ideal to defend.
Uh, uh.
Forced into this war by uh, imperialist policy that is neo fascist, a policy of domination, pillage, and conquest.
I am particularly addressing, uh, citizens of the United States, especially its young people, and appeal to their humane values, their peaceful, uh, sentiments and noble sentiments.
And, and, uh, urge them to seek truth and to not allow themselves to be fooled or manipulated by an elitist.
Uh, uh, a group that is corrupted and a powerful group based in Miami that does not represent the American people or the Cubans resident in this country that are in their majority, oppose the war and the energy blockade.
The president that would give this order of a military, uh, an assault.
And the secretary general, as secretary of state and secretary of War, would that would instigate this, would go into history as criminals of war, uh, perpetrators of crimes against humanity.
There is no justification for an aggression or such inhumane, coercive acts uh, due to their humanitarian impact.
Let Cuba live in peace.
For over six decades, the government of the United States has fabricated pretexts to try to justify its criminal behavior.
It has used the absurd argument of presenting this, uh, small but symbolic island as a supposed threat to national security of a nuclear superpower, an idea that, uh, that defies logic and common sense, uh, as well as a, it's based on affirmations and insinuations that are completely mendacious, as President Miguel Diaz-Canel has reiterated, Cuba cannot be a threat.
It is not an enemy of the United States.
Don't does not want to be.
It.
In spite of the significant differences with its government, Cuba has deep and fraternal links to the people and culture of the United States.
We will continue to receive warmly and, uh, with hospitality, uh, American, uh, travelers, even though the government of the U.S.
restricts their freedoms and their, uh, uh, business persons and, uh, businesses with projects, uh, that they want to implement in the island without any discrimination, uh, in favor of our economic development, even though the blockade is a major obstacle.
However, the corrupt plutocracy and immoral autocracy, uh, uses the legends of incompetence and corruption of our government, and its supposedly the danger of a humanitarian threat as a justification for a foreign intervention.
It states it cynically.
Well, uh, like a, uh Someone who seeks to provoke, uh, devastating effects, uh, against the country.
Uh, that, uh, it simply does not like its economic system or political system, in spite of the lack of progress and, uh, goodwill and due to the lack of seriousness and coherency by the United States, we will continue to be ready to continue our discussions, to try to deal with bilateral problems without interference in our internal affairs, nor in our political system or in our elections.
And we will try to seek ways of, uh behavior that is civilized, multifaceted cooperation, especially in the area of terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, regular and safe migration, uh, trafficking of persons, mutual economic compensation, and other topics.
This is a unilateral aggression that is unprecedented and that has no justification through intimidation and secondary sanctions applicable to third parties, the government of the United States seeks to compel all states to participate against their will in its, uh, horrendous policies against Cuba, which will not happen.
I urge the international community to mobilize its efforts to prevent a humanitarian disaster that could be imposed on Cuba, either through weapons or through an energetic blockade, and other harsh and extreme harshness of the blockade that also, uh, kills and provokes suffering.
I request Latin America and the Caribbean to act to preserve its status as a zone of peace and avoids adverse consequences that would destabilize the entire region.
It is time for a broad international effort, uh, above and beyond any political differences, ideological approaches, historic differences.
It's time to put a limit and prevent actions that threaten and damage national interests that threaten entire nations and the sovereign prerogatives of all states.
The global South should fight for this and should collectively protect itself of any reprisals uh, both through their collective action and their, their collective voice.
Uh, and based on mutual cooperation, I humbly request the time has come for solidarity with Cuba that has always shown solidarity with others.
Uh, it has never stopped at any risk.
Sometimes risking the lives of Cubans.
Uh, there is no way to refer to the defense of the central role of the United Nations and the promotion of peace and development, and the primary responsibility of the Security Council and maintaining international peace and security, and its contribution to dialogue and promotion of political solutions.
I cannot refer to all this without asking that this Security Council, with realism, at least tries to fulfill its primary and main mandate with regard to the threat and energy of the threats and the energy blockade against Cuba.
Nor can I refrain from urging the General Assembly, which in any case should use with determination its broad and decisive uh, powers, its moral authority, its legal and democratic status that is conferred to it by member states.
On the issue of Cuba, no one should doubt that that we.
That if the moment comes that we hope will never occur, the people of Cuba will fight until the last.
The very, uh, ultimate consequences, uh, homeland or death.
We will overcome.
Thank you.
I thank you for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Mr.
Barry Naumov.
Mr.
president, Mr.
Secretary-General, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I start by commending the presidency of the People's Republic of China for convening this important debate.
It cannot be more topical to deliberate on strengthening the Uncentered international system.
Given the rising polarization, increased deviation from international law and inefficiency in conflict prevention and resolution at a time when the world needs more cooperation to deal with risks and challenges that know no borders were observed, growing fragmentation and reliance on unilateralism.
Against this backdrop, the United Nations stands as the only universal organization capable of advancing genuine multilateralism based upon the principle of sovereign equality where every member state should have a meaningful voice regardless of its size or power Yet to this end, more efforts are needed to ensure full adherence to the charter without any selectivity, universal and unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states as well as non-interference in their internal affairs, remains the cornerstone of international peace and security.
It is equally important to address impunity for international wrongful acts and ensure justice.
Stronger solidarity is essential, with countries including Azerbaijan, that are overcoming the grave consequences of conflict and enabling expelled populations to return to their homes in safety and dignity.
To better deliver on its mandate.
There is urgent necessity for a more effective, inclusive and responsive United Nations.
In this regard.
Further progress is a must in the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform to enhance the representation of developing countries, while strengthening the council's accountability.
We also welcome the Secretary-General's UN initiative as a system wide reform agenda to make the UN more coherent and responsive to the needs of Member States.
Mr.
president, Azerbaijan has itself experienced the devastating consequences of violations of the UN charter and the failure in enforcing international law.
Today, having emerged as a leading contributor to regional stability and reinforcing its peace agenda through tangible actions, Azerbaijan continues to advocate for a revitalized and reformed multilateral system with the United Nations.
At its core, such a system also requires better utilization of regional organizations and formats that share the objectives of the UN and contribute to the attainment.
With this in mind, Azerbaijan has significantly contributed to multilateralism over the past years.
This includes our result oriented chairmanship in the Non-Aligned movement, our exemplary presidency and hosting of Cop 29 and the World Urban Forum, and our ongoing chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.
To conclude, I recall that the charter of the United Nations is built on the premise that through unity and cooperation, nations can establish a durable framework for peace, justice, and the rule of law.
And it is only through concerted actions that we can move toward the United Nations Center's responsive and inclusive multilateral system that deliver on promises for a brighter future for present and coming generations.
Thank you.
I thank His Excellency, Mr.
Bayramov, for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Zumbach Kulibayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Distinguished members of the Security Council.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome His Excellency, Mr.
Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, and thank Chinese Presidency for convening today's meeting on protecting the principles and the proposals of the UN UN charter, as well as promoting international cooperation.
For almost eight decades, this charter has served as a common framework for peace, security, cooperation and respect among nations.
The proposals and principles of the charter are clear.
To save succeeding generations from the war, to maintain international peace and security, to develop friendly relations among nations, to promote human rights, and to facilitate international cooperation.
However, today we are witnessing a growing number of conflicts violations of international law, humanitarian crisis, terrorism, climate related issues, food and energy insecurity, and deepening mistrust among states.
These challenges do not respect borders.
No country, regardless of its size of power, can address them alone.
That is why Kyrgyzstan believes that international cooperation is not a choice, but an essential necessity.
Mr.
president, the world today needs unit.
The United Nations should be a bridge between countries, not a mirror of divisions.
To achieve this, the international community must restore trust in multilateral institutions.
First, we must foster respect for international law and the UN charter.
All member states must follow the same rules.
Selective approach weakens the credibility of the international system.
Second, we must enhance the role of preventive diplomacy.
The UN, regional organizations and member states should work together to identify risks early and address root causes.
Thirdly, we must ensure that development and security are treated together.
Poverty disparity, climate change and the lack of fair access can create instability.
Sustainable development is therefore a critical path of peace and security.
Fourth, we must make multilateral institutions more inclusive, transparent and effective.
Reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, should reflect modern realities and ensure fair representation of developing countries, landlocked countries and the small states.
These principles are top of our priorities as a candidate for the Security Council for 2027 2028 that Member states will elect.
Next week, on 3rd June.
Mr.
president, if elected, Kyrgyzstan will serve in the Security Council for the first time.
We have full understanding of the difficult environment in which it operates today.
In such a moment, the council needs not only continuity but also fresh perspectives, new energy and practical ideas.
Kyrgyzstan believes that the role of the Peacebuilding Commission should be further strengthened and more clearly recognized as complementary to the work of Security Council, and it can serve as a link for early action, dialogue, institution building and sustainable development, all of which are much needed elements of lasting peace.
Security Council must be more effective.
Not only is in responding to crisis, but also in preventing them.
Kyrgyzstan would like to bring great attention for the peaceful settlement of border disputes as an important part of preventive diplomacy.
Our region knows well that pending border issues, if neglected, can become sources of tension.
At the same time, with political will and dialogue, sensitive matters can be resolved peacefully.
This is the vision my country wishes to bring to the Security Council.
Kyrgyzstan is guided by readiness to work in a practical way, with all countries and groups of countries for the common good.
We reject approaches based on confrontation or bloc politics.
Our mission is founded on a consistent commitment to dialogue, balance and cooperation.
Kyrgyzstan seeks to to bring to this council a bridge building voice, one that listens, promotes trust, and works for practical solutions in the spirit of the UN charter Distinguished colleagues, I will be very clear.
The Security Council is not closed club.
It is not a space reserved only for those who have more power.
It is a body entrusted by all member States with a primary responsibility to protect the international peace and security.
Kyrgyzstan stands ready to work with all Member States to defend the proposals and and principles of the UN charter and to build a more just, secure and cooperative world for the future generations.
Thank you.
I thank His Excellency, Mr.
Kulibayev for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
First of all, I want to congratulate the presidency of the People's Republic of China for organising this timely, high level debate on a topic that is so essential for the peaceful coexistence among nations and for global peace and stability and sustainable development.
I would also like to thank the Secretary General, Antonio Gutierrez, for his very uh, uh, relevant statement this morning.
Now, we have come from Uruguay to participate in this important discussion, guided by a extreme sense of responsibility.
And the history of my country has shown that we have always defended multilateralism and the UN system at.
And in fact, at this current moment, Uruguay is.
Has the president of two international regional mechanisms, Celac and the Brasilia consensus.
And at the international level, we are currently, uh, occupying the presidency of G77 plus China.
These are mechanisms that are profoundly committed to the, uh upholding the principles and purposes of the UN charter.
And these complex times that we're that we're going through for international peace and security to reaffirm in its entirety and without being selective the relevance of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter of San Francisco is more necessary than ever, because these are the most essential parameters that we have to achieve a peaceful coexistence and smooth relations between nations.
And not to forget that the only way that we have to resolve global problems is through cooperation The legal principles, such as the sovereign equality of states, the, uh, compliance in good faith with international obligations, respect for territorial integrity, the peaceful resolution of disputes non-intervention in internal affairs, free determination, and the non-use of force.
All these are mandatory to be complied with in full when these basic principles are not complied with, the entire, uh, framework that we have built voluntarily and in good faith to enable us to live and develop in peace over the past 80 years, begins to fall apart as unfortunately, we are witnessing today.
Uruguay has been always firm and consistent defender of all of these principles, demanding that they be upheld, uh, each time that they have been challenged or defied since 1921, when we became the first country of the world in accepting the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice.
This has been a traditional position of Uruguay's foreign policy, that is, to reject the threat and the use of force and demand the solution of disputes and conflicts that put at risk peace and international security through peaceful means This, uh, stance is not merely rhetorical, rather, it's very tangible.
It, uh, is demonstrated by a long and rich tradition of participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, where tens of thousands of Uruguayan blue helmets have given their utmost including several have lost their lives to defend human rights, international humanitarian law, and to promote stability in zones affected by conflict in which our blue helmets have been deployed.
Uruguay, uh, reaffirms the importance of continuing to develop this valuable, uh, instrument to maintain and consolidate peace at the international level that we have created.
This instrument is not only based on international legality that is implied by mandates approved by this council, but also it's based on the evolution and constant improvement in the implementation, in the implementation of the complicated tasks entrusted to it, especially in the protection of civilians.
In this same spirit of tangible contribution to the promotion of peace that the current government of Uruguay has decided to launch a national policy to, uh, build peace and facilitate dialogue through that policy based on our sound.
Pacifist tradition and our, our always, uh, attempt to seek political agreements, we hope to be, to make a contribution, a positive contribution in this sphere, especially in our region of Latin America and the Caribbean, which we must preserve as a zone of peace and as broadest meaning states remain key actors in international relations.
