Strengthening the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes: follow-up to Security Council resolution 2788 (2025) - Security Council, 10201st meeting Security Council Date: 23 July 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/sc/10201?lang=en Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [0:03]: The 10,201st meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is maintenance of international peace and security, strengthening the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, follow-up to Security Council Resolution 2788/2025. The agenda is adopted. I would like to warmly welcome the Secretary General and other high-level representatives present in the Security Council chamber. Your presence today underscores the importance of the subject matter under discussion. Before each of you is a list of speakers who have requested to participate in accordance with Rules 37 and 39 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, as well As the previous practice of the Council in this regard, we propose that they be invited to participate in this meeting. There being no objection, it is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2. 2026/553, a letter dated 1 July 2026 from the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations, addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a concept paper on the item under consideration. I now give the floor to the Secretary-General, His Excellency, Ms. António Guterres. UN · SG · António Guterres [1:45]: Madame President, I thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Pakistan Thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's open debate. Resolution 2788 urges all Member States to make full and effective use of the tools set out in the UN Charter for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Article 33 names them. They include the very essence of diplomacy, dialogue and international law: negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, Judicial settlement, regional agencies or arrangements, and any other peaceful means the parties may choose. These tools were not designated for moments of consensus. They were designated for times when consensus seems out of reach. When divisions have grown too wide. When solutions are in short supply. And when violence erupts. In other words, they were designed for times like these. Madam President, Excellencies, today conflicts are increasing in number, complexity, length and scope. We see an alarming disregard for international law. Impunity is spreading. Violations are going unanswered. Each violation unanswered becomes the next violation's precedent. Trust is eroding. And negotiated settlements are becoming harder to reach and maintain. When parties prioritize military solutions over negotiated settlements, civilians pay the heaviest toll. We see this on full display in the Middle East, with devastating consequences in the region and across the globe. The situation is getting out of control. It is teetering on the edge of the unimaginable. The region is being pulled into an ever-widening circle of confrontation. One crisis feeds another. One escalation triggers the next. As this dynamic spreads, the political objectives are becoming increasingly obscured by the confrontation itself. It's time to step back. Attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. There is no military solution to the conflict. Fighting must stop. Everywhere in the region. And international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb must be fully restored. Diplomacy is the only way forward. That has been my clear and consistent message in my ongoing outreach to leaders. I want to recognize the mediation of Pakistan and countries in the region, working to reduce tensions and create space for dialogue. These efforts must be supported and strengthened in pursuit of a peaceful and durable settlement. Meanwhile, in Gaza, despite the so-called ceasefire, civilians continue to pay a heavy price every day. People are being killed in their homes, in their communities, and while carrying out ordinary acts of daily life, as Israel increases its control of Gaza. At the same time, living conditions remain intolerable and horrific diseases are spreading, with humanitarian operations heavily impeded. An IPC food security analysis released just this morning highlights the fragility of the situation. Despite the life-saving impact of humanitarian aid, the number of those facing high levels of food insecurity is expected to rise in the coming months, to 1.4 million people— roughly 70% of the population. This is the bitter toll of restrictions on aid access and continuing violence. In the occupied West Bank, we see creeping annexation with violence, settlement expansion, extensive Israeli military operations and large-scale displacement. And in Ukraine, the Sahel, Sudan and many other places, conflict is inflicting enormous suffering Disrupting livelihoods and uprooting populations with dire humanitarian consequences. Resolution 2788 reminds us of a fundamental truth: diplomacy may not have succeeded in preventing these conflicts, but it still holds the power to stop them. As we are asked to implement Resolution 2788, I see 6 areas where we can bolster our collective mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. First, by stressing the full range of good offices and mediation support of the UN Secretariat. The resolution reaffirmed the role of the Security Council under Chapter VI of the Charter. But it also encouraged me to continue to use my good offices and ensure that the United Nations is able to lead and support mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts— by helping to bridge differences, by supporting shared analyses of potential threats, informed by our teams around the world— by providing Member States with options for action and consensus. And this requires making full use of our political and technical capacities, at Headquarters as well as in the field. UN peace operations— especially political missions and peacekeeping operations— play an important role in this regard and will be addressed by the review which will be released shortly. And it requires early engagement efforts— from subtle diplomacy to listening tours, exploratory talks, and helping open political space for dialogue and mediation. These efforts are ongoing. For example, in Sudan, my Personal Envoy is engaging with the parties to encourage restraint and help prevent escalation. The United Nations helped broker a landmark agreement between Yemen's internationally recognized government and Houthi rebels to release more than 1,600 conflict-related detainees in May. And DPPA's Mediation Support Team and Standby Team of Mediation Experts continue to deploy extensively in support of UN-led mediation, as well as that of our partners. Second, we need to use our network of regional offices and envoys to its full potential, and expand where appropriate. Today's conflicts are increasingly regional in nature. Preventive diplomacy and peacemaking must be, too. Our regional offices and envoys are some of our most effective instruments for preventive diplomacy, regional cooperation, and building space for political solutions. They also help us operationalize our partnership with regional organizations. One example is what you heard from my Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel just last week. His ongoing diplomatic work seeks to forge consensual approaches in a deeply divided region. The UN's regional offices and envoys are nimble and cost-effective. By being part of a region's standing diplomatic infrastructure, they have forged working relationships with critical actors. And they can help us maintain our political engagement, even when our in-country missions withdraw. Sir, this Council must not lose sight of its responsibility to act early and decisively. By deploying Chapter VI tools at the earliest possible stage, this Council can help reduce tensions, encourage restraint, and prevent disputes from spinning out of control. It can also give a significant boost to my Good Offices, including through the work of my Envoys. From ceasefires to arms control arrangements and de-escalation mechanisms, this Council can also make use of confidence-building measures to turn the temperature down on intensifying conflicts, and to contain violence while the search for political solutions continues. Fourth, the Security Council should engage more regularly in fact-finding. Very often, lack of Council unity stems from different interpretations of what is actually happening on the ground. The framers of the Charter envisaged Article 34 exactly for this purpose. To help foster a common and varnished understanding of the facts underlying any dispute, or any situation that may lead to international friction or give rise to dispute, before international peace and security are endangered. The Council explicitly expressed its readiness to use Article 34 in Resolution 2788. To this end, in addition to Council-mandated fact-finding missions, The Council should consider conducting fact-finding by reverting to its practice of visiting countries or regions affected by conflict or disputes. The Secretariat stands ready to support where appropriate. Fifth, Resolution 2788 emphasizes the importance of integrating inclusion of processes to the peaceful settlement of disputes. This starts with ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, At all levels of decision-making. As long as power inequalities hold back half of our societies, peace will remain elusive. And it entails the meaningful participation of youth in conflict prevention and dispute resolution mechanisms, and a strong civil society to help build trust and solidarity. Excellencies. Excellencies, and 6th, I call on every Member State to do its part. I commend the many tireless efforts that Member States are undertaking every day to advance peace. No diplomatic gesture is in vain. No attempt at dialogue is futile. By taking steps towards the peaceful settlement of disputes, Member States are building trust and enhancing the space for the UN's vital political engagement, as well as the participation of regional and multilateral organizations and coalitions. To support these efforts, the United Nations stands ready to lend its technical and operational expertise, knowledge, and services to the full UN membership. Madam President, the United Nations Charter remains humanity's best hope for peace, but it is only as strong as the commitment of those responsible for upholding it. The members of this Council must lead by example. Geopolitical divisions are not a reason for inaction or abdication. Most situations on the Council's agenda are complex. The best path to peace is through compromise and finding common ground. I urge all members of this Council, summon the spirit of compromise that is essential to peace, keep the channels of dialogue open, and spare no effort in the pursuit of peaceful settlements of disputes, a founding principle of this organization. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [12:48]: I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Democratic Republic of the Congo · Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie [13:04]: Distinguished members of the Council, Secretary-General, ladies and gentlemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is honored to be presiding over this open debate on the strengthening of the peaceful settlement of disputes following up on Resolution 2788. I'd like to welcome the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and to thank him for his unstinting commitment to preventive diplomacy. Furthermore, I would like to commend Pakistan, who played a role in adopting Resolution 2788. We're grateful for the very successful cooperation we've achieved together with our presidency. Ladies and gentlemen, our debate comes at a time when conflicts are multiplying, crises are taking root, and geopolitical tensions are intensifying. Against this backdrop, the peaceful settlement of disputes is not just an abstract ideal. It is one of the foundations of an international order. The international order established by the UN Charter. Chapter 6 gives us a host of time-tested instruments: negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, the goods— the good offices of the Secretary-General, and cooperation with regional organizations. These mechanisms have often been portrayed as ways of putting an end to conflicts, but above all, they are preventive instruments. The primary responsibility is to prevent differences from degenerating, from tensions— for tensions to not take root, and for the recourse to force to never be the way out by default. Preventive diplomacy begins long before the first gun is fired. Preventive diplomacy requires detecting risks, establishing the facts, keeping the channels of dialogue open, creating the conditions for de-escalation, and giving credible alternatives to violence. Ladies and gentlemen, we do have the instruments. The question is not about whether they exist, but how effective they are. Too often, they are activated too late, applied unevenly, or shorn of the political follow-up necessary for them to produce the expected results. Resolutions are adopted, but they are not implemented in full. Sanctions are adopted, but their implementation is delayed or they are weakened. Monitoring mechanisms are weakened, although the violations continue. Demands for a ceasefire or for withdrawal are formulated, but the measures backing them up are not sufficiently robust to ensure that they are implemented. In other words, we do have the mechanisms on paper, but progressively they are losing the capacity to influence behavior on the ground. However, when it comes to prevention, time is absolutely vital. Mediation that is begun too late often works in parallel with a crisis without preventing it. A sanction that's decided on after months of violence can punish, but it will no longer prevent the violence from happening. A resolution without any follow-up risks becoming a statement of intent rather than an instrument of peace. The challenge we are confronting today is not a lack of mechanisms, It resides in our collective capacity to mobilize these instruments sufficiently early and to ensure that they fully are fully operational and that their implementation is guaranteed. For the DRC, this conclusion is very concrete. Resolution 2773 set very clear requirements: an end to hostilities, a withdrawal of foreign forces, an end to assistance provided to armed groups, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of my country. Its implementation stretches beyond our particular case, the case of the DRC. It is a test, a litmus test for the credibility of the Security Council, because a resolution which has no effect not only weakens peace, which it aims to protect, but it weakens the very authority of the Council. This is why Resolution 2788 is particularly significant. It recalls that prevention hinges not only on new political commitments, It hinges in particular on our ability to wield those instruments, the ones enshrined in the Charter. However, dialogue cannot substitute for the implementation of existing obligations. Mediation cannot replace respect for international law. They are complementary. Lasting peace requires dialogue, but also the genuine implementation of decisions that were willingly adopted. In the east of the DRC, Illicit natural resource exploitation is a clear illustration of this reality. This exploitation is not the consequence of the conflict, it's one of its drivers. It funds armed groups, weakens state authority, sustains criminal economies, and compromises peace efforts in the long term. Preventing conflicts therefore also requires us to tackle the drivers of said conflicts. For that reason, prevention must go hand in hand with security, diplomacy, governance, justice, development, and the fight against impunity. Ladies and gentlemen, our action should be guided by 3 priorities. First, ensuring prevention is a genuine collective reflex. This can be achieved by wielding the instruments the Charter makes available to us earlier. Second, strengthening the implementation of our decisions. Every important resolution should be accompanied with clear follow-up, clear-cut responsibilities, regular reporting, and a real capacity To respond to non-respect for commitments. Third, upholding the integrity of existing mechanisms. Fully operational subsidiary bodies, effective follow-up mechanisms, good offices enjoying robust support— all of the above are indispensable for credible prevention. Furthermore, we need to continue buttressing cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Charter. The African experience demonstrates that this complementarity often allows us to take action at an earlier stage, and to do so closer to the reality on the ground, with a better understanding of local dynamics. Distinguished Members of the Council, lasting peace can never be achieved through the silencing of guns alone. It hinges on our collective capacity to prevent crises before they tip over into open conflict. The measure of the Security Council's credibility does not boil down to the number of resolutions that the Council adopts. Its credibility is measured by its ability to enact the mechanisms it establishes and to ensure decisions it takes are respected. We do have the instruments. Our collective responsibility is now to use them at an earlier stage, more systematically and more consistently, because the best resolution to a conflict is the one that would have prevented it from breaking out in the first place. