Practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance - Security Council, 9861st meeting Security Council Date: 18 February 2025 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/sc/9861?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. --- China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [0:05]: The 9861st meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is: Maintenance of international peace and security, practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance. The agenda is adopted. I would like to warmly welcome the Secretary-General, the distinguished ministers, 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/2025/78, a letter dated February 3, 2025, from the Permanent Representative of China 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 Mr. Antonio Guterres. UN · SG [1:59]: Excellencies, I thank Minister Wang Yi and China for convening this important discussion. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Born out of the ashes of the Second World War, our organization was the result of a global commitment to, and I quote, "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." It also signalled a commitment to an entirely new level of international cooperation, grounded in international law and our founding Charter. To help countries move past the horrors of conflict to forge sustainable peace. To tackle poverty, hunger and disease. To assist countries in climbing the development ladder. To provide humanitarian support in times of conflict and disaster. to embed justice and fairness through international law and respect for human rights, and to work through this Council to push for peace through dialogue, debate, diplomacy, and consensus building. Eight decades later, one can draw a direct line between the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war. Eight decades later, the United Nations remains the essential, one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights. But eight decades is a long time, and because we believe in the singular value and purpose of the United Nations, we must always strive to improve the institution and the way we work. We have the hardware for international cooperation, but the software needs an update, an update in representation to reflect the realities of today. An update in support for developing countries to redress historical injustices. An update to ensure countries adhere to the purposes, principles, and norms that ground multilateralism in justice and fairness. And an update to our peace operations. Excellencies, global solidarity and solutions are needed more than ever. The climate crisis is raging, inequalities are growing, and poverty is on the rise. As this Council knows well, peace is getting pushed further out of reach, from the occupied Palestinian territory to Ukraine, to Sudan, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and beyond. Terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent scourges, and we see a dark spirit of impunity spreading. The prospect of nuclear war remains, outrageously, a clear and present danger. And the limitless promise of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence is matched by limitless peril to undermine and even replace human thought, human identity, and human control. These global challenges cry out for multilateral solutions. The Pact for the Future you adopted in September is aimed at strengthening global governance for the 21st century and rebuilding trust, trust in multilateralism, trust in the United Nations, trust in this Council. At its heart, the Pact for the Future is a pact for peace, peace in all dimensions. It puts forward concrete solutions to strengthen the machinery of peace, drawing from proposals to the New Agenda for Peace that prioritise prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. The Pact seeks to advance coordination with regional organisations. and ensure the full participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in peace processes. And it calls for strengthening the Peacebuilding Commission to mobilize political and financial support for nationally owned peacebuilding and prevention strategies. The Pact also includes the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, new strategies to end the use of chemical and biological weapons, and revitalized efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space and advance discussions on lethal autonomous weapons. It also calls on Member States to live up to their commitments enshrined in the UN Charter and the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the political independence of states. It reaffirms unwavering commitment to abide by international law and prioritize the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue. and it recognizes the role of the United Nations in preventive diplomacy. And it reinforces the need to uphold all human rights, civil, political, economic, social, and cultural. It calls for the meaningful inclusion of women and youth in all peace processes. And it specifically calls on this Council to ensure that peace operations are guided by clear and sequenced mandates that are realistic and achievable, with viable exit strategies and transition plans. But the Pact does even more for peace. It recognizes that we must address the root causes of conflict and tensions. Sustainable peace requires sustainable development. The Pact includes support for an SDG stimulus to help developing countries invest in their people and tackle their challenges, like moving towards a future anchored in renewable energy. It includes a revitalized commitment to reform the global financial architecture to better and more fairly represent the needs of developing countries. And it includes a global digital compact that calls for an AI governance body that brings developing countries to the decision-making table for the first time. Excellences. The Pact also recognizes that the Security Council must reflect the world of today, not the world of 80 years ago, and sets out important principles to guide this long-awaited reform. This Council should be enlarged and made more representative of today's geopolitical realities. We must also continue improving the working methods of this Council to make it more inclusive, transparent, efficient, democratic and accountable. These issues have been under consideration by the General Assembly for more than a decade. Now is the time to build on the momentum provided by the Backed for the Future and work towards a greater consensus among regional groups and Member States, including the permanent members of this Council, to move the intergovernmental negotiations forward. Throughout, I call on members of this Council to overcome the divisions that are blocking effective action for peace. The world looks to you to act in meaningful ways to end conflicts and ease the suffering these wars inflict on innocent people. Council members have shown that finding common ground is possible. From deploying peacekeeping operations, to forging life-saving resolutions on humanitarian aid, to historic recognitions of the security challenges faced by women and young people, to the landmark resolution 2719 supporting African Union-led peace support operations through assessed contributions. Even in the darkest days of the Cold War, the collective decision-making and vigorous dialogue in this Council maintained a functioning, if imperfect, system of collective security. I urge you to summon this same spirit, continue working to overcome differences, and focus on building the consensus required to deliver the peace all people need and deserve. Excellencies, multilateral cooperation is the beating heart of the United Nations. Guided by the solutions in the Pact for the Future, multilateralism can also become an even more powerful instrument of peace. But multilateralism is only as strong as each and every country's commitment to it. As we look to the challenges around us, I urge all Member States to continue strengthening and updating our global problem-solving mechanisms. Let's make them fit for purpose. fit for people and fit for peace. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [10:59]: I thank the Secretary General for his briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China. Your Excellency, Secretary General Antonio Guterres, colleagues, I would like to thank Secretary General Guterres for attending this meeting and for his briefing. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, our forefathers, with strenuous struggle and tremendous sacrifice, won the great victory of the anti-fascist war, the international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars, and the United Nations was founded. Multilateralism gradually became the main trend of the times, new historical chapters were opened in global governance. The past 80 years is a period of accelerated advancement in world multipolarity and economic globalization, a period that has witnessed people across the world forging ahead and meeting challenges together, and also a period during which the Global South has been rising and growing in strength. Although human society has emerged from the shadows of the Cold War and moved beyond the bipolar standoff, comprehensive peace and shared prosperity remain elusive. In the third decade of the 21st century, peace and development remains a long-term, arduous task. The 80 years of history is enlightenment enough. In the face of the turbulent and changing world, the UN-centered international system provides important safeguards for the cause of human progress, and the vision of multilateralism with coordination and cooperation as its cornerstone is the best solution to global issues. In the face of the historical trend of shared future, no country can prosper alone. Mutually beneficial cooperation is the right choice. In the face of the profoundly changing international landscape, the Global South should not only achieve the historic feat of moving toward modernization together, but also remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system. Mr. Secretary General, colleagues, To chart our course for the future, we should not forget why we started out in the beginning. Today, transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the world, geopolitical conflicts keep escalating, multiple crises are emerging, and instability and uncertainty are increasingly prominent. In a time of intensifying turbulence and transformation, we need more than ever to remind ourselves of the founding mission of the UN, reinvigorate true multilateralism, and speed up the efforts to build a more just and equitable global governance system. In this connection, China proposes the following: First, upholding sovereign equality. All countries are equal, regardless of size or strength. This is the foremost principle in the UN Charter. In advancing global governance, all countries have the right to participate as equals, make decisions as equals, and benefit as equals. We must respect the development paths chosen independently by people of all countries uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and not impose one's will upon others. We must practice international rule of law, ensure the effective implementation of international law, and reject double standards and selective application. Resolutions of the Security Council are binding, and should be observed by all countries. The Security Council is entrusted with authority, and such authority should be upheld by all countries. Any act of bullying, trickery, or extortion is a flagrant violation of the basic norms of international relations. Any unilateral sanction that circumvents Security Council authorization lacks legal basis, defies justification, and contradicts common sense. Second, upholding fairness and justice. A critical part of global governance is to ensure that justice prevails. Since the end of World War II, a large number of countries in the global South have emerged on the world stage, which has revealed growing incompatibility and irrationality in the global governance structure. Under the new circumstances, international affairs should no longer be monopolized by a small number of countries. Countries in the global South have the right to speak up for and defend their legitimate rights and interests. and the fruits of development should no longer be taken by just a few countries. People of all countries have the right to a happy life. The reform of the Security Council should continue to emphasize democratic consultation, increase the representation and say of developing countries, especially African countries, and effectively address historical injustice. Third, upholding solidarity and coordination. Promoting international cooperation is an important purpose of the UN Charter and a sure path toward improving global governance. Countries should commit to the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, replace confrontation with coordination, prevent lose-lose through win-win cooperation, and break down small circles with greater solidarity. Members cannot just sit by and watch multilateral institutions become dysfunctional and ineffective due to their own failure to cooperate. The Security Council must rise above narrow-minded geopolitical considerations, champion the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, fulfill its duties conferred by the UN Charter, and effectually play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security. Fourth, upholding an action-oriented approach. Global governance has to be improved, not through words, but through actions. In the face of protracted wars, loss of innocent lives, and challenges brought by new technologies, UN agencies should seek solutions rather than chant slogans. The Pact for the Future was adopted at the Summit of the Future last September. It is important to follow that up with coordinated efforts of implementation, namely to turn the roadmap into a construction plan and a wonderful vision into substantive actions. The situation in the Middle East remains tense and fragile. Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people, not a bargaining chip in political trade-offs. The Palestinians governing Palestine is an important principle that must be followed in the post-conflict governance of Gaza. It is vital to uphold the two-state solution, press for a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, and bring lasting peace and security to the Middle East. The Ukraine crisis has dragged on for nearly three years. Recently, the momentum of seeking dialogue and negotiation is rising. Ever since the crisis broke out, China has advocated political settlement and promoted peace talks. China supports all efforts conducive to peace talks, and we will continue to follow the four points on what should be done put forward by President Xi Jinping and work with all countries, especially Global South countries, to make more objective, balanced, and rational voices heard. to build consensus for ending the conflict and to pave the way for peace. Mr. Secretary General, colleagues, 80 years ago, Chinese representatives were the first to solemnly sign the UN Charter, writing with a Chinese calligraphy brush an important chapter in world history. Since the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the UN, we have remained steadfast in making China's contribution to global governance. a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, namely the vision and initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping, represent China's proposal for the reform and improvement of global governance. We pursue peace and security in global governance. As a major country with the best track record on peace and security, China is committed to following a path of peaceful development, to resolving disputes and differences by peaceful means, and to constructively promoting the settlement of hotspot issues. Chinese "blue helmets" have become a crucial force in UN peacekeeping operations, keeping the hope of world peace alive. We advanced common development and global governance. As the largest developing country in the world, China pursues high-quality development as a top priority and promotes high-standard opening up with firm resolve. It has become the major trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions. China advocates a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and promotes high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as part of its contribution to the prosperity and development of countries around the world. We champion openness and inclusiveness in global governance. As a time-honored civilization, China believes in harmony without uniformity, embraces inclusiveness, respects cultural diversity, and advocates humanity's common values. China promotes exchanges, dialogue, and peaceful and harmonious coexistence among civilizations with a broad mind, in a bid to provide fresh impetus to the progress of human civilization. We uphold multilateral cooperation in global governance. As a founding member of the United Nations, China takes the lead in following true multilateralism. China is a member of almost all universal intergovernmental organizations and a party to over 600 international conventions and their amendments. China supports the UN in playing a central role in international affairs and makes continuous contribution to the UN cause. Mr. Secretary General, colleagues, China in the new era is walking with big strides and confidence along the bright path of Chinese modernization. As it continues to make new progress, China will provide more opportunities for the modernization of countries around the world. With the UN about to enter its next 80 years, China stands ready to work with all parties to draw wisdom from history, open a new era for multilateralism, and make global governance more fair and equitable. Thank you. I resume my function as President of the Council. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. Pakistan · Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs [22:09]: Thank you, Excellency President of the Security Council, Honorable Secretary-General UN, Excellencies, colleague ministers, ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen. Assalamu alaikum and very good morning. It is indeed a great pleasure seeing you, my dear friend, Minister Wang Yi, presiding over the important Security Council meeting. Pakistan congratulates China on its successful presidency and commends your leadership in convening this timely debate on practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance. I also thank Honorable Secretary General, for his insightful statement. Mr. President, we are meeting today at a time of profound global turbulence. The world faces a multitude of interconnected crises threatening international peace and stability, economic stability, and sustainable development, including wars in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. prolonged and brutal foreign occupation, resurgent fascism, great power rivalries, and renewed global arms race, the increasing weaponization of cyberspace and outer space, and new and destructive technologies. Mr. President, the continued inequalities of the global financial system have further aggravated today’s crisis. The very fabric of the world order established under the UN Charter is in danger of being torn apart unless timely reforms and corrective actions are not undertaken. Mr. President, Under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is working actively to address the multi-pronged, mixed crisis the world faces today. We, the United Nations member states, are all in the same boat. We must help each other to avoid the threat of a global war, the use of nuclear weapons, the issues of poverty, the existential threat of climate change. In the Pact for the Future, adopted last year, our leaders have reaffirmed their collective determination to respond to these challenges. We must translate these commitments into actions. It is clear that these complex and interlinked challenges can only be addressed through a renewed recourse to multilateralism, based on the universal and consistent adherence to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter: self-determination of peoples, non-use of threat of force, non-acquisition of territory by the use of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, non-interference in their internal affairs, and pacific settlement of disputes. Mr. President, nowhere is our failure to uphold the Charter and its principles more evident than in the ongoing tragedy in Palestine. In the vicious military aggression in Gaza, the mass killings of civilians, mostly women and children, in the systematic violations of fundamental human rights, international law and international humanitarian law. Mr. President, After witnessing 15 months of unimaginable suffering in Gaza, the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel announced on 15 January 2025 offers a glimmer of hope. Pakistan welcomes this agreement and commends the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. We hope that all stages of the agreement will be fully implemented leading to a permanent ceasefire and an inclusive political process towards a two-state solution. This remains the only viable framework for durable peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and the Arab and the Muslim world. We call for urgent and adequate humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. The role of UNRWA is critical in this context. We also look forward to the earliest reconstruction of Gaza. We oppose any displacement of the Palestinian people from their homeland. Mr. President, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is another open wound and an ever-present threat to international peace and security. For almost eight decades, the same life of the UN The people of Jammu and Kashmir have confronted brutal foreign occupation and been denied their right to self-determination as prescribed by multiple UN Security Council resolutions. The Security Council has an enduring responsibility to ensure the implementation of its own resolutions. Pakistan will continue to work for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. Mr. President, a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is essential for regional and global security. Pakistan continues to