However, nothing that we do within our countries and as actors of the international community, uh, has meaning.
If the benefits do not reach the people who make up our societies benefits derived from living in peace and societies that are more, more just, more peaceful and more inclusive societies in which human rights are respected and sustainable development are promoted.
Uh, very, very, very concrete way.
The UN system, without a doubt, has plenty of room to improve, and efficiency clearly must seek to be more effective, as we must certainly tackle reforms that have been postponed for a long time, such as making sure that the various entities of this system should be more representative as this very council.
However, we should not lie to ourselves.
No update reform or enhancement in efficiency will bring substantive and sustainable benefits in the medium or long term.
If we don't reaffirm our collective commitment to the purposes and principles of the charter, and if we don't put our common humanity at the center of our efforts, if this foundation is not there, the rest of what we will be rebuilding will fall, will collapse, either because it has nothing to, uh, lean against or because it will, uh, lack basic sense of purpose.
Often we value what or someone or what we lose once we after we've lost it at the individual level Often this happens with our health or with someone who we love at the national level.
This happens with support for democracy and the rule of law, for example.
And at the international level, we are certain that this would happen with the United Nations if we lose it.
It happened already in the past, and we wound up with the most horrific and destructive conflict in the history of humanity, after which we had to reinvent the United Nations and reinvent ourselves.
I think we've all learned that lesson.
Therefore, let us not repeat the same mistake.
Thank you.
I thank His Excellency for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Amon Murwira, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe.
Mr.
president, excellencies, distinguished, distinguished delegates.
Zimbabwe expresses appreciation to the People's Republic of China for convening this debate.
We commend His Excellency Foreign Minister Wang Yi for convening this meeting.
At a moment of deep uncertainty, rising political geopolitical tension and renewed questions about the future of multilateralism, the Republic of Zimbabwe remains committed to a United Nations Security Council that reflects contemporary geopolitical realities, not 1945.
Its legitimacy and effectiveness requires comprehensive reform that is member state driven, that corrects the historical injustices, for example, in particularly Africa's exclusion from the permanent membership and its underrepresentation in the non-permanent category.
Eight years after the founding of the United Nations, the United Nations Charter remains both our shield and our compass guaranteeing durable peace and security for Africa.
The charter also carried and still carries the promise and delivery of self-determination, dignity and sovereign equality.
Yet those very principles are under strain.
We witness the erosion of multilateralism, the selective application of international law, unilateral measures, embargoes, exclusionary practices and growing mistrust among nations.
This weakens collective security and undermines cooperation.
No nation, however powerful, can secure peace and prosperity alone.
Armed conflict, terrorism, climate change, pandemics, cyber threats and economic instability all demand renewed solidarity and card in the United Nations Charter and in genuine multilateral cooperation.
Mr.
president, Africa continues to carry a disproportionate burden of conflict and insecurity while contributing least to many structural causes of global instability.
In line with chapter eight of the charter, it is imperative to strengthen cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations, particularly the African Union.
Zimbabwe, therefore, calls for the full, balanced implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719.
We also stress that sustainable peace requires addressing root causes, including poverty, exclusion and underdevelopment plus inequality.
Zimbabwe will stand for election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council on 3rd June 2026.
This is pursuant to our United Nations and international obligation to safeguard peace and security as encoded in our Constitution, chapter 12 of Zimbabwe's Constitution and our foreign Policy Priorities of safeguarding Peace and Security and international peaceful coexistence.
Once elected, Zimbabwe commits to promote dialogue, consensus and inclusivity in the maintenance of international peace and security.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe urges all United Nations Member states to recommit to the charter's principles, reject double standards and work collectively toward a just, peaceful, inclusive and equitable international order.
I thank you more.
I thank His Excellency Mr.
Moreira for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, um Mr.
Marko Duric, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.
Mr.
president, Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank China, the current holder of the presidency of the Security Council, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, for organising today's debate on a topic that is of essential importance for the future of the international order and the preservation of peace in the world.
The world today finds itself in the midst of a geopolitical hurricane in which armed conflicts, humanitarian crisis, economic and energy related instability, as well as a deep crisis of trust in international institutions, merge into a dangerous vortex that threatens to swallow the very foundations of the international order.
International law is increasingly giving way to force interests and geopolitical confrontation, and what is particularly worrying is that this process seems less and less as a temporary crisis and increasingly as a systemic collapse of the existing order.
That is precisely why today's debate gets to the heart of maintaining the credibility of the international order based on the UN charter.
If this document ceases to be the universal, legal and moral compass of international relations, the world will return to the logic of force, spheres of influence, and the law of the Stronger Excellencies.
The UN charter was not devised to be a document that is applied selectively.
Either it will apply to all equally, or it will no longer apply to anyone for the Republic of Serbia.
This is not an abstract topic.
We are among those who have experienced first hand the consequences of the destruction of the fundamental principles of the UN charter.
For us, the Pandora's box of the collapse of international law was opened in 1999, with the aggression against our country carried out without a decision of the UN Security Council.
The act as Walter J.
Rockler, an American lawyer and former prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials, pointed out, shredded the basic provisions of the United Nations Charter and other conventions and treaties and constituted the most brazen international aggression since World War Two.
It was demonstrated at the time that force can be placed above law, that this council can be circumvented when its decisions are not to the liking of the powerful, and that sovereignty and territorial integrity are not inviolable.
Inviolable.
If there is enough political and military power power to trample on them.
This is not only disrupted peace in one country, but also deeply shook the very foundation of the international legal order.
Because once you show that the UN charter does not apply equally to all, then no one can convincingly claim that the principles of international law are universal and indivisible.
Once a principle is breached for the first time, it ceases to be a principle.
Rules that are applied selectively stop being rules at all.
Even further, the war in 1999 was ended by the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, a legally binding document for all UN member states.
The principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are clearly embedded in this resolution, yet it has become one of the most breached and disregarded documents ever adopted by this distinguished body.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of Serbia believes that the United Nations must remain the irreplaceable center of the international order, not because it's perfect, but because there is no credible alternative to a system based on universal rules and the equal participation of all states.
The answer to the crisis of multilateralism is not to seek new formulas, but to have the courage to return to what we have agreed upon together.
The multilateralism we defend today was not created in times of peace and comfort.
It emerged from the ashes of two catastrophic world wars, and from the suffering of nations that paid the highest price for freedom.
The Republic of Serbia knows that price well Few nations can testify more credibly to the sacrifices made in defense of liberty and in defense of the principles upon which the modern international system rests.
The sovereign equality of states, respect for territorial integrity, and the conviction that universal rules must apply equally to all.
Because the moment those principles are abandoned, the moment they become selective, we open the door once again to a world in which power alone determines justice, and in which one actor seeks to impose domination on others through force.
In the First World War, Serbia lost around 1.3 million people, almost 26% of its population at the time.
Entire generations disappeared and before those wounds could fully heal, the Second World War claimed more than another million lives in our country.
That is why Serbia does not speak about the United Nations charter sovereignty and international law as abstract concepts.
For us, these principles were defended through immense sacrifice and suffering in a time of profound global change.
More and more international organizations are re-examining their working mechanisms while striving to modernize and adapt to new circumstances.
Unnati the pact for the future and the discussion on the reform of the UN Security Council testify to the thought being given to finding a way for the organization to remain effective, relevant and adapt to the challenges of the modern world.
If we want the UN to maintain its authority and credibility, I believe that we need to revitalize the UN system.
One perspective is the reform of the UN Security Council so that it is more representative and better adapted to today's reality.
This process must be based on the broadest possible consensus of member States.
Greater representation of developing countries, especially Africa.
At the same time, proceeding from the need for more balanced and inclusive regional representation, we believe that any future model of the Security Council reform should include an additional seat for the Eastern European group.
However, without a genuine return to observance of the UN charter, no institutional reform will suffice.
Finally, the Republic of Serbia remains committed to the UN charter, which guides us in our relations with all countries of the world, whether large or small, geographically distant or neighboring.
Commitment to the values of peace, security, friendly relations and economic and social progress characterizes both our policy towards the world and our policy towards the Western Balkan region.
Please rest assured that Serbia will remain a pillar of the defense of the UN charter and the strongest bulwark of peace, both internationally and in the Western Balkans, even though it faces a lack of responsibility, sometimes we will continue to advocate for a world based on law, not force, for a world in which rules apply equally to all, and where the UN charter is not a political instrument, but the universal foundation of international order, I thank you.
I thank you, Mr.
Marko Grujic, for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Pablo Carreno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina.
Thank you.
I want To start by congratulating the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China on Ji and congratulate China for its presidency of the Security Council in this month of May.
I'm particularly grateful for the invitation to participate in this open debate in a forum that requires reflection, clarity and a sense of historical responsibility.
I would also like to thank the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr.
Antonio Guterres, and the delegations present here.
Mr.
president, Argentina values that this the fact that this Council is meeting to think about the purposes and principles of the UN charter.
The charter was born out of the extreme experience of humanity.
Its essential mandate was to preserve international peace and security, affirm the sovereign equality of states, promote cooperation among nations and prevent forced is being substituted for law.
This mandate remains fully relevant for Argentina.
The international order must be based on a specific moral conviction.
We defend life, freedom and property.
We acknowledge in the values of the Judeo-Christian tradition the foundational roots of the West, the concept of individual responsibility, and the idea of freedom that shaped the architecture of our societies.
Based on this vision, international institutions must offer concrete responses to free nations and contribute to preserve a order based on clear rules.
The United Nations were designed for this ultimate goal Its legitimacy is based on its capacity to preserve peace and offer responses there.
Where isolated action by states is insufficient.
When this capacity is weakened, the organization loses its authority.
It drifts away from the realities that are experienced by states, and it begins to dilute the relevance that gave meaning to its creation.
Mr.
president, today we are experiencing a time of deep transformations.
Geopolitical tensions are growing, conflicts are multiplying, and transnational threats are increasing.
The recent situation in the Strait of Hormuz showed how a localized crisis could, in a matter of hours, have an impact on global trade, energy security and food stability of millions of people.
In the face of these challenges, the UN organization that is slow, bureaucratic and lacking a sense of urgency is overwhelmed by the facts.
Argentina knows the value of diplomacy when international order is experiencing decisive hours.
Argentinian and former foreign minister between 1932 and 1938, Carlos Saavedra Lama, the first Latin American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, noted a world troubled and agitated, riven by tensions that threaten to overwhelm it.
In the face of this situation, he considered the the need for a free nations to remain united, to defend understanding among states and the principles that sustain international coexistence.
This tradition honors us and reminds us that stability cannot be maintained with inertia, but rather with leadership and moral clarity.
Mr.
president, in this context, Argentina proposes moving towards a multilateralism that works, a multilateralism that respects the sovereignty of states, that administers its resources responsibly, that is held accountable, and concentrates its energy on specific mandates Rhetoric without impact erodes trust and makes leadership impossible, President Javier Millet stated to the General Assembly in 2025.
Uh outlined four principles that Argentina considers essential for this debate.
The first one is the essential mandate.
Preserving peace and international security must guide the priorities of this organization Second is international subsidiarity.
The United Nations must act when a problem clearly exceeds the capacity of states.
The third is due institutional due diligence.
All structure, program or mandate must be evaluated based on its real usefulness.
The fourth is normative simplification.
International cooperation must facilitate freedom, trade and prosperity of nations.
These principles are very much in line with the UN Aid initiative and the essential urgent need.
The organization must recover its focus.
It must revise, uh, overlapping mandates, redundant structures, targets that are reshaped without producing results and agendas disconnected from reality.
Along these same lines, the Security Council must also strengthen its representativity and effectiveness.
Argentina supports a reform that expands the non-permanent membership, improves the capacity of reaction, and preserves the primary responsibility that the charter entrusted to this organ The authority of the Council, depends on its capacity to act in the face of real threats, with firmness and balance.
Mr.
president, this debate is taking place in an institutional moment That is the size of the international community must soon elect a new Secretary general.
This decision must be guided by merit, experience, independence and a proven capacity for management without losing sight of the value of geographical representation.
For this reason the candidature of the general of the IAEA Rafael Mariano Grossi, presented by Argentina is particularly relevant.
The organisation requires leadership, a leader with technical authority, political will and a mission to obtain results capable of restoring the soul and purpose to this structure that should return to the memory of its relevance.
Argentina believes in the United Nations that is more austere, more efficient and more useful.
An organisation faithful to its charter focused on peace and open to deep reforms.
We believe in an international community where cooperation is a vehicle for freedom, security and prosperity, and where rules protect states in the face of aggression.
Mr.
president, Argentina has come to this debate with clarity and conviction.
Institutions last.
When they recover their purpose the future of the United Nations will depend on its capacity to return to being a reference for peace, a reference for law, and a reference for concrete action in the face of the challenges of our time.