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [19:48]: Je reprends mes fonctions de président. I resume my function as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan. Pakistan [19:58]: Thank you, Madam President. I would like to thank you, Madam Foreign Minister, for convening and for personally presiding over this important debate, and we are very thankful for your most articulate statement. And I also wish to express Pakistan's Thank you, Mr. President. I want to express a profound appreciation to the Secretary-General for his leadership, for your fearless upholding of the Charter and its purposes and principles and international law, and particularly here today, Secretary-General, for your thoughtful and practical forward-looking recommendations in follow-up of Resolution 2788. These recommendations carry significance far beyond today's meeting, and their sustained implementation in the years ahead would strengthen not only the mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes, but the implementation of the Charter itself, and they can help restore conflict prevention and resolution to its rightful place. at the heart of the United Nations and translate the promise of Chapter 6 into practice. We therefore hope that the Council, the wider membership, and the United Nations system will take these recommendations forward with consistency, adequate resources, and political resolve. Madam President, Resolution 2788, unanimously adopted during Pakistan's presidency of the Security Council last year, Charter was conceived in that exact spirit. It reaffirmed a simple and urgent principle that diplomacy must not be the instrument we scramble for after peace has failed. It must be the means through which we prevent that failure. The Charter provides adequate peaceful mechanisms. Article 33 offers negotiation inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, regional arrangements, and other means chosen by the parties. Article 34 enables the Council to examine disputes and situations that may lead to international friction. The deficit lies in the delayed, selective, and inconsistent use of these mechanisms. We have witnessed that all too often the Council engages only after positions have hardened, trust has collapsed, and narrowed the space for compromise. The resulting costs are visible in protracted conflicts, unresolved disputes, and situations of foreign occupation where delay entrenches injustice and inaction manifests in acute human suffering. And President Pakistan, the principles of Pakistan's foreign policy and diplomatic practice reflect its firm belief in the pacific settlement of disputes. On the core issue bedeviling peace and stability in South Asia, the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful settlement in accordance with the numerous resolutions of this Security Council that affirm the principle of self-determination of the Kashmiri people and provided that the final disposition of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite to be conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. A recent practical manifestation of Pakistan's attachment to peaceful settlement is the effort undertaken to facilitate a lasting resolution to the conflict in West Asia. Together with the brotherly countries and partners, Pakistan continues to play a constructive mediating role between Iran and the United States, facilitating engagement. That culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and the initiation of subsequent negotiations. The Islamabad MOU was a clear demonstration of what determined diplomacy can achieve. Channels were opened, parties were brought together, precious lives were saved, and all efforts redirected towards dialogue. We regret the renewed outbreak of hostilities and the interruption of the diplomatic process, which has once again exposed the region and the wider world to grave risks. We earnestly hope that all parties will exercise restraint and return soon to the negotiating table to pursue a durable settlement and lasting peace. Negotiations falter, the answer is not in less but more determined diplomacy. Pakistan will continue its earnest efforts in that spirit. Madam President, Secretary-General, complementing these SG's recommendations, we would like to propose the following focused measures to ensure implementation of Resolution 2788. First, The Council should engage at the earliest signs of friction, not when a crisis has already erupted. It should encourage direct communication, restraint, and practical confidence-building measures including hotlines, deconfliction arrangements, transparency measures, humanitarian gestures, and commitments to avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Second, The Council should establish structured follow-up for the implementation of its resolutions. Where a dispute remains unresolved or a relevant resolution remains unimplemented, the Council should receive periodic assessments, identify obstacles, call upon the parties to select appropriate peaceful means, and support a time-bound diplomatic process. A Council resolution must not mark the end of the Council's engagement. It must initiate an accountable implementation that should lead to resolution of that conflict. Third, in an age of competing narratives, facts are not merely a procedural requirement. The Council should make early and effective use of Article 34. Impartial inquiry, discreet fact-finding, technical assessment, and reporting by the Secretary-General can establish a credible understanding of events, counter disinformation, reduce miscalculation, and provide an objective basis for diplomacy. Fourth, the Charter's mechanisms must not remain an abstract catalogue of possibilities. They must become readily available options for timely action. The Secretariat should develop a practical Chapter VI toolkit It should enable the Council to match the nature of a dispute with the appropriate— the most appropriate peaceful means for settlement. Fifth, stronger political and material support must be provided to the Secretary-General's good offices and the impartial role of the Secretariat. The Secretary-General, his envoys and representatives should be enabled to open discreet channels Convene parties, facilitate dialogue, and develop mutually acceptable options. At the same time, the Mediation Support Unit must receive adequate resources. Sixth, legal and judicial settlement must occupy a more prominent place in the Council's work. Where disputes involve questions of law, the Council should encourage recourse to the International Court of Justice. Arbitration, or other appropriate legal mechanisms. And where necessary, it should also consider seeking advisory opinions from the Court. Seventh, cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations must become more systemic. Regional organizations bring contextual understanding and political access. The United Nations brings Charter-based legitimacy, Impartial convening authority and technical capacity. Joint analysis, regular information sharing, coordinated mediation, exchange of lessons learned, and complementary diplomatic engagement can bring these respective strengths together while preserving regional and national ownership. And finally, the Council should periodically review its Chapter VI practice. It should assess where early engagement succeeded, where opportunities were missed, which mechanisms proved effective, and how lessons can be institutionalized. Such a review must not become another reporting exercise. Its purpose should be to build a culture in which prevention is mainstreamed, implementation is monitored, and peaceful settlement becomes the preferred measure of success. Thank you. Madam President, together with the Charter, Resolution 2788 will continue to remain a living framework for prevention, diplomatic engagement, and practical cooperation. It is an important beginning, not the completion of our task. Its value will ultimately be measured not by the unanimity with which it was adopted, but by the consistency with which it is implemented. Pakistan hopes that member states will continue in the years ahead to advance its implementation. As the Secretary-General emphasized today, the imperative of peaceful settlement is more urgent than ever. At a time when armed conflicts are growing across regions, the costs of delayed diplomacy are becoming more evident. Every new crisis underscores A simple truth: there is no military substitute for a just and lasting peace. We must therefore place renewed emphasis on prevention, dialogue, mediation, and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the Charter. History documents the wars that broke out. It rarely records the war that did not begin because a channel remained open, a mediator persisted, a leader exercised restraint, or an institution acted in time. Yet those unseen victories are diplomacy's highest achievement, alongside occasions where disputes were resolved through peaceful means and conflicts settled peacefully on the negotiating table. Let Resolution 2788 help strengthen a United Nations that does that more effectively, delivering peace and justice in the true spirit of the Charter. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [31:43]: I thank the representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia. Somalia [31:53]: Madam President, Mr. President, allow me to express gratitude to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening and leading on this important and timely debate. I also express appreciation to the United Nations Secretary-General for his briefing and his— and for his leadership and principled vision for a more secure world. With global divisions deepening and mistrust on the rise, the need for early engagement and peaceful settlement of disputes has never been greater. The United Nations Charter points the way forward. Chapter 6, especially Articles 33 and 34, call on all parties to seek solutions through negotiation, mediation, and judicial means before tensions escalate. These articles also give the Security Council the authority to investigate situations that could threaten international peace and security. Security Council Resolution 2788, tabled by Pakistan and adopted unanimously by the Council last year, reinforces this approach, urging all Member States to make full and proactive use of these tools to peaceful settlement of disputes and to prevent conflicts before they erupt. In that regard, I would like to highlight the following points. First, prevention and conflict resolution efforts are stronger when they fully integrate regional and sub-regional organizations and foster deeper complementarity between the United Nations and the African Union. These actors are closest to emerging risks and best placed to shape effective, locally tailored responses. Therefore, supporting AU-led initiatives and reinforcing their capacity for mediation and conflict resolution is essential for effective prevention and durable peace. Second, building a culture of conflict prevention requires more than reacting to crises. We must summon the political will to invest early, listen early, and act early, shifting our focus from crisis response to early action. Even in times of financial strain, early warning and mediation capacities must be protected and prioritized. They are the very foundation. of lasting peace. But prevention and conflict resolution demand honesty about history. In Africa, too many conflicts are rooted not only in today's governance challenges, but in the unfinished business of colonization and decolonization. The legacy of colonial rule still shapes division and drives instability. Yet all too often, international responses repeat the errors of the past. Conflict resolution is more than the suppression, or perhaps the elimination, of violence. Moreover, durable peace in Africa cannot be achieved by simply deploying peacekeeping forces. It's time to review this pattern. Our joint efforts require the courage to address these factors directly and to confront, to confront the deep-seated grievances and structural injustices that fuel these African crises. Without renewed openness to addressing Africa's colonial past, Conflict prevention and resolution will continue to struggle to truly achieve durable solutions to the continent's conflicts. Third, the Charter's peaceful settlement tools must be applied impartially and consistently. They lose credibility if used only when politically convenient. All Member States must uphold both the letter and the spirit of the Charter, making peaceful settlements the Security Council's first and most credible option. To conclude, Madam President, history will judge us not by the crises we have described, but by the peace we built around the world. Let us answer this moment with unity and courage in implementing Resolution 2788, so that future generations may inherit a world defined not by conflict, but by our shared commitment to peace and prosperity for all. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [37:11]: Je remercie. I thank the representative of Somalia. I now give the floor to the representative. of Greece. Greece [37:17]: Madam President, I would like to thank Your Excellency for convening this meeting. I also thank the Secretary-General for his constructive recommendations in follow-up of Resolution 2788, adopted unanimously last year under Pakistan's presidency of the Council. We meet at the moment when the international landscape is defined by mounting complexity and volatility. Simmering conflicts persist alongside emerging crises, geopolitical rivalries are hardening, and the erosion of trust between states is testing the very foundations of the multilateral order. The proliferation of armed groups and non-state actors, often operating across borders and outside the reach of traditional diplomacy further complicates the peaceful resolution of disputes and requires renewed international attention. In this environment, the peaceful settlement of disputes is not simply one tool among many. It is an indispensable safeguard against escalation and a reminder that dialogue remains possible even where mistrust runs deep. Promoting international peace and security through the peaceful settlement of disputes lies at the heart of the United Nations Charter and should remain a common priority for all Member States. The peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the fundamental principles upon which the United Nations were founded and remains the only viable path to sustaining peace. Greece is a firm proponent of the international law and the UN Charter, under which member states must refrain from the threat or use of force against one another. In this regard, we would like to note the following: Respect for international law is fundamental to safeguarding and strengthening peace and security. Greece, as a credible and steadfast partner, as well as an anchor of stability in the region, remains committed to international law, including the international law of the sea as reflected in the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Guided by the triptych dialogue, diplomacy, and democracy, the motto of our tenure as an elected member of the Security Council, We continue to spare no effort to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter, making full use of the tools it provides and contributing actively to relevant initiatives. Respect for international law and good neighborly relations remain the foundation of this effort, and we call on all member states to uphold the same principles as the only viable basis for peaceful coexistence, prosperity, and stability. The implementation of Security Council resolutions by member states and international organizations is essential to maintaining international peace and security. When Security Council resolutions are disregarded, the very foundation of UN Charter is weakened and compromised. Resolutions, which all states are required to implement under Article 25 of the UN Charter, have significantly contributed to preventing conflicts and their escalation. They also provide the framework for resolving disputes and negotiating sustainable solutions in accordance with international law. We strongly believe that we must reinvest in dialogue and cooperation in good faith. We should make full use of the UN's conflict prevention tools, strengthen preventive diplomacy, and promote dialogue between states as reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future. The increasing complexity and persistence of global conflicts underscore the urgent need for the Security Council to advance the pacific settlement of disputes. Disputes under Chapter 6 of the Charter and encourage early recourse to the means of peaceful settlement of disputes set out in Article 33 of the Charter. We support the Secretary-General's good offices and the work of Special Envoys and Representatives in advancing diplomacy and de-escalation, including in long-standing situations where dialogue remains essential. Strengthening United Nations peacebuilding capacities is also instrumental for conflict prevention and sustainable peace. Preventive diplomacy should be grounded in international law, effective use of peaceful dispute settlement, good faith dialogue, and confidence-building measures. The International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, plays a vital role in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and member states should make fuller use of its jurisdiction, both contentious and advisory. Madam President— Mr. President, sorry, excuse me. Peaceful settlement of disputes is not procedural option among many. It is operational core of Chapter 6, and the clearest expression of the Charter's founding purpose. Given the growing number of disputes that continue to require our collective attention and engagement, we should reflect on the organization's accomplishments and build on, on its solid values, reiterating our steadfast support for the UN Charter and international law. In concluding, let us be reminded Of the words of Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld, who first gave voice to the idea of preventing diplomacy: "The true spirit of the United Nations lies not in reacting to crises, but in preventing them before they take hold." I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [43:49]: Je remercie. I thank the representative of Greece for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative. Colombia [44:00]: Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to congratulate the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for presiding this council this month and for convening this timely debate. I'd also like to thank the Secretary-General for his leadership and for the recommendations presented today which