face cross-border terrorist attacks, especially by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan from Afghan soil. Pakistan remains determined to take all necessary measures to counter these threats. The IAG must take decisive action to prevent terrorism within and from Afghanistan. Despite the cross-border terrorism, Pakistan will continue its engagement with the interim government in Kabul, facilitate humanitarian support to the millions of destitute people in Afghanistan, and support Afghanistan’s economic and social development. Mr. President, terrorism remains a global threat. Pakistan has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, sacrificing thousands of lives to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent the spread of extremism. All terrorist groups, be it Daesh, al-Qaida, TTP, ETM, IMU, and emerging right-wing extremist groups, must be opposed with equal determination. Double standards must be rejected. Nor should counterterrorism provide a pretext to surpass the legitimate struggles of peoples for self-determination. Mr. President, The United Nations and its family of organizations provide the indispensable platforms to respond to the world’s multidimensional challenges. So far, the United Nations has not been enabled to achieve its full potential. The structures of the UN should be strengthened, not dismantled. This can be achieved through mutual respect and comprehensive cooperation. Mr. President, To address the challenges of the first 21st century, we must reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and undertake comprehensive reforms of the global governance architecture, refine and reinforce multilateralism to deliver optimum outcomes. No country should presume to have greater stature or influence on others. Respect for justice and equity is an essential precondition for peace and harmony among nations. To this end, Pakistan proposes the following: First, the Pact for the Future promises stronger international action for peace and security. Member States must fulfill their obligations under Article 25 of the Charter by implementing the Security Council’s decisions. We must adopt a policy of zero tolerance for violations of the UN Charter. The Security Council should promote peaceful settlement of disputes, resolve and not merely manage conflicts. The Council should adopt global confidence-building measures to prevent conflicts, ease tensions, and foster cooperation. Second, the UN Security Council must become more democratic, representative, and accountable. The small and medium states, which form the vast majority of the UN members, must be fully and adequately represented on the Security Council. Adding new permanent members would violate the principle of sovereignty and sovereign equality, make the Council even less representative, and exacerbate the prospects of paralysis in the Security Council. Third, the General Assembly, as the world’s most representative body, must play a greater role in global decision-making. Its mandates and resolutions must be respected, and its effectiveness and efficiency enhanced. Fourth, global financial and economic governance must be made more equitable and democratic. The current system is unjust, favoring the rich while trapping developing nations in a cycle of poverty and debt. We call for reforms of the IMF and World Bank to ensure adequate and concessional development financing, debt relief, and allocation of special drawing rights. Fifth and last, The rapid advancement of science and technology, especially artificial intelligence, poses new challenges. International regulations are urgently needed to ensure these technologies serve peaceful and beneficial purposes and do not deepen global inequalities and do not intensify the threats to peace and security. Mr. President, the world order envisioned in the UN Charter must be strengthened. It just A peaceful and prosperous world requires a strong, effective, and truly representative multilateral system, one that upholds the UN Charter, defends human rights, and ensures equitable development for all. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [32:39]: I thank His Excellency Mr. Adare for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Mowliim Fici, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia. Somalia · Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation [33:00]: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Secretary-General of the United Nations, sir, President, Mr. Wang Yi, members, of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China, I wish first and foremost to thank the Chinese Presidency of the Council, and we commend you for convening this important open debate on the issue: Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance. The choice of that issue was an important one, and is an expression of the tireless commitment of China and the vital role China plays in promoting the multilateral international order, Mr. President. Today's debate is being held at a critical juncture for the international order. The international order, indeed, is facing major challenges. At this time, multilateralism is beset by a genuine threat. That means that the United Nations and its founding principles are being put on their mettle. Indeed, we are seeing the rising tide of unilateralism and nationalism, and as such, we are compelled to note that the Organization’s efforts, based on a faith in multilateralism, are imperiled. Eight decades ago, the founding fathers of the United Nations realized that the world could only prosper and be peaceful and stable if polarization and conflicts were to end rather than persist. Indeed, their faith in multilateralism was clearly reflected in the United Nations Charter. In that charter, they committed to preserve future generations from the scourge of war. They committed to strive to promote cooperation and to safeguard international peace and security. President, we are faced with a bleak reality facing the international community. As such, it is now more urgent than ever before to ensure that our institutions can evolve and ensure that we can work together to address the unprecedented challenges calling us to action. As such, We have to say that there is a rising tide of conflict, of course, across the globe, but that's not the only challenge we're facing. There's also the issue of health and human rights. Challenges are arising in those domains, as such, we need collective action to improve and reform global governance. History has indeed proved that no state can prosper while others continue to be at the mercy of war and division. There is no doubt whatsoever that multilateralism and the very essence is indeed the very essence of the United Nations Charter, because the United Nations was created with the overriding goal of promoting international peace and security, cooperation between states, and achieving social and economic justice for all. As such, current challenges compel us to show a coordinated response, not only at a global level, but also within our international institutions. In these endeavors, everyone should participate so that we can improve the living standards of our local communities. At this decisive historical turning point, the people of the world are turning towards the Security Council as the body responsible for international peace and security. The most colossal challenge we're facing is how to preserve multilateralism and reform international governance at a time when international relations are polarized to an unprecedented extent. Mr. President, for Somalia, the way forward where reform is concerned is unambiguous and clear: that reform begins by promoting multilateral cooperation and by modernizing institutional structures to ultimately effectively overcome current challenges. As part of that endeavour, the Charter must be the very linchpin of our work. We will reform global governance, and multilateralism there is key. And in all of these endeavours, the Charter must be our lodestar. Without adhering to the Charter, we will be unable to address the challenges which threaten our common future. Turning now to multilateralism and reforming international governance, violations of international law are one of the major challenges facing the international order. International law is the very framework which governs relations between states. However, This very same international law can not be effective if the violations targeting certain states are not resolved. I'm talking here specifically about states suffering violations of human rights law or beleaguered by armed conflict. And this brings me to the cause of Palestine. That is indeed a crucial front on which we must fight. Finding a solution to that conflict is the best way forward. The two-state solution is indeed the best option on the table to promote the building of a Palestinian state within 4th of June 1967 borders. The worsening of the The Israeli conflict against Gaza and the West Bank has brought about an unconscionable humanitarian crisis. The unspeakable suffering of civilians continues to rage on, as do attacks against critical infrastructure. At the same time, international efforts are continuing to guarantee compliance with the current ceasefire. Mr. President, sir, in view of the growing challenges facing us, I wish to put forward a number of proposals. possibly able to preserve multilateralism and reform and improve global governance. First of all, one, we should promote preventive diplomacy. The Security Council has the responsibility to adopt a proactive approach to bolster preventive diplomacy mechanisms through preemptive mediation, the goal being to reduce tensions and prevent conflict. Two, We should reform the Security Council. That requires bringing about an international order based on a multilateral order, and doing that requires a deep-rooted reform of the Security Council's structures in light of the legitimate concerns of the states of the Global South regarding their lack of representation. As such, we should continue to reform and expand the Security Council, including by granting African states two permanent seats. They should come with the right to veto because that would reflect geopolitical transitions. 3. Frequent violations of international law and impunity should end. We should address current challenges. seen in the form of flagrant violations of international law, and these violations are brought about as a result of people trampling on Security Council resolutions. There should be effective mechanisms to implement resolutions and the international law to bolster the UN's capacity to act as a guarantor for international peace and security. Fourth, in terms of artificial intelligence, and in light of the deep-rooted inequalities of states where AI is concerned, we should underscore that expedited technological progress has widened divides between states in terms of technological access. Then that gap needs to be narrowed so that they can be used for development goals. As such, we must promote international cooperation and guarantee technology transfers. The goal here being that all states, not only developed states, are able to fully harness the potential of these technologies. My fifth point. the future and the promotion of multilateralism. The Pact for the Future is the very cornerstone of promoting multilateralism within the international order. The Pact for the Future calls upon states to pool efforts to address common global challenges. At this crucial stage, we must bolster the very foundations of that way of thinking and the Pact, because multilateralism needs to be promoted and defended in order to usher in peace and sustainable development for the future. We must shoulder our historic responsibilities in terms of promoting international cooperation, and the Security Council has a crucial role to play in terms of reform here. Let us together strive to build a world and a global order which is fairer and more inclusive, a world in which all the peoples of the world enjoy prosperity. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [43:52]: Thank you, His Excellency Mr. Fici for his statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Mrs. Selma Bakhtar Mansouri, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of African Affairs of Algeria. Algeria · Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of African Affairs [44:06]: Shukra lekom, sid rais, muali sid Wang Yi, wizir shawun khariji, jhuriyi sin shaabiya. Awad fil bida'ay an ahtanim hazhi al-fursa. President, Mr. Secretary General, Mr. President, first and foremost, we wish to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your successful presidency of the Security Council this month. I also wish to take this opportunity to applaud the wise choice of the topic for today’s debate, and I wish to thank the presidency of the Security Council for the concept note. I also wish to thank His Excellency Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, for his detailed briefing. Mr. President, Today's meeting is taking place in an international landscape which is complicated with escalating geopolitical tensions and a multiplication of political and security crises. This includes armed conflicts, as well as humanitarian disasters and economic environmental challenges. There's also the scourge of terrorism, of and cross-border organized crime as well. These are challenges which are jeopardizing international peace and security, and they are undermining the effectiveness and efficiency of our multilateral order. These are challenges which are also compounded by growing violations of international law and of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the marginalization of the role of regional organizations, specifically the African Union. There are also attempts undertaken to impose double standards vis-à-vis present-day conflicts, specifically in Africa. Mr. President, Algeria is firmly of the view that our commitment to the multilateral order remains the most effective way to tackle these common challenges. However, this order is experiencing unprecedented setbacks, and these have been emanating from heightened polarization at the international level as well as the erosion of trust in United Nations institutions. We, however, believe that the reform of the multilateral order is of paramount importance. This reform needs to be inclusive, just, and balanced. And in this vein, we wish to shed light on five important points. And this is necessary to guide the United Nations reform process and to bolster the effectiveness of the international order. Number one, there is a need to safeguard the central role of the United Nations, as well as to ensure fair and balanced representation within United Nations bodies, specifically the Security Council. It is unacceptable that there is an ongoing historic injustice endured by Africa in light of the fact that Africa is a continent which represents more than a quarter of the United Nations membership, and Africa continues to be deprived of permanent representation at the Security Council, and its representation in the non-permanent seats remains limited. And in this regard, My country reaffirms our full support for the shared African position as stipulated in the Sahlani Consensus and the Sirt Declaration. This is a position which is largely supported by the United Nations membership. Second, there's a need to enhance the role of the General Assembly of the United Nations in its capacity as the most representative and most inclusive body. There is a need to provide the General Assembly with greater authority to tackle major international challenges in order to enhance democracy within our organization. The restoration of the balance among the bodies of the United Nations is an urgent priority. for the United Nations order not to exclusively be limited to the Security Council. There's a need for the General Assembly to restore its place as a critical platform and body to take decisions that are inclusive and decisive. The General Assembly represents all Member States and remains the most representative body when it comes to enhancing the principle of international democracy and balanced governance. This Security Council recently held debates, including open debates, which reflect a broad consensus towards the need to enhance the role of the General Assembly and to guarantee respect for its prerogatives as stipulated by the Charter. And in this regard, We applaud the central role played by the ICJ in its capacity as the main judicial body of the United Nations, specifically to prevent the outbreak of international conflict and to resolve these conflicts through peaceful means. Thus, we cannot but welcome the role of the ICJ vis-à-vis ensuring justice and rule of law, and when it comes to delivery of justice for the Palestinian people and shoring up the primacy of law, we urge the ICJ to continue to embrace this approach, specifically vis-à-vis the ongoing threats, threats of forced displacement, which the residents of Gaza have been enduring. Third, there is a need to improve the working methods of the Security Council to ensure that they be more transparent and effective, and for there to be equal opportunity for all members of the Security Council. In this respect, we wish to recall the initiative launched by Algeria and its mandate at the Security Council, and this was reflected in the implementation of 507, note 507, last December. in order to establish equality vis-à-vis access and awareness about the documentation of the Council for both permanent and elected members of the Security Council. This measure was welcomed favourably and shows that consensus is indeed possible when political will exists and when there is a spirit of constructive work that prevails. Fourth, there's a need to adopt an institutional approach that enhances cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, specifically the African Union, under Chapter 8 of the Charter of the United Nations. In order to, in a regular and sustainable way, to leverage early warning mechanisms as well as the rapid reactions, rapid responses, specifically when it comes to African-specific issues. My country believes that the positions and the decisions taken by the African Union and African regional organizations, specifically vis-à-vis countries currently experiencing complex crises, need to be supported by the Security Council and the international community. This is necessary for international-led efforts to complement African visions, far from any interference or diktat from settlers, colonialists, or external factors being brought into play. We also believe that the sanctions regime imposed by the Security Council remains one of the best tools at the disposal of the international community to counter threats to international peace and security. There is – the goal needs to be preventive, not punitive. This is the approach of wisdom. And however, Sanctions regimes need to be vigilantly implemented to prevent crises before they break out. Sanctions, when they are poorly designed, are liable to exacerbate humanitarian crises and worsen the plight of civilians. This runs counter to the principle of human rights. I now turn to enhancement of multilateral cooperation. There is a need to revisit the design and implementation of the sanctions regimes. This is necessary in order to focus more on the objective of prevention. These sanctions need to be accompanied by effective and meaningful diplomatic efforts geared towards resolving conflict and establishing peace. And for these measure, these measures should not become harsh sanctions causing suffering for populations and which may result in human rights violations. This also requires greater coordination among the membership of the Security Council. and the reinforcement of mechanisms for dialogue and negotiations in order to build trust, to prevent conflict as well prior to the exacerbation of conflict, and to enhance a multi – enhancement of a multilateral order requires thought being given to more effective alternatives. which result in greater stability and greater justice, and therefore a more peaceful world with greater cooperation. Five, there's a need for the mobilization of the necessary financial resources, as well as sustainable financing channels, in order to support preventive diplomacy, early warning mechanisms, and rapid response mechanisms in Africa. The goal is to build African states' capacities to tackle security and other challenges, and to support national and regional dynamics in order to develop these mechanisms. Mr. President? As we mention global reform, there's a need also to highlight the importance of addressing the financial and economic order, the global financial and economic order, including the Bretton Woods institution, in order to ensure broader participation of developing countries, specifically African countries, and their participation in decision-making at the economic level. These are decisions which affect their future. The current financial arrangements, which are largely led by developed states, are not meeting the aspirations of developing states, particularly those in Africa. Thus, it is necessary to ensure a flexible and sustainable financing mechanism for African states and to work towards improving or easing the debt burden. This is a prerequisite for the implementation of national and regional development agendas. We also call for reform of the global commercial, the trade order to ensure equal opportunity vis-à-vis African products on the international market, and this is necessary to incorporate the economies of developing states in a fair way into the international economy. The presidency of the G20 by an African state this year, South Africa, is presiding. This represents an opportunity to support states in the global south and Africa in particular as they seek to play a greater role in multilateral political and economic governance. Mr. President, the artificial intelligence gap between countries of the North and countries of the South is a source of concern. Artificial intelligence technologies are not matters of simply complicated algorithms; these are also issues related to the security of countries as well as their right to protect their sovereignty. The AI landscape has a lack of legislation, a lack of rules, and this poses new threats for our continent, threats which know no borders. Thus, there's a need for the international community to endeavor assiduously to counter any threats or dangers which emanate from the spread and development regulations and regulation of said technologies. To conclude, the future of our world is the responsibility of all. There's a need for protection and for guarantees for prosperity for us as well as for succeeding generations, as was declared on a number of occasions by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Adel Majed Taboun, working assiduously in order to address crises, there is a need for approaches that are rooted in definitive solutions to problems and crises by tackling underlying causes. Those were the words of the President. Today's meetings, including the Summit for Social Development as well as the Conference on Financing for Development, and the review of the peacebuilding architecture at the United Nations represent opportunities to renew and shore up the multilateral order. We will continue to work towards a world that enjoys peace, stability, security, and prosperity. the prosperity of the peoples under the auspices of the United Nations, working in good faith, with goodwill, together to achieve a shared goal, that of meeting the legitimate aspirations of our people, that of enhancing our cooperation for a better future for succeeding generations. Thank you for your attention. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [1:00:38]: I thank Her Excellency Mrs. Masuri for her statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Frances Peggy Elgali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone · Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs [1:00:53]: Mr. President, Your Excellency Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Sierra Leone commends the People's Republic of China for convening this important high-level open debate on the crucial topic of practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance. At this critical moment in global affairs, this debate affords us the opportunity to reaffirm the foundational principles of the United Nations enshrined in its charter, including sovereign equality, non-interference, peaceful resolution of disputes, and collective security. I also thank the UN Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres, for his instructive briefing. Multilateralism has been the cornerstone of international peace and security for eight decades. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the United Nations later this year, it is a moment for reflection, to celebrate its achievements, acknowledge its shortcomings, and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more just, equitable, and effective multilateral system. The United Nations was founded in the aftermath of the devastating Second World War with a solemn pledge to, I quote, "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." Over the past eight decades, Multilateralism has been pivotal in preventing and addressing conflicts, promoting peace, and advancing development. Yet, despite global wealth increasing, we face growing inequality both within and among nations, with 700 million people living in extreme poverty, constituting 8.5% of the global population. Our world is beset by unprecedented challenges, including conflicts, pandemics, humanitarian crises, climate change, and technological disruptions. These require urgent, collective, and innovative responses. To address these pressing issues, let me highlight four key points. First, Sierra Leone strongly believes that multilateralism remains the best means to address global challenges. As the UN Secretary-General rightly stated, there is no other way to deal with global challenges than with global responses organized in a multilateral way. However, for multilateralism to be truly effective, it must be inclusive, representative, and results-driven. Our multilateral system must adapt to the changes in global economic dynamics, population, and influence. In particular, women and youth as major stakeholders must actively participate in policy-making and development processes. Moreover, developing countries, especially in Africa and the Global South, must have a stronger voice in global decision-making. To this end, the UN Security Council, as the cornerstone of international peace and security, must be reformed to better reflect current geopolitical realities and ensure fair representation. Nearly 80 years since its formation, the Council remains outdated, with its imbalanced composition undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness. In this regard, Africa remains the most glaring victim of this inequity. Without structural reform, the Security Council's performance and legitimacy will continue to be questioned. As we reflect on the theme of reforming and improving global governance, it is crucial to recognize how Africa's exclusion from decision-making bodies such as the Security Council and the multilateral development banks hinders the continent's ability to contribute meaningfully to global governance. The legacy of colonialism, economic exploitation, and political marginalization has left deep scars, impairing Africa's development, stability, and influence in international affairs. In noting the African Union's theme of the year 2025, Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations, rectifying the historical injustice perpetuated against Africa, must be operationalized with the urgency of now. Mr. President, the Pact of the Future, adopted in September 2024, presents a critical opportunity to revitalize global cooperation and coordination based on trust, adaptability, and flexibility. The close cooperation between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council in addressing conflicts on the African continent demonstrates a commitment by both institutions to achieve the objectives of Action 21 of the Pact for achieving lasting peace and security. Recognizing the critical role of regional arrangements in preventing and resolving conflicts, this collaboration must be strengthened. Sierra Leone calls for concrete steps to implement the Pact's ambitious commitments, especially those related to the UN Security Council reform, bridging governance gaps, strengthening international cooperation, and reinforcing international law. Addressing inefficiencies and inconsistencies, particularly in improving the working methods of the Security Council, will enhance its legitimacy and capacity to implement the Pact for the Future and other forward-looking peace and development strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that addressing global crises requires more than just force. It requires innovation, agility, trust, and the sharing of information and expertise. These same principles must guide our efforts to prevent wars and deliver lifesaving aid. Mr. President, secondly, the erosion of the rules-based system threatens global stability. At a time when unilateralism, protectionism, and disregard for international norms are on the rise, the role of international law in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated. We must reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and upholding international law. A fair and consistent application of international law is essential to uphold the credibility of the global governance system and ensure peaceful coexistence. The Security Council must lead by example in upholding international law. The Council’s resolutions must be implemented effectively and consistently, and international agreements and rules must be adhered to without selectivity, partiality, or double standards. To further strengthen multilateralism through international law, we encourage Member States to utilize international judicial mechanisms as tools to address shared global concerns and disputes. In other words, judicial settlement of disputes, which gives significant expression to Article 2 number 3 and 33 of the UN Charter. Third, the challenges of the 21st century extend beyond traditional security threats. Non-traditional security issues, including climate change, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, terrorism, and food insecurity, demand urgent and innovative global responses. These crises disproportionately affect developing nations, exacerbating their vulnerabilities. To address this, we must enhance capacity building, foster information sharing and technology transfer, and strengthen international cooperation to ensure no country is left behind. Fourth, the digital divide remains a critical challenge in our quest for equitable global governance. Many developing countries lack the infrastructure and resources to leverage technological advancement and digital transformation. Sierra Leone urges the international community to support initiatives that promote technological capacity building, digital inclusion, and fair access to global supply chains, ensuring that all nations can fully participate in the global economy. Mr. President, strengthening the role of the UN and Security Council requires unity, not division. We must set aside geopolitical rivalries and embrace dialogue, cooperation, and collective problem solving. Despite the varying socioeconomic and political conditions of our countries, the scale and transnational nature of many global issues demand collective action. In these instances, multilateral frameworks are indispensable in preventing catastrophic consequences. The tools available to us have largely maintained a rules-based multilateral system. By improving these tools, we can better serve humanity. This includes strengthening resolution and peacekeeping mandates for clearer, more responsive, and contextually relevant action. enhancing collaboration with regional entities to ensure faster and more agile responses to crises, promoting comprehensive peace and development strategies, and bolstering accountability mechanisms for human rights violations. In conclusion, Mr. President, Sierra Leone urges all Member States to recommit to the core principles of the UN Charter and work towards a Security Council that is responsive, representative, and accountable to all nations. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to multilateralism as the most effective framework to address global challenges. Sierra Leone stands ready to contribute to meaningful reforms that will enhance global governance, uphold the international rule of law, and promote a just, peaceful, and prosperous world for all. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [1:12:29]: I thank Her Excellency Ms. Elgini for her statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Guyana. Guyana [1:12:38]: Thank you, Mr. President. Your Excellency, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and welcome to the Security Council. I also welcome the distinguished ministers and high-level officials in today's meeting, and thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing. Mr. President, Guyana thanks China for convening this most relevant and timely debate on practicing multilateralism, reforming, and improving global governance. It offers the opportunity, not only for collective reflection, but perhaps more importantly, a frank discussion on how we rejuvenate multilateralism and address the deficits in global governance. Mr. President, there have been seminal moments in history where the world came together across geopolitical divides to put people and planet first. If we look at the driving factors of those moments, we will inevitably find that terrible events had, in each instance, reminded countries that multilateralism and international cooperation are the best mechanisms for addressing global challenges. The foremost example is the formation of the United Nations almost 80 years ago, on the heels of two world wars, World leaders joined hands with the aim of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war and crafted the United Nations Charter as the blueprint. The Charter continues to provide a solid foundation for collective global action, grounded in the understanding that peace and security, development, and human rights are interdependent. and that respect for international law and justice are indispensable to achieving these objectives. So too is the need to ensure that solidarity, inclusion, and the objective of leaving no one behind are demonstrated by concrete action. Mr. President, Excellencies, it is the translation from commitment to action where multilateralism has largely not delivered. in recent decades. For example, we have seen multilateralism at work when the global community adopted the Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty and ensure prosperity for all, and the Paris Agreement to limit the effects of climate change. However, implementation is stymied by the lack of political will and inadequate financing, coupled with a global financial system that is skewed against countries that are most vulnerable and in need, a system that is not only unrepresentative, but also unfair and unjust. Reform of the international financial architecture is urgent and must no longer be ignored. An investment in development is an investment in peace and security. Mr. President, There is widespread recognition of the need for reform of the global governance structures to make them more representative, democratic, accountable, and equipped to address new and emerging challenges. The Security Council is arguably the least representative and most undemocratic of global institutions. Security Council reform remains critical to a more effective council. or it faces the risk of becoming irrelevant. We have seen repeatedly how the current structure and decision-making format, particularly the use of the veto, have thwarted the will of the majority of Council members and ignored the views of the General Assembly. But even as we pursue reform, as the foremost body entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and security, The Council must deliver on its responsibilities now. At a time of increasing conflicts in the world, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, immense suffering, and unprecedented humanitarian crises, the members of the Security Council must bridge divides and fulfill our collective mandate. There must be greater consistency in applying the same standard across similar situations. and implementation of resolutions. As the Council faces growing criticisms for inaction, greater efforts must be made to rebuild trust in it, and genuine consideration given to the use of the tools available in the Charter to combat non-compliance. Mr. President, accountability and justice are crucial to the achievement of peace and security. The Security Council must speak with one voice in championing respect for international law, including international humanitarian law. While it is incumbent on all States to be exemplary in their adherence to the Charter, Council members should hold themselves to the highest standards of performance and accountability. They should not be among those undermining the judicial institutions of the United Nations, which is crucial in ensuring respect for the rule of law and promoting accountability. Mr. President, given the interlinkages in the challenges we face today, there must be a holistic approach. Narrowing development divides, overcoming poverty, increasing opportunity for young people, ensuring women's participation, promoting respect for human rights, and building democratic governance structures are all essential for the attainment of international peace and security. This Council cannot afford to act in a vacuum. It must bring into consideration the related issues of poverty, hunger, inequality, climate change, and the impact of new technologies. In closing, Mr. President, last September, our heads of state and government took a definitive step with the adoption of the Pact for the Future, committing to protecting the needs and interests of present and future generations and transforming global governance We must now, together, implement the actions outlined in the pact, recognizing that no state can overcome the challenges we face on its own. It is global solidarity, supported by strong global governance structures and the requisite political will, which will help us to achieve a world that is peaceful, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [1:19:43]: The representative of Guyana, and I now give the floor to Denmark. Denmark [1:19:56]: Words and his call to action. Mr. President, 80 years ago, from the ashes of two devastating world wars, the international community came together to establish the United Nations. The task was as momentous as it was visionary. to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It was a moment of hope in history, of unbridled optimism for humanity, for the promise of the Charter. Today, that promise remains as important as ever. Denmark is a founding member of this organization. Our belief remains as firm as it was 80 years ago. that many of our challenges are too great and too global for any nation, large or small, to face it alone. A strong and fair system, with the United Nations at its core and international law as its foundation, remains our best, indeed our only, option to address the multitude of threats and challenges we face. Mr. President, allow me to make four points. First, multilateralism works. For eight decades, the United Nations has helped to prevent a third world war. Together, we have created programs to reduce poverty and hunger, protect human rights, eradicate disease, increase access to education and health care, advance gender equality, and build sustainable peace. We have worked to expand and uphold international law, and pursued accountability when international crimes have been committed. While much remains to be done, let me be clear: Denmark strongly supports this system and all that we have achieved, imperfect as it may be. Second, Mr. President, recent landmark agreements such as the Pact for the Future, the 2030 Agenda, and the Paris Agreement exemplify the potential of multilateralism at its best. But potential must be translated into impact. What is needed now is implementation. The Pact presents a bold vision for this multilateral system, including the Security Council. Around this table, it is our responsibility to act. We must not be afraid to rethink our tools, to adapt to changing realities. This is especially necessary for UN peace operations. Denmark firmly believes that UN peace operations remain indispensable for addressing conflicts and sustaining peace. For millions, the blue helmet represents hope in the darkest corners of conflict. But as the very nature of conflict evolves, so too must our response. To effectively address the complex security challenges of our time, more agile, adaptable, and responsive approaches are needed. This includes working across the whole peace continuum, from preventive measures and diplomacy to peacekeeping and post-conflict recovery. The Security Council should lead in advancing fresh thinking on how to ensure this. Mr. President, my third point. We cannot seriously tackle the issues facing multilateralism when the Security Council continues to operate in the reality of yesteryear. Excellencies, it is no longer 1945. The world needs a more representative Security Council, one which reflects the global diversity of the 21st century, one which addresses the historical injustice done to the African continent and ensures greater representation of developing countries across regions. As we push for fundamental reforms, we must also assess the actions and, tragically, inactions of the Council. Too often, this Council has been unable to alleviate immense suffering due to the veto. The veto should never stand in the way of action to prevent and end atrocity crimes. Fourth, Mr. President, underpinning all of these points, and indeed all of our collective action, must be an unwavering commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter. For Denmark as a small country, This is our guiding star. Respect for the basic purposes and principles of the United Nations, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and political independence for all States, is indispensable to the cause of peace. It is the foundation for a world in which might does not make right. As we uphold this principle, the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law must be at the core. We must end cycles of impunity and ensure accountability for victims and survivors of international crisis. This should be accompanied by efforts to identify and address the root causes of conflict. While States bear the primary responsibility to protect their populations from atrocities, this Council has an important role to play in ensuring timely and decisive international action. Mr. President, to conclude, multilateralism is based on a fundamental willingness to work together. to understand the language, culture, and concern of others, and to find compromises. This is what the United Nations stand for. That is how we uphold the promise of the Charter. Count on Denmark's unwavering commitment to this goal. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [1:25:10]: I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea. Republic of Korea [1:25:16]: Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting. I thank the Secretary-General for sharing his valuable insights. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations this year, we stand at a crossroads, proud of our achievements to date, yet also confronted with doubts in our common belief in multilateralism. Since the adoption of the UN Charter, Member States have worked together to lay the foundation for a world free from the scourge of war, a world grounded in fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and sustainable development. Yet today, the multilateral architecture we have built is under immense pressure. For three years, Ukraine has suffered the devastating consequences of a military aggression in flagrant violation of the UN Charter by a permanent member of the Security Council. In Gaza, despite the efforts of the Security Council to reach consensus over the past 15 months, it has struggled to produce meaningful impacts on the ground, as the actual ceasefire was made possible by a few critically involved parties. Africa is also suffering from multiple security crises, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and the Sahel. They have escalated opportunistically amid the weakening of effective UN peace operations and UN sanctions, both of which are critical tools in the UN efforts to maintain peace and security. The staggering human death tolls in all of these conflicts also calls into question the UN's role in protecting civilians and alleviating humanitarian suffering. Against this backdrop of mounting frustration in multilateralism, let me highlight three points. First, we should reinvigorate the role of the United Nations that offers an enduring diplomatic space in shaping international views. It is extraordinary that 193 countries, with each of us at different stages of political and economic development, like-minded or even antagonistic, gather every day in this very building to discuss and try to solve current and future issues. This should not be taken for granted. Such a convening power of the United Nations is a driving engine of multilateralism, valuable to this very moment. For example, the adoption of the Pact for the Future last year, with its 56 action commitments, reaffirmed the international community's collective resolve for a rejuvenated multilateralism. Second, the UN, particularly the Security Council, must become more creative and bolder. Though it may be difficult to avoid gridlock on issues where permanent members have divergent views, there are other areas that the Security Council can explore to fulfill its mandate and reinforce its institutional standing. For example, emerging security challenges must be given due attention, followed by more active deliberations. The rapid evolution of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, has amplified global security risks, particularly when exploited by irresponsible actors such as North Korea. The proliferation of mis- and disinformation has further opened new platforms for manipulation, complicating tensions and conflicts. Likewise, climate change is intensifying global instability by heightening competition over resources. Geopolitical divides must not prevent us from addressing these urgent and new challenges. Third, we must defend and uphold the three pillars of UN work, namely peace and security, development, and human rights. We believe that we simply cannot accomplish economic development and sustaining peace without justice, human rights, and democracy. Equally, without solid development, political democratization and human rights cannot fully flourish, something Korea has experienced firsthand in its own national development. In order to continuously support the virtuous cycle of the HDP nexus, We increased our ODA by 30% last year, which is four times the amount compared to 2010. The Peacebuilding Commission can play a crucial part in this regard with its unique advisory role that covers all three pillars. As a Security Council PBC informal coordinator, the Republic of Korea is committed to bringing greater coherence to both bodies. Mr. President, on a final note, the rise of the elected 10 members in the Security Council gives us a sense of inspiration and hope that they can take the lead when geopolitics divide the Council. In this vein, Security Council reform should be navigated in such a way that empowers more elected members, increasing the Council’s accountability to the wider membership. Now, more than ever, global challenges require global cooperation. Korea remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening multilateralism, and we will continue to work with all partners to this end. Thank you, Mr. President. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [1:31:05]: I thank the representative of the Republic of Korea for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Panama. Panama [1:31:13]: Thank you, Mr. President. Panama thanks the People's Republic of China for convening us today to this high-level event, which invites us to reflect on the foundations of the United Nations, its purpose, and its future in global governance. We further express our thanks for the important contribution made by the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. We extend a warm welcome to His Excellency Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and likewise to the Ministers of State who are honoring us with their participation today. President, multilateralism is facing its most critical juncture since the foundation of the United Nations 80 years ago. born out of the ruins of a violent, devastating, and cruel global conflict. The rationale that led to the establishment of the United Nations, with its multilateralist structure, to guarantee international peace and security, offered a level of protection to small countries from the arbitrary impositions of the most powerful. This raison d’être for global governance has been buckling under a system that has become unwieldy and slow to incorporate and implement the much-needed technology and innovation to provide the right solutions with the necessary urgency. It is regrettable that the Security Council, the only multilateral body tasked with maintaining international peace and security, is no longer up to the job of fulfilling the important aim for which it was established after the Second World War. We are forced to caution that what is urgently needed is a true review of its architecture. Furthermore, the current international financial system perpetuates inequalities and strengthens dependency structures which hamper the development of nations, including the economic development of our kindred countries in Latin America. Territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the right of peoples to decide on their own destiny are not, nor can they be, negotiable. Panama, as a founding country in this organization, with the contributions from the distinguished Panamanian lawyer Dr. Ricardo J. Alfaro, who contributed to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and incorporating the term human rights in the United Nations Charter, notes with concern the development of these trying situations, which the organization is currently facing and which are weakening multilateralism. But at the same time, Panama harbors the hope that these perilous circumstances will lead us to find channels for close communication, free of disinformation, threats, and ideological polarization. For this reason, we support the Secretary-General's pragmatic vision set out in the Pact for the Future. We understand that to ensure that this multilateral, inclusive commitment has sustainable effects over time, we mustn't brook terminology exclusions in its language, nor the use of double standards, which would further erode the integrity of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. unmovable pillars both in the achievement of international law and in ensuring an effective multilateral system. Panama will always be in favor of the inclusive participation of all relevant sectors in a context of conflict for the benefit of the civilian population and with the equitable and increasing participation of women and young people as agents of peace and development. Panama, as a small state, is reaping the rewards of multilateralism and has been doing so since our foundation as an independent republic. Tangible proof of this is the generational struggle that, through diplomatic efforts, led to the end of a colonial enclave which divided us and to the recovery of our canal, one of the vital waterways for ensuring sustained and neutral service to international trade and to global free maritime transit. It was in this Council, meeting in Panama City in 1973, it was this Council that brought international attention to the Panamanian cause, leading the parties from that time to negotiate treaties bringing an end to foreign presence on our territory. guaranteeing the world's support for our full sovereignty and our territorial integrity. This is a landmark that, 25 years after the return of the canal, allows Panamanians to benefit from exemplary, well-warranted economic growth in the region. The historic realities of that time no longer reflect current necessities. Hence, why reform to the Security Council is so vital. The blocking of consensus and the indiscriminate use of the veto due to the lack of geographic representation in this body means that the hope of millions of people immersed in tragedy, in famine, and in humanitarian crises without wholesale solutions all go unanswered. It's time to rescue multilateralism from ruinous mistrust and to breathe new life into the decisions that are taken both in this Council, but in all of the spaces created to address global governance from different angles. It is time to reactivate the protection that multilateralism provides to small states united by their vulnerability from the arrogance of the geopolitical interests of others. Multilateralism isn't one option among many. It is the cement that provides the sturdy foundation for stability and for international well-being. President, Panama, like many states here present, can come up with solutions. Nonetheless, these solutions will lead nowhere if we don't trust in ourselves. and if we do not stand ready to implement the mechanisms that we have to hand, to enforce the mandates contained in the dozens of resolutions that we adopt every year, the Secretary-General can only operate in the margins of what this membership allows him. Hence why the right way to maintain international peace and security connected to sustainable development and human rights is to enforce the legitimate political will of our peoples. We are facing a crisis of representation, where political power has been concentrated among the few, leaving the rest to feel marginalized. The world has moved forward, has moved on. It's our responsibility not only to keep pace, but also to get ahead to address that concern and the looming concerns with the emergence of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats, and disinformation intended to polarize us, just to cite a few challenges that we must face collectively. Mr. President, it is time for this helpful debate to guide us to undertake a self-assessment. to reflect and to act, to address the glaring question marks hanging over the multilateral system and global governance. Eighty years after all too few changes, we must ensure that rather than floundering, the system flourishes and prospers. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council [1:40:35]: I thank Panama for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Greece. Greece [1:40:40]: Allow me to start by thanking China and Foreign Minister Mr. Wai for selecting this very important topic and for convening this timely debate. And I also thank the Secretary-General for his very interesting remarks. Mr. President, 2025 signifies a landmark year in the history of the United Nations. As we are preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary, It's becoming more difficult to meet people that can remember a world without the United Nations, a world shaped by the horrors of the two World Wars. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent, among future generations, the risk of oblivion of the devastation that preceded the creation of the Organization through highlighting its accomplishments in the promotion of international peace and security, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights. It is also a good moment to take stock of multilateralism and global governance at present. Mr. President, no one can deny that our world is facing new, complex global challenges at a scale unthinkable in 1945, from wars and increasing military expenditures to hunger, poverty, and unequal development. The permanent crisis in the Middle East, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the grave political and humanitarian crises in Sudan, Sahel, Yemen, DRC, Haiti, and elsewhere are just a few examples of the serious threats to global stability and the UN Charter. We believe there is an urgent need for fundamental reform and improvement of our multilateral system, with the UN at its core. A crucial step towards this direction was made last September at the Summit of the Future, when the world leaders renewed their commitment to effective multilateralism by adopting the Pact of the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration of Future Generation. Our Prime Minister has stated that the Pact of the Future, as a point of global consensus, is only a first step, but it's a necessary first step. It's a political declaration to act, and political will is a necessary driver for action at the national level and collectively at the global level. Greece calls for the rapid implementation of the relevant actions of the Pact, especially transforming global governments and reinvigorating the multilateral system to tackle these challenges and seize the opportunities of today and tomorrow. In this context, reform of the central pillar of the international peace and security architecture, namely the Security Council, is also needed. We support any model of reform that is fair, strengthens the UN as a whole, and transforms the Security Council to a more democratic, efficient, representative, accountable body adjusted to the realities of the 21st century. We are convinced that these goals would be achieved through the enlargement of the Security Council, both with permanent and non-permanent members. We also call for strengthening the relationship of the Security Council with the General Assembly in order to maintain better international peace and security. Mr. President, during the intense negotiations on the Pact of the Future and beyond, Greece insisted that it was necessary to go back to the basics of the UN Charter, such as a peaceful settlement of dispute, the respect of international law, and the rules and principles of the Charter. These are core elements of Greece's participation to the Security Council and the necessary foundations for peace and prosperity across all nations. At the same time, we need to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law in an increasingly authoritarian, dangerous, and contested world where human dignity is progressively challenged and where war becomes more prevalent on a greater scale. Let me also stress that one of the pact's significant achievements is the first global recommitment to nuclear disarmament since 2010. We stress the need this to serve as a basis for upholding and strengthening the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture, with NPT as its cornerstone. Mr. President, Greece recognizes the need to narrow the development divide and especially the digital divide. Peace and security cannot prevail in the absence of development and growth. Greece focuses its development efforts and allocates aid, including through capacity building, transfer of know-how and expertise, with the aim of contributing to the reduction of poverty and inequality in the world, the consolidation of peace and security, and in order to tackle the root causes of migration flows. We also believe that artificial intelligence offers tremendous opportunities for achieving the SDGs, and we are actively engaging to the discussion of the global governance of AI at the UN and other fora. Our common efforts to bridge the digital divide should focus on the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, which represent the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation, chartering a roadmark for global AI governance. Mr. President, we are also deeply concerned with the lack of substantial progress in tackling the effects of climate change. We reaffirm the importance of accelerated action in this critical decade on the basis of the best available science, and we welcome relevant decisions adopted at COP28 and 29. We also recognize the importance of support to developing countries and their access to climate finance, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Mr. President, in closing, let me underline that the upcoming celebration of the 80th anniversary of the UN serves as a moment of collective reflection on the accomplishments of our Organization, a reiteration of a common belief to its core values and principles, and a time to begin reforming global governance and the multilateral system. Let us all work together towards this direction. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council [1:46:12]: I thank the representative of Greece for that statement, and I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:46:21]: We welcome the personal participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in today's open debate. We welcome the participation of other ministers and senior representatives. We believe that the topic proposed by the Chinese presidency is highly relevant. It provides us with a good opportunity to discuss through the geopolitical prism the root causes of the current profound crisis plaguing the modern international world order. We see today's meeting as a unique continuation of the discussions which took place in July 2024, when the Council under Russia's presidency considered the question of multilateral cooperation in building a more fair, democratic, and sustainable world order. Eighty years ago, on the 4th of February – 4th of February 1945. On the 4th of February 1945, the Yalta Conference began. During this epochal meeting, the contours of the post-war world order were set out, at the heart of which was the United Nations. In the international legal dimension, the Charter of the United Nations first set out the equality of all states, ridding the world of patterns of legitimization of the claims of certain countries to domination. The result of this groundbreaking decision was the process of decolonization, which gifted freedom to numerous enslaved peoples. Furthermore, despite all of its strengths and weaknesses, which politicians and academics continue to debate, The United Nations as a whole fulfilled its founding purpose, namely preventing a new world war. However, today the world has come closer than ever before to a dangerous threshold. It is teetering on the brink of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers. The West, operating through the rules-based order template, is agreeing to, in circumvention of the United Nations, decisions on key on topics of the majority of countries – for the majority of countries, and subsequently portraying these solutions as universal solutions and imposing them on others. We therefore see a deliberate undermining of the authority of the United Nations and the primacy of international law in governing international relations. We are witnessing a broad application of the practice of unilateral coercive measures being imposed whenever supporters of methods of force in global politics do not manage to push through their outcome at the Security Council. An example of this is the situation in Iran. After the expiration of a number of restrictions in resolution 2231 in October 2024, European countries failed to adopt practical measures to lift restrictions against Iran, extending them indefinitely at the national level. Let us recall that the only body authorized to impose sanctions is the Security Council. Any other measures are unlawful in nature. However, sanctions by the Council themselves are not etched in stone. As with any other instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Council has a duty to proactively work to update them, to adapt them, to reflect new realities and ensure their effective implementation. In this vein, it is clear that the current restrictions imposed against the DPRK is not helping to normalize the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and a major revision is long overdue. Failure to abide by the UN Charter and a reckless approach to Security Council resolutions on a number of acute international issues has now become the hallmark of the West, from the poorly hidden disclosures of many Western politicians and diplomats, we see that for their capitals, security councils are meaningless. They, with marked regularity, are not being implemented, or they are merely viewed as being non-binding. Behind these actions, there's a keen desire to preserve the neocolonial system of exploitation, allowing its ruling elites and financial industrial capital to parasitically plunder the resources of developing countries. Russia has been undertaking efforts to advance its anti-colonial and anti-neocolonial agendas at the United Nations, including the adoption of the General Assembly thematic resolution in December 2024. In the context of efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, it is becoming clear who genuinely advocates a more fair, equitable – more equal world, and who are living in the past and are striving at any cost to make their geopolitical agendas a reality. Any state claiming to act as a mediator and proposing peace initiatives must first and foremost clearly understand what caused this conflict. The root cause of this conflict is the disregard for the genuine interests of the Russian Federation in the area of security and an aspiration to inflict a geopolitical defeat on Russia, as well as failure by the regime which seized power following an institutional coup. the Kyiv regime's failure to respect the rights of the entire population of Ukraine and the obligation of any normal government before all of its citizens. Alongside the achievement of the goals of the special military operation, Russia has been advocating the establishment of a system of indivisible and equal security in Eurasia through which all states can be confident in their own security and will not attempt to uphold them at the expense of others’ interests. The Russian President has advanced an initiative on this matter. It is in keeping with the ideas of many countries. Located on our shared continent, there is no doubt that a comprehensive approach to multilateralism hinges on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Alongside the establishment of a multilateral world order with a shift of the center of power to the global south, there is a growing need for the adaptation of global governing institutions to reflect modern-day realities, and first and foremost, for the reform of the United Nations and its Security Council. We advocate greater representation at the Security Council of African, Asian, and Latin American states. The unjustified