If the United Nations managed to adapt itself they will continue to be a central pillar of the international system.
Otherwise they run the risk of becoming completely irrelevant in a world that has already changed.
This is the turning point where we find ourselves, and also the responsibility that we all share.
Institutions do not reform by inertia.
They transform when states have the will to clearly state what for too long has not has not been stated.
Argentina is ready to take that step.
We hope that the international community will also be ready to face this challenge.
Thank you very much.
I thank you, Mr.
Colonel, for the statement.
I now give the floor to miss to His Excellency Mr.
Vojtech.
To His Excellency Mr.
Manuel Tovar Rivera, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica.
Senor president, distinguished.
Mr.
president, distinguished colleagues, Costa Rica would like to congratulate the People's Republic of China for organizing this very timely and relevant high level debate.
80 years after its adoption, in an international context that is increasingly complex.
The purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter are as relevant as ever to reaffirm them, as essential to preserve, uh, trust among states and strengthen multilateralism.
Costa Rica has made the charter the basis of its foreign policy and we have.
Entrusted to the international system a significant part of its security.
We defend an order based on international law and the interdependence among peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights.
In this spirit, we are promoting a reform of the United Nations that strengthens its efficiency, effectiveness and its coherence in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.
To achieve this, the reform.
This must.
The reform must be pragmatic and realistic.
Uh.
It is urgent to take action that strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to translate the charter into tangible results for our peoples and for international peace and security.
Costa Rica wants to continue to be an active part of this effort.
We must strengthen the good offices of the Secretary General to contribute to preventing and resolving disputes, strengthening the role of the United Nations as a forum for dialogue and understanding among states, as suggested by the candidate to the Secretary General.
Rebecca Greenspan.
In her vision for the future of this organization.
Mr.
president, the Security Council occupies an essential role in preserving international peace and security.
Strengthening its credibility and effectiveness is an imperative for the future of the system of collective security.
Costa Rica.
With this in mind, reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations as a cornerstone of the multilateral system.
Thank you very much.
I thank His Excellency Mr.
Tovar Rivera for the statement, and I'll give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Ludwig Whitaker, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua.
Uh, brother, foreign Minister Wang Ji, on behalf of the government and the government, the people and the government of reconciliation of National unity of Nicaragua.
We congratulate the People's Republic of China and our brother, uh, Foreign Minister Wang Ji, for the successful presidency of the Security Council this month.
We also are grateful for the convening of this debate, which is very timely and extremely necessary at a critical at a critical time that humankind is going through.
Mr.
president, the UN charter, which was signed over eight decades ago, continues to be the essential legal instrument necessary to fulfill the principal purposes of the organization international peace and security, peaceful coexistence among nations, and sovereign equality among states Today, its effective relevance is systematically challenged by practices and measures, but those by those who seek to subordinate it to their agendas and hegemonic interests that they are a direct threat to peace, development and security of our peoples, poverty, wars, climate change, and specifically the imposition of illegal unilateral coercive measures which constitute crimes against humanity.
In fact, are an assault on the right to development, health, education, food, and the very life of people and entire peoples.
These measures are the greatest obstacle for the implementation of the 2030 agenda and the eradication of poverty.
Nicaragua, uh based on principles and spirit of international demands with utmost conviction, the total and unconditional elimination of all unilateral coercive measures.
Mr.
president, facing these realities, people, peoples are resisting and moving towards a multipolar world that continues to develop each with increasing effort and force.
Hegemonic policies are losing their premise and their weakening.
Their alternatives are being developed by peoples and for peoples with new mechanisms for integration and cooperation.
We are witnessing the birth of a new era based in solidarity and the fight of all our peoples in the face of old and new forms of imposition and aggression.
Nicaragua would like to, uh, express our deep gratitude to the People's Republic of China for all its models of global integration, the initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative, the initiative for Global Development Initiative for Global Security, and many others that offer developing countries mechanisms of cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, and the complete absence of any political conditionalities of any other type.
Nicaragua deeply values this practical solidarity.
That is a living example of how international cooperation should function.
Based on the principles of the charter, we recognize and our express our gratitude to the People's Republic of China.
A trustworthy friend who is a firm defender of the Global South.
Mr.
president, Nicaragua reaffirms its unshakable commitment to the purposes and principles of the charter.
Sovereign equality of states, non-intervention in internal affairs, peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for the self-determination of peoples.
These are fundamental pillars for harmonious development of nations.
We express our consistent, uh, solidarity with Cuba.
We also, uh, echo the urgency of, uh, of, uh expressing the irrevocable decision of the peoples of the world to live in security, peace, and goodwill, in particular, the principles of the declaration that sustain our Latin American and Caribbean zone as a zone of peace and security and development.
Peace and multilateralism are fundamental non-negotiable principles that are reflected in all our international relations and in our contributions to all, uh, the work of the United Nations and the multilateral system.
Mr.
president, the United Nations has a historic role to play that is to, uh, re rejuvenate itself, democratize itself, and transform itself.
This Council and the United Nations must act for the benefit of peoples.
And what is vital is a culture of peace and respect and justice without threats or the use of force, without external interference, promoting stability, uh, coexistence, and the dignity of peoples.
Without any exception, Nicaragua will continue demanding respect for the UN charter, for International Law, for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs of states, the inalienable right to self-determination, and most importantly, and the right of all peoples to live in peace.
Thank you very much.
I thank His Excellency for the statement.
I now give the floor to the his Excellency, Mr.
Chris Boehm, Minister of State for Europe of Germany.
Mr.
president, let me start by thanking you for convening today's important and timely debate.
Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union at the summit of the future.
Less than two years ago, the heads of State and government of the United Nations member States came together, forged consensus and adopted the pact for the future.
At this remarkable event, they proved that multilateralism with the UN, its charter and international law at its core is alive.
We are proud that Namibia and Germany contributed as co-facilitators of the pact to reaching this highly significant agreement.
It spells out how we envisage multilateral governance.
We all agree that the United Nations have to be reformed.
The pact and its annexes provide strategic guidance, while the UN 80 initiative reinvigorates the UN system.
And now I will continue in French nous devons.
We have to enable that the UN to deliver better across all three pillars for the benefit of the men and women we serve.
Let me give you three examples.
First, to better align peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and prevention efforts, we need to strengthen cooperation between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council, the General Assembly, as well as the Human Rights Council.
Second, to drive progress on sustainable development, we have to cooperate more effectively with civil society and the private sector.
Just as the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, taking place in June, aims to do.
And thirdly, human rights, the third pillar of the United Nations, should figure more prominently in discussions about peace and security.
Mr.
president, we should seize this moment of system wide change to also reform the Security Council.
We welcome very much that the African group has presented its reform model.
Let us take the next steps together and develop a consolidated model, as we agreed to do in the pact for the future.
The objective here is clear a meaningful reform that reflects today's geopolitical realities that redresses the historical injustice against Africa, that improves the representation of the underrepresented regions in the Security Council, and that pays due regard to contributions made to the UN.
Therefore, we can significantly enhance the Security Council's legitimacy and ability to act.
Mr.
president, it is us, the Member States, who are primarily responsible for the effectiveness of the United Nations.
The UN can only be as strong as we allow and support it to be.
Germany wants the UN to succeed in delivering on its principles and purposes, and this is why we continue to steadfastly support all three pillars and to do it financially, politically and conceptually, with ideas, with personnel and with engagement include.
Please allow me to come back to the unjustified accusations brought forward by the Permanent representative of the Russian Federation against my country.
We have been and continue to be crystal clear about our aim, which is to live in peace with our neighbours and prevent conflicts in and beyond Europe and around the world.
Mr.
president, let me reaffirm Germany is a staunch supporter of the UN charter and a strong believer in multilateralism.
We stand ready to take on even more responsibility for United Nations that delivers in the field, in the General Assembly and in the Security Council.
Thank you so much.
I thank His Excellency Mr.
Christie for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
Mr.
Ashirbayeva, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
First, I wish to thank the People's Republic of China and personally His Excellency Foreign Minister Wang Yi, for convening this timely and highly relevant open debate.
We also commend Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tireless efforts to enhance the organisation's Guardian role of the UN charter, once again clearly underlined in his remarks.
Mr.
president, we meet at a time of growing uncertainties when a dangerous erosion of international law puts international peace and security under critical pressure.
In this context, we highly value China's firm resolve in upholding the Uncentered international system and the international relations Based on the purposes of the UN charter.
China's conceptual initiatives in the areas of global security, development, civilization and governance are noteworthy.
We welcome its efforts to generate new ideas to strengthen multilateralism and promote inclusive development system.
As President Kassym-jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan pointed out, we must work together to revitalize the central role of the United Nations and ensure that the global leaders approach issues of international peace and security with a strong sense of responsibility.
The United Nations is indispensable for sustainable peace and development and Kazakhstan's long term growth trajectory.
Throughout all these years demonstrates the strong relevance of the organisation's values enshrined in its charter Yet deep divergences in the approaches to global governance spark serious conflicts across the globe.
Against this background, Central Asia has emerged as a space of peace, security, stability, trust and cooperation, and Kazakhstan will continue its efforts aimed at forging further mutually beneficial partnerships.
Indeed Kazakhstan has made remarkable progress with 40% of SDGs um targets achieved or on track, well above 18% of global average.
From this perspective, the UN Regional Centre for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty responds to the aspirations of the Member states in achieving long term stability and prosperity.
Kazakhstan's track record to enhance mutual respect and strengthen solidarity goes beyond the region's borders.
From the Syrian process to facilitating peace talks for resolving regional conflicts, from exemplary pursuit of nuclear disarmament to unique global interfaith dialogue, all highly successful and under UN umbrella, we have proven the effectiveness of win win cooperation over division and instability.
As one of the six founding states of the global initiative to galvanize commitment to international humanitarian law, we urge member states to choose dialogue over conflicts and ensure protection of civilians and civilian objects when a crisis sparks.
As the latest NPT review conference concludes with no consensus.
We invite all nations, especially nuclear weapon states, to reflect on the broader state of multilateralism and enduring importance of dialogue.
As a proud contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
Kazakhstan gained not only practical insight into evolving security challenges, but also a deep understanding of the importance of mutual trust and timely adaptation.
Same applies to the long overdue reform of the United Nations.
And as President Tokayev emphasized, we must honestly acknowledge that the Security Council is the central element in the reform of the United Nations.
Kazakhstan calls for a meaningful reform of the United Nations, including the adaptation of the Security Council, to contemporary realities with broader and more equitable representation of developing countries and as a developing country, a middle power and as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
We are.
We have a direct stake in ensuring that countries of all sizes can meaningfully participate in global decision making.
This reform should be evolutionary, enhance the organisation's responsiveness to the expectations of its member States and its capacity to address global challenges.
Water agenda is one of such challenges.
Kazakhstan has proposed to establish an international water organization to address the duplication of water mechanisms thus contributing to effectiveness of water related mandates of the United Nations.
Our initiatives related to the creation of the Global Coalition for Primary Health Care and the International Agency for Biological Security complete this vision of effective multilateralism in terms of shared responsibility for global security, as well as provision of accessible health care.
Kazakhstan is ready to work with all member states for high quality development of multilateral cooperation, and will continue its contribution to safeguarding the principles of the UN charter.
I thank you.
Excellency.
I thank you for your statement, and I'll give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Peter.
Diefenthal, Vice Minister and Special Envoy for Global Affairs of Federal Chancellor of Austria.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We would like to thank His Excellency, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and you personally, Permanent Representative Fukang, for convening today's open debate on this important topic.
The world we live in is becoming more insecure, more polarized, and less predictable.
We see the principles of the UN charter and international law increasingly challenged.
There is a real danger that the rule of law gives way to the law of the strongest.
In such a world, nobody truly wins.
We all lose out.
For Austria, a small, export oriented and militarily neutral country, this is not an abstract debate.
We understand that the United Nations means for those who cannot rely on power politics.
That is why our foreign policy is anchored in dialogue, in cooperation and respect for international law.
Let me make three brief points.
First, dialogue must prevail over confrontation.
Austria joined the United Nations 70 years ago, at the beginning of the Cold War, on the fault line between East and West.
This shaped our conviction that dialogue is not a sign of weakness, but a strategic necessity.
It also led us to develop our own profile.
A role to bridge divides, a place for diplomacy, and a home to the 1 to 1 of the four UN headquarters and over 50 international organizations.
We have always believed that our unique role as a place for dialogue comes with responsibilities to listen, with open ears and an open mind to uphold the charter's principles, and to reach out to bring member states together through diplomatic initiatives.
Second, the rule of law must remain the foundation of international relations.
Our foreign policy is guided by the conviction that our security, our prosperity, and our dignity depend on the respect for international law.