chart a clear path to operationalize Resolution 2788 of 2025, an initiative that Colombia has staunchly supported since it was first begun. Colombia is firmly convinced that multilateralism and preventive diplomacy are not optional tools. Rather, they are categorical imperatives in a world threatened by fragmentation and escalating tensions. We address this council today not only on the basis of the theory of international law, which we respect and in which we believe, but also from our own experience. Colombia has witnessed how dialogue political negotiation and perseverance can transform a seemingly intractable conflict into a path towards reconciliation. Our historic 2016 peace agreement and the current efforts under the peace policy of President Petro's government show that peace is built through listening, mediation, and by addressing the root causes of violence. Likewise, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia stands as a living testimony as to how the Secretariat and Security Council's support tools, conceived with Chapter VI in mind, can successfully support support the establishment of peace on the ground, respecting national sovereignty, and strengthening trust in institutions. For Colombia, the effective implementation of Resolution 2788 of 2025 demands a renewed commitment to 3 fundamental pillars. First, the proactive use of mediation and arbitration under Article 33. We urge states to make early use of dialogue, negotiation, and the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes provided under international law. Trust and respect for international law are the greatest safeguards against the notion that might makes right. Second, the nexus between peace, development, and climate justice. We can't speak of conflict prevention without addressing the realities that fuel them. Social inequality, exclusion, and the climate crisis are risk multipliers. A true culture of prevention means investing in life, in sustainable development, and in community resilience. And third, strengthening good offices. We firmly support the role of the Secretary-General and his ability to undertake quiet and preventive diplomacy before crises erupt. Thank you. Mr. President, the greatest threat to global peace is inaction and cynicism in the face of human suffering. The Security Council must regain its ability to anticipate crises before they happen. We need to move from a council that manages crises and administers the post-conflict phase to a council that protects peace actively and preventively. Today more than ever in the crisis-based context surrounding us, Colombia reaffirms its unshaking commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and offers to share its peacebuilding experience with the United Nations to continue building a world in which dialogue and diplomacy will always prevail over arms. Thank you very much. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [48:46]: I thank the representative of Colombia for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of China. China [48:56]: President, I commend DRC for convening this open debate and thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. I commend the Secretary-General's efforts towards peaceful settlement of disputes. The world today is witnessing profound changes unseen in a century, with geopolitical tensions intensifying, armed conflicts erupting on multiple fronts, and hotspot issues getting prolonged and unresolved. The international landscape is fraught with ever-increasing intertwined changes and turmoil. In July of last year, at the initiative of Pakistan, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2788, calling for peaceful settlement of international disputes and demonstrating the international community's unity and consensus. The international community should stay true to the founding mission of the United Nations, remain firmly committed to peace, and safeguard the hope for peace. I will make 4 points. First, the UN Charter must be resolutely safeguarded. The fundamental principles established by the Charter, such as sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the prohibition of the use or threat of force, are the most important norms governing state-to-state relations. Despite differences in size, national strength, and development stage, all countries are equal members of the international community, and their sovereignty and dignity should be respected. Peaceful settlement of disputes is an obligation of member states under the UN Charter. Dialogue and consultations should be pursued to resolve differences. Use of force without the authorization of the Security Council should be opposed. Renewed conflicts in the Gulf region serve no one's interests. China calls on the relevant parties to heed the strong appeals from the international community and from the region for peace and stability, exercise rationality and restraint, and immediately cease all confrontations so as to create conditions for resuming the implementation of MOU. Early restoration of normal and safe passage through the strait and respect for the legitimate rights and interests of the littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz is a shared aspiration of the international community. The parties concerned should meet each other halfway and handle the situation properly. Second, international equity and justice must be upheld. A major cause for the numerous confrontations and injustice in the world today is the absence of uniform application of international law on an equal footing, and the failure in bringing to light the rights and wrongs of the issues. The world should not regress to the law of the jungle where might is right. All states must strictly observe the international norms with the UN Charter at its core, honor international treaties they have jointly concluded, and fulfill their respective international obligations. The Palestinian question has dragged on for more than 7 decades. This historical injustice cannot be allowed to go any longer. It is imperative to end without delay the sufferings of the Palestinian people, achieve lasting ceasefire in Gaza, improve the humanitarian situation, implement the two-state solution, and find a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question as soon as possible. Third, true multilateralism must be practiced. Prevention, good offices, and mediation are extremely important tools under Chapter 6 of the UN Charter and must be utilized fully and skillfully. It is necessary to support the mediation efforts of the Secretary-General and his special envoys and special representatives with a view to building the greatest possible consensus on political settlement. It is important to review the effectiveness of UNPKOs transform and upgrade PKOs through the necessary reforms, and create favorable conditions for political settlement. China supports regional organizations in leveraging their unique advantages to advance regional solutions to regional disputes. The UN should play a central coordinating role, promote synergy among different agencies, accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and provide a solid guarantee for security through sustainable development. Fourth, the authority of the Security Council must be revitalized. The Security Council is the core of the international collective security mechanism and the most authoritative and legitimate organ in the international multilateral security system. The more turbulent the international landscape is, the more necessary it becomes for the Council to fulfill its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Members of the Council should focus on the shared interests of the international community, adopt an objective and impartial position, and play a constructive role. Penholders should listen carefully to all members, strive to bridge differences, and refrain from pushing proposals which are clearly controversial. The 5 permanent members should strengthen communication and coordination with non-permanent members on major issues, strive to seek consensus, and reduce confrontation. Member states are obligated to uphold the authority of the Security Council, fully implement its resolutions, and avoid selectivity in application or misinterpretation or abuse of the Council resolutions. President, China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order. President Xi Jinping has put forward the important concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and 4 major global initiatives advocating for a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept. China has been actively engaging in shuttle diplomacy, tirelessly promoting peace talks, and making China's contribution to the political settlement of hotspot issues. China, together with some other countries, have jointly initiated and established the International Organization for Mediation, filling the gap in the international mediation mechanism and providing a new platform for peaceful settlement of international disputes. We invite and welcome the participation of more countries. Last May, Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the high-level meeting of the Group of Friends on Global Governance, where he proposed 9 key directions for the reform of global governance, forging new consensus for and injecting new impetus to reforming and improving the global governance. Not long ago, China released the white paper titled More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals, and Actions, which systematically illustrates on China's principles, proposals, and practice. As a permanent member of the Security Council and a responsible major power, China stands ready to work with the international community and make unremitting efforts to promote a more just and equitable global governance system and build a world enjoying peace and development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and shared prosperity. Thank you, President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [56:01]: I thank the representative of China for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia. Liberia [56:09]: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Liberia joins in commending the leadership of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President, for properly bridging yesterday's vital discussion on natural resource governance directly into today's focus on the peaceful settlement of disputes. We also thank the Secretary-General for his forward-looking insights and Pakistan for authoring Resolution 2788 A crucial blueprint for reinvigorating Chapter 6 of our Charter. Resolution 2788 confronts us with a stark reality: the international community routinely treats crisis management as mandatory, but conflict prevention as optional. With over 120 active armed conflicts raging worldwide, the highest in decades, we are witnessing the cost of that logic. The United Nations and World Bank estimate that scaled-up prevention saves up to $70 billion a year. Yielding $16 in savings for every single dollar invested. Yet we continue to fund the funerals of peace while starving its cradle. We cannot keep congratulating ourselves for extinguishing fires that we failed To prevent. The Charter already provides a complete preventive toolkit under Article 33, from mediation and inquiry to judicial settlement. Yet these tools gather dust while disputes fester into full-scale war. Mr. President, Excellencies, the pages of history and Liberia's own experience confirm that disputes do not emerge in a vacuum. They are fed by institutional fragility, political exclusion, and opaque competition over natural resources, as we heard yesterday. Against this backdrop, to turn Resolution 2788 into concrete operational reality, Liberia puts forward 3 structural prescriptions. First, Deploy Article 34 for early impartial fact-finding. Facts calm rhetoric before accusations inflame violence. The power of technical clarification and sustained Chapter 6 diplomacy was proven in the Nigeria-Cameroon Bakassi Peninsula dispute, which successfully averted a major regional war. Second, operationalize early warning through structured early action. And we must do this through partnerships. As West Africa's history demonstrates, early warning without early action is little more than expensive observation. The Council must institutionalize direct practical consultations with regional mechanisms, including the AU and ECOWAS, to translate early warning into joint mediation planning before crises explode. Third, institutionalize resource governance within UN mediation. Given that 40% of intrastate conflicts over the last 60 years are linked to natural resources, preventive diplomacies— preventive diplomacy must adapt. We propose that the Secretary-General's Special Envoys routinely include natural resource mediation specialists on their teams to negotiate localized resource-sharing arrangements before revenue disputes fuel armed conflict. Mr. President, the Secretary-General's good offices remain our most cost-efficient tool. Peace leaves no ruins, and prevention makes no headlines. Yet, the truth is, every conflict avoided represents thousands of lives saved, communities preserved, and human dignity safeguarded. Resolution 2788 challenges us to replace, as some before me have indicated, reactive management with proactive statecraft. Therefore, let this Council no longer be a body that merely records human tragedy, but the body that actively prevents it. I thank you for your kind attention. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:03:04]: I thank the representative of Liberia for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:03:14]: Mr. President, we welcome the personal participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie, Ms. in this open debate dedicated to one of the key areas of the UN's work, that is the peaceful settlement of international disputes. In a complex and fast-evolving system of international relations wherein the interests of a large number of states are intertwined, it's inevitable for disagreements between states to arise. For that very reason, the toolkit for the peaceful settlement of disputes enshrined in the UN Charter should remain the only basis, with no alternatives, the only basis for the maintenance of international peace and security. We welcome what the Secretary-General said today about the UN's willingness to assist Security Council members in overcoming contradictions and disagreements when interpreting events in an impartial This impartiality must be strengthened. We wish to underscore this. A year ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2788, authored by our Pakistani colleagues. This resolution reasserted a commitment to peaceful settlement mechanisms listed in Article 33 of the UN Charter. Today, as part of the follow-up to that document, We are yet again discussing the peaceful settlement of disputes with a view to assessing how this principle is being brought to life. Therefore, we would like to share the following remarks. The Russian Federation has traditionally attached great importance to the principle of the peaceful settlement of international disputes. This principle was given pride of place when the UN was established. It was enshrined in Charter— Charter— Charter Chapter 6. It was also enshrined in a number of authoritative consensus-based General Assembly documents, including the 1970 Declaration on the Principles of International Law, as well as the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes. The way to guarantee the successful implementation of this principle is the strict and in good faith respect for all inextricably linked principles of international law in their entirety, as well as no politicization nor double standards, and the reliance on credible facts. States are duty-bound to settle their disputes using the means and mechanisms they've agreed to. The range of such means listed in Article 33 of the UN Charter is rather broad: negotiations, investigation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, as well as other peaceful means of the parties' choosing. Sovereign states are free in choosing these means, and any settlement must be carried out in good faith on the basis of the principle of consent of the parties. Within this system, a special role falls to the International Court of Justice of the UN, the main judicial body, of the UN. Despite the fact that we're witnessing unprecedented pressure, attempts to use the Court to geopolitical ends, including via mass third-party interventions in support of one of the parties to a given dispute, the International Court of Justice has managed to safeguard its independence. Ukraine's attempts to misuse judicial procedure at the Court are time and time again being met with failure. As a result, Ukraine is now the respondent in a case regarding Ukraine's genocide against Russians and the Russian-speaking population. At a time when international law is being put to the test, when some states are trying to replace international law with a so-called rules-based order, as well as to politicize judicial procedures, defending the court against abuses and manipulation should be front of mind for the entire international community. Mr. President, the last year has confirmed the demand for arbitration as one of the means of peaceful settlement of disputes enshrined in Article 33 of the UN Charter. A shining example of this is the recently concluded arbitral proceeding between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, a proceeding on the law of the sea. In which the arbitral tribunal, made up of 5 independent arbitrators, unanimously rejected the many claims brought by Kyiv. We'd like to underscore the key elements of this decision. Kyiv's efforts to challenge the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over the Crimean Peninsula and adjacent waters failed miserably. The arbitral tribunal denied Ukraine's claim for getting back control over resources in the waters of the Crimea and the Sea of Azov, as well as its claims for any kind of compensation. The same fate met Ukraine's attempts to proclaim the Kerch Strait international, something the West supported. The arbitral tribunal officially recognized the status of the Kerch Strait and the Azov Sea as internal waters. The arbitral tribunal recognized as fully founded the temporary restrictions introduced by the Russian Federation, restrictions on the passage of foreign military vessels in some parts of the Black Sea. The construction of the Crimean Bridge, the transfer of the floating drilling platforms under Russian jurisdiction, vessel inspections by Russian border agents in the Kerch Strait were deemed to not be in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The only episode In which the arbitral tribunal issued some remarks to the Russian Federation was the procedural issue, that is, the environmental assessment being conducted when infrastructural facilities were built. Having said that, the arbitral tribunal clearly stated that these procedural criticisms do not result in any obligation to cease action, nor reparations, nor compensation. It also pointed out that the environmental assessment itself was correct, that is, the construction work did not do any damage to the environment. This decision serves as further confirmation of the fact that allegations being leveled at Russia are groundless. It also serves as a reminder of just how vain attempts to use international judicial bodies and arbitral tribunals for political— geopolitical purposes are. It makes plain that by using an in-good-faith approach and using international law as opposed to short-term political interests, international justice can hand down objective and fair rulings. Mr. President, the diversity of the means for peaceful settlement of disputes affords States with ample opportunities and vast potential for settling the differences which might arise between them. However, achieving the desired result is only possible if these means are used in good faith with the agreement of the parties to a given dispute, without any externally imposed decisions. The Russian Federation has instinctively been guided by this approach. We stand ready to continue sharing the experience we've accumulated— experience in the peaceful settlement of disputes— and to share this with all interested partners. I thank you for your kind attention. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:10:57]: I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States. United States of America [1:11:08]: Thank you, Mr. President, and thanks also to the Secretary-General. The UN Charter provides for the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, including through the mechanisms set forth in Chapter 6. In many instances, certain member states and non-state actors disregard that call and openly participate in activities that prevent peace from taking hold. The United States, under the leadership of President Trump, seeks to enable the peaceful resolution of disputes around the globe. In Sudan, the United States continues to press the parties to support a humanitarian truce without preconditions and urge an end to external military support to the parties. In Gaza, We, along with our partners, brokered the 20-point comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, which this Council endorsed in its Resolution 2803. The implement— implementation of this plan in its entirety remains critical. This includes the complete decommissioning of Hamas weaponry and the dismantling of all military and terrorist infrastructure. In the DRC, through U.S. leadership, the Washington Accords have enabled a path towards peace and prosperity for the DRC, Rwanda, and set the broader Great Lakes region. We remain committed to the implementation of these Accords, as well as the Doha Track, and we will not shy away from promoting accountability For spoilers to peace. Our sanctions of such actors last month, as well as in March, demonstrate this. In Europe, the United States led efforts in the Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2774 last February, urging a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war and a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. Despite this, hostilities rage on. This war must end. Furthermore, in the Gulf region, the United States has continually sought productive, good-faith diplomacy with Iran, efforts which recently culminated in the signing of an MOU between our 2 countries. As we have long said and has been obvious, the President's preference is dialogue over conflict. However, Iran has chosen to repeatedly violate international law, defy Security Council Resolution 2817, and undermine the MOU. We urge Iran to return to dialogue. Absent a decision by Iran to reengage in diplomacy and to respect the outcomes of such, the United States will act to help restore conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. We also urge Iran to halt its illicit support to the Houthis in violation of UN arms embargoes. Despite this, Iran continues to facilitate the transfer of terrorist fighters to and from Yemen, including 2 flights over the past week landing in Sana'a without authorization from the internationally recognized government. Iran's willful disregard of the collective decisions of this Council is unacceptable. We call on Member States to make more effective use of the tools and mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes outlined in the Charter. We further stress that the good offices of the Secretary-General must be able to lead and support mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts when called upon to do so in order to forestall future conflicts. In closing, the United States is leading efforts globally and here at the UN to peacefully settle disputes. We suggest to those intent on undermining the UN Charter to change course. We all deserve better. We all know we deserve better. Defending the UN Charter and returning to back— back to basics is the clear and definitive road leading to peace, security, and prosperity. Thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:15:48]: I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain. Bahrain [1:15:57]: Mr. President, we would like to thank Her Excellency, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for presiding over today's session. We'd also like to thank the DRC for convening this open debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and recommendations on strengthening the peaceful settlement of disputes. This debate is taking place at a time when various regions of the world are witnessing growing tensions and an accelerating pace of escalation. Thus, the international community must shoulder its responsibility to prevent these disputes from developing into open confrontations. This issue is of particular importance in our region. Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms that the Charter of the U.N. provides the necessary tools for early action. Chapter 6, in particular Article 33, sets out a range of means to achieve that end, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement and recourse to regional arrangements. The importance of Article 34 of the Charter is also evident, as it enables the Security Council to consider any dispute or situation which might threaten international peace and security. The early use of this tool can assist the Council in assessing the risks of escalation, supporting mediation efforts, reducing tensions, and creating conditions conducive for diplomatic solutions before situations deteriorate further. In this context, the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 2788 of the year 2025, at the initiative of Pakistan, is an important reaffirmation of the need for the effective and coherent use of these tools and for moving beyond the reiteration of principles towards their practical implementation. My country encourages the effective implementation of this resolution through the activation of Chapter 6's tools. They urge the parties to resort to dialogue, mediation, and confidence-building measures. They also call for strengthened coordination between the United Nations and regional organizations to facilitate reaching peaceful solutions that enjoy the consent of the parties and take into account the specificities of each dispute. The importance of this approach is particularly evident in our region. This comes in light of the serious recent developments arising from Iran's continued attacks against the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in addition to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. And this also includes targeting commercial vessels and the threat on the security of the states of the region and international maritime routes. In this regard, the Kingdom of Bahrain expresses its appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, alongside a number of regional and international States to de-escalate, preserve channels of communication, and create conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations. Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent Iranian attacks targeting the GCC member states and Jordan. The Kingdom also expresses its deep regret over Iran's failure to comply with its commitments, including those undertaken under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. It also regrets Iran's violation of the Security Council Resolution 2817, which was sponsored by 136 states. This in addition to Iran's continued failure to comply with numerous UN resolutions calling upon it to pursue responsible and constructive conduct that would contribute to the security and stability of the region, instead of fueling tensions and spouting proxies. In this regard, I wish to recall that some of the states targeted by Iran have previously played a positive role in mediating between Iran and the international community. Nevertheless, this did not deter Iran from targeting those states. The Kingdom stresses that the success of mediation requires a cessation of hostilities, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, compliance with international law and Security Council resolutions, as well as safeguarding of maritime security. The Council must also provide the necessary time and space for diplomacy without allowing covert for dialogue to become a substitute for compliance with international law. And the Council must shoulder its responsibilities. To conclude, Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain believes that strengthening the peaceful settlement of disputes requires political will, early action, and more effective use of the tools provided by the Charter. This will enable the Security Council to contribute to reducing tensions, supporting diplomatic solutions, and maintaining international peace and security. Thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:21:56]: I thank the representative of Bahrain for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:22:03]: Thank you, Mr. President, and our thanks to the Democratic Republic of Congo for convening this important debate. The crisis in Gaza and rising regional tensions in the Middle East. The need for diplomacy and peaceful settlement is clear. As many have underlined today, the UN Charter provides a toolkit for peace. The UN and its member states should make earlier and more consistent use of the Charter's full array of mechanisms, from negotiation, mediation, judicial settlement, and regional arrangements. The Charter's principles are clear. There is no justification for unprovoked aggression against another state, and we once again urge Russia to end its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, commit to a full ceasefire, and engage in meaningful negotiations to achieve peace. In Sudan, we call on the warring parties to urgently agree to a humanitarian truce. But brokering a peace agreement is only the first step, as we have seen in Gaza. We call on all parties to take urgent action to fulfill their commitments under the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict in order to achieve lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Peace agreements must also be sustained. Colombia's experience demonstrates the value in long-term international support, including through the UN verification mission, in helping uphold commitments and protect hard-won progress. UN peace operations can also play a vital role in preventing escalation and maintaining peace, leveraging the UN's unique legitimacy, convening power, and impartiality. A sustainable peace is a just peace exercised in line with international law and the UN Charter. Peace is also stronger when it is inclusive. History shows that peace agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years when women are meaningfully part of those processes. To conclude, Madam President, as my new— sorry, to conclude, Mr. President, as my new Foreign Secretary said yesterday, in this era of international instability, we must go even further to defend the principles at the heart of the UN Charter. Colleagues, this Council makes— sorry, the Charter makes clear the central role of this this Council in undertaking that responsibility. The United Kingdom stands ready to work with all member states to uphold the Charter, prevent escalation, and pursue peace through practical, principled multilateralism. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:25:29]: I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of France. France [1:25:37]: Mr. President, I'd like to begin by thanking the Congolese Security Council presidency for convening this high-level debate. I'd also like to thank Pakistan, the penholder for Resolution 2788 adopted unanimously last year, and I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I'd like to focus on 3 points. First, the peace and security pillar, including the peaceful settlement of disputes, must remain at the heart of the United Nations priorities. The peaceful settlement of disputes isn't merely an objective, it is an international obligation spelled out in Article 2 of the Charter. It is reaffirmed both as a goal and a principle of the United Nations, and it underpins the entire contemporary multilateral system. The Charter recalls in Article 33 the obligation of the peaceful settlement and the principle of the freedom to choose between the various means of the settlement of dispute. Of all of these, the judicial settlement should be prioritized, including the International Court of Justice as the main pillar. France welcomes the work of the court, which is marking its 80th year this year. It remains one of the essential guarantees of an international system governed by right and not by might. France actively supports the Court and all of the international judicial bodies that are so essential for the maintenance of peace. In so doing, France readily shares its traditional legal excellence with the ICJ by offering judges which carry out excellent, essential work bringing international law to life every day. And that is why France is presenting a candidate for the 2027-2036 mandate. The mediation efforts, particularly conducted under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, are also a major buttress to the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Secretary-General, the current and future, must be able to implement and play a driving role in this context through his initiatives, good offices, and involvement in mediation efforts where the situation allows. Secondly, President, we must ensure that the UN remains able to act effectively in the peaceful settlement of disputes. This means allocating the necessary resources to the peaceful settlement efforts, both to mediation efforts and to UN judicial instances and bodies, particularly the ICJ. Support for these bodies also involves protecting their linguistic and cultural diversity while protecting their representativeness, their ability to act, and therefore their authority. France, in this regard, supports the work of the ICJ, whose bilingualism and the representative nature of the main legal systems of the world are inscribed in its statute. Finally, and this is no minor topic, 25 years after its adoption, the Women, Peace and Security Agenda remains a clear course which must continue to guide the work of the Security Council. It is urgent to strengthen our efforts to bring an end to the most devastating conflicts and to restore the peaceful settlement of disputes. In Ukraine, Russia unilaterally opted for an illegal war of aggression condemned by the international community in its entirety. Russia is pursuing its aggression and refuses to implement Resolution 2774, rejecting all international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire. We call on Russia to bring an immediate end to the hostilities and to engage as soon as possible in good faith negotiations with Ukraine based on the rules of international law and particularly the UN Charter. In the Middle East, regional peace and stability are once again gravely compromised by the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran. France condemns Iran's strikes on states of the region. As well as on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. We stand, as we have done during previous conflicts, alongside our regional partners. Only a de-escalation, the return to a ceasefire, and the search for a diplomatic solution will lead to a Middle East at peace. In this regard, it is essential for Iran to respect the commitments made during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and to engage in negotiations for a lasting, verifiable agreement guaranteeing the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program. In the Red Sea, the Houthis have conducted unacceptable strikes on civilian ships, and they want to impose a blockade on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They must immediately cease their irresponsible destabilizing activities that are harming regional stability and the global economy. Turning now to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, France calls for the effective implementation of Resolution 2803 of the Security Council for the full implementation of the ceasefire by the parties and the widespread unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza, which remains lacking. France condemns the faster pace of settlement building in the West Bank and the intensification of settler violence, which gravely threatens the implementation of the two-state solution. We remain ready to materialize the two-state solution in accordance with the principles of the New York Declaration. In Sudan, the humanitarian catastrophe continues to worsen while attacks on civilians, violations of international law, and the threat of a country's partition are ramping up. It is urgent for the belligerents to accept the humanitarian truce proposed by the Quad, which must implement a lasting ceasefire followed by a civilian-led democratic transition. France fully supports the efforts of the Personal Envoy, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, in this regard, particularly within the Quintet. Thank you. France calls on those fueling the conflict to stop their destabilizing actions as soon as possible. In the east of the DRC, finally, the M23 rebellion threatens the security of civilians and violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. The countries must fully respect Resolution 2773. Rwanda, by withdrawing without delay and unconditionally its forces from Congolese territory, and the DRC by making the neutralization of the FDLR a reality. We call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the resumption of dialogue, and for access to— for humanitarian actors to the civilian population to be facilitated and guaranteed. To that end, we support the mediation undertaken by the U.S., Qatar, and Togo on behalf of the African Union. I should also mention the other conflicts where the U.N.'s work is decisive, for instance, in Somalia or South Sudan. Mr. President, to conclude, France remains resolutely committed within this Council to diplomacy and to the peaceful settlement of disputes. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:32:35]: I thank the representative of France for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark. Denmark [1:32:40]: Thank you, President, and let me also thank the Secretary-General for his valuable briefings and recommendations and recognize Pakistan for its leadership on this issue, in particular on Security Council Resolution 2788. Mr. President, in joining the United Nations, every member state has undertaken a solemn and binding commitment to uphold the UN Charter, to promote and defend its principles, purposes, and values, to settle all internal— international disputes by peaceful means. Today, that commitment is under unprecedented threat. In a world where new conflicts are erupting, existing ones are deepening, and humanitarian suffering continues to worsen, it is high time not only to restate and recommit to these principles and values, but to turn them into concrete action. Doing so does not require reinventing the wheel. From diplomacy, judicial settlement, and mediation to confidence-building measures, From early warning mechanisms to crisis management, these tools are already at our disposal. We have committed and recommitted to them on multiple occasions. What is needed, as ever, is the political will and the courage to use them. Mr. President, before conflict erupts, around this table and across these organizations, we have many options for actions as highlighted by many speakers this morning. As a first port of call, we as Member States must fulfill our obligation under Article 33 of the Charter to settle any international dispute by peaceful means. This is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility. Furthermore, the Secretary-General has an important role to play and should make full use of his his or her good offices. This is a vital instrument and should be used actively and ambitiously, even when the risk of failure is high. The willingness to engage proactively in conflict prevention is also an essential quality in the selection of the next Secretary-General. The UN must have the capacity to respond to conflict, take preventive actions excuse me, and adapts to changing conflict dynamics. The Special Political Missions play an important role, which we must reflect on as we continue the implementation of the Pact for the Future and our considerations of the future of peace operations and the UNADI initiative. We also underscored the ability of the Secretary-General to bring matters to the attention of the Security Council under Article 99 as an important preventive tool. The Secretary-General's invocation of Article 99 in December 2023, in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, demonstrated the continued relevance of this tool. We encourage its proactive use whenever and wherever the threshold is met and call on this Council to respond to such warnings with the urgency and the decisiveness they demand. If prevention fails, legal disputes should, as a general rule, be referred to the International Court of Justice. As the principal judicial organ of the UN, the ICJ plays an essential role in upholding international law and in supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes. We encourage all Member States to accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court and call for full compliance with the decisions of the Court. Mr. President, in addition to these fundamental options for actions, 3 points are particularly important to highlight. First, the Security Council has the ability to adopt binding and enforceable decisions under the Charter. Under Article 25, Member States are obliged to comply with these decisions and implement them. Yet, we continue to witness an unwillingness to fully implement Council resolutions by some Member States. Denmark calls on all Member States to fully implement the Council's decisions. Second, defending international law and human rights must remain at the heart of this Council's work. Responsibility requires restraint. That includes voluntary restraint on the use of the veto in situations involving mass atrocities. When populations face the gravest crimes, this Council must not be paralyzed. Third, prevention requires investment beyond this chamber— in peacebuilding, in confidence-building measures, in early warning mechanisms, and in civil society and youth initiatives. Women's full, equal, meaningful and safe participation must be ensured across peace and security efforts. These are essential investments in sustaining international peace and security, together with nationally owned prevention strategies. In closing, Mr. President, we reiterate our call to turn commitments into action, to make better use of the tools we already have, to better serve the people we represent and those who rely on this Council and this organization to act. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:38:03]: I thank the representative of Denmark for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama. Panama [1:38:10]: Thank you, Mr. President. We'd like to thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Islamic Republic of Iran for convening this open debate at a time at which the international order is facing major challenges. We are also grateful for the timely participation of the UN Secretary-General, and we thank the Secretary-General for his leadership in international peace and security. President, for 8 decades now, the principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter have represented the legal and political foundation of the international rules-based order as we know it today. This international order has enabled the peoples of the United Nations to live together relatively in peace, recognizing our interdependence and shared humanity. However, over the last few years, we have seen with concern a progressive weakening of the collective commitment to international law. On numerous occasions, the international community has shifted from actively upholding the principles that gave rise to this system to forlornly cautioning against its gradual erosion. One of the clearest manifestations of this trend is that despite the considerable normative progress achieved over the last few decades, prevention remains the least visible, most underfunded, and all too often the lowest priority component within the international peace and security architecture. Every dollar invested in prevention avoids greater human, economic, and political losses when compared to the costs of peacekeeping operations. Humanitarian assistance, and post-conflict reconstruction, which are frequently high in nature as costs. Regrettably, the spirit of cooperation which gave rise to the United Nations has evolved from one grounded in shared ideals inspired by the potential of cooperation based on respect and mutual benefit to a scenario marked by geopolitical competition, mistrust, political coercion, unilateral arbitrariness, and other practices that erode the sovereign equality of states and weaken the international rule of law. Against this backdrop, the Security Council has made important steps forward to reaffirm the value of the peaceful settlement of disputes. One year ago, this Council reaffirmed the importance of making full use of the tools provided in Chapter 6 of the Charter through Resolution 2788. This consensus was an important step. However, the adoption of a resolution alone doesn't transform the reality on the ground. President, we can't speak of the peaceful settlement of disputes without reaffirming the fundamental role of the international Court of Justice. It's vital to enhance this judicial body as well as the International Criminal Court. Therefore, we reject any attempt to undermine their independence, authority, and legitimacy, since both courts play an essential role in promoting justice, accountability, and the sovereign equality of states in accordance with international law. In the same vein, it's vital to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of serious violations of international law wherever they are— wherever they occur, and irrespective of political or geographic considerations. Mr. President, now is the time to transform political commitments into concrete action. This entails strengthening the Secretary-General's mediation capacities, improving early warning mechanisms, and boosting existing instruments such as the Mediation Support Unit under the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. This unit's experience is an invaluable tool in supporting dialogue processes and providing specialized technical assistance. We should also avoid the proliferation of parallel initiatives and processes which in practice run the risk of fragmenting international efforts for conflict prevention and resolution and undermining peacekeeping. While these efforts can be a complement to collective action, they shouldn't displace or weaken the Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank you for your emphasis on the central role of the U.N. When the United Nations loses its central role, those who suffer most are the countries of the Global South and those states that view the United Nations form of multilateralism as the main guarantee for an equitable participation in international affairs. President, when preventive diplomacy works, It rarely makes headlines. There are no ceremonies to celebrate a war that never began. There are no statistics that precisely reflect the lives saved thanks to early warning or discreet negotiations. However, it is exactly these quiet achievements that represent the very essence of the preventive mandate entrusted to the Thank you, Mr. President, for this counsel. The best peacekeeping operation will always be the one that was never needed. President, we recognize the valuable contribution of the Peacebuilding Commission and regional organizations, including the Organization of American States, the Union— the African Union, among others. Their mediation, conciliation, and peacebuilding initiatives are a complement to the work of the United Nations in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Charter. The peaceful settlement of disputes cannot and must not be limited to the conflicts that make the international headlines. It should also be extended to those historic disputes, some longstanding in nature, which despite remaining contained continue to represent a source of tension and a legitimate concern to the states involved. Chapter 6 of the Charter is specifically the mechanism designed to avoid existing differences from being perpetuated. In our own region, we see some persistent cases that continue to be cases of permanent hemispheric interest. For this reason, they bear out this same reality. It therefore falls to the parties involved in these cases to agree in a timely manner on the resumption of diplomatic arrangements so as to find peaceful settlements to the dispute. This in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the principles principles of international law that are applicable to the case. To conclude, President, today we have an opportunity to decide what kind of international order we want to have. Do we want one based on competition, the imposition, or might makes right? Or do we want one based on international law, cooperation, accountability, and mutual respect? May the crises of our times not only remind us of the cost of inaction, but also renew our commitment to multilateralism, to upholding international law, and cementing the United Nations as the main forum for the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Charter showed us the way 80 years ago. The responsibility to follow that path remains ours. Thank you very much. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:46:51]: I thank the representative of Panama for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia. Latvia [1:46:58]: Thank you, President. At the outset, I would like to thank the presidency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Pakistan for this timely debate, and let me also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and clear recommendations to further strengthen the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, and express Latvia's appreciation for Secretary-General's consistently strong stance in defense of the principles of the UN Charter. Mr. President, Resolution 2788, championed by Pakistan last year, reaffirmed the importance of the norm set— of setting international disputes by peaceful means. One year on, reports show that violent conflicts continue to rise around the world, with 2025 marking the highest number of wars since 1946. Some conflicts, such as Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the war in Sudan, or conflict in Myanmar, have been raging for years with no breakthrough for peace in sight. In other lasting conflicts, including in the Middle East. Even when peace deals or ceasefires have been reached, they remain fragile or unimplemented. The principles outlined in the UN Charter 8 decades ago were grounded in the recognition of the devastating humanitarian, political, and economic costs of an all-out war. Today's developments raise alarm about a gradual global retreat from the lessons of the darkest hours of last century. However, this trajectory is not inevitable. The international community must never give up on resisting the currents towards the normalization of the use of force as an instrument of international relations instead of peaceful settlement of disputes. To address the current backsliding, it is not enough to simply recommit to the existing principles. Preserving a rules-based multilateral system requires a concrete course of action, and let me highlight 3 key elements. First, we need to mobilize the political will to put the principles and mechanisms outlined in Chapter 6 of the UN Charter to work. As stated by the Secretary-General last year at the adoption of Resolution 2788, peace is a choice. It is the role of the Security Council, and the UN membership as a whole, to help conflicting parties to make that choice. There should be no bystanders. Legitimate mediation efforts, good offices, and calls for ceasefires should receive full backing from all responsible members of the international community. Binding decisions, particularly Security Council resolutions, must be fully implemented rather than obstructed. In line with Article 27 of the Charter, when the Council is deliberating on decisions under Chapter VI, a party to a dispute should abstain from voting so as not to block pathways to peace. And this is not a theoretical provision but an underused principle of the Charter that should be applied more consistently. Second, There can be no lasting peace without justice and accountability. The International Court of Justice, principal institution of the United Nations and indispensable pillar of the international legal order, must be safeguarded as a credible platform for states to address disputes. Eroding avenues of judicial settlement would mean that disagreements fester, become increasingly politicized, and lead to escalating tensions. Among the concerned parties. The independence, integrity and authority of the Court must therefore be fully respected. States must comply with judgments in cases to which they are parties, and with binding orders indicating provisional measures. Compliance with decisions of the Court is not optional, nor may it depend on whether the outcome is politically convenient. Failure to comply with the Court's decisions is not a technical or procedural matter. It weakens the rule of law, deprives the peaceful settlement of disputes of its credibility, and increases the risk that legal disputes will evolve into armed conflict. Third, we need to continue adapting the peace machinery of the United Nations. With the UNAT Initiative well underway, the Peacebuilding Architecture Review completed last year, and the outcome of the Secretary-General's review of all forms of peace operations expected soon, the wheels have been set in motion. It is important not to lose sight of the overall goal of these reforms. The UN, and the Security Council in particular, should not be regarded merely as an administrator of services, whether peacekeeping activities or humanitarian aid, that primarily seeks to soften the consequences of crises rather than solve them. We must place the United Nations back in the driving seat of political prevention and crisis resolution efforts, well-equipped with the instruments needed to pursue strategic objectives. Leadership is a key ingredient in making this approach work. The current process of selecting the next Secretary-General provides a unique opportunity. To match a reformed Organization with a renewed vision for its direction. We need a Secretary-General who is committed to upholding the key principles on which this Organization is founded, and capable of putting them into action through Good Offices and other mechanisms. While navigating diverging positions among States and seeking openings for convergence, the Secretary-General should continue guarding the compass of the UN Charter. The selection of the Secretary-General is not only about choosing the best candidate. It is also about ensuring that the selection is carried out in a manner that empowers the next leader of the United Nations with the strongest possible authority and mandate from Member States. Such political capital will be crucial in enabling the Secretary-General to proactively create opportunities for peace across different conflicts rather than being positioned only in a secondary role. And the next Secretary-General, the Security Council, and the General Assembly have the responsibility to call out violations and to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring, transparency, and accountability. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:53:34]: I thank the representative of Latvia for their statement, and I give the floor to His Excellency To His Excellency Mr. Amanatha Kristiawan Nasir, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. Indonesia · Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs · Amanatha Kristiawan Nasir [1:53:53]: Thank you, Mr. President. Indonesia thanks the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this meeting and the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing. Allow me to begin with an inconvenient truth. Too often, this Council is seized on matters only after tensions have already escalated, leaving it an instrument to respond to crises rather than to prevent them. Early warning signs are ignored, and responses are often too little, too late. The problem is not that Chapter VI lacks tools. It is that we reach for them only after a dispute has stopped being solvable by conversation. Allow me to make 4 points. First, prevention is a continuum, not an event. Dialogue, mediation, peacekeeping, and recovery are not phases to be handed off, but one unbroken effort grounded in national ownership, adequately resourced, and open to women and youth as partners, not as observers. Second, the council that only reacts is not enough. Early warning without early action merely documents failure in advance, and no early action will be credible while the chapter is applied selectively. Third, regional and sub-regional mechanisms are where prevention can actually happen. Regional mechanisms are often the first to detect tensions, including those arrangements not designed as a dispute settlement mechanism, but central to confidence-building measures to create space for dialogue and reduce tensions. In Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific is one such example. The Outlook keeps our region open and inclusive by building habits of practical cooperation on maritime connectivity and economic development, so that rivalry do not become the organizing principle in the region. ASEAN also has further instruments that cultivate trust, encourage dialogue, and renounce the use of force, including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, in which all permanent members of this Council are contracting parties. ASEAN also has the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ADMM+. These instruments remind us that regional confidence-building is not an alternative to international law, but one of its most practical expressions. We also believe that for regional frameworks to succeed, They must be grounded in the region's own values, cultures, and sense of ownership. Fourth, we need to better leverage regional mechanisms with the United Nations. This includes making Chapter 8 consultations early and routine, not ceremonial. The Council should engage in regional partners while tensions are rising. Not after a ceasefire is signed. Also important is for the UN to complement, not compete. Where a regional process holds the confidence of the parties, the Council's task is to reinforce its authority, not duplicate its mandate. Mr. President, Indonesia's own commitment to peaceful settlement of dispute is on record. Last December, we acceded to the 1907 Convention of the Pacific Settlement of International Dispute. Finally, Mr. President, the world does not suffer from a shortage of instruments for peace. It suffers from a shortage of the will to use them while crisis is still quiet and early enough to solve, because the true measure of multilateralism is not only The wars that we end, it is the war that no one ever hears about. Let us ensure that dialogue be our first instinct, not our last resort. Thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [1:58:45]: I thank His Excellency, Mr. Nasir, for his statement. I'd like to recall that speakers are asked to limit the length of their intervention to 3 minutes maximum to ensure that the Council completes its work on time. The red light on the microphone will begin flashing towards the end of the 3-minute period, inviting speakers to conclude their remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan [1:59:16]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this open debate, one year after the adoption by the Security Council on the initiative of Pakistan, Resolution 2788. Kazakhstan firmly believes that the peaceful settlement of disputes is not merely a political choice, but a fundamental obligation under the UN Charter. Adherence to the Charter, including the renunciation of the threat or use of force, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and commitment to international law remains essential for global stability. Kazakhstan supports the effective use of the mechanisms under Article 33, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, and regional arrangements. We also underline the enduring relevance of the 1982 Manila Declaration and the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law. Resolution 2788 rightly emphasizes that diplomacy should be employed before disputes escalate into armed conflict. Preventive diplomacy, early warning, confidence-building, and timely political engagement must therefore remain at the center of our collective efforts. Diplomacy should not become an instrument of last resort. Kazakhstan consistently advocates for the central role of the United Nations. We support the Secretary-General's good offices and his role in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as stronger UN mediation capacities drawing on impartial and geographically diverse expertise. Regional organizations also have an important complementary role. The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, initiated by Kazakhstan, is now comprising of 28 member states, fosters trust and dialogue across the continent. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has likewise demonstrated the value of addressing regional challenges through confidence-building and peaceful means. Kazakhstan has on several occasions served as a neutral venue for national dialogue and peace negotiations. Building on this experience, my President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has expressed Kazakhstan's readiness to offer my own country as a neutral venue for possible negotiations, if needed and upon request. Kazakhstan does not seek a formal mediating role or to replace existing diplomatic channels. The proposal is an offer of space for dialogue and de-escalation. Kazakhstan believes that the momentum generated by Resolution 2788 should be translated into practical improvements. In this regard, the Secretary-General's recommendations pursuant to the resolution can provide important guidance on strengthening mediation, preventive diplomacy, and cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. negotiations. Kazakhstan therefore supports the continued consideration of this issue by the Security Council, as well as regular exchanges of experience, lessons learned, and best practices in the peaceful settlement of disputes. The credibility of multilateralism will be measured by our ability not only to respond to conflicts, but to prevent them and resolve disputes peacefully. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:02:42]: Je remercie I thank the representative of Kazakhstan, and I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico. Mexico [2:02:53]: Thank you, Mr. President. We recognize and are grateful to the DRC and Pakistan for this initiative to convene this meeting. For Mexico, strengthening the mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes remains one of the priorities and requirements for maintaining international peace and security. During my country's most recent term on this Council in 2021 to 2022, one of our presidency's events led to the adoption of a presidential statement in which this Council reiterated its commitment to achieve by peaceful means and in accordance with the principles of justice and international law the management or settlement of international disputes or situations likely to lead to breaches of the peace. My country likewise supports the implementation of Resolution 2788. 8 of 2025 that was adopted last year. Through that resolution, this body also expressed its commitment to consider ways and means to prevent disputes from worsening. These include diplomatic initiatives, mediation, confidence-building measures, and the facilitation of dialogue at the international level. The Security Council should make more systematic and consistent use of the tools provided in Chapter 6 of the Charter, particularly the mechanisms contemplated in Articles 33 and 34. Dialogue, negotiation, and mediation shouldn't be regarded as measures of last resort, but rather as the primary response to situations that might jeopardize international peace and security. We call for the next Secretary-General to play a central role in strengthening the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes and to revitalize their good offices in support of peace negotiations and mediation. The Secretary-General's capacity for early action should position them to better contribute to creating spaces for diplomacy and to prevent an escalation of disputes. Likewise, we recognize the role of the Secretary-General to request advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice to lend legal clarity, to strengthen respect for international law, and to guide the U.N.'s action. Mexico is committed to inclusive preventive diplomacy and mediation, which incorporate the gender dimension and promote the full, safe, equal, and meaningful participation of women in mediation. In the Ibero-American region, Mexico and a dozen other states have made headway in strengthening the institutional framework of the Ibero-American Network of Women Mediators to promote women's involvement in mediation and in the peaceful settlement of disputes as well as in peacebuilding. We will continue, Mr. President, to promote cooperation by the Ibero-American Network with other regional women's networks around the world that contribute to mediation. The Security Council cannot allow international peace and security to be eroded. Rather, it must restore its role as the guarantor of these. The United Nations' credibility depends on our collective ability to choose diplomacy and understanding over confrontation, threats, and the use of force. May dialogue always be our first response and never our last resort. President, good offices, mediation, and negotiation represent non-military means in the UN's toolbox so that, to quote the famous Mexican diplomat Jaime Torres Baudet, the international community can win the peace if it does not wish to lose the war. They also embody the collective hope of the peaceful settlement of disputes in the face of the pessimism generated by the accumulation of unresolved conflicts, many of which have been referred to today. Thank you very much. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:08:13]: I thank the representative of Mexico for that statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Türkiye. Türkiye [2:08:21]: Mr. President, we thank you for convening this important debate. as well as the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing. Turkey aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the distinguished representative of Australia on behalf of MIKTA. As the international landscape is marked by deepening polarity and protracted conflicts, the principles enshrined in the UN Charter become all the more indispensable. The United Nations remains the primary international organization responsible for promoting peace and preventing conflicts through cooperation among Member States. The peaceful settlement of disputes, as articulated in Chapter VI of the Charter, remains the cornerstone of our collective responsibility to maintain international peace and security. Too often, the international community is seized with disputes only after they have escalated into full-blown crises. In order to reverse this trend, all members of the international community must show the political will to prioritize early engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy. The full and effective use of Article 33 mechanisms, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement, must be the first to be referred in the toolbox, rather than being treated as exceptions. Turkey has been a strong proponent of reinforcing a culture of prevention, since prevention is not only more cost-effective than the settlement of disputes, but most definitely the better, morally justified alternative that saves human lives. Mr. President, Resolution 2788 represents an important step towards strengthening the Council's preventive role. Its emphasis on Articles 33 and 34, as well as on the good offices of the Secretary-General, provides a practical framework for action. The investigative and preventive functions of the Council under Article 34 including timely fact-finding and early warning mechanisms, can help de-escalate tensions before positions harden and conflicts become lethal. The role of the Secretary-General's Good Offices is crucial. We must ensure that envoys and Special Representatives are equipped with the political backing, resources and flexibility needed to carry out effective preventive diplomacy. The Secretariat's mediation expertise, and impartial convening power should be leveraged more systematically in support of the Member States. Turkey's own experience demonstrates the value of regional diplomacy and mediation. In line with our peace at home, peace in the world principle, we are actively engaged in resolution of conflicts through dialogue amidst the turbulent times in our region. As an integral part of our foreign policy architecture, we have consistently sought to contribute to peace solutions in our region and beyond. Co-chairing the UN Group of Friends of Mediation with Finland, Türkiye has played a leading role in promoting mediation as an effective tool. We have supported the development of normative frameworks, including General Assembly resolutions on mediation, as well as quick practical solutions to immediate problems. These efforts underscore our firm belief that mediation, when supported promptly, impartially, and with sustained political will, remains the most effective means to achieve durable peace. Mr. President, Turkey's own experience has shown that mediation delivers results when it is timely, inclusive, and pragmatic. Through diplomatic initiatives, facilitation, and mediation across a broad geographical area— from Gaza to Ukraine, the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, and the Horn of Africa— Turkey has proven to be a trustworthy and effective actor on the international stage. Should be provided to mediation efforts, including through adequate resourcing and enhanced coordination within the UN system. Turkey remains firmly committed to advancing diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue as the most effective pathways to sustainable peace. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:12:45]: I thank the representative of Türkiye for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt. Egypt [2:12:52]: Mr. President, The Charter of the United Nations stipulates that the peaceful settlement of disputes is not a political option, but rather a legal obligation incumbent upon all states. Today, there is an even more urgent need to renew the tools of preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding in a manner commensurate with the nature of contemporary challenges. 