The rule of law guarantees predictability, legitimacy, and ultimately, security.
It fosters trust at an international level.
This conviction led Austria to found the group of friends of the rule of law over 20 years ago, which we continue to share today.
But declarations about the importance of international law are not enough.
We need concrete, consistent action from this council to defend the rules whenever they are violated.
Third, for the United Nations to remain legitimate, it must undergo meaningful reform.
Global governance must evolve for it to remain credible, not least to the UN 80 initiative, which we fully support.
The UN must also become more networked with regional organizations, the private sector and civil society.
But at the heart of this pursuit lies the long overdue reform of the Security Council.
The Council must become more representative, more inclusive, more effective and more accountable.
Austria has worked actively towards this goal, including through co-chairing the Intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform.
With the support of all of you, Austria and Kuwait facilitated agreement and consensus on an important step forward in the pact for the future, particularly by recognising the historical injustice against Africa.
We must now build on this momentum.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Austria will remain firmly committed to the United Nations, to the UN charter and international law, including during its aspired term on this council, if elected on 3rd June.
I thank you.
I thank His Excellency Mr.
Zelensky for the statement.
I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
George Zurabishvili, first, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
Mr.
president, distinguished members of the Security Council As I said, let me express our gratitude to the presidency of China for convening this timely and important open debate on upholding the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and strengthening the United Nations centered international system.
Georgia reaffirms its strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, including.
Sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The United Nations and the principles enshrined in its charter remain the cornerstone of the multilateral system and the foundation for maintaining international peace and security.
At a time when the world is facing multiple crises including armed conflicts, humanitarian challenges, climate related risks and growing geopolitical tensions, strengthening multilateralism and solidarity among member states is more important than ever.
We believe that the United Nations continues to play a central role in addressing current and emerging global challenges through collective action and international cooperation.
Distinguished colleagues for Georgia, these principles are not hypothetical.
They speak directly of the core security challenges.
My country continues to face.
20% of Georgia's sovereign territory remains under occupation due to Russia's ongoing military presence in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia.
The consequences of this occupation are severe ethnic cleansing, brutal violations of fundamental human rights, tragic cases of torture and murders, and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons who have lived for decades with the hope to return to their true homes.
Despite these challenges, Georgia remains firmly committed to the peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, and in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the Security Council bears a particular responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and addressing current and emerging threats, enhancing its effectiveness, credibility and ability to respond to contemporary challenges remain essential.
Georgia also recalls the importance of article 23, paragraph three, of the United Nations Charter, which provides that in decisions under chapter six and article 52, paragraph three, a party to a dispute shall abstain from voting.
This principle is particularly relevant in situations involving the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of a state.
Excellencies, peace and stability in our region are of utmost importance to us, and we continue to support all international efforts and initiatives aimed at fostering peace, security and cooperation Georgia's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combined with its resilient economy and reform oriented policies, positions our country as an important regional hub for connectivity, trade, energy and investments.
In the current complex geopolitical environment, strengthening reliable routes and resilient infrastructure has become increasingly important for fostering economic development, cooperation and long and long term stability.
As a trustworthy partner, Georgia continues to contribute to the development of transit, trade and energy connections that create additional opportunities for cooperation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
We believe that enhanced connectivity can serve not only economic progress, but also peace, stability, and stronger international cooperation.
Mr.
president, in conclusion, let me underscore that our collective pursuit of peace, security, human rights and sustainable development depends entirely on our commitment to the United Nations charter and international law.
I thank you.
I thank His Excellency, Mr.
Zurabishvili for the statement.
I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than three minutes in order to enable the council to carry out its work expeditiously.
The flashing light on the microphone will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after three minutes.
I now give the floor to the representative of Vietnam.
I thank you, Mr.
President, and through you, I thank His Excellency Minister Wang Yi for convening this timely and meaningful debate on upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in January 2020.
As president of this Council, Vietnam convened a similar open debate on this very topic in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the charter.
The council on that occasion adopted a presidential statement outlining ways to strengthen respect for the charter.
Regrettably, six years later, the commitment to and respect for the UN charter has anything but been strengthened.
Indeed, such respect has further eroded and the international situation has further deteriorated.
Geopolitical tensions and strategic rivalry have intensified.
New wars have broken out, violations of international law and the very principles of the charter have become more frequent, and the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states continues unabated.
Arms races, including nuclear arms, are intensifying, pushing the world closer to catastrophic confrontation.
Divisions and deadlock within the Security Council persist.
While trust in the United Nations and multilateralism dwindles in the face of these challenges, I wish to emphasize the following three points.
First, all states at all times and under all circumstances must uphold the principles of the UN charter, particularly the principle of sovereign equality without selectivity or double standards.
We must reject the threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states.
No matter who the perpetrator is.
A stable international order cannot be built on confrontation, threats or sanctions, but on dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect and compliance with international law.
In this regard, Vietnam expresses particular concern over the increasing coercive measures against Cuba, including the threat to use force which run counter to the letter and spirit of the UN charter.
Second, the Security Council must work to live up to its role as the body, having primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Greater emphasis should be put on preventive diplomacy, mediation security and enforcing ceasefires, protection of civilians and finding long term political solutions.
Reform of the council should also continue to make it more representative, democratic, transparent and effective.
With due regard to the voice of developing countries, especially the Voice of Africa, third, international law must continue to guide governance in emerging domains such as cyber space, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The United Nations should continue to play a central role in developing international norms and cooperation frameworks in these new areas.
Mr.
president, Vietnam remains firmly committed to the charter, to international law, to multilateralism, and to the Uncentered international system We stand ready to work with all member states to strengthen trust, promote dialogue and understanding, and advance peace, development and justice for all.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank the representative of Vietnam for the statement.
Now I give the floor to representative of Brazil.
Mr.
president, I commend China for this timely and most important debate and the Secretary General for his briefing.
At a time of growing instability and mistrust, it is all the more urgent that member states uphold international law and multilateralism.
This holds true particularly for members of the Security Council, an organ whose credibility and legitimacy are increasingly challenged.
We cannot meet today's challenges through unilateralism.
We need multilateral solutions to global problems.
The council must ensure the maintenance of international peace and security, and serve as a chamber of dialogue and mutual understanding, able to offer solutions to the international community so urgently.
Demands, as shared in the G20 call to action adopted during Brazil's presidency.
And I quote, in order to live up to our shared goals and deliver the promise of the United Nations, we must urgently work for a reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system with renewed institutions and a reformed governance that is more representative, effective, transparent and accountable, reflecting the social, economic and political realities of the 21st century.
End of quote.
Talking past each other, selective actions, or even inaction often reveal this council's incapacity to fulfill its primary responsibility in the maintenance of international peace and security.
Deadlock in the face of urgent crisis creates more instability and carries vast human and political costs.
Equally concerning are the double standards in the application of international law, which erode confidence in the system we have collectively built.
Selective adherence to norms and principles weakens the Council's authority and deepens divisions among member states.
Precisely.
Now, when unity and trust are most needed as we cannot be selective in the application of international law, we cannot be selective in our support for multilateralism.
Unilateral coercive measures have no place in international legal order.
They bypassed the council's mandate and weaken our collective security system.
They are illegal, illegitimate and ineffective and entirely disregard the charter.
They too often entail grave humanitarian consequences for the very people they allegedly aim to protect.
Their desired goals, however, are rarely, if ever, achieved.
Mr.
president, addressing these challenges requires renewed commitment to a comprehensive reform of the Security Council.
This council must better reflect today's realities by becoming more representative, more legitimate and thus more effective.
The pact for the future underscores that Security Council reform is a priority to be pursued without delay.
Member states agreed to intensify efforts through the intergovernmental negotiations, the decades long standstill that has prevented the very start of negotiations on this matter is incompatible with the growing urgency acknowledged in the pact.
The pact also gives us the tools to break this inertia, including by mandating work toward a consolidated reform model based on models presented by member states to enable the prompt start of text based negotiations.
Brazil stands ready to work with all member states to strengthen the United Nations, restore confidence in this Council, and ensure that our collective action is guided by fairness, consistency and respect for international law.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Brazil for the statement.
I now give the floor to representative of Iraq Ahmad Rahim.
Mr.
president of the Security Council, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Security Council, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the permanent member of China and especially the Foreign Minister, Yang He, for organising this important meeting.
And we wish you all the luck in presiding the Council during this month.
Through our experience, we believe that conflicts and political trouble usually tests the UN charter.
This is not theoretical.
It's also practical.
We believe that the principles of the charter are not mere legal norms or a diplomatic tool used in formalities.
Instead, it is the legal and political basis for our contemporary international system, and we should all abide by the charter to ensure the stability all over the world.
President Iraq over the past four decades has experienced unprecedented experiences.
We have suffered from wars, terrorism, external interference and sanctions, thus, proceeding from our diplomatic and political perception.
We believe that sovereignty is not just a is a state.
However, it ensures the basic existence to protect our states and prevent their, um, failure.
Today, we believe that structural challenges and growing crises on the international scene due to armed conflict and lack of trust, in addition to the double standards and implementing international law, reflects the lack of collective political will to abide by those provisions.
Our experience with Daesh in Iraq proved that such threats cross border and thus are a true threat to international peace and security, especially if we cannot counter these threats at an early stage.
Therefore, through our experience, we have ingrained our status as a central partner in international efforts to counter terrorism and extremism Our experience proved that preventive diplomacy and investment in resilience of national institutions and good governance is the most important thing.
To overcome that stage and move into the reconstruction.
The reconstruction of our states.
We believe that historically we have surpassed World War Two thanks to the United Nations.
The credibility of this system necessitates a reform of the UN and the Security Council to be more representative, effective, transparent and accountable.
To conclude, Mr.
President, the Republic of Iraq reiterates its concerted effort and its important role as a bridge for dialogue and economic complementarity to ease tensions in the region.
In line with the UN charter and the promotion of partnerships.
Today, more than ever, we need multilateralism to uphold the rule of law and respect pluralism in order to pave the way for comprehensive peace for humanity at large.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank the representative of Iraq for the statement.
Now, I give the floor to the representative of Malaysia.
Mr.
president, Malaysia welcomes today's open debate on this critical issue convened under China's presidency.
And we thank the Secretary General for his briefing.
The purposes and principles of the UN charter remain as relevant today as they were at the founding of this organisation.
The charter upholds sovereign equality, prohibits the use or threat of force, promote respect for international law and places cooperation at the heart of our collective response to global challenges.
Yet today we are witnessing rising conflicts, deepening mistrust, disregard for international law and the selection selective application of rules.
In this challenging time, Malaysia firmly rejects the notion that might is right.
The international order must be anchored in the UN charter, international law and the rules based multilateral system.
These foundations must apply to all equally and consistently.
This uncentered international system is not perfect, but it remains the most representative and legitimate system we have.
Mr.
president, to uphold the authority and integrity of the charter, the rule of law must prevail.
Applied equally without double standards.
Security Council resolutions must be implemented by all Member States without exception Selective application weakens trust in the UN and the Council and erodes confidence in the international system.
As we recently commemorated, the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, Malaysia is deeply saddened that grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law continue in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Israel has violated the UN charter, international law and multiple resolutions of both the General Assembly and the Security Council while enjoying impunity This impunity must end.
The occupied Palestinian territory is not the only crisis demanding our attention.
The suffering in Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and other conflict areas reminds us that the UN must be able to act decisively when civilians are harmed or under threat.
The council must ensure accountability.
Those who persistently violate its resolutions must face consequences.
Mr.
president, Malaysia also supports the strengthening of the Security Council as the organ entrusted with the primary responsibility for international peace and security.
The council must be more democratic, inclusive, representative and effective.
Malaysia therefore reaffirms its support for the council's reform, including its expansion to better reflect today's 193 member states.
However, expansion alone is not enough as the question of the veto must be addressed.
Malaysia, therefore, reiterates its call for reform of the veto with a view to its eventual abolition.
Only then can a more representative council discharge its mandate more effectively and credibly.
Until that time, the use of veto must be regulated to ensure it is not wielded to serve narrow political interests.
Mr.
president, as we look ahead, Malaysia stands ready to work constructively with all Member states to make the UN more effective, transparent, inclusive and responsive to current realities.
We must recommit ourselves to the principles that bind us, particularly respect for the UN charter, adherence to international law, compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
Above all, to conclude, the UN can be improved if we have the political will and solidarity to do so.
But it must never be undermined or bypass while we pursue that goal.
I thank you, Malaysia.
I thank the representative of Malaysia for the statement.
I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt.
Mr.
president, at the outset, I would like to congratulate the People's Republic of China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and to thank it for convening this important open debate.
I would also like to welcome His Excellency, Mr.
Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, to New York.
Mr.
president, I will raise four points related to the.
For purposes of the UN set forth in article one of the charter.
First, the maintenance of international peace and security remains the primary purpose of the UN.
The profound transformation currently taking place in the balance of international power constitutes the primary challenge facing global stability today.
The global economic and political center of gravity is undergoing rapid change.
While the international system is heading towards greater multipolarity.
History, however, offers us a crucial lesson.
Periods of transition in the balance among major powers have always been fraught with danger.
They have often led through miscalculation to intensified rivalry, igniting conflict among those powers.
The challenge before us today is to ensure that the current period of transformation becomes an exception to this historical pattern, and that these shifts in the international architecture are managed with wisdom, restraint and consensus among all parties.
In this context, the UN and the Security Council remain essential pillars for managing this transformation, peacefully weakening the UN or undermining the rules enshrined in article two of the charter or withdrawing from multilateral mechanisms.
At this pivotal historical moment would constitute a grave mistake for which all humanity would pay the price.
All states alike, including both major powers and smaller nations, bear the responsibility to a peaceful settlement of disputes and to a respect of the territorial integrity and political independence of all states.
These obligations are not optional, nor may they be applied selectively.
Rather, they are binding rules applicable to all.
Any erosion of these principles anywhere threatens the security of all.
Mr.
president, another imbalance in global power is emerging.
One that was.
That is the development that lies in the concentration of influence and power in the hands of non-governmental actors that are not subject to effective accountability oversight, particularly in the field of emerging technologies.
A limited number of companies now yield enormous influence over the flow of information and data.
Global trade and the management of public discourse, at times surpassing the capacities of many states without being subject to the accountability and oversight mechanisms applicable to states The military applications of modern technologies pose grave risks, including the increasing use of autonomous weapons systems and AI enabled automated combat systems.
Thus, human control and human responsibility over the use of force is important to be kept.
This is not a technical matter, but an ethical and legal imperative.
Shared natural resources must also be managed responsibly in accordance with international law, particularly transboundary rivers that constitute lifelines for entire peoples.
Such rivers must never be used as instruments of political pressure.
The same principle applies to global commons, such as strategic maritime corridors that govern international trade routes.
Efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are likewise witnessing an alarming decline.
Regrettably, the NPT Review Conference has failed for the third consecutive time to adopt a consensus outcome document.
It is therefore imperative to revive disarmament efforts, particularly in regions suffering from chronic tension and instability, foremost, the Middle East.
The second purpose of the UN is to promote equal rights and the right of peoples to self-determination.
The continued denial of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination remains a symbol of the collective moral failure of the UN and the entire international community.
Israel continues to deepen and entrench its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories through settlement, expansion and the de facto annexation of additional land in blatant violation of international law.
Israel also persists in practices aimed at stripping Palestinians of their humanity, seeking to transform them from a people entitled to the full rights and freedoms enjoyed by all peoples into mere inhabitants.
Left with no option but submission to occupation or displacement from their land.
Yet history's lesson is clear there can be no lasting peace in the Middle East.
Without justice for the Palestinian people.
They have to be empowered to realize their independent and sovereign state.
Along the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as as a capital living in peace with its neighbours, Israel has also consistently violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states through repeated military attacks against Lebanon and continued occupation of the Syrian Golan.
The third purpose of the UN is to address socio economic and humanitarian problems and to promote respect for human rights.
The purpose of the charter are not confined to maintaining peace and security.
The charter also seeks to ensure a dignified life for all Yet the gap between developed and developing countries continues to widen, as clearly reflected in the heavy debt burdens borne by developing countries.
Debt servicing consumes resources intended for health, education and development.
Thus, we are in real need for a reform of the international financial architecture.
The climate crisis further exacerbates the injustice facing developing countries.
For Egypt, climate change is a real, tangible reality experienced every day.
Thus, we call for climate justice through developed countries fulfilment of their obligations regarding financing and adaptation.
For they have.
They have been the main reason behind the emissions.
Finally, global health crises require a renewed spirit of international solidarity.
Health threats at anywhere is a threat to all.
The fourth and last purpose of the UN is for the organisation to serve as a centre, coordinating policies among states.
The UN was not established merely as a forum where states present their positions and they depart unchanged.
Rather, it was intended to be the framework through which divergent interests are reconciled and competition transformed into cooperation.
This is precisely what our divided world needs today.
In conclusion, Egypt affirms that we must not surrender to the growing scepticism of the U.
N s merit or its ability to fulfil its role.
The UN remains an indispensable organisation.
The purpose of and the principles of the charter are not merely a legacy inherited from 1945, but enduring values and rules, capable of serving as foundations for global governance in the 21st century.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank the representative of Egypt for the statement, and I'll give the floor to the representative of India.
Mr.
President.
At the outset, I thank you for convening today's open debate.
I also thank the Unsg for his briefing and his insightful remarks.
Today's theme gains particular salience In the wake of ongoing geopolitical developments marked by fragmentation and fault lines that have considerably strained multilateralism with the United Nations at its core.
Concerns related to legitimacy, efficacy and relevance of the UN are growing, particularly the role of the Security Council in delivering on its mandate of maintenance of international peace and security.
Please allow me to start with the history of the UN.
Foundations of this organisation were built on the ravages of the Second World War.
The devastating impact of this war was strongly felt by my country, India.
Over 2.5 million Indian soldiers fought alongside the Allied powers, and over 87,000 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice.
This was not our war but we paid dearly for it.
Therefore, it was natural for us to become a founding member of the UN.
It was reflective of our yearning for peace.
Though the UN was established, it did not put an end to colonialism.
The global politics of colonialism that prevailed during the time ensured that India was not duly recognised for the significant sacrifices we made.
The dilution of, and lack of respect for the purposes and principles of the UN charter is not a new phenomenon.
It took a few decades for countries of Africa and Asia to break free from the shackles of colonialism.
However, India never compromised on its unwavering faith in the UN and in multilateralism during the Cold War.
India made tremendous foundational contributions towards establishing UN peacekeeping and in the maintenance of international peace and security, including in Korea, Indochina, Congo and Gaza.
India continues to be guided by this approach.
Mr.
president, though the UN charter mandated a review conference in 1955, such a review has not been done.
The only amendments done to the charter in the 1960s and 70s increased the elected members of the Council from 6 to 10, and the membership of the Ecosoc from 18 to 54.
The fundamental decision making dynamic of the permanent members of the Council continues to remain unchanged over the last eight decades.
The footprint of the council saw significant expansion in the post-Cold war period.
There was concomitant budgetary growth for peacekeeping operations and other initiatives related to peace and security.
That global landscape and those circumstances of the 1990s have changed considerably since then The period of heightened activism of the council has now faded, and the world is now characterised by fragmentation and confrontation.
We have a divided council at the level of permanent veto wielding members The calls for enhancing efficiencies and productivity at the UN are more pronounced than ever.
The central to UN's challenges today is an architecture that is frozen in the 1940s.
It is akin to running an advanced AI technologies.
On the 1945 version of the computer, called the Electronic Numerical Integrator.
Lack of progress in inter-governmental negotiations on council reforms is indicative of entrenched interests of several member States to maintain the status quo and retain the eight decade old unSc architecture.
Yet we must not forget that if our human race had not been adaptable, humanity itself would not have survived and thrived.
The UN cannot be indifferent to this fundamental evolutionary principle.
It must be flexible and adaptable to deliver meaningfully on the principles and purposes of the UN charter.
Mr.
president, as a concept note outlines a critical challenge the UN faces today is one of double standards.
These are characterised not only by inconsistent application of principles in different situations, but also by inconsistency between words and actions.
Brute force and power do not deliver stronger multilateralism or Global public good.
The spirit of cooperation and ability to make compromises for greater global good must be demonstrated and acted upon.
India would like to underscore the following specific points to reinforce a uncentered international system First, the General Assembly is a truly democratic organ of the UN.
It does not offer disproportionate benefits or privileges to any member state.
This principle organ must be strengthened.
Second, the UN Security Council architecture that is frozen in time must make way for purposeful reform reflecting contemporary geopolitical realities.
Sacrifices made in the Second World War alone cannot justify an archaic and antiquated design for perpetuity.
We can't shield the permanent category of membership from any review or reform forever.
While calling for enhanced representation of developing countries and under an unrepresented geographies only in the elected category of membership, we must address and expand the permanent category of membership, which alone will change the decision making process of this council.
Not adapting to changed circumstances would further diminish the authority, the credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN Security Council.
Third, the unSc must be more transparent.
The wider UN membership is an important stakeholder on all Security Council matters.
Denying access to historical and contemporary documents and maintaining the rules of procedure at a provisional status are not tenable in this age.
The working methods must be refashioned appropriately in tune with our times.
The UN Security Council must be a living instrument, not a fossil More than any other member state, the permanent members must deliberate on this matter.
Mr.
president, I am compelled to respond to baseless and unwarranted remarks made by Pakistan today.
India would like to set the facts straight.
Independent India began its life battling with cross border aggression by Pakistan, which coveted Indian territories that had become a part of India as a result of their complete legal and irrevocable accession.
Pakistan, by waging several wars and inflicting unprovoked aggression against India and through its continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, has violated the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and peaceful co-existence.
The use of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan and its doctrine of bleeding India by a thousand cuts exposes its hollow rhetoric and the rhetoric of commitment to the UN charter.
India has every right to defend itself from such cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan will have to accept that there are consequences to its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan's harnessing of the malevolent forces of terrorism, religious extremism, violent radicalism and anti-India rhetoric has continued unabated since its creation.
The facts in this regard are on public record and need no further elucidation.
Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably end its support for all forms of terrorism.
We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the purposes and principles enunciated in the UN charter.
In conclusion, India would like to reiterate that reforming the UN, particularly the Security Council, is critical to its continued relevance and legitimacy.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank India for the statement.
I now give the floor to Turkey.
Mr.
president, thank you for convening this timely and crucial high level open debate.
Turkey aligns itself with the statement delivered by Distinguished Representative of Australia on behalf of Europe.
I delivered the following remarks in my national capacity.
We live in an era marked by unprecedented levels of armed conflicts, geopolitical divisions and rapid global change.
Conflicts are increasingly protracted, devastating and widespread than any point in our recent history The experience of recent years have clearly demonstrated that no country can tackle the challenges of the modern era alone.
Therefore, multilateralism is not merely an option but but an absolute necessity for addressing these immense global challenges.
Strong multilateral institutions and effective mechanisms of global governance are essential to manage geopolitical tensions and to rebuild trust among countries.
Mr.
president, United Nations, despite its many shortcomings, still lies at the heart of the multilateral system.
It remains the most universal, representative and authoritative intergovernmental organisation.
However, the world has changed greatly over the past eight decades and the current structure of the UN, particularly the Security Council, does not fully correspond to this conditions.
Since the very beginning, Turkey has supported the Secretary-General's UN vision, aiming to render the UN more fit for purpose to fulfil its responsibilities stemming from the charter while maintaining balance across the three pillars.
The demands placed upon the organisation continue to grow in scale and complexity and it is critical that the UN remains agile enough to deliver the results the international community expects, as long as genuinely and effectively implemented, the charter will endure as a beacon of hope, justice and stability amidst global turbulence.
To strengthen the Uncentered international system, the purposes and principles of the charter must be upheld in a holistic and balanced manner, without selective emphasis on certain principles at the expense of others.
International law cannot retain legitimacy if applied selectively.
Credibility of the international system depends on the consistent application of international law to all actors without exception.
Prohibition on the use of force and inherent right of self-defense under article 51 of the charter should be interpreted and implemented in accordance with international law.
Turkey will continue to support peaceful settlement of disputes in line with article 33 of the charter.
Mr.
president, Turkey is a staunch supporter of a reformed more transparent, accountable, democratic and efficient Security Council that would be fit to properly address today's challenges in a swift manner.
On this note, we recall once again that the legitimate platform for these discussions is the intergovernmental negotiations as mandated by the General Assembly decision 62/557.
Mr.
president, promoting and safeguarding international law, including international humanitarian law, is important to address global challenges.
The failure to respect international humanitarian law, in particular to respond effectively to mass civilian suffering, undermines confidence in the system.
Turkey stands ready to work with member states to ensure that protection, human dignity, justice and a fairer world.
Triumph over destruction and despair fully guided by the enduring principles and vision of the UN charter.
I thank you again.
Well.
I thank Turkey for the statement.
I now give the floor to the Netherlands.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
And I want to start by thanking you for organising this important debate.
I'm speaking on behalf of the Benelux countries, Belgium, Luxembourg and my own country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
We align ourselves with the statement of the European Union.
For 80 years, the UN charter has been the foundation of the multilateral system.
Yet today persistent violations of the charter are eroding the principles that have safeguarded global stability for generations.
We must stand firm in defending these principles, and we need accountability.
In this light, allow me to highlight three elements.