8 decades after the adoption of the Charter, its provisions continue to constitute the legal framework for the management and settlement of international disputes. We therefore hold a collective responsibility to respect and implement them. This is precisely the objective for which Security Council Resolution 2788 was adopted. The resolution conveyed a clear political message that the peaceful settlement of disputes constitutes a cornerstone of the collective security system, and that the maintenance of international peace and security can only be achieved through strengthening and activating the tools of dialogue, mediation, and preventive diplomacy. Mr. President, while the Charter of the United Nations established the legal framework for the peaceful settlement of disputes, the current international reality compels us to consider ways to enhance the effectiveness of that framework. In this context, the role of middle powers and pivotal states across various regions emerges as one of particular importance. These states possess the national capabilities, political credibility, and diplomatic experience that qualify them to serve as pillars supporting international peace and security. They are qualified, capable, and willing to play a leading role in building bridges between major powers, facilitating reconciliation between disputing parties, forging consensus, and leading collective action at both regional and international levels. Mr. President, Egypt, as a pivotal state in the Middle East and Africa, embodies the role that middle powers can play in supporting international peace and security. Egypt draws upon its strategic location, political weight, longstanding diplomatic legacy, and foreign policy, which is based on promoting dialogue, consolidating security and stability, and advancing development efforts as the fundamental cornerstone of sustainable peacebuilding. In the Middle East, Egypt continues its efforts of mediation and de-escalation in cooperation with brothers and partners in the region and around the world. It is also facilitating efforts aimed at reaching ceasefire agreements on various fronts and is playing an active role in ensuring humanitarian access. In Africa, Egypt continues to support the principle of African solutions to African problems. We continue to strengthen the role of the African Union in conflict prevention and resolution. We continue to contribute to peacekeeping operations and building capacities through the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding. This center is a leading platform in the fields of mediation, preventive diplomacy, and peacebuilding. Allow me to conclude, Mr. President, by emphasizing that the future of the international system will not be determined solely by the ability of major powers to manage their differences, but also by the ability of middle powers and regional pivotal states to build consensus, foster trust, and translate the principles of the United Nations Charter into a reality that delivers security, stability, and development for our peoples. We reaffirm the central role of the United Nations. Particularly this council, and of the tools available within multilateral the multilateral system in guiding and strengthening these efforts. I thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:17:56]: Je remercie le représentant. I thank the representative of Egypt for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria. Algeria [2:18:05]: Thank you, Mr. President. Allow me at the outset to congratulate the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this timely open debate, debate which takes place one year after the adoption of Resolution 2788. I also extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General for the practical recommendations he has put forward to further strengthening the peaceful settlement of disputes. Mr. President, at a time when the international community is confronted with persistent conflicts, complex regional tensions, and mounting challenges to international peace and security. My country, Algeria, remains firmly convinced that lasting peace can only be achieved through the full respect— the full respect for international law and the strict compliance the strict adherence to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter, including the right of peoples to self-determination. It is against this backdrop that I wish to underscore the following key points. First, Central role of the United Nations, under the leadership of the Secretary-General, must never be sidelined, be marginalized, or substituted. The UN Charter provides the necessary tools which must be fully utilized in order to prevent escalation and to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Second, Algeria reiterates its call once again for an enhancing cooperation and engagement between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union. These regional organizations possess an invaluable and unique knowledge of the dynamics and root causes of conflicts in the continent that enable it to complement the effort of the United Nations and to contribute meaningfully to achieving concrete and sustainable solutions to regional and international conflict. Third and finally, the persistent challenges of Non-compliance with and weak implementation of Security Council resolutions must be addressed with greater determination and resolve. We must therefore move beyond theoretical— rhetorical commitment— rhetorical commitments— and ensure that UN Security Council resolutions are fully, consistently, and effectively carried out. This call for the establishment of a robust and proactive follow-up mechanism capable of monitoring implementation, identifying instances of non-compliance, and ultimately strengthening the Council's ability to fulfill its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. In conclusion, Mr. President, allow me to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of Algeria and its President, His Excellency Abdelmajid Tebboune, to conflict prevention, to the peaceful settlement of disputes, And to the promotion of international peace and security at the regional and international levels, in accordance, in accordance with international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. I thank you. Je remercie. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:23:44]: I thank the representative of Algeria for the statement. I now give the floor. floor to the representative of India. India [2:23:52]: Mr. President, at the outset, I thank you, and India would like to express that peaceful settlement of disputes is a topic of immense significance, particularly in the backdrop of several ongoing conflicts across different regions. I thank the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks. As the principal organ of the United Nations that has been tasked with maintenance of international peace and security, The Security Council has a repertoire of tools and mechanisms at its disposal for discharging its functions and responsibilities. Chapters 6 and 7 of the UN Charter outline such tools and mechanisms. Strong political will and joint sense of purpose are critical to the effective implementation of these tools and mechanisms. India would like to highlight the following points in this regard. First, the definition of a dispute is central to today's debate. A dispute is not to be confused with issues related to illegal use of armed force, such as armed aggression or illegal occupation, which directly impinges upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states. We have seen clear examples where geopolitical intermediation in the Council has projected armed aggression as a dispute. The Council has only very rarely made a determination of armed aggression. Clarity on this count is critical to determine which provisions of the Charter apply. Second, settlement of disputes and issues emanating from illegal use of armed force call for inclusive, open, and genuine efforts rooted in a problem-solving and pragmatic framework. Linking such issues to race, ethnicity, faith, religion, and other identity markers not only reflects a divisive approach but is also symbolic of the absence of engagement in good faith. Third, Security Council must duly factor in present realities as it examines decades-old issues linked to maintenance of international peace and security. It's also important to draw out the divergences between Chapters 6 and 7 of the UN Charter in this context. The applicability of provisions in these 2 charters— chapters varies. Chapter 7 is aimed at undertaking concrete actions when they offer firm pathways to the re-establishment of peace with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression. Their non-implementation could have an immediate aftermath leading to further deterioration of peace and other serious consequences. Chapter VI, however, is fundamentally different. It offers wide-ranging options to deal with situations whose continuance is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security. However, the tools under the purview of this chapter also call for taking into account any procedures that may have already been adopted bilaterally by the parties concerned. These interventions are drawn up in order to address prevailing realities and do not have perpetual validity. They warrant a review in accordance with changing circumstances and contexts. Fourth, the UN Security Council mandate should not be an exception and must be aligned with the UN 80 framework. Comprehensive stocktaking and evaluation of Security Council mandates must be carried out under a collective review mechanism within the purview of the mandate implementation review process. Continuation of mandates may be guided by their relevance, utility, and applicability. Narrow political reasons should not be determinants on this score. There is no reason for outdated and irrelevant mandates to continue in perpetuity without sunset clauses at considerable expense to the already constrained UN budget. Fifth, established regional and sub-regional organizations could play an enabling role in resolving disputes and conflicts. They could complement the functions of the UN on this front. However, cross-regional groups that are neither bound by geography nor common issues with no direct linkage to international peace and security may not be treated in a similar vein. Such groupings lack domain expertise and regional knowledge that are critical to resolution of dispute. Mr. President, the Security Council has yet again witnessed a brazen attempt by Pakistan today to misuse this august platform for its divisive agenda. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has always been, is, and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India. This is the constitutional and legal reality that Pakistan deliberately chooses to ignore. The only outstanding issue with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is the naked aggression and illegal occupation of India's sovereign territory by Pakistan. The ongoing developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir fully expose the true nature of the Pakistani state. The world is witness to the continued suppression of basic rights, freedom of expression and association, and stifling of fundamental freedoms of Kashmiris in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These are not isolated instances but part of a larger design by the Pakistani establishment in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for close to 8 decades. This pattern extends to other regions of Pakistan that also face repression. Incarceration of leaders, including a former prime minister, electoral outlawing of the main opposition party, a constitutional coup by the military through the 27th Amendment, and other such actions have decimated any semblance of democracy. Pakistan would do well to look inward and address the real issues in the country rather than resorting to fabricated narrative construction with religious imagery aimed at scoring domestic brownie points and misleading the wider UN membership. While similar developments in other countries are excoriated by the United Nations, such repression and developments in Pakistan do not receive the attention they deserve. Mr. President, in closing, I would like to stress that as a founding member of the UN with abiding commitment to the UN Charter, and international law, and having made remarkable contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security, India stands fully ready to work alongside the UN and other member states in enabling this most universal of multilateral organizations to discharge its foundational purpose. I thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:29:46]: I thank the representative of India for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Chile. Chile [2:29:55]: Mr. President, I'd like to thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this open debate, and I thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his valuable briefing. The current international scenario is marked by increasing geopolitical fragmentation, protracted conflicts, and the emergence of increasingly complex In light of this reality, the United Nations must strengthen its preventive capacity. In this context, Chile welcomes the opportunity to consider the implementation of Resolution 2788. This is the most recent effort by the Security Council to showcase Chapter 6 of the United Nations Charter as its main tool for the prevention of conflicts. Thank you. Prevention of these conflicts. Chile believes that the Charter, in particular Article 33 thereof, is the universal framework to achieve this through the following: negotiation, investigation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, and recourse to regional bodies, as well as other peaceful means as chosen by the parties. The challenge, therefore, does not lie in a lack of tools, but rather in our ability and willingness to use them in an early, consistent, and effective way. President, the nature of international threats has evolved. Together with interstate disputes, transnational factors such as competition over strategic resources, climate change, terrorism, organized crime, and new technologies can create friction and affect international stability. For this reason, the early identification and assessment of these threats should be part of the Council preventive action in accordance with Article 34 of the Charter. The effective implementation of Resolution 2788 requires us to strengthen a culture of strategic anticipation. This means using the investigatory powers under Article 34, developing early warning capacities and horizon scanning, and integrating preventive diplomacy, impartial determination of facts, and the good offices of the Secretary General. It also means strengthening the Secretariat's mediation capacities through impartial convening, technical advice, and confidence-building measures. This should be complemented by closer cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations. Prevention, in addition, requires having a holistic view of the situation. The Council's analyses should include economic, environmental, technological, cultural, and financial variables so that it can act before an escalation lessens the possibilities of reaching a negotiated solution. We firmly believe that Resolution 2788 provides a specific opportunity to translate Chapter 6 into a more decisive and timely preventive practice. Harnessing it calls for trust in diplomacy and a genuine commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter. Finally, President, Chile stands ready to contribute to this, convinced that anticipating crises and preserving space for dialogue are the essential responsibilities of the United Nations. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:33:42]: I thank the representative of Chile for their statement. I now give the floor To the representative of Spain. Spain [2:33:50]: President, Spain would like to thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this open debate on the peaceful settlement of disputes. One year ago now, the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2788 and its call for a more effective use of the tools provided under Chapter 6 of the Charter represented an important reaffirmation of the Security Council's role in conflict prevention and in the peaceful settlement of disputes. Articles 33 and 34 of the Charter provide a broad range of instruments to address these challenges to international peace and security. As states, we must advocate for them to be used early and more systematically to prevent tensions and disputes from becoming entrenched and becoming threats to peace. In an international context marked by protracted conflicts and the erosion of trust in the multilateral system and its institutions, we need to shift from a reactive culture to a true culture of prevention. For this reason— to that end, Spain would like to highlight 4 priorities. First, early action. Spain is committed to preventive diplomacy on the base of a broad vision based on the defense and promotion of human rights, sustainable development, respect for the rule of law in line with the new agenda for peace of the Secretary-General and the Pact for the Future. Our foreign policy prioritizes dialogue, mediation, and support for inclusive processes with instruments such as the humanitarian diplomacy strategy. The Council should pay greater attention to the first indications of risk with early warning mechanisms such as reporting, and it should promote spaces for dialogue before the escalation of tensions. makes understanding impossible. Secondly, Spain decisively supports the work of the Secretary-General and his special envoys, including— whose ability to facilitate dialogue and bring positions closer together in tense contexts requires the firm backing of this Council and sufficient resources. Thirdly, we need to further cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations. Their understanding of the context, their proximity to the parties, and their ability to build trust can decisively complement the UN's work, always in full respect for the Charter and international law. In this regard, the Spain-Africa strategy includes cooperation with the main African regional organizations, with relevant contributions to the AU, ECOWAS, and AUDEA-NEPAD. Fourth, we believe it's essential to speed up the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda established by this Council, and to foster the full, effective, equal, and safe participation of women at all levels of decision-making related to conflict resolution and peace processes. This is an objective included in the political declaration from the 5th Ministerial Conference of Feminist Foreign Policy held in Madrid on the 2nd and 3rd of June this year. President, the peaceful settlement of disputes requires a consistent application of international law. There can be no lasting peace without respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. In this regard, Spain supports the work of the International Court of Justice as the main— the UN's main judicial body to which states can turn with their disputes. Indeed, the court's rulings are binding on the parties. We also support the work of the International Criminal Court, which is a pillar of the international criminal justice system in line with our commitment to the Rome Statute, which guarantees the independence and integrity of the court. Further, Spain would like to highlight the work of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, with which we recently signed a headquarters agreement for the opening of a permanent office in Madrid. Finally, Spain would like to recall that dialogue and cooperation also for conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes demand strong, transparent, and truly inclusive institutions. For this reason, Spain calls for a reformed Security Council that is more representative of the geopolitical democratic reality, that is transparent and with greater accountability. We support having a council with a greater number of non-permanent members and with restrictions on the veto power for permanent members as a step prior to the veto's complete abolition. I conclude, President, by reaffirming Spain's commitment to renewed multilateralism based on international law and diplomacy, convinced that the peaceful settlement of disputes is not only a principle in the Charter but also the best guarantee to build just, inclusive, and lasting peace. Thank you very much. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:38:26]: I thank the representative of Spain for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil. Brazil [2:38:33]: President, I'd like to thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this debate, and I welcome the Secretary-General's comments within the framework of the follow-up to Resolution 2788 adopted unanimously a year ago. Brazil's commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes has for a long time been a pillar of our national identity and our foreign policy. As we witness a multiplication of conflicts the world over, It's vital that we invest in preventive diplomacy and mediation. These are the most effective, most economical ways of saving lives and preventing violence and destruction from being set in motion. The members of this organization, and particular members of this council, must pay particular renewed attention to dialogue and diplomacy, approaches which are most likely to put us squarely back on the path to peace. Our Charter already provides the political and legal framework that's necessary for the peaceful settlement of disputes. The organization has crafted a number of instruments to this end. And while there's always room for improvement, the genuine challenge lies in the lack of favorable political conditions and, above all, an absence of sufficient political will to be able to make full use of these tools. Resolution 2788 is particularly important because it is not circumscribed to just reaffirming the relevance of these instruments, the instruments we have, but because the resolution forcefully calls for their effective use. Brazil attaches particular importance to the organization's mediation capacity, in particular through the Mediation Support Unit of the Department for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. As recognized by Resolution 2788, This capacity should be strengthened instead of being reduced. The Secretary-General, the highest-ranking diplomat in our world, can also play an indispensable role as per Article 99 of the Charter. The authority and the impartiality of the Secretary-General's function give him an opportunity to engage directly with leaders, appease tensions, and facilitate the entering into of agreements. This is why when the selection of the next Secretary-General takes place, well, that selection process will be particularly important. The organization must be led by someone who has the authority, the experience, and exhibits the necessary commitment to effectively deploy his or her good offices and mediation role. Regional and sub-regional organizations also make an essential contribution. Despite the increase in the number of armed conflicts over the last few years, History, including the history of our region, Latin America and the Caribbean. Well, history offers many positive examples, encouraging examples of lasting settlement of disputes through peaceful means. We should keep these examples front of mind and recall to the parties to a given dispute their obligations under Chapter 6. As well as any historical precedents which are useful in showing that diplomacy works. Today more than ever, the peaceful settlement of disputes should lie at the heart of the organization's debates. This issue falls not only to the Security Council as a responsibility. It's an obligation that all states are bound by as per Article 2 of the Charter. Resolution 2788 recalls that the peaceful settlement of disputes is a shared responsibility to which we must devote our energies fully and effectively. Let's translate our commitments into deeds once again. Thank you, President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:42:21]: President, I thank the representative of Brazil for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Portugal. Portugal [2:42:28]: Thank you, Mr. President. Portugal commends the Democratic Republic of Congo and Pakistan for convening this debate and thanks the Secretary-General for his briefing and for the concrete recommendations presented today. One year ago, Resolution 2788 was adopted unanimously. Its message was clear: the Charter already gives us the tools. The challenge is the political will to use them early and consistently. Too often, the Council arrives late, after warnings were ignored, after positions hardened, after lives were lost. Prevention cannot be what we discuss once conflict has begun. It must shape all this Council work every day. Chapter 6 is not a waiting room before Chapter 7. It is central to the Council's mandate. In this context, Portugal supports 3 priorities. First, earlier engagement. Articles 33 and 34 are not relics. They are working instruments. The Council should use preventive diplomacy, impartial fact-finding missions, exploratory talks, and direct engagement before disputes reach the point of no return. Early attention is not interference. It is responsible multilateralism. Second, investment in diplomacy. The good offices of the Secretary-General is envoy, special political missions, and the mediation support unit needs political backing, predictable resources, and access. Mediation cannot be improvised at the last minute. Local mediators and civil society must be involved from the outset, including women and youth. Inclusion makes peace more legitimate and more durable. Third, dialogue must remain anchored in international law. Dialogue is not neutrality. Peaceful settlement cannot mean equidistance between the Charter and its violation. It cannot reward aggression, legitimize territorial acquisition by force, or trade accountability for temporary calm. Legal disputes can also, as a general rule, be referred to the International Court of Justice. Portugal's own experience Experience reinforced these convictions. The process leading to Timor-Leste's independence showed that even a long dispute can move through dialogue and negotiation towards a just settlement when international law, patient diplomacy, United Nations engagement converge and even provide the ground roots for a sound friendship between the parties. Regional organizations are indispensable, but cooperation with the United Nations must be systematic, not episodic. Regional proximity should be matched by United Nations legitimacy and universal norms. We were elected to this Council on a platform that placed prevention at its core. We will bring that commitment to this Chamber. We will listen carefully. We will try to build bridges without blurring principles. Resolution 2788 gave us a roadmap. We must turn prevention from aspiration into practice, peaceful settlement from exception into a habit. Diplomacy is the essence of this organization. I thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:45:54]: I thank the representative of Portugal for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine. Ukraine [2:46:00]: Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to thank the DRC presidency for convening today's open debate. I also thank the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, for his briefing. Ukraine has always adhered to the principle of the pacific settlement of disputes enshrined in the UN Charter, which was also reaffirmed in Security Council Resolution 2788. But it came as shocking irony today to hear that Russia claims adherence to the UN Charter's principle of pacific settlement of the disputes. Russia started its aggression in 2014. followed by the full-scale invasion in 2022. It is Ukraine that has consistently pursued the diplomatic solutions via negotiations, participated in the mediation efforts, implemented agreements, and worked closely with international partners to prevent escalation and stop Russian war. On the point of judicial settlement, I want to remind us all here that the ICJ ruled that Russia breached the provisional order of 19 April 2017, requiring it to refrain from maintaining measures and limitations on the ability of Meclis of the Crimea Tatar People. In addition, Russia continues to violate the ICJ's order of 16 March 2022 to immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on February 24th. Yet the Russian representative today told us here that they respect those Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to respond to the Russian claims regarding the award of the Arbitral Tribunal of Coastal State Rights. The tribunal did not find that the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait constitute a so-called Russian lake. Ukraine remains a coastal state in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait. And the Russian Federation has breached its obligation under UNCLOS. Mr. President, This and other diplomatic efforts failed not because diplomacy was insufficient or broken, but because Russia deliberately chose war and death over dialogue. Therefore, we have no other choice than to stop Russia through military and economic support for Ukraine, alongside concrete restrictive measures to bring Russia to the negotiation table. The Security Council must move beyond the selective application of UN principles and international norms. We need to ensure that mechanisms such as investigation, Mediation, judicial settlement are activated early and systematically. Efforts to promote dialogue and confidence-building measures should not demand any state to compromise its sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence in exchange for temporary de-escalation. In addition, it was rightly mentioned today by other delegations, the good offices of the Secretary-General should play an essential role in de-escalation and preventive diplomacy. Ukraine values such efforts and remains open to genuine initiatives aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. And finally, it is also important to bring the aggressor to accountability. It will only be possible to prevent future wars if those responsible for aggression and violations are brought to justice. Impunity only fuels further aggression and violations of international law. And as Martin Luther King Jr. said, And I quote, over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, too late. End of the quote. So today I want to ask you all, UN members, is it too late? Or will the international community react fully to this unprovoked war of aggression? Thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:49:32]: I thank the representative of Ukraine for the statement. I now give the floor to Mr. Ewert Stoffs of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. EU · EU · Ewert Stoffs [2:49:45]: Thank you very much, Mr. President, and thank you for convening us here today. It is— I'm honored to make this statement on behalf of the European Union and its member states. New and unsolved crises in the world multiply. The EU reiterates its commitment to the rules-based international order with the UN at its core, as a key element of sustaining peace. Let me recall that the European Union is a peace project in itself. The principles of peaceful dispute settlement is our foundation, enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union and committing our Member States to promote global peace and conflict resolution without the threat or use of force. Our own decades-long experience demonstrates the effectiveness of institutionalized dispute settlement mechanisms. We strongly believe that a culture of prevention requires sustained investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding. These efforts help build resilient institutions and create conditions for lasting peace. The UN is the EU's most important partner in peace mediation. We continuously support UN mediation efforts on the ground, including, for example, financial and political support for the UN special envoys and their mediation efforts in Libya, Syria and Yemen. In addition, regional cooperation remains crucial. We have a mediation partnership with the African Union, Switzerland and Norway, among others. With our Member States, we have revived the EU Group of Friends of Mediation, chaired by Finland and Spain. Furthermore, we enable insider mediation through a programme implemented by UNDP, focusing on the role of individuals from conflict-affected communities in building trust and facilitating dialogue. This partnership has contributed to the creation of a local mediation capacity across 14 countries. I want to stress the importance of the full, equal and meaningful engagement of women in peace processes. The UN Common Pledge initiative, which the EU signed last year, is a key mechanism to this end. We need to mainstream gender in peace. Similarly, young people play a key role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Dialogue and mediation efforts must ensure their participation. Diplomacy remains crucial to resolve conflicts. The EU has been supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and a lasting peace in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. We support the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, including by redeploying the EU civilian mission to Rafah. We support coordinated mediation efforts under the leadership of the UN, AU, and IGAD in the conflict in Sudan. And regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we encourage a peaceful resolution. The importance of a sustained UN-led process is equally evident in Cyprus, and I would like to reiterate the EU's full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for the resumption of negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Overall, we call for a stronger UN involvement in mediation processes and stand ready to deepen our collaboration. The use of all mechanisms available under the Charter, in all stages of the conflict cycle, is essential. It is particularly important that conflict prevention remains a priority focus for the next Secretary-General. Last but not least, let me stress that this Forum the UN Security Council should remain at the core of promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes. The world needs this Council to live up to the aspirations of the UN Charter, today more than ever. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:53:19]: I thank Mr. Ewood-Stuffs for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Malta. Malta [2:53:26]: I thank you, Mr. President. Malta aligns itself with the statement just delivered by the European Union and is making this statement in its national capacity. At the outset, we would like to thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this important debate and the Secretary-General for his valuable contributions. Mr. President, situated at the crossroads between regions and cultures, Malta remains committed to promoting more effective use of the Charter's mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Disputes. In this regard, allow me to offer 2 considerations. First, ensuring that conflict prevention and resolution lead to sustainable peace remains a key challenge. This requires the protection of civilians and meaningful inclusion of women, young people and vulnerable groups in conflict prevention and resolution processes, so that the needs of those most affected are reflected. This conviction guided Malta's work on the Security Council, most notably when we led the adoption of Resolution 2764 on strengthening child protection capacities in UN peace operations, reflecting the broader lesson that protecting vulnerable populations is essential to sustaining peace. Regional and sub-regional organizations and local civil society actors, including women-led organizations, are indispensable partners in this effort. By drawing on their complementary strengths, including regional expertise and trusted community relationships, they can identify emerging risks early, strengthen national ownership, and help ensure that peace processes are more inclusive and sustainable. Second, the lack of sufficient political commitment to peacefully resolve conflicts remains a persistent obstacle. Malta's experience has shown that institutions and multilateralism matter, even when they cannot immediately resolve conflicts. During our 2024 Chairpersonship of the OSCE, we saw firsthand that in times of deep political divisions, Preserving channels of communication and ensuring that institutions continue to function is essential. Doing so helps further prevent deterioration, rebuild eroded trust, and create the conditions for the peaceful settlement of disputes. This experience also reinforced our conviction that regional organizations can offer context-specific solutions. Grounded in regional realities, thereby helping to build the consensus needed for peaceful settlement. Mr. President, in conclusion, lasting peace is built through inclusive processes, sustained dialogue, effective partnerships, and above all, an unwavering commitment to the Charter. Malta will continue to champion these principles in the service of international peace and security. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President of the Council [2:56:35]: I thank the representative of Malta. There are still a number of speakers remaining on my list for this meeting. I intend, with the concurrence of members of the Council, to suspend the meeting until 3 PM. This meeting is suspended.