Firstly, through the charter, UN member states pledged respect for international law.
The International Court of Justice's 80th anniversary was a celebration of a cornerstone of peace, one that ensures that sovereignty and equality are more than words on paper.
It reminds us that when international law is challenged and violations of territorial integrity increase, we must defend the rules based order.
Sovereign nations can only co-exist peacefully within an international order anchored in respect for international law.
With the UN and its charter at its centre.
We call on the council to reaffirm the importance of compliance with international law and to respond when principles of the charter are violated.
Secondly, the promotion and respect for human rights.
Human rights are essential for peace, security and sustainable development.
By empowering individuals, communities and civil society, human rights make our world safer and ensure that development is inclusive, equitable and fair.
Thirdly, the Member States commitment to assist the UN in actions it takes in accordance with the charter.
In recognition that no nation alone can effectively address the crisis of our time, the credibility of the multilateral system depends not only on words of the charter, but also on our willingness to make them a reality.
This requires trust to rebuild and to be rebuilt in the UN system.
It requires accountability by upholding the charter and by advancing the reforms necessary to make the UN more effective, efficient and representative.
Together, we must strengthen the UN and equip it to meet today's challenges.
Let us choose to defend the principles that unite us and preserve peace, and let our generation be remembered as the one that did not turn away when those principles were tested.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Netherlands for the statement I give the floor to Lebanon.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We thank China for organising this debate.
Always timely, particularly more relevant in recent days and weeks.
And we welcome His Excellency the Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr.
Wang Yi, who addressed the council this morning.
Mr.
president, the charter of the United Nations emerged from a moment of profound human suffering, a moment which is described in the charter itself as one of the untold sorrow to mankind.
80 years later, humankind remains no stranger to sorrow.
The difference is that today sorrow is no longer untold.
Sorrow is seen and heard.
We have seen it recently in the face of Abu Ali, in 87 year old Lebanese man whom the world watched sleeping on the ruins of his home in south Lebanon.
Despite unprecedented visibility, suffering persists.
Accountability remains elusive and one of the greatest challenges confronting the international system today may well be its perceived helplessness in the face of such sorrow.
And yet, we must be careful not to reduce the United Nations and the international system solely to their failures.
Failures are rightly so echoed, denounced and remembered.
But many of the gains brought about by this organisation are less visible precisely because they prevented suffering rather than produced headlines.
The UN cannot be systematically blamed for shortcomings that are ultimately collective.
Mr.
president, as a founding member of the United Nations, Lebanon has remained deeply committed to the principles and purposes enshrined in the charter.
Our own history, marked by both resilience and hardship, has reinforced our conviction that multilateralism derives its value not only from the aspirations it embodies, but from its ability to protect people, uphold justice, and preserve preserve international peace and security.
For Lebanon as for many small states, and most states for that matter, the charter has never been merely a political document.
It has represented a common framework of protection affirming sovereign equality of states, the prohibition of the use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, and providing the safeguards that enable all states, regardless of their size or power, to coexist under shared rules rather than unequal realities.
Mr.
president, actions that violate international law and the charter are often justified under the guise of legality itself, through loose claims of self-defence, necessity or security.
We know this all too well in Lebanon, where such claims have led to so-called artificial yellow lines and security zones, illegal presence and occupation in blatant breach of our sovereignty and our territorial integrity.
To remain viable, the charter depends not only on the strength of its principles, but on the credibility and the consistency of their application.
Mr.
chair, looking ahead, we must choose to reform over collapse a meaningful and just reform.
Institutional shortcomings must not lead to institutional abandonment.
Ensure accountability for violations as impunity breeds further violations, and strengthen our commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Precisely because diplomatic solutions, negotiations and dialogue are more sustainable.
Mr.
president if we are gathered in this room today, it is because the charter still stands as our common point of reference.
Yet the principles we reaffirmed must also be applied consistently and in good faith as to inspire confidence beyond this room and this building.
The ultimate test is whether the peoples of the United Nations believe that their sorrow, no longer untold is being seen, heard, addressed, and answered.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank Lebanon for the statement.
I give the floor to the representative of Italy.
Mr..
Mr.
president excellencies Italy aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, protracted conflicts and increasing global instability.
Italy remains firmly convinced that effective multilateralism is not an abstract principle, but a practical necessity.
The United Nations remains the indispensable framework through which the international community can pursue peace, stability, protection of human rights and sustainable development on the basis of a shared rules and responsibilities, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes must remain at the heart of our common efforts.
In this context, Italy firmly believes that the United Nations must remain central to global governance and capable of responding effectively to today's challenge.
To this end, Italy supports the UN aid initiative aimed at reforming the UN and making and making it more fit for purpose.
Italy, also in its role of focal point of the group uniting for consensus advocates for a reform of the UN Security Council aimed at making it truly and concretely more representative, accountable, democratic, transparent and effective.
In pursuing this objective, we have been engaging in the intergovernmental negotiation with a cooperative and constructive spirit, recognising it as the only legitimate forum for discussing such a sensitive matter.
Renewed efforts are needed to strengthen the role of the UN in the field of peace and security prevention, mediation, peace building and post-conflict reconstruction require sustained political commitment and adequate resources.
Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without inclusive institutions.
Respect for fundamental rights, democratic principle and the protection of human dignity and civic space are key to this regard.
Respect for the rule of law and accountability remain essential pillars of peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.
The needs of the most vulnerable continue to grow across many regions of the world, and Italy remains strongly committed to responding through concrete and coordinated actions, such as the food for Gaza and Italy.
For Sudan initiatives.
Adequate timely and predictable funding for the UN system remains essential to ensure effective humanitarian assistance and development cooperation for the most vulnerable population.
Italy remains committed to working with all partners in support for a stronger and more effective multilateral system capable of upholding the the purposes and principles of the charter.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank Italy for the statement.
I give the floor to Switzerland.
Mr.
president, 81 years ago, the United Nations Charter laid the foundations for an international order based on law, cooperation and collective security.
Today, as geopolitical tensions intensify and polarization deepens, this open debate is of particular importance.
The charter remains the common foundation of our obligations.
The challenge is not the absence of rules, but rather the effective implementation in consistent and universal manner and in good faith.
We note, unfortunately, that these rules are increasingly being violated by some members of our organisation.
Switzerland wishes first of all to reaffirm that respect for international law, including the United Nations Charter, by all actors and in all circumstances, is neither optional nor selective.
The prohibition on the use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law, constitute the pillars of a stable, secure and just international order.
These principles are fundamental to the vast majority of states whose security rests above all, on the strength of the rule of law rather than the rule of force.
Switzerland recalls that the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights constitute one of the essential normative foundations of the United Nations Charter, and consequently, of the legitimacy of the international order.
The credibility of multilateralism depends on states, and the credibility of the Security Council depends on its members, its effectiveness, and therefore its legitimacy requires greater transparency, accountability and ongoing reflection about its working methods, including the application of article 27, paragraph three of the charter.
The United Nations General Assembly plays a vital role in preserving the legitimacy and universality of the multilateral system, particularly when the council is prevented from acting.
Resolution 76262 represents a significant step forward in strengthening the council's accountability to the General Assembly.
This momentum should be maintained and built upon.
We must strengthen synergies between the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and other relevant United Nations bodies, as well as regional organisations, whilst respecting their respective mandates.
Regional organisations have a vital role to play in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and in a spirit of complementarity with the work of the United Nations.
Finally, scientific and technological advances are progressing at a fast pace, as are the risks that accompany them.
And faced with this reality, foresight and science diplomacy are essential to enable the Council to fulfil its mandate.
The council cannot just react to crises.
It must also strengthen its anticipatory capacity in order to prevent conflicts.
Switzerland will continue to engage actively in this area, as it did during its term on the Security Council.
Mr.
president, the reform being carried out under the UN 80 initiative represents a unique opportunity to strengthen the effectiveness and relevance of the United Nations.
However, these reforms will only succeed if they also preserve the organisation's legitimacy, inclusivity and trust in it.
The choice of the United Nations future leadership represents, in this regard, an opportunity not to be missed in order to strengthen the coherence and the spirit of cooperation within the multilateral system.
I thank you.
I thank Switzerland for the statement.
I give the floor to the representative of the ROC.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We appreciate China for convening today's timely debate As geopolitical tensions grow and divisions deepen.
Today's discussion will serve as a valuable opportunity for Member states to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the charter.
Mr.
president, the United Nations has played an indispensable role in the growth and development of Republic of Korea, supporting our defence.
When the war broke out in the peninsula in 1950 and helping us rebuild with vital UN humanitarian assistance following the world.
Today our nation once received assistance now provided in support of developing countries and global peacekeeping efforts Our history recalls a fundamental truth the United Nations medals.
Indeed, the former secretary general, Dag Hammarskjöld, once said the UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell.
This message is still resonates very strongly today.
After decades of relative peace, we have seemingly forgotten the horrors of war and the value of peace itself.
Respect for international law and the principles of the UN no longer carries the liquid sense of emergency power.
Politics increasingly shape international relations.
Impunity persists, new security challenges continue to emerge, and you are even witnessing deeply alarming attacks against civil nuclear facilities.
Some question the ongoing effectiveness of UN.
Others criticize member states for failing to uphold its guiding principles.
However, today's challenges are neither solid or failure of the UN nor the responsibility of member states The solution requires both.
The UN must involve.
Member States must demonstrate renewed commitment.
In this light, I would like to offer three observations.
First, the UN must remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global environment.
To do so, it should pursue institutional reform while enhancing its capacity to address emerging security challenges under the UN aid initiative.
It must become more efficient, effective, accountable and future oriented.
BW growing expectations.
At the same time, the UN needs to strengthen its ability to respond to evolving threats such as cyber attacks.
The misuse of AI, climate related risks, outer space security challenges, and others In this context, the Republic of Korea is pursuing the establishment of global AI Hub in Korea, dedicated to AI for all AI to solve global challenges in collaboration with the participating United Nations and related organisations to enhance safety accessibility, trustworthiness and reliability of artificial intelligence.
With human centred approaches.
Second, we must better utilize one of the UN's greatest assets its unique convening power for eight years even amid amid geopolitical tensions and rivalry, member states, regional organisations, international institutions and civil society continue to engage each other and seek a viable solution within the United Nations framework.
This is the legacy we must preserve.
But convening cannot be the ultimate goal itself.
Dialogue must yield concrete results.
In this context, we reiterate the Security Council must rekindle the spirit and purpose of the chapter as described to save succeeding generations from the scourge of the world.
Lastly, we must reaffirm our driving commitment to multilateralism and international law.
The spirit of shared responsibility and steadfast respect for international law must guide our action in light of the challenges we face today.
The freedom of navigation must be respected universally and under all circumstances.
In this regard, I would like to reaffirm that the status of the Strait of Hormuz as an international waterway where all ships and aircraft aircraft enjoy the right of passage without charge, should be upheld.
Mr.
president, the Republic of Korea has been and continued to be a firm believer in the indispensable in the indispensability and resilience of the UN.
After all, the UN's new chapter will build on our collective resolve to ensure that the United Nations continues to matter.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of.
Okay.
Not a good floor to the representative of Lithuania Lithuania aligns with the statement by the European Union and I wish to deliver additional remarks in my national capacity.
The international peace and security situation which.
The establishment of the United Nations at the end of World War Two was meant to uphold, and which underwent steady improvement with the end of Cold War currently worsening.
The Secretary General clearly outlined this in his remarks on its 80th anniversary.
The Uncentered international system is at the crossroads.
We urgently need universal return to upholding the UN charter and reviving the rules based multilateralism.
Instead, we witness growing disregard for international law, including the UN charter, as well as the retreat from the previously made commitments.
Increasingly, the states and non-state actors are relying on force to resolve disputes, which in turn leads to further violations, destabilisation and despair.
This is evident across the globe, be it in the Middle East Sudan, Haiti, DRC or Horn of Africa.
Russia's ongoing, brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, perpetrated by the state.
Holding permanent seat at the Security Council, is not only an assault on a peaceful neighbouring state, but also a mockery of the UN charter.
Backsliding on obligations should not be accepted as a new normal, upholding the UN charter and its core principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and political independence of states is indispensable to international peace and security.
Mr.
president, recently we have come to recognise the need to refocus on the purposes for which United Nations were established to draw lessons from both World War II and the Cold War, and to ensure that international relations remain firmly anchored in the principles and commitments the UN was created to uphold.
The purposes and principles of the UN charter are direct and enduring.
To maintain international peace and security, to foster friendly relations among nations grounded in equal rights and the self-determination of peoples.
To strengthen international cooperation and to promote respect for human rights.
The path to upholding the UN charter is straightforward, in line with sovereign equality of all states.
All must implement their commitments and obligations.
Multilateralism rests on that.
On this basis, at the United Nations, we must continue on the course we have set, implementing the decisions outlined in the pact of the future and advancing the UN Aid initiative.
The system wide reform effort to make the UN more effective, coherent and capable of meeting.
Today's challenges must also include reform of the Security Council and improvement of its working methods.
There should be no selective approach either in implementing the UN charter, nor in adherence to commitments made in both bilateral and multilateral contexts.
Lithuania calls on all member states of the UN to condemn and reject all attempts at justification of Revanchism use of force to redraw borders or manipulation of memory as excuse to commit atrocities.
I thank you.
I thank the statement of Lithuania.
I give the floor to Qatar.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
First of all, we thank your friendly country for this important debate, and we would like to welcome Mr.
Wang Yi, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and we thank the Secretary General for his briefing.
Mr.
president, the charter of the United Nations, created at the end of the Second World War was never was just a legal document.
It was a moral treaty based on a firm pledge that the scourge of war would never return.
But the international order, based on the charter, is currently facing an unprecedented challenges, including blatant attacks on the sovereignty of states, which undermines the credibility of the United Nations.
Therefore, we have an urgent need for genuine political will that affirms adherence to the charter and which promotes multilateralism throughout the United Nations.
Mr.
president, as regards the guiding questions for today and answers to them, I would like to share with you the following First, the current global challenges require a collective international response that is consistent with the purposes of the charter and the founding objectives of the UN.
In this context, we emphasise the importance of the full application of the principle of the charter, while avoiding selectivity in the interpretation of its provisions, including the principle of sovereign equality among states.
In addition, the pro.
To the prohibition of the use of of threat of force, especially in light of the current circumstances that are showing flagrant violations of international law.
And I'll.
Second, the UN must remain the central framework of existing international order.
We stress the need to accelerate the reform of the United Nations in order to make the international system more inclusive and relevant to the challenges of the century.
The UN should also have the financial personnel institutional support to empower to play its role.
Third there is a need to invest in the system of conflict prevention and address their root causes by supporting mechanisms of mediation, dialogue and preventive diplomacy in line with the purposes of the charter and relevant UN resolutions.
We are proud of our prominent role in the field of mediation and preventive diplomacy as key pillars of our foreign policy.
The State of Qatar is a strategic partner of the United Nations and an important one.
And we've made efforts to facilitate ceasefire agreements prisoner exchanges, conflict settlements.
And we welcome the Pakistan mediation efforts.
Um.
These are very important efforts for de-escalation to have peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Mr.
President, we reiterate our commitment to the charter and call for an end to ongoing violations.
We will continue our regional international efforts and partnership aims at strengthening the international charter based order, of which the United Nations is a centre.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Qatar for the statement.
Now I give the floor to Algeria.
President.
Allow me at the outset to congratulate you on the timely and thoughtful choice of this team of today's open debate meeting.
This team carries particular significance especially given the importance China attaches to the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core, and to a rules based international order.
It's not secret that the international system is currently under considerable strain due to ongoing conflicts, deepening geopolitical division and erosion of international law, and disregard of the UN charter.
This situation reminds us, indeed, of a painful chapter in human history, of a time when humanity lived in war rather than peace, when humanity lived under the rule of force and under colonial domination, instead of freedom and self-determination.
Against this backdrop, allow me to highlight the following points.
First, the fundamental rules of international law, together with the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN charter, must be upheld consistently, without exception without selectivity, and without double standards.
Furthermore, the rule of law at the international level must remain the cornerstone of relations among states.
We must therefore do our utmost to ensuring accountability.
Sovereign equality, to promote peaceful settlement of disputes, and to avoid the imposition of unilateral coercive sanctions that affect the well-being of civilian populations.
Any erosion of these guiding principles undermines the credibility of the multilateral system and threaten international peace and security.
Second, we must not lose sight of the unique role of the United Nations in preventing and resolving conflicts through diplomacy, mediation.
Good offices and peace operations.
These vital role must be preserved, and we as Member States should not allow our organisation to be sidelined or marginalised.
Third, while the UN is not without shortcomings and at a time where the multilateral system is facing increasing fragility, the United Nations must rise to the challenge and fully assume its responsibilities, especially in matters related to peace and security.
It's about time to revitalise, re-energize, and, above all, fundamentally reform the institution established eight years ago.
It is precisely for this reason that we continue to advocate for genuine and comprehensive reform of this very Security Council reform that must correct, as a matter of priority the historic injustice enduring to Africa.
Reinvigorate reinvigorating the multilateral system as a war, and the United Nations in particular, so that it is better equipped to respond and to provide solutions to issues of peace and security.
This requires the participation and commitment of all stakeholders, in particular regional organisations such as the African Union, which possess the political will and the necessary capacity capacities not only to address the crisis and conflict at the regional level, but also to open broader horizon for peace, security and stability around the world.
In conclusion, president, allow me to reaffirm Algeria's steadfast commitment to international law, to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, of the United Charter, and to the promotion of peace, stability and justice throughout the world.
I thank you.
And I thank the representative of Algeria for the statement.
Now I give the floor to the representative of Philippines.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Philippines thanks China for convening this timely, high level debate at a moment of growing geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts.
Reaffirming the charter is both necessary and urgent.
The Philippines was among the founding signatories of the charter in 1945, and spoke forcefully for sovereign equality among nations.
In this spirit that the Philippines advocated for the establishment in 1974 of the Special Committee on the charter and the strengthening of the role of the organization with newly independent and non-aligned states.
We sought to strengthen the rule of law in international relations and reinforce the centrality of the UN in maintaining international peace and security.
The Philippines hosted negotiations that led to the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, which reaffirmed a simple yet enduring principle.
Disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and not through force or coercion.
Mr.
president, the purposes and principles of the charter remain the indispensable foundation of international peace and security.
Sovereign equality.
Territorial integrity political independence, the non-use or threat of use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes cannot be applied selectively as states, in particular, smaller and vulnerable countries depend on a predictable legal order where rights are protected not by military or economic power, but by law applied consistently and in good faith.
One example is the unprecedented participation of states in the advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice on Climate Change.
Climate vulnerable countries, primarily the SIDs, turned to international law and the World Court to articulate obligations relating to climate change, which the General Assembly reaffirmed last week.
Mr.
president, strengthening the Uncentered international system also requires enhancing the representativeness of this body The Security Council.
The Philippines supports addressing the historical underrepresentation of developing countries, particularly from Africa, in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership.
A more representative council with improved working methods will be better positioned to exercise its charter responsibilities more effectively.
Ultimately, there is no better alternative to Uncentered international system The Philippines therefore reaffirms its unwavering support for rule of law, anchored in the charter of the United Nations International law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
We will continue to uphold these commitments and priorities, building on our proven track record as a founding member of the United Nations.
If elected to the Security Council next week with the support and trust of Member States, thank you very much.
I thank Philippines for the statement.
Now I could floor to the representative of South Africa.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for giving me the floor.
Mr.
president, and let me join previous delegations in extending a very warm, hearty welcome to Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
And indeed, I thank the distinguished Chinese delegation for convening this important debate, which indeed illustrates China's commitment to upholding the UN charter in a consistent manner at a particularly infectious inflection moment in the international relations characterised by heightened geopolitical rivalry, the violation and disregard of international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the charter.
The SG put it aptly when he stated, and I quote, today, we see assaults on the purposes and principles of the UN charter like never before.
On and on.
We see an all too familiar pattern follow when the charter suits ignore when it does not.
I close quote, ongoing conflict, some of them intractable, continue to challenge the fundamental purposes and principles of the United Nations, the United Nations and its charter remain a bulwark against an archaic and anarchic global environment where might is right.
We are therefore deeply concerned about the erosion of the principles of the charter, as well as the lack of respect for the decisions of the organisation, including its principal organs such as the General Assembly, the International Court of Justice and this very council.
South Africa remains committed to the purposes and principles of the charter of the UN.
These principles continue to inform our foreign policy, in particular the Pacific settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
The global system of laws and norms can only be effective in curtailing the excesses of power when they are respected and implemented in a consistent manner, without double standards and selective application.
Mr.
president, within the current context, we are reminded of the words of the late President Mandela when he addressed the General Assembly in 1991 following his release from from prison.
Recognising the role that the UN played in ending the scourge of apartheid in South Africa, he said, and I quote, there is no institution other than this organisation and its various organs which can provide the means by which to build an equitable and stable world order.
To play this role, it must itself enjoy the support and respect of all states throughout the world and function effectively and efficiently.
Close quote.
These words remain particularly relevant in the current geopolitical environment, and enjoin us to recommit ourselves to the purposes and principles of the charter and the mission of the United Nations.
Mr.
president, chapter six of the UN charter explicitly prioritises the peaceful resolution of conflicts as a mandatory first port of call for UN Member States.
Therefore diplomatic efforts such as dialogue and negotiations aimed at conflict prevention, mediation and peace building should continue to underpin our interventions.
We should continue to take advantage of the good offices of the Secretary General to intervene, working with regional and subregional organisations as appropriate, given the cooperation arrangements in place with various regions, in line with chapter eight of the United Nations Charter on Regional Arrangements.
We therefore appeal for unity of purpose in addressing challenges to international peace and security, and for collective peace and security to be prioritised over narrow national interests.
The polarisation in the Security Council remains a deep concern, given the need for a council that is united in addressing threats to international peace and security.
In this regard, Mr.
President, the UN reform process is an opportunity for the United Nations and this Council in particular, to recalibrate and be ready to face the ongoing and future challenges.
We can only do this if we desist from threats and unilateral coercive measures and respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each member state.
Finally, we believe that the UN charter belongs to all of us and is aimed at securing the collective interests of all in ridding the world of the scourge of war and bringing about permanent peace.
Article 103 illustrates the primacy of the UN charter in international law, and therefore, it is incumbent on all of us to defend its purposes and principles so that we can all continue to benefit from a fair and just rules based international order based on international law and with the UN at its centre.
I thank you.
I thank South Africa for the statement and I will give the floor to Australia.
Thank you, president, and I thank the presidency for convening this debate.
I have the honour to speak for Mikta.
Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia.
Together, we reflect a diverse group of nations from different regions and cultures brought together by a shared commitment to the United Nations, its charter and the multilateral institutions which have underpinned peace, prosperity and security for the past 80 years.
The charter stands as the foundational instrument underpinning international stability and cooperation.
Its principles are clear that peace is sustained by rules, not force, that disputes are resolved peacefully, not through coercion.
That all states, regardless of size or power, are equal under international law, the human rights and fundamental freedoms apply to everyone, and that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be fully respected.
These principles are not optional.
They are binding obligations.
The charter matters because it underpins global peace and shared prosperity, and serves as the legal and foundational mandate for the three pillars of the United Nations peace and security, human rights and development.
Our multilateral architecture and institutions are not perfect.
They've never been.
Yet we must be honest about the gap between the charter's promise and today's reality.
Conflicts persist.
Civilians suffer, and faith in the United Nations ability to act decisively is eroding.
Trust once lost is difficult to rebuild.
Urgent action is required.
Mikta countries are committed to doing our part.
President, your guiding questions invited us to reflect on how we can safeguard a multilateral order based on international law, and deliver on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
First and foremost, we are constructively engaged in efforts to modernise the United Nations.
Each one of us is working to create a fit for purpose United Nations through our engagement in the UN 80 initiative, advancing reforms that enhance the impact of the United Nations where it's needed most.
Mr.
members will continue to be strong and engaged.
Supporters of the ambitious and system wide reforms needed for the United Nations to deliver on its charter.
Second, we look to the Security Council to uphold the charter and deploy its powers for good.
We believe that the Council should make better use of its chapter six tools to facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes and prevent conflict.
This includes calling on the parties to pursue peaceful solutions under article 33, using its powers under article 34 to look into emerging disputes and recommending specific dispute settlement measures under article 36.
We encourage the Secretary-General to work closely with the Council in using these tools, including by using his good offices to bring matters to the council's attention.
And we reiterate our long standing calls for all member states to support France and Mexico's initiative on the use of the veto in the case of atrocity crimes.
Finally, Mikta countries will do all we can to uphold international law, defend the universality of the charter, strengthen the institutions designed to serve it, and protect those that deliver on its mandate.
As signatories to the declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
Each of us is driving action to protect United Nations and humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
Equally, we underscore the need to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers while paying tribute to their contributions in carrying out the mandates of the Security Council.
These individuals serve on the front lines of human suffering.
They must be protected, respected and never targeted.
President Mikta is committed to the United Nations and its charter.
We stand ready to work with all Member States to uphold the principles of the charter and to pursue reform to ensure its objectives are realised, so that the United Nations can continue to deliver for the people it serves today and in the generations to come.
Thank you.
I thank Australia for the statement.
I now give the floor to Slovenia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I wish to thank China for convening this important high level event.
And I also thank the Secretary General for his insightful contribution.
Slovenia aligns itself with the EU statement, and we would like to make the following remarks in our national capacity.
Mr.
president, allow me to begin by underlining Slovenia's unwavering commitment to multilateralism enshrined in the UN charter, multilateralism and respect for international law remain essential pillars of the international order and indispensable foundations for maintaining international peace and security.
Today's debate once again reminds us of the unique role of this organisation.
It also reflects the difficult moment we find ourselves in a world increasingly marked by divisions, conflicts and uncertainty.
Yet despite these challenges, humanity continues to aspire to the same fundamental goals peace and security, human rights, dignity and development for all.
If these aspirations are universal why does achieving them remain so difficult? Mr.
president, Slovenia has consistently contributed to strengthening multilateralism throughout our membership in the United Nations.
We have supported initiatives aimed at improving people's lives, from combating racial discrimination and advancing the rights of women and girls, conflict prevention and peace building to addressing conflict related sexual violence and protecting children affected by armed conflict, among others.
The challenges themselves have not disappeared, but our collective efforts have helped to to reduce suffering, improve conditions and lay the foundations for further progress.
This is why the United Nations does at its best It evolves, adapts, and strives to improve the lives of people everywhere.
Already in September 2024, under Slovenia's presidency of the Security Council, the council reaffirmed the importance of the charter and international law.
While discussions highlighted the close connection between peace and security, protection of civilians and accountability, as well as the need to preserve the legitimacy and effectiveness of this organisation, the adoption of the pact for the future.
Together with last year's twin resolutions on the Peace Building Architecture Review, reaffirmed our collective resolve to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, including through strengthened investment in prevention and partnerships.
Now is the time to deliver.
Today, we should make a step beyond recommitting ourselves to these principles.
We should commit to practical ways to strengthen this organisation and help it overcome its current challenges.
Mr.
president, in our view, three priorities stand out.
First, to elect strong leadership capable of guiding the organisation through increasingly complex times.
We need a leader who will lead for peace.
Second, provide the resources necessary for the UN to effectively carry out its mandate.
And third, demonstrate political will to implement the charter and to recommit ourselves to the work itself.
To dialogue, cooperation and collective action.
Because strengthening the United Nations ultimately begins with strengthening our own commitment to it.
I thank you, Slovenia.
I thank Slovenia for the statement.
I now give the floor to Mexico.
Mr.
president, Your Excellencies.
Mexico commends the People's Republic of China for the organisation of this debate and for having, uh, focused our attention on the topic of United Nations and multilateralism.
Today we are discussing, in the midst of what, for many observers, is the greatest political, financial crisis and crisis of credibility that this organisation has, has confronted since it was created As for multilateralism, uh, this is a system that the international community sought to establish in the 20th century that did not manage to validate in the 30s and that the, uh, overwhelming majority of nations of the world today seeks to preserve.
If we want to save the UN and ultimately, multilateralism.
It was very nucleus.
As this organisation, we must refashion it from the grounds up from the ground up on the basis of the geopolitical and economic conditions prevailing today, with the requirements of the multipolar world of the 21st century, rather than the specific conditions of 1945.
And we must, we must, uh.
Make sure that the UN charter addressed dilemmas that are unusual in the history of mankind, such as technological development, which is unprecedented.
And in terms of the challenges it raises for humankind.
I'm referring to topics such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology.
The UN must also develop better instruments to try to mitigate the very severe problem that we are already in the midst of confronting climate change and global warming.
Therefore, in the brief time that we have for this debate, Mexico would like to touch upon the following points for our discussion.
First of all, the charter cannot be invoked selectively.
The credibility of the system depends precisely on its consistent application.
Double standards weaken the authority of the charter, fuel distrust, and erode the capacity of multilateralism to respond to To contemporary challenges.
We'd like to express our concern about the abusive use of the concept of legitimate defense, which is recognized in article 51 of the charter.
It is necessary to define more clearly the contours of the application of this article, which has serious consequences for the maintenance of international peace and security.
For this reason, we would like to appeal to states to support the initiative of Mexico in the Special Committee of the UN charter and on the strengthening of the role of the organization.
The second point we would like to express the importance of the effective compliance with article 27 of the charter and the need to refrain to vote when a member of the Council is party to a dispute.
Mexico believes that these.
Rules applied to at least three cases a.
When a member of the Council has invoked an article 51 of the charter against another state B, when there are pending judicial or arbitration proceedings between a member of the Security Council and another state with regard to a similar situation.
C when substantial support is provided to one of the parties in an armed conflict that is being examined by the Council, that is on its agenda.
Thirdly, Mexico welcomes the role of international courts and tribunals, and in particular the International Court of Justice in the peaceful resolution of disputes and in its capacity to, uh, define clearly and and precisely the international legal obligations of states.
The full implementation of its rulings in order should be binding in strict.
We reaffirm the importance of recognising its jurisdiction as an obligation.
Fourthly, no reform of the UN will restore the legitimacy to the organisation if it does not include a in-depth transformation of the Security Council.
I know very well that I am referring to the most intractable and controversial issue facing this organisation, but without a change that better represents the realities, the geopolitical realities of today's world rather than of the previous century.
Without a restructuring that includes both the membership of the council as well as the right of veto, no transformation of the UN will be effective.
In Mexico reiterates the importance of the Franco-mexican initiative to limit the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities.
We welcome the growing support for this initiative and the, uh, recent support for it by 11 African states, which, uh, increases the number of signatories to 118.
We invite those states who have not yet signed up to do so.
Fifthly.
The General Assembly has a central role in maintaining international peace and security, including the authority to act when the Security Council is paralysed.
To promote and institutionalize this practice is necessary to, uh, to foster greater, uh, full compliance and fulfilment of the purposes and principles of the charter.
And this includes the active role of the General Assembly in the selection of the next Secretary General.
Sixth, and lastly, the reform of the Security Council is a pending pending debt that we owe to our peoples and to the charter itself.
Mexico supports a process of reform that is comprehensive, Democratic, representative, legitimate and transparent, that expands the non-permanent membership of the Council, a reform that also reviews and revises its methods of work, uh respecting the principles of sovereignty and legal equality of states.
Dear friends, the United Nations is unique.
It cannot be substituted.
The path forward is not to undermine its institutions or its finances, but rather to strengthen them and reform them for them to fulfill their mandate.
Mexico reaffirms its absolute commitment to multilateralism, to international law, to a Security Council, a renewed Security Council and to a UN that is strong, representative and effective.
Thank you very much.
I thank Mexico for the statement.
I now give the floor to the representative of Malta.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Malta would like to thank the presidency for convening this open debate on this important and timely topic.
We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered by the European Union, and would like to add the following in our national capacity.
Malta speaks today with a simple but urgent conviction.
The international system is under strain and the cost of its erosion is measured in instability, insecurity and human suffering.
When international law is disregarded, when accountability is absent, and when the principles of the charter are applied selectively Trust in the multilateral system begins to unravel.
Malta clearly understands what is at stake.
We all depend on a world where the rules based international order is respected, where law restraints power, and where all states, regardless of size or influence are bound equally by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the consistent application of international law.
The charter is not a suggestion nor a selective instrument to be invoked when convenient and ignored when difficult.
It is the foundation of international stability.
When its principles are undermined and accountability becomes optional We weaken the framework designed to protect us all.
The United Nations was created to, and I quote, save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, end quote.
Yet today, that scourge is once again spreading across regions and generations.
Entire populations are living under bombardment.
Civilians continue to pay.
The highest price displacement has reached record levels, while humanitarian needs are growing faster than our collective response.
Most troubling of all at a time when conflicts are proliferating around the world, our collective memory of the devastation of war appears to be fading.
We cannot allow ourselves to forget the lessons upon which this organisation was founded.
The principles that bind us together were shaped by the shared determination that the horrors of war must never be repeated.
If those principles are allowed to weaken, we risk moving toward a world defined not by cooperation and shared responsibility, but by power, politics, division and zero sum calculations.
This is precisely why reaffirming our collective commitment to the United Nations is important.
We must renew our support for multilateralism with the United Nations at its core.
At the same time, we must recognise a clear reality.
Over the past eight years, the world has changed and the United Nations must evolve with it to retain credibility and legitimacy.
Malta therefore supports the UN initiative and efforts aimed at delivering meaningful improvements in how the UN functions.
But reform must strengthen the system, not dilute its principles, and adaptation must never come at the expense of the charter itself.
Mr.
president, the Security Council carries an important and unique responsibility under the charter.
When the council is paralysed, the consequences are immediate and devastating.
When the council is divided, civilians suffer.
When the council is perceived as selective, trust in the international system begins to collapse.
The world cannot afford a Security Council that hesitates in the face of clear threats to international peace and security.
The council must act with consistency, credibility and the courage to uphold its mandate, even when doing so is politically difficult.
This must also include a consistent commitment to accountability, because when violations of international law are met with impunity or selective scrutiny, confidence in both the council and the wider multilateral system is weakened.
Mr.
president, no state, regardless of its size or power, is insulated from instability, conflict or global shocks.
Our security, our prosperity remain deeply interconnected.
And that reality demands cooperation, responsibility and respect for the rules that bind the international community together.
The choice before us is clear.
We can allow mistrust division and selective adherence to international law to further weaken the multilateral system.
Or we can recommit ourselves to the UN charter and the principles upon which this organisation was founded, where multilateralism remains the foundation for addressing our shared challenges.
Malta stands ready to work with all Member States in defence of these principles, and in support of a strong United Nations that remains at the centre of the international system.
Thank you.
I thank Malta for the statement.
The representative of Pakistan is requesting the floor to make a further statement.
I give them the floor.
Mr.
president, I have been compelled to take the floor to respond to the fallacious remarks of the Indian representative.
These remarks were not a defence.
They were a confession by a state that is deeply uncomfortable with facing the truth of its own abominable record.
That truth begins with Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
It is not India's internal matter, but an internationally recognised dispute on the agenda of this council, brought by India itself.
By refusing to implement Security Council resolution on Jammu and Kashmir India defies the UN charter, including article 25, which obliges Member States to accept and carry out the decisions of this council.
India's reckless attempt to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance reveals yet another dangerous disregard for international law Treaties are instruments of peace, not weapons of war.
And when a state threatens the water, food security, livelihood and right to water of millions of Pakistanis, it does not merely violate a treaty.
It assaults the very principles of humanity.
Legality and peaceful co-existence enshrined in the UN charter.
Mr.
president, regarding terrorism, India may export violence abroad through state sponsored terrorism, from terrorist proxies to extrajudicial assassinations, but it cannot hide its fingerprints in the country of origin.
Kulbhushan Jadhav remains a living evidence of India's covert operations inside Pakistan.
The TTP, Bla and Majid Brigade, aided, financed and operated from Afghan soil, have killed thousands of innocent civilians in Pakistan.
Just couple of days ago, on 24th May, the Quetta train bombing, whose responsibility was claimed by Bla once again showed the human cost of Indian sponsored terrorism, killing and injuring numerous Pakistani nationals, including innocent men, women and children who were on their way to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.
Mr.
president, at home, India's Hindutva project against more than 200 million Muslims is being carried out through genocidal acts.
Genocide watch has warned of the risk of genocide against Muslims in India, and the signs are visible to the international community.
Pogroms of Muslims in Gujarat and Delhi, lynching by cow vigilantes, mob violence, demolition of mosques and homes of Muslims, discriminatory laws and Islamophobic rhetoric against Muslims by Hindutva zealots and politicians.
Muslims are not the only victims.
Six are disenfranchised, Dalits are dehumanised and Christians are persecuted.
In the largest hypocrisy of the world.
Mr.
president, let me remind the Indian representative that today's debate is about upholding the purposes and principles of the UN charter and strengthening the Uncentered international system India blatantly flouts the very principles at the heart of this theme sovereign equality through carrying out aggression against all its neighbours, peaceful settlement of disputes through its refusal to resolve Jammu and Kashmir and other disputes.
Right to self-determination of Kashmiris through denial to implement Security Council resolutions, non-intervention through terrorism and covert operations respect for human rights through repression of minorities and oppression of Kashmiris, and sanctity of the UN charter and other treaties through upholding in abeyance, holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan's conduct is faithful to the theme of this debate.
We uphold the charter in its entirety, promote peaceful settlement of disputes in our region and beyond, respect international law and the UN charter and maintain a principled commitment to the UN centred international system.
History will remember the difference.
Peace is built by those who honour the charter in conduct, not by those who invoke it in words while violating in practice.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Pakistan for the further statement.
Dear colleagues.
There are still a number of speakers remaining on my list for this meeting.
I intend, with the concurrence, members of the Council to suspend this meeting until Thursday, 28th of May at 10 a.m.
the meeting is suspended.