domination at the Council of Western states as successors of colonial powers is a relic of the past. There have been tectonic shifts in the global economy. The share of BRICS countries in the global GDP is 37, a little more than 37 percent, and has surpassed the share of countries of the G7 at 29 percent. The reform of the global financial architecture needs to reflect these processes. of paramount importance is the prompt reform of the Bretton Woods institutions and the WTO, whose work is a base that needs to be based on and reflect the real weight of non-Western centers of economic growth. What do we see in this area? Merely attempts by the OECD to stymie meaningful reform and to cling to the existing system which allows for financial instruments to be used as weapons of mass destruction, which is further resulting in fragmented of the global economy, there is an ongoing colonialist practice of imposing ideological designs and political solutions and socioeconomic models which are geared towards plundering sovereign states. Resources, according to existing assessments, developed countries have siphoned off of countries in the Global South since the adoption of the 1960 Declaration on Decolonialization, siphoned off resources amounting to $62 trillion. An unprecedented campaign has been unleashed of unilateral coercive measures afflicting countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. A grave blow to the global financial system is being dealt by the outright theft by Western countries of sovereign assets and currency reserves. At the same time, there are limitations on access to technology which are brought into play, and this directly runs counter to genuine multilateralism, worsening inequality and placing a slowly ticking time bomb thwarting prospects for the achievement of sustainable development goals. Growing mistrust in the financial system based on Western reserve currencies and the visible outflow of funds and securities and debt obligations of Western countries and major banks is fueling processes of activation of regional ties for the formation of effective and secure multilateral economic, international economic mechanisms, alternatives to those which the West has been controlling and using for the advancement of its parochial interests. This includes expansion of transactions in national currencies, the establishment of independent payment systems, and the establishment of an industry market chains and circumvention of those channels that have been blocked or compromised as a result of politically motivated restrictions. interregional and regional organizations and their partnerships, in our view, have the potential to become linchpins that govern the multilateral world order institute. So this is an approach which has been set out in President Putin’s approach, a blueprint for a greater Eurasian partnership, the economic bedrock for our initiative for common indivisible security in Eurasia. There is no doubt that an important role here that lies with BRICS, the SCO, as well as the CIS. Eurasian Economic Union, ASEAN, and other associations. An apt example of international and regional cooperation is the activity of UNRWA, an excellent example of this. For many decades, they have been providing assistance to Palestinians in humanitarian assistance, education, health care, and social services on the occupied Palestinian territory. Essentially, UNRWA has been doing everything which the occupying power, West Jerusalem, has an obligation to do. The occupying power which has been waging an unprecedented persecution against UNRWA. The ongoing work of the agency without obstacles is a ticket to the survival of the residents of Gaza and the West Bank. Today, UNRWA, for the residents of Gaza, is their sole last hope to which there can be no alternative. Our duty is to protect the mandate. of the interests of the agency to advance its work, its unique work for the Palestinians, both in the occupied Palestinian territory and in neighboring Arab countries. In this connection, we support the call of the UN Secretary General and the General Commissioner of UNRWA to Israel for it to comply with its international legal obligations and to lift the Knesset legislation for the prohibition on UNRWA's activities. Clearly, an important impetus for strengthening multilateralism is becoming the – is being reflected in the multiplying global challenges faced by humankind. They include healthcare crises, the infiltration into our lives of unbridled digital technologies, climate change, the so-called demographic transition, which essentially, as some experts have deemed, this is a demographic suicide for a growing number of nations. is designed to play a central coordinating role in developing adequate solutions with the involvement of all stakeholders, and depoliticized international scientific cooperation is designed – should present compelling and long-term basis for the adoption of such decisions. When it comes specifically to the achievement of the SDGs, major hopes have been pinned on the forthcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Spain in July. Among other priorities, we would note the issue of the digital divide. We advocate the establishment of international dialogue and stepping up the activity of specialized international organizations with the aim of reducing digital inequality, providing assistance to developing states, and states with transitional economies, and fleshing out national legislation and high-technology infrastructure for the digital economy. Discussions on the above-mentioned issues need to take place without slipping into futile polemicism; otherwise, tangible results will be beyond reach. There is a need to restore professionalism in diplomacy, a culture of dialogue, the ability to listen, to hear others’ views, to preserve channels for crisis communications. There is a bedrock for this, And that is the Charter of the United Nations. If all parties, barring none, respect its spirit and letter, not interpreting it selectively for the advancement of geopolitical interests, the United Nations is in a position to resolve current disputes and reach common ground on the majority of issues facing it. Thank you. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council [2:00:13]: I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for his statement. I will give the floor to France. France [2:00:21]: Mr. President, I thank you for convening this meeting. At a time when global governance is challenged by the proliferation of crises, we must not succumb to the temptation of unilateralism. This path would bring us simply to widespread confrontation, pitting everyone against everyone else. That would work to the detriment of one and all, even those convinced of their superlative strength. We reaffirm our support for multilateralism, compliance with international law, and for the values of cooperation and solidarity. Last September, we adopted the Pact for the Future in order to breathe new life into multilateralism and expedite the achievement of Agenda 2030. At a time when we prepare to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, this document reaffirms that collective action is necessary to overcome current challenges and those that will arise tomorrow. In this vein, France organized the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact at the beginning of February this year, and also the AI Action Summit. We must rethink our governance system to render it more effective, more representative, and fairer. We also need to go further when it comes to the climate and biodiversity. This strategy continues to bear fruits, as demonstrated by the adoption of the BBNJ Treaty in 2023. Ten years ago, 195 states gathered together in Paris and decided to resolutely expedite the struggle against climate change, their goal being to limit the average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. We must now get everything battle-ready to ensure that the Paris Accords turn into tangible action. Mr. President, it is because France trusts in the United Nations that we champion an ambitious reform of it. Turning to the Security Council, our position is clear: an expansion of the two membership categories in order to to preserve its legitimacy, is vital, as well as to increase its representativeness. It is illogical that Africa does not feature among permanent members. That must change. France has for 20 years stated, and this is set forth in the G4 model, that two African states must hold permanent seats. Here, I reaffirm that their demand for veto power is legitimate. The Security Council must be able to take action and perform its role in terms of the maintenance of international peace and security. The international community has lofty expectations of the Security Council. For Palestine, for Ukraine, for Sudan, and for so many other regions in the world, we must do more. France believes that the veto power is not a privilege to be used at will, but rather a unique responsibility. It is with this in mind that France, since 2015, has, alongside Mexico, championed an initiative to suspend the use of the veto in situations of mass atrocities, that is, crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes on a large scale. 106 states have already extended their support to this initiative, and in the Pact for the Future, we have committed to stepping up our efforts on this matter. Let us be ourself worthy of expectations in this regard. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council [2:03:38]: I thank France for his statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:03:42]: President, and I welcome the contributions to our discussion today from His Excellency Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Secretary-General. The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations. But 80 years since its creation, With more countries engaged in conflict than ever before, we're falling short of its founding mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. And despite progress on health and education, significant global challenges remain. The climate crisis is accelerating, and the sustainable development goals are off track. Why so? There is more to this than the often-mentioned liquidity crisis. In 80 years, UN membership has increased from 51 to 193 member states, but the UN and its institutions are not fully representative of all its members. We now live in a multipolar world, not a bipolar or a unipolar one, and whose challenges, climate, pandemics, cybersecurity, are more transnational than national. As the Secretary-General reminded us, and so many speakers today have reiterated, the Pact of the Future demonstrated a clear desire and a clear commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral system, including through reforming the UN and the international financial system. Together, we need to redouble our efforts and find new ways to address emerging challenges. 2025, the UN's 80th anniversary and a year of key summits, is the first step on this path. Next month, we have the Commission on the Status of Women and the Beijing+30 meeting. In June, we have the UN Oceans Conference. In July, Financing for Development 4. And later in the year, we have the UN Social Summit and COP30 back in Brazil. Together, these summits seek to address our shared concerns. Their success is critical for progress and the UN's reputation as our multilateral home. Second, we need to use the UN more effectively to deliver international peace and security. Such progress must go hand in hand with upholding human rights. This starts, first and foremost, with the defense of the UN Charter, as colleagues have referenced. Nowhere is that more true today than in Ukraine, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat from Russian aggression. We must work to ensure that all UN tools, including its good offices, are used to deliver and advance peace. For example, Personal Envoy Lamamra has a crucial platform to bring together the warring parties in Sudan. We encourage reinvigorated momentum for mediation efforts. as well as renewed focus on prevention to reduce crises before they happen. This year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review is an important opportunity in this regard. We also need to refresh our peacekeeping approach to ensure missions are fit for purpose and defend UN peacekeepers wherever they serve. Attacks against them are unacceptable. And we honour in particular today MONUSCO peacekeepers who have fallen in defence of civilians in the DRC. Finally, in the face of growing global crises from Sudan to Myanmar, we need to support the UN's development and humanitarian programmes across its agencies. In Gaza, UNRWA, alongside the WFP and UNICEF, provides over 50% of all food aid. We commend OCHA’s tireless efforts to reach those in need. Humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers are integral to their successful delivery. In conclusion, President, colleagues, this Council is often characterised as an ineffective geopolitical theatre. While reform of its membership is needed, and the UK supports that, this body has the tools to implement its peace and security mandate. We now need to strengthen our collective will to use them more effectively, and, as the Secretary General has said, in our 80th year, work to build the more peaceful, just, and prosperous world that we know is within reach. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [2:09:57]: I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of the United. States. United States of America [2:10:04]: Organizing this meeting to review where the UN stands on its principles and purpose as we go into its 80th year. The United States helped found the United Nations after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security. But UN agencies and bodies overall have drifted from their core missions. We need to take a closer look at where this institution is falling short. For example, There is a longstanding, deep anti-Israel bias within the UN that has only grown stronger since Hamas's brutal attack against Israel on October 7th, 2023. This sentiment was exemplified by the UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, when staff were found to have participated in the October 7th terrorist attack. There are even recent reports that its schools and facilities have been used by Hamas. The UN Human Rights Council has protected human rights abusers by allowing them to use the organization to shield themselves from scrutiny. As for the Security Council, it is charged with maintaining international peace and security, but critical issues that demand the council's attention continually fall by the wayside. Prior to Bashar al-Assad's departure from Syria, Russia used the Security Council to block any action to hold the Assad regime to account for its crimes against humanity. Russia's war in Ukraine is the bloodiest in Europe since the founding of the United Nations after World War II. This war needs to end. China has consistently exploited its status as a developing nation within international organizations to advance its separate agenda. The UN should not be in the business of endorsing any one country's initiatives. So two of the greatest drivers of instability in the world today hold veto power at the Security Council. That is what we are up against. As mentioned at the outset, the United States has supported the United Nations over these 80 years. We will continue to strongly advocate for peace abroad and for security and stability at home. The United States is currently conducting a review of our support to the UN. We will consider whether the actions of the organization are serving American interests and whether it can be reformed. The United States will not support UN bodies such as the UN Human Rights Council. We will review bodies such as UNESCO, which has a history of anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization. Colleagues, we are seeing the abuse of international structures for political ends, including by using the International Court of Justice advisory opinions as a way to pursue national agendas. The ICJ has been used by South Africa to accuse Israel of genocide. Unfortunately, the term genocide has been misappropriated to become an international slander. Mr. President, as we look at the tools available to us to promote economic and social development, we need to harness the power of artificial intelligence, which will have countless revolutionary applications in economic innovation, national security, health care, and free expression. America welcomes partnerships with UN member states that foster the creation of AI technology. But we must guard against strangling the development of AI with needless regulations. We must also be wary of attempts to use AI algorithms to rewrite history, surveil users, and censor speech. Mr. President, a few words about sanctions or so-called illegal unilateral coercive measures. The United States reiterates that its autonomous sanctions programs are consistent with international law. In addition to observing and respecting UN sanctions, the United States and many of our partners legitimately use domestic authorities, carefully regulating our domestic financial systems in a tailored way to address threats to international peace and security. In doing so, we go to tremendous lengths to avoid humanitarian impacts or impacts on the flows of life-saving food and medicine to those in need. Mr. President, in conclusion, the United States supports the UN’s return to its founding mission of promoting peace and security around the world. As President Trump has stated, we will be taking a hard look over the next few months on what reforms the UN needs to undertake to get us to that point. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [2:15:20]: Go ahead. I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia. Slovenia [2:15:30]: We are encouraged by the leadership of China in organizing today's debate. And we thank Secretary General for his briefing earlier. Colleagues, soon we will mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Devastation and suffering caused by the war led the leaders to unite and establish the UN with the noble motivation, quote, "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war," end of quote. Our organization and hope for a peaceful future raised as a phoenix out of the ashes of the war, as beautifully depicted by Per Krogh's mural for peace hanging in the chamber just behind us or above us. However, as if the core to the raison d'etre of our organization has loosened with time, and as if we are not capable anymore to imagine peace. The conflicts are running at an all-time high. The UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and the resolutions of this Council are all being undermined and right out violated or ignored without any accountability. Since we have entered the Security Council a year ago, we have been asking ourselves how to revive the spirit of San Francisco. Like Guyana, we are asking ourselves how to rebuild the trust among ourselves and in the Council. And like Sierra Leone, we are wondering how to reverse the erosion of international order based on international law and built around the Organization. These questions led us to organize the Leadership for Peace open debate during the Security Council presidency in September last year. Together, we adopted a presidential statement and recommitted to our responsibilities and roles. The number of speakers then and today is a testament of our continuing belief in the United Nations. Mr. President, let me make three points on how Slovenia sees the way forward. And they are: focus on what we have in common, address new non-traditional security threats, and protect achievements of the past eight decades. First, International community joined under the umbrella of the United Nations, continues to share most noble aspirations. We committed to a world free of fear and free of want. We committed for every human to be able to have her needs, rights, and dignity protected and promoted. These goals continue to unite us. Last year, we adopted the Pact for the Future, for a world that is safe, peaceful, just, equal, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous. A world in which well-being, security, and dignity, and solidarity, and healthy planet are assured for all humanity. We agree with you, Mr. President, as with many other colleagues, who are convinced that the Pact is a good and broad enough basis to implement our common aspirations. Second, international community joined under the umbrella of the United Nations should acknowledge the profound global transformation we are experiencing today, a transformation that is adding new, non-traditional concerns to the existing ones. Climate change and environmental threats can fuel conflicts. Water-related risks are a challenge to the resilience of societies. Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, hospitals, and government institutions can bring the world to a standstill. Disregard for safety and protection of nuclear power plants can hinder lives of generations to come. Terrorism continues to threaten security and well-being of all our citizens. These new security concerns don't stop at our borders. They don't recognize regional divisions. They represent our shared concern, our common threat. And the Council should step up efforts in addressing them. So let us commit to fighting these challenges, and let us do it together. UN community is our strength. And my third and last point: international community joined under the umbrella of the United Nations should be proud of its past achievements. A major contribution of the UN with its legal framework is that it enabled the power of rules to replace the rule of power. Even if it doesn't always work properly and in all situations, it provides a protective shield for a great majority of member states against notion of mightiest right, in the words of my Danish colleague. Violations of the UN Charter, of the international law, and international humanitarian law The erosion of respect for the work of the humanitarian organizations and their staff, disregard for the protection of civilians, especially women and children, in armed conflicts, without any accountability, risk driving our world into disorder and chaos. So, colleagues, the Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld once observed that it is not big powers who need the UN for their protection, it is all the others. We, the others, the great majority of UN Member States, should act accordingly to protect eight decades of the international system based on rules and the UN Charter, and build consensus to deliver peace, to end with a quote of the current Secretary-General. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [2:21:41]: I thank Slovenia for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Bolivia, I give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Landa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia. Bolivia (Plurinational State of) · Minister of Foreign Affairs [2:21:57]: Mr. President, thank you. The Plurinational State of Bolivia congratulates the Chinese presidency of the Security Council, and we wish you every success. I wish to convey to you the greetings of our brotherly President Luis Aceca Tacaora and the greetings of the Bolivian people as we mark the bicentenary of our independence. That date marked the inception of the plurinational state of Bolivia, whose goal was to continue increasing equity and justice for our people. This meeting is being held at a time when the multinational crisis besetting the world is growing ever deeper every day. Today, it is incumbent upon the People's Republic of China to address this challenge in a global context marked by: 1. The worsening of the climate crisis. This climate crisis is seeing many countries facing the real risk of vanishing forevermore as a result of sea level rise. there is also global warming, which is worsening food insecurity. Second, we're seeing the consequences of neo-colonial practices and military occupations waged with a desire to maintain hegemony and control over our natural resources. Three, there is the danger of a far-reaching trade war with grave consequences across all sectors. Four, there is a threat That we will see the genocide against the Palestinian people worsen, five, there are economic blockades and unilateral coercive measures being used as weapons to subjugate sovereign nations. In view of these threats to peace and the very existence of the planet, the most important challenge now is the implementation of radical change, and urgent change indeed, within the United Nations structure. This particularly holds true for the Security Council. We must restore respect for international law. as well as for human rights, and we must establish inclusive and representative global governance. The use of the veto by the United States to protect Israel's impunity in the case of genocide in Palestine Against collective will is a demonstration that the Security Council does not champion the interests of the majority of the world's peoples. We are fighting to shore up the transition towards a multipolar world and towards effective multilateralism. Politically speaking, it is neither proper nor acceptable, if we are to strengthen international relations, that five countries determine the fate of humankind as a whole, while at the same time the Global South simply looks on from the sidelines. The veto must disappear. States that violate human rights and international law must be suspended from the Security Council. Any increase in the membership of the Security Council must take account of geographical variables as well as climate variables, and bear in mind global challenges. We must all listen to each other, and we must all be represented. Mr. President. The journey towards a multipolar world is one in which the BRICS have emerged as a real alternative to the prevailing economic and financial order. Bolivia has opted to strengthen the New Development Bank of the BRICS to finance our growth, free of the constraints of traditional financial institutions. Mr. President, The defense of human rights must be universal, effective, and impartial. The time has come for this Council to demand that Israel halt its genocidal acts and the forced displacement of Palestinian men and women from their territory. It is our hope that this debate will mark the beginning of a genuine transformation, and not simply the beginning of a new round of statements, because the very existence of the planet and human life is at stake and cannot wait. To conclude, I wish to reiterate Bolivia's position, that of our brotherly President, which was expressed in the most recent UN General Assembly. He called for the world to be turned into a zone of peace. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [2:27:24]: I thank Her Excellency Ms. Luanda for her statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Peter Szijjarto, Foreign Minister of Hungary. Hungary · Foreign Minister [2:27:38]: Thank you so much, dear Minister, my dear friend, dear colleagues. For the couple of recent weeks, we have been living in a totally new global political reality. The outcome of the US presidential elections have changed basically everything. The whole Western world has received a new leader, a new leader carrying out a patriotic and sovereignistic political strategy. considering national interest as number one, standing on the basis of common sense, going against the woke ideology and launching a freedom fight against the global dictatorship of the international liberal mainstream. We Hungarians have been doing this for the last 15 years, carrying out a conservative, Christian, patriotic, pro-peace, anti-migration political strategy, for which we have been under tremendous attacks, tremendous and continued attacks carried out by the representatives of the woke ideology and the representatives of international liberal mainstream. And I have to tell you, Mr. President, dear colleagues, that the woke ideology and the international liberal mainstream have poisoned international politics and international relations. Therefore, the last years have become the age of dangers and conflicts. Huge amount of money, multiple tens of billions of dollars, have been invested into campaigns, blackmailing, and insulting patriotic governments all around the world, interfering into domestic political procedures and elections. International politics have been totally lacking mutual respect. What we had instead? Stigmatization, lecturing, and blackmailing. And we Hungarians have suffered a lot of all these phenomena. Therefore, we welcome the recent changes. We especially cherish that the financial channels of this political strategy of interfering into domestic issues of other countries have been cut. which makes it possible that mutual respect will return as the basis of international politics. Mr. President, we Hungarians have been living in the neighborhood and the shadow of the war in Ukraine, which has put a lot of challenges ahead of us and caused a lot of harms and losses to our country. And we have to tell you that the international liberal mainstream has fueled this conflict. by stigmatizing and attacking all of those who had been speaking in favor of peace. We remember the stigmatization, spies, propagandists, friends of whoever. Therefore, a special appreciation should go to those countries who have kept the pro-peace camp alive regardless of the tough circumstances. And a very special appreciation should go to the People's Republic of China to establish the Friends of Group of Peace during the last General Assembly of the United Nations. And dear colleagues, the presidential elections in the U.S. have brought tremendous changes in this case as well. A pro-peace president has been elected. Therefore, we have a bigger hope than ever for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine. And we welcome that direct, highest possible level meetings have started today between the United States and the Russian Federation. We have been representing this position for three years: to keep the channels of communication open, to look for diplomatic solutions, to keep the ties with the Russian Federation. And for this, We had been under tremendous attacks in international politics. We had been saying that there is no solution on the battlefield. You have only dead people, casualties, and destruction on the battlefield. The only solution comes around the negotiating table. And what is happening now shows that we were right. Although you might say the Hungarians are not right, but the Hungarians will be right for sure. And this has been shown by the recent developments. And I do believe, Mr. President, that the United Nations should adjust itself to this new global political reality. If it is unable to do so, it will lose its significance. We have to be honest to ourselves. During the global dictatorship of international liberal mainstream, United Nations have failed to be the platform for peace. Therefore, the leaders should get out of their comfort zones out of the ivory tower, and come forward with innovative proposals for reforms. How to eliminate the function overlaps, how to eliminate useless functions, how to cut costs, and how to increase the effectiveness. And we, Hungary, as a home of many branches of UN organizations, hosting, for example, the second largest anti-terror department of this organization, we are ready to take our fair share. So if there's a decision for decentralization or outsourcing activities from New York, we are happy to host more in Hungary. So, Mr. President, let me cherish the efforts of the People's Republic of China to keep the pro-peace camp alive in the recent years. Now we hope that the activities of this camp will come to reality. We wish all the best for the United States and the Russian Federation for the direct negotiations. We hope that today's meeting succeeded well, and we hope for a successful summit sometime in the near future. A good American-Russian relationship is good news to the world as well. And we, Mr. President, stand ready for the new age of global reality, and we are ready to take our fair share when it comes to making the world a better place again. Thank you so much. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [2:34:12]: I thank His Excellency Mr. Sijarto for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Abubakar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda. Mr. Uganda · Minister of Foreign Affairs [2:34:22]: ABUBAKAR: Mr. President, members of the Council, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President, it is very humbling and a great honor for Uganda to have been invited to join you in the debate about multilateralism and global governance. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing, and all of the previous speakers for their illuminating contributions to this debate. Mr. President, let me on the outset share with you some quotes. Mr. Hubert Vedrine, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, said, I quote, "We cannot accept either a politically unipolar world, nor a culturally uniform world, nor a unilateralism of a single hyperpower." End of quote. Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, said, and I quote, "There is a certain tendency on the part of some Americans to treat the UN as a multilateralism a la carte, where you pick and choose where it suits you, and where it doesn't suit you, you pull back." John F. Kerry, former Secretary of State of the United States said, and I quote, "I think we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the UN. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the UN, it is a good moment to rekindle our efforts to make multilateralism work again." And I am proud to say that in the Iran agreement, I think we did show that it can work. End of quote. Today, the world is in a state of flux, what with a myriad of challenges around issues of climate change, geopolitical tensions, threatening world peace and security, and pandemics, among others. Yet, there is a palpable loss of trust on the age-old institutions and mechanisms of solving them. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, it is most fitting that the world reflects on options available for solving these challenges. For example, to what extent can we still rely on multilateralism? I must therefore thank the President of the Council for choosing this subject and shining a light on it for our attention. Multilateralism, often understood as a cooperation among multiple nations to address shared challenges, has been the cornerstone of global governance, most especially since the mid-20th century. Rooted in the principles of collective action and shared responsibility, it has evolved significantly over time, facing both triumphs and trials. Multilateralism emerged more prominently after World War II with the establishment of the UN in 1945 as its flagship institution. The UN Charter laid the foundation for international cooperation, emphasizing principles such as sovereign equality, peaceful dispute resolution, and rejection of use of force. Over the decades, multilateralism expanded both horizontally, for example, the United Nations membership grew from 51 members to now 193, and vertically, by incorporating non-state actors like the NGOs and private organizations. The post-Cold War era saw a surge in multilateral efforts with the rise of global governance frameworks addressing common challenges like trade, with the formation of the World Trade Organization, climate change, with the signing of Paris Agreement, and public health, with the formation of the World Health Organization. In spite of this, it is always important for us to remember that multilateralism has always been work in progress, balancing universal aspirations with the realities of power politics. Despite this apparent achievement, multilateralism continues to face significant challenges, particularly now in the 21st century. These challenges range from structural impediments, rising nationalism and populism, power shifts in the global arena, global crisis, to loss of trust in the system. The UN Security Council veto system and the lack of equitable representation for especially developing countries hinders effective decision-making. Take, for example, the African continent, with a population of no more than 1.4 billion people, having no representation at the permanent seats category. Compare this with Europe, with a population of about half a billion people, with three permanent seats. We could make the UN Security Council more representative and effective if we considered expanding both the permanent categories and the non-permanent categories, particularly by rectifying the injustices meted out to Africa and granting Africa two seats in the permanent category and three additional seats in the non-permanent category. Many world leaders have disavowed multilateral agreements prioritizing prioritizing universal unilateral actions instead. For example, when you withdraw from the Paris Climate Change Agreement or from the World Health Organization, you are effectively condemning multilateralism to doom. The 21st century is significantly different from the 20th century. Nations that didn't exist then are members of the UN now. Significant economic progress in a number of countries, particularly the Global South, now means power dynamics have shifted. The shift has major implications. Parallel structures have emerged, and Western domination of institutions is now challenged. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 significantly exposed limitations of the existing multilateral mechanism in coordinating global response. The above scenario have led to polarization and inequality, weakened trust in the multilateral institutions, making collective action more difficult. As John F. Kerry, whom I quoted earlier, did indicate, there is a need to rebuild trust and confidence in the global institutions. The picture I have painted above is rather depressing and fatalistic. However, you could examine ways and options to make that adaptation to contemporary realities and become robust and effective in dealing with existing challenges. I would like to propose that we look at the following: One, we must endeavor to introduce inclusive reforms. Efforts must be undertaken to modernize the UN, the World Trade Organization, and many other institutions so that they better reflect the current realities. These reforms should better reflect the priorities of the developing countries and ensure geographically diverse representation. Two, we must adopt a multi-stakeholder approach. Involving NGOs, private actors, and civil society in global governance can foster more flexible and responsive solutions. Three, We should take advantage of technological advances. Digital tools and platforms can enable new forms of collaboration. However, we must remain wary of challenges of interference and data governance issues. Four, initiatives like the UN Foundation's Our Future Agenda are harnessing the energy and creativity of the youth to drive innovative solutions to sustainable development. Such initiatives must be supported. Five, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future provide a roadmap for renewed international cooperation, emphasizing equity and intergenerational responsibility. In conclusion, it is important to note that multilateralism, while facing significant challenges, remains indispensable for addressing global issues that transcend national borders. Its history demonstrates resilience and adaptability; its future depends on the willingness of state and non-state actors to reimagine and to revitalize the system. As the world grapples with existential threats like climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions, the need for effective multilateralism has never been greater. By embracing inclusivity, innovation, and solidarity, humanity can redefine what is possible together. I thank you, Mr. President. I thank you all for listening to me. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [2:46:02]: I thank His Excellency General Abubakar for his statement. I now give the floor to Vice Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mr. Al-Hariri. Saudi Arabia · Vice Foreign Minister [2:46:25]: Mr. Wang Yi, member. Of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China; United Nations Secretary General; Excellencies, distinguished delegates: May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you. Allow me to begin you by congratulating you on your presidency of the Council this month, and allow me to extend my sincere thanks for inviting us to this discussion to discuss ways to implement international multilateralism and reform global governance. and its complementary mechanisms. Indeed, this meeting is being held among the most sensitive and delicate junctures, which leads us to identify the shortcomings that are preventing international multilateralism from fully playing its role. I must, of course, thank the Secretary General for his valuable briefing and for the efforts that he is making constantly for international peace and security. Mr. President, In light of the changes that the world is undergoing, it has become necessary to move towards strengthening the ability of the international system to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the United Nations Charter. It goes without saying that the increasing challenges facing the international community and the current bloody incidents call for effective action and firm responses from the multilateral system, and particularly from the Security Council, which is responsible for acting neutrally and objectively on all issues on its agenda. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms the need to combine effectiveness on the one hand and multilateralism and equitable representation, on the other hand, in any serious effort to reform global governance. What we need is better representation of all of the regions of the world and greater participation from developing countries in adopting global agenda and in decision-making. We also need to guarantee that the United Nations action is truly effective in terms of maintaining international peace and security. It should do this by consolidating international cooperation, without which no single country can reach effective and successful solutions. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms that intergovernmental negotiations on reforming the multilateral system should be carried out through the General Assembly in accordance with resolution 557/62 adopted by consensus. The arbitrary use of the right of veto and the issue of fair and equitable representation, as well as the issue of the expansion of the Security Council, are urgent matters that call for us to act seriously and objectively. We must at the same time ensure the equal representation of geographical and regional groups. Mr. President, We are currently witnessing an increasing crisis of confidence in the ability of the United Nations and its bodies, in particular the Security Council, to fully carry out their responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and settle conflicts by peaceful means. This calls on us to assess the current situation and in multilateral action. to find the best possible solutions for reform. It goes also without saying that the efforts of the working group on documentation and updating Note 507 on the Security Council's methods of work are a step in the right direction towards improving the Security Council's methods of work. particularly in light of the negative consequences of the use of veto on ensuring international peace and security. The unjustified use of the right of veto has proven that it in no way serves the cause of international peace and security, rather, it contradicts the noble objectives and purposes of the United Nations Charter. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a view to ensuring that we can reach the noble aims of these, the United Nations reiterates its call for a reform of the Security Council so that it can be more equitable and representative to better represent today's realities, and so that it is up to the job of keeping pace with transformations within the international community. Reform is also called for to ensure that it is more efficient in how it achieves our common goals. To conclude, I trust that today's meeting will contribute to strengthening the role of the United Nations in international multilateral action and reforming global governance. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [2:52:26]: I thank His Excellency Mr. Al-Hareji for his statement. I now give the floor to Vice Foreign Minister of Cuba, Mr. De Cossio. Cuba · Vice Foreign Minister [2:52:47]: Thank you very much. Your Excellency, Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and President of the Security Council, we support the statement. delivered by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter. We value highly the initiative of convening this open debate. We recognize China's relevant role in defending multilateralism, diplomacy, global development, and peace. As we approach the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the world stands at a complex crossroads characterized by serious and growing threats to international peace and security, and a gradual erosion of the foundations underpinning this very organization. Today's meeting invites us to reflect on its essential role in preserving international peace and security. We have witnessed the withdrawal of the greatest global power from international bodies, with utter contempt for their important work. We have witnessed the support and involvement of this great power with no ethical nor moral misgivings in the expansion of the genocide against the Palestinian people. We have witnessed statements on plans to take land and on ethnic cleansing and annexation. We have witnessed the heightening of the racist and supremacist ideology, the violation of environment agreements in the interest of transnational corporations, without a thought for the risks to the sustainability of life on our planet. In light of this challenging scenario, We reaffirm the importance of the role of the United Nations as the main bulwark to tackle global threats and attempts to undermine international cooperation and dialogue. Full respect for the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and the rules of international law as well as the defense of multilateralism, are all vital in this international scenario which is becoming increasingly dangerous and complicated, and where the security and well-being of our nations are facing unprecedented challenges. We reiterate the appeal to urgently embark on deep-rooted transformations of this organization to benefit present and future generations. In the same vein, we oppose trends to privatize the organization and to turn it into an instrument to represent the interests of the great powers and great transnational capital. It's increasingly clear that the world needs to look towards building a new international order involving us all. A debate such as this can help, and Cuba is committed to contributing. This must be an order in which all nations are able to contribute and to be truly represented on an equal footing. It must be a sustainable order, one that promotes peace, security for all. social justice, equitable prosperity, respect for cultural, ethnic, and religious plurality. It must be an order that promotes democratic access to science and technology and to human rights for all, not only for the privileged elite. must be an order based on solidarity, on cooperation, and on respect for the right of every country to choose its political, economic, and social system without foreign interference. The role of the General Assembly must be revitalized and strengthened without meddling from the Security Council in its work. It's urgent to reform the Security Council itself and to turn it into a truly transparent, inclusive, democratic, and representative body that can effectively shoulder its responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, and that can act without double standards. to preserve the credibility of the United Nations. Cuba’s presence on the arbitrary United States list of states that allegedly sponsor terrorism, that that government publishes as a coercive tool, is an act of aggression, an act that quite rightly triggers the rejection of the international community. It is a gross manipulation of the fight against terrorism. It's a way of attacking countries that it identifies as adversaries for the simple act of defending their sovereignty and their right to self-determination. It is, further, a blatant manifestation of the problems of the current international order. While unilateral coercive economic measures are persistently applied as a tool to achieve foreign policy goals, and while there is no let-up in punitive approaches to developing countries, we cannot talk about real and inclusive multilateralism for all. In Cuba, we have supported the global initiatives proposed by China. They are an expression of its determination to defend peace around the world, to defend dialogue and international cooperation, to defend equality among nations and peoples, to defend complementarity and the rejection of hegemonism and unilateral coercive measures. Humanity needs solidarity. cooperation and dialogue. It needs less egoism, imposition, and coercion. Humanity deserves steadfast and renewed commitment to multilateralism to guarantee peaceful coexistence, to preserve international peace and security, and to find lasting solutions to systemic problems. You will always be able to count on Cuba in this endeavor. Thank you very much. China · President of the Security Council [3:01:17]: I thank His Excellency Mr. Fernando Stokosio for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Fedor Rosatra, Director General, Directorate for International Organizations and Human Rights, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia. Slovakia · Director General, Directorate for International Organizations and Human Rights, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs [3:01:39]: Mr. President, thank you for convening this open debate on the important issue of multilateralism and improving global governance. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Guterres for his statement to the Council. The theme of today's debate is of utmost relevance for all of us and all of our citizens. We all share a common interest in a workable international system, particularly in the context of international peace and security. And we all should continue to make every effort to further the peaceful purposes of the United Nations. Mr. President, before I start, I would like to align myself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union. I would like to add a few additional comments from a national perspective. The first point I would like to emphasize is that we are at a time of profound global transformation. The world today is becoming more multipolar and fragmented. However, this does not mean the world has to become less multilateral. To the contrary, Global governance and cooperation must be the foundation for the changing world that brings new challenges, but also offers new possibilities for collaboration. In any event, the United Nations' role as the guarantor of international legal order and rule of law must not just be preserved, but actively strengthened in the future. The second point I would like to raise concerns the functioning of the Security Council in managing peace and security in today's world. The UN Charter specifies that the Council acts on behalf of all UN members. The Security Council must not be passive in the face of conflicts, crises, and atrocities. In contemporary world, we need credible, timely, and decisive action by the Council in exercise of its primary responsibility under the UN Charter. No people should feel abandoned by the international community in this regard. Lastly, Mr. President, I want to speak about the critical importance of implementing the Pact for the Future, adopted at the United Nations by Member States last September. The Pact is the most comprehensive international agreement in years. Its adoption was an important success for multilateralism and the rules-based global order. The Pact is also a strong commitment on the part of the international community to reform the UN work on international peace and security. In order to make the most of this new impetus, we must now work together to turn ambitions of the Pact into concrete results and improvements. The Security Council, too, must play its part and act on the key action points proposed in the Pact, that are of relevance to the Council and the international peace and security matters. I thank you very much for your attention. China · President of the Security Council [3:05:28]: I thank His Excellency Mr. Rosocha for his statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Maryana Bacha, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Ms. Ukraine · Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs [3:05:41]: Mr. President. Ukraine commends the initiative of the President of China to hold this important debate and takes note of the briefers' presentations. As it rightly pointed out in the concept paper for this debate, our world has entered a new period of turbulence and changes. This means, in particular, that the foundations of multilateralism that was supposed to be the bedrock of global security and stability are under immense strain. The Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine is among the starkest manifestation of this crisis. The very institutions, first and foremost, the UN, rooted in international law and designed to prevent such conflicts, unfortunately failed to stop the aggressor. It is true, as the concept note reminds, that, thanks to the UN efforts, no new world war has happened. However, this offers little consolation to those Ukrainians whose towns have been completely destroyed to the scale comparable to or even exceeding the devastation of the Second World War. This war is not only about Ukraine. This war is not only about Europe. The Russian Federation has turned food and energy into weapons. Exacerbating global crisis, its manipulation of energy supplies has destabilized markets far beyond Europe. Its nuclear threats undermine decades of non-proliferation efforts. This is a direct assault on global security and stability. Moreover, suffering, destruction, and casualties are not confined to Ukraine only. They are also endured in other conflicts across the globe, in particular in Africa and the Middle East. Beyond this, we confront the attempts to undermine the credibility and efficiency of key multilateral institutions from inside. Nowhere are these malicious attempts more evident than in this particular chamber. Where a state that wages a war of aggression enjoys the privilege of permanent seat and veto power, the Security Council cannot serve its primary function if it is paralyzed by those who actively undermine this mission. This situation exposes a structural flaw within the Security Council and in the existing global governance system as a whole. To address it, our multilateral system must be strengthened with preventive and enforcement mechanisms. We are convinced that concrete actions are required to ensure that a state in the permanent seat, which is involved in a conflict or a situation that the Council is considered, is limited in the exercise of its veto right, as it cannot do it impartially due to a conflict of interest. If responsible behavior, even from the permanent seat, comes at a cost, the integrity and efficiency of our platform will be secured. If the UN begins to resemble a boxing ring with fighters, their supporters, and passive spectators, the prospects for global security will be very bleak. Distinguished colleagues, achieving comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine will be a litmus test for multilateralism, and it will be also a litmus test for the UN. As most of you are aware, we have submitted a draft resolution of the General Assembly on the matter dedicated to the anniversary of the full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine. It will be adopted on February 24th. In that draft, we in particular propose to acknowledge multilateral processes aimed at achieving just peace consistent with the Charter, with the UN Charter, as well as efforts by various members in presenting their visions for settlement. It is a question now if we, as a global community, can uphold the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter. Or will we allow aggression and impunity to set dangerous precedents for future conflicts? The answer will determine whether multilateralism remains a viable mechanism for global peace or whether it will erode into irrelevance. We believe that international support for Ukraine's fight for freedom and independence implies joint upholding the territorial integrity and sovereignty as imperative principles of international law. as well as returning to the respect for the UN Charter. I encourage you to support this draft, as it will be the right answer to the above questions. We are confident that support of Ukraine in a situation of illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified Russia's war of aggression means support of the territorial integrity as a UN principle. Ukraine, in its turn, stands ready to work with all responsible nations to ensure that the UN is not just a forum for statements, but a force for action. We urge this Council to rise to the challenge and take decisive steps forward, meaning towards meaningful reform. The cost of inaction is too high. It's not just for Ukraine, but for the future of multilateralism and the international order itself. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [3:11:34]: I thank Her Excellency Ms. Betra for her statement. I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait. Kuwait · Arab Group [3:11:56]: Thank you, Mr. President. It is my honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Arab Group. And through you, Mr. President, I would like to welcome His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. And I would like to thank you and commend you for convening this important debate. as it highlights one of the most important topics that is before us repeatedly, namely safeguarding international peace and security through the practice of multilateralism, reforming and improving of global governance. Our session today allows us the opportunity to discuss and assess our joint responsibility towards our commitment and of commitment towards the principles and goals of the UN Charter, which is one of the main pillars of global multilateral action and the best method to address the current threats. Mr. President, we convene today at a very critical and sensitive moment. The world is witnessing growing political, economic, social, environmental, interconnected and unprecedented complex crises, placing the international multilateral system before a test that might be the most difficult and the most urgent since 1945. Accordingly, members of the Security Council should work in a unified and collective manner, in addition to the cooperation and synergies within the international community, by overcoming the severe divisions and the deepening disputes that face the ability of the international community to undertake its responsibility in accordance with the UN Charter. To fulfill these principles, there are a number of equally important principles that should constitute a cornerstone for international relations. Despite the fact that 80 years has passed since the adoption of the principles and ideals of the UN Charter, the Palestinian question remains the most prominent litmus test of the credibility and legitimacy of the UN Charter. It is a pivotal question that is directly and closely linked to the principles and objectives of the Charter, particularly, or namely, the right of peoples to self-determination, the prohibition of use of force in non-common interests. Additionally, the Palestinian question is in line with all kinds of international legitimacy. There are General Assembly resolutions, Security Council resolutions, and Human Rights Council resolutions. In addition to a decision by ICC on the 21st of November regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity, in addition to the historic advisory opinion of the ICJ issued on 19th of July, last July, that has stood for the right and the principles of the UN Charter that we have all accepted when we joined this organization. However, The occupation's continued violation of international laws and norms for decades without accountability sends a dangerous message that will be inherited by the future generations regarding the effectiveness and capacity of the international system. We should note here that the UN was established in order to safeguard international peace and security, ensure the non-repetition of the mistakes of the past. Accordingly, and in this vein, we cannot disregard the systemic defiance to that Charter, in addition to the unilateral practices that violate all international laws and norms. As we see the occupying power insisting on its brutal attacks and its desperate dream by calling for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people, thus threatening regional stability and obstructing the efforts to achieve permanent peace. We reiterate the need for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire agreement in line with its resolution 2735, in addition to de-escalating tensions in the West Bank and the remaining occupied Palestinian territory, ensuring the protection of civilians, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid in a sustainable manner into Gaza Strip. and the resumption of the political and peace process to guarantee the right of people, Palestinian people, to self-determination and establishment of its independent state on their national territory. We should not forget what we have witnessed last year, towards the end of last year, within the Israeli Knesset regarding the legislation that were endorsed to ban the work of UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian territory. This was a direct result of the absence of accountability for violating all international norms for more than one year. Everybody should be aware that this act, this action, is a clear violation of Article 95 of the UN Charter. Mr. President, instruments provided for within the UN Charter regarding safeguarding international peace and security are subject to the unity and consensus of the Security Council members. Over the past years and decades, we saw the Council fail to shoulder its responsibility towards solving some of the crises as a result of the political divisions and the arbitrary use of the veto right. Accordingly, we call upon the Security Council to fulfill their responsibility. Membership comes with great responsibility. The mechanism for taking decisions within the Council should be inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, and democratic in order to face all the existing and future risks and challenges. They need to take all the measures to ensure respect of the Council's resolutions and their full implementation, particularly as they relate to the Palestinian question, without excluding any of these instruments including those stipulated by Chapter VII of the Charter. In addition to the principles and goals of the Charter, there are a number of tools and instruments within the Charter that if operationalized as desired by the members of the Council, then many regional and international challenges would have been addressed. Under Chapter 6, for example, we find a very important instrument to settle conflicts. The Council should be able to operationalize it and invoke it more often through peaceful settlement of conflicts, disputes, through negotiations, mediation, or arbitration, or other peaceful means that can be selected. In this vein, we also reiterate the importance of giving priority or more importance to preventive measures by the Council to prevent conflicts by addressing the conflicts and the crisis at their early stages. In line with the above, the Arab Group calls for critical and decisive measures by fully operationalizing all the Charter provisions and empowering this Council to fulfill its role to implement and strengthen preventive diplomacy. Implementing such tasks fully would enhance the capacity of the multilateral system to show more resilience and address security issues before they become serious threats. In conclusion, Mr. President, The Arab Group reiterates its full commitment to the unilateral system, in addition to its interest on strengthening collaboration, constructive collaboration among member states to achieve global peace and stability, in addition to the role of the UN in guaranteeing the achievement of justice and equality for all peoples and for all countries. We support the noble efforts and good offices of the UN within the main three pillars, namely peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Thank you for your attention. Kazakhstan [3:21:17]: My sincere congratulations to China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. I commend the Chinese delegation for fostering a reflective dialogue on 80 years of multilateralism at a time when the world faces growing geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and rapid technological. Change. My president, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has consistently emphasized that the United Nations remains unparalleled as the sole universal organization serving as the cornerstone of global cooperation and progress. Kazakhstan has called for multilateral institutions to evolve, becoming agile, inclusive, and representative to meet contemporary challenges. These include advancing solutions to climate change, combating cyber threats, addressing pandemics, and navigating the rise of emerging technologies. For this, sustainable financing and clear, purpose-driven framework are essential. Strengthening the United Nations and reforming the Security Council is central to global progress. Kazakhstan supports initiatives to make the Council more effective and inclusive by ensuring equitable regional representation, particularly for middle powers and developing nations, and fostering greater collaboration with regional security mechanisms. This would enable This will enable more coordinated responses to global crises. The Pact for the Future offers a pivotal opportunity to reform global governance. It advocates for greater inclusion of developing nations in decision-making processes, the establishment of resilient financial and debt relief systems, and robust climate financing frameworks to advance sustainable development. Upholding the UN Charter and principles of international humanitarian law, alongside creating strong accountability mechanisms, is imperative for effective governance. Kazakhstan's commitment to multilateralism is evident in its peace and security efforts. As a global leader in nuclear non-proliferation, we voluntarily renounced nuclear weapons, played a key role in the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia. Our peace-building initiatives, such as the Astana Peace Process on Syria, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and platforms like Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building in Asia, and C5+1 formats further demonstrate Kazakhstan’s proactive role in fostering regional and global stability. We advocate for greater access to technology, digital infrastructure, and capacity building for nations in special situations, including landlocked developing countries, least developed countries, and small island developing states. This is essential for building resilience against contemporary threats and accelerating their development. Kazakhstan also emphasizes strong regional collaboration for sustainable development in Central Asia. We urge partnerships between the UN, international financial institutions, and the private sector to drive progress on sustainable development goals. Central Asia's strategic role as a stability hub and connectivity bridge between East and West must be strengthened. We fully support ongoing UN reforms spearheaded by Secretary-General António Guterres, which prioritize accountability, transparency, and improved coordination across UN entities. As a former member of the Security Council, Kazakhstan has championed all the time the nexus between peace and security and sustainable development, and we continue to call for revitalized UN system, including a strengthened General Assembly, ECOSOC, and Security Council. Kazakhstan proposes an innovative approach to reforming global governance. We advocate formalizing the United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan based in Almaty, and operationalize it through voluntary contributions. This center, already hosting multi-country agencies, will enhance interagency coordination and provide an integrated approach to regional development and security challenges. As my President recently stated, no country can tackle today's challenges alone. Kazakhstan calls on all nations to unite and take decisive action to build a safer, more peaceful, and just world for future generations. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [3:25:59]: I thank the representative of Kazakhstan for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Indonesia. Indonesia [3:26:07]: Mr. President, I thank China for convening this meeting and the Secretary General for his briefing. This meeting is truly timely. The need for reform has never been greater from the day the UN was established. And let us start with a frank assessment. The multilateral system today is in profound crisis. The absence of a major global war does not mean that peace prevails. In fact, the very system designed to prevent conflicts is under siege, both externally and internally. Too often, multilateralism is embraced only when convenient. and discarded when not. Too often, international law and international humanitarian law are confined merely in the eyes of the beholders rather than universally upheld. And sadly, some of the founding members of the UN now seem to be least keen to uphold multilateralism. As the UN nears its 80th year, we must ask ourselves, will it continue to stand as a pillar of hope or a shattered mirror of broken promises? we must confront the uncomfortable truth: Do we really seek the common good, or flaunt multilateralism as a tool for narrow interests? Against this backdrop, allow me to highlight three points. First, the Council must uphold the principles of multilateralism, not in words, but in action. Multilateralism only works when all nations commit to its principles. Yet, the Council’s failure in stopping humanitarian catastrophes, from Gaza to Sudan, from Ukraine to Myanmar, expose a harsh reality: selective multilateralism is no multilateralism at all. We must shift our paradigm from the pursuit of hegemony to one of collective peace and shared prosperity. This requires upholding the principles of inclusivity, equality, solidarity, and true partnership. Second, the Council must restore the sanctity of international law. Double standard and selective application of international law are increasingly becoming the new normal. This shall not continue to happen. It breeds cynicism, erodes trust in the multilateral system, tearing down the very foundation of global order. One of the core issues is whether the veto has been used to uphold or sidestep international law. And international humanitarian law. Has the veto become part of the solution or part of the problem? Are there enough safeguards in place to ensure accountability, to ensure impunity is applied to all? There are indeed many pertinent questions, all demand answer. And this lead me to the third point: the Council must lead the way in reforming our multilateral system. The world is changing, conflicts are changing, and so must our approach. We must rethink outdated structures and address the imbalances in decision-making. Indonesia remains committed to advocating for a reformed Security Council that is more fit for. Purpose, more representative, and more effective in addressing the new realities. However, reform must not stop at the Council itself. To strengthen global responses, we must also improve how the Council connects with other UN bodies. Including the complementary authority of the General Assembly. Mr. President, the UN 80th anniversary is not a time for complacency. It is a call to urgent action. It is time for us to push for real and meaningful reform, including by implementing. The Pact for the Future, so that the UN can remain relevant in the next 80 years ahead. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [3:29:58]: I thank the representative of Indonesia for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Romania. Romania [3:30:03]: Thank you very much, Mr. President, and I would also like to thank you for convening this meeting on such a topical issue. We strongly believe in the validity and long-standing value of the principles and purposes enshrined in the UN Charter for the rules-based order with the United Nations at its center. In the journey since the creation of the United Nations, The world has witnessed an ebb and flow of attempts to erode the multilateral system created in 1945. The fundamental values of the UN Charter and international law stood the test of time because they were created on strong foundations: the sovereign equality of states, mutual cooperation, the obligation to settle any dispute through peaceful means, not force, and the resort to independent international courts to interpret and apply international law. Our international system also stands on solid ground with checks and balances that make possible to move forward with the three pillars of United Nations action. No system is perfect, and the UN is no exception. However, it is not outdated. We must continue to strive for a UN that is more inclusive and more responsive to the current needs and realities. That is the only way to achieve an effective multilateralism based on international law and with the UN at its center. Any adjustment must be rooted in a constructive approach, one that wants to build, not to destroy. And we must not shy away from further reforming this organization, adapting it to present and future challenges, as long as we remain committed to the values and principles that founded the United Nations decades ago. Two recent examples serve as an inspiration. We negotiated a new treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas. Many states, including Romania, have signed this important treaty. and are in the process of ratifying it. And we will soon start negotiations for the first UN convention to prevent and punish crimes against humanity. And we entered these negotiations in good faith, with the idea to improve them, not to revise the fundamental rules, but rather to consolidate the legal framework. Mr. President, despite a new surge of global discontent with the multilateral system, effective multilateralism is the answer to our challenges. This is the key lesson learned for the past 80 years. We have the mechanisms to maintain international peace and security, to pave the way for development, and to ensure the protection of human rights. Our leaders collectively reinforce this pledge in the Pact for the Future, and the Pact is the most compelling reflection of our continued and resolute trust in the multilateral system and the need to bolster our efforts to ensure the United Nations is adequately equipped to respond to the most pressing issues of global governance. Mr. President, practicing multilateralism is respecting international law and rejecting any violation of sacred principles such as sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. They remain at the core of any effort, and they are also reflected in the upcoming General Assembly resolution on advancing a comprehensive, just. And lasting peace in Ukraine. Irrespective of the color of the flag out of all 193 Member States that are hoisted outside the headquarters of the United Nations, any attempt to violate these principles cannot be endorsed as business as usual. We stand up in the defense of UN Charter principles, and this is the legacy of our forefathers, and this is the legacy we are expected to pass to future generations. Thank you very much, Mr. President. China · President of the Security Council; Foreign Minister [3:33:27]: I thank the representative of Romania for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Austria. Austria · Permanent Representative [3:33:41]: Excellencies, Mr. President, First of all, let me commend you for convening today's open debate, and I am particularly pleased to address the Council as the new Permanent Representative of the Republic of Austria today. Eighty years ago, the United Nations were founded on the ashes of war and built on the hope that dialogue would prevail over division. Today, the question is not whether multilateralism is needed, but how we can adapt it to meet today's needs and indeed the needs of the next 80 years and beyond. Against this backdrop, allow me to focus on three main issues today. First, our current multilateral system might not be perfect, but it remains our only and our best chance to address common concerns. In light of the multitude of challenges we all face, we need to keep up the art of compromise. We haven't seen so much of this lately. The vast interest in today's debate is testimony to this belief. Yet, if our institutions are to remain effective, they must evolve, as our colleague from Romania has said as well. The Security Council in particular must better reflect the realities of the 21st century. This entails a more representative membership, reflective of the diversity of nations, and is crucial to ensure the full participation also of smaller and medium-sized states in the Council. As a member of the ACT Group, Austria has consistently, as you know, advocated for a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive Security Council. All of us, but especially this Council, bears a responsibility to defend and uphold the rule of law. And I would like to emphasize it is our UN Charter, not the charter of a few, but it is our UN Charter, and it should serve as a universal yardstick that we all agreed to when joining the United Nations. Therefore, we encourage all States to support the Act Code of Conduct. We call on the Council to advance reform by implementing the Pact for the Future's interim measures, including the implementation of Article 27(3) of the United Nations Charter, and welcome the positive impact of the veto initiative. Finally, my own country, Austria, remains committed to continue its role as a reliable partner. As a small state that is not a member of any military alliance, multilateralism is in our DNA. Multilateralism is essential for our security policy, and we will stand up for existing disarmament and non-proliferation regimes in place that are now increasingly being challenged. Moreover, climate change and the use of new technologies are issues that no one can tackle alone, not even large countries. This is why Austria beliefs that institutions need to deliver to the people, and this is why we have been very much engaged in helping advance the dialogue on the reform of the Security Council. My predecessor was particularly active in this, as you know. Through a new model of networked multilateralism, we support efforts to enhance the effectiveness of UN peace operations. which we have promoted through a series of seminars, retreats, and roundtables, all in the spirit of advancing a real dialogue, together with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations here at the HQ. Austria is fully committed to come to an end, Mr. President, to acting on these principles when it next has the honor to serve as a member of the Security Council. if indeed we're elected and of course, we hope for your support at the upcoming elections in 2026. Thank you very much. China · President of the Security Council [3:38:00]: I thank the representative of Austria for their statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of New Zealand. New Zealand · Group of 61 Member States [3:38:07]: I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 61 member states: Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Qatar, Ukraine, and my own country, New Zealand. We welcome today's open debate as a timely opportunity to consider the central tenets of the United Nations as embodied in its Charter. effective multilateralism, the maintenance of international law, and the rule of law. As my Austrian colleague said, founded in the ashes of World War II, the United Nations is fundamentally an international peace and security organization, and it is this Council that has the primary responsibility in this regard. And yet, We are faced with a reality where the Council is increasingly unable to live up to this responsibility. Major crises and conflicts are too often met by inaction and paralysis. We have also continued to witness, with alarming frequency, the use of the veto, whereby the Council is prevented from taking effective action in line with its mandate. The application of the veto, not to mention those resolutions discarded due to the threat of a veto, undermines multilateral approaches. This favours contestation over cooperation on matters of international peace and security. Its effect is one of disillusionment and mistrust. President, Despite their imperfections, we as a group remain committed to finding ways to contemporize our multilateral institutions so that they are best positioned to respond to the collective challenges we face, particularly as they relate to international peace and security. We are pleased that the Pact for the Future contains many elements that, when implemented, will better enable the Council to deliver on its mandate, a mandate that requires the Council to act on behalf of all of us. We have all agreed on the urgency of further and meaningful Security Council reform. The Pact calls for the full implementation of the Charter. highlighting Article 27.3, which obliges parties to a dispute to abstain from voting on relevant Chapter VI resolutions. If any lack of clarity on the scope or definition of this clause is the reason this Charter obligation has not been honoured in full, it must be addressed as a matter of priority. Importantly, the Pact also includes language which aims to strengthen the relationship between this Council and the General Assembly. The General Assembly, where all 193 Member States are represented, is the very embodiment of multilateralism. Under the Charter, the Security Council is afforded primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for international peace and security. Chapter IV makes clear that the General Assembly, too, has a role and responsibility in this regard. The Pact is explicit on the ability of the Assembly to take action. General Assembly resolutions 377 and 76/262 on the emergency special session and the veto initiative, respectively, established important platforms for action in the General Assembly. President, the Pact also requires us to revitalize the General Assembly while we work in tandem to reform this Council. Our goal must be to ensure that the UN as a whole is able to act on matters of international peace and security, fulfill the mandate we have given it by signing the Charter, and deliver for the people we serve. The Council and Assembly must work more closely, as envisaged in the Charter, and in the spirit of multilateralism. the General Assembly must strengthen its peace and security role when the Council cannot act. The recently published Assembly for Peace Handbook, commissioned by the President of the General Assembly, outlines the breadth of precedent that the General Assembly can draw from in this respect. The Council, in turn, should increasingly recognize General Assembly action on matters of international peace and security and draw inspiration from General Assembly products and actions in the formulation of Council resolutions and products. Finally, Delivering on our collective commitment to multilateralism and international rule of law hinges on the implementation of the commitments made at the United Nations. Xie xie. Thank you. China · President of the Security Council [3:44:48]: I thank the representative of New Zealand. I now give the floor to the representative of the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates [3:44:56]: Mr. President, I would like to begin by commending China for its leadership of the Security Council this month and by thanking Minister Wang for presiding over this important meeting this morning. I also thank Secretary-General Guterres for his contribution earlier today. Mr. President, since its founding 80 years ago, the United Nations has been the cornerstone of multilateralism, fostering international cooperation, development, peace, and security. However, in those eight decades, our world has changed dramatically and now faces a confluence of challenges, from rising geopolitical tensions and the climate crisis to widening inequality and cyber threats. And our current multilateral system, designed in a different era, struggles to keep up the pace. I would like to share three recommendations on how to best meet the demands of today and prepare for those of tomorrow. First, this Council must uphold its responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. It is crucial that States comply with their obligations under international law, which is the foundation of our international order. Nowhere is this more critical than in the Council’s effort to maintain international peace and security, particularly through the universal application of the rules that govern armed conflict. When humanitarian assistance is obstructed during armed conflict and in violation of international law, the Council must not hesitate in calling out those responsible and take further action. The responsibility to maintain international peace and security also requires limiting the misuse of the veto, which undermines the Council’s obligations under the UN Charter and paralyzes decision-making, especially in times of mass atrocities. Second, it is essential that we make serious progress on UN reform, one that will lead to a system that is more agile, more accountable, and more representative. The voices of the Global South and underrepresented groups in global institutions, including on this Council, must be represented and strengthened. Yet, geographical inclusion is not enough. In the multilateral system, it is crucial that women, who make up 50% of the world's population, are represented and participate fully, equally, and meaningfully. This includes electing the UN's first ever Madam Secretary General. Third, as today's threats transcend national borders, so too must our solutions. Neither the next pandemic nor the ongoing climate crisis can be addressed through bilateral efforts alone. Equally, cyber threats and acts of terrorism know no borders. We need a strong and effective multilateral system with the UN at its core to address these challenges collectively. A system that leverages all tools available, such as emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as opportunities for peace, security, and sustainable development. A system that can deliver landmark achievements like COP28's UAE consensus, reminding us of what we can accomplish with the right combination of perseverance and political will. Mr. President, abandoning multilateralism in the pursuit of narrow interests will only exacerbate global challenges. As we look ahead to the next 80 years, let us renew our commitment to multilateralism. to the UN Charter and to the principles upon which the UN was founded. This system remains our best tool for solving the threats ahead of us. And though these challenges may be great, our collective power is greater. Thank you, Mr. President. China · President of the Security Council [3:49:03]: I thank the representative of UAE for their statement. I give the floor to the representative of Lithuania. Lithuania [3:49:10]: Mr. President, we appreciate this timely opportunity to exchange views on multilateralism, which is the backbone of the United Nations. Lithuania aligns itself with the statement of the European Union, as well as the statement on the veto initiative as delivered by New Zealand a few minutes ago. I will make additional remarks in my national capacity. Mr. President, we thank Secretary General for his insights. Today, more than ever, We must act decisively to confront threats to global peace and security, and reverse the erosion of multilateralism. At the end of the devastating World War II, on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco, the participants of the United Nations Conference signed the UN Charter, establishing a framework for effective multilateralism based on shared commitments to its purposes and principles. The UN Charter entrusts the Security Council with the crucial duty to identify the existence of threats to peace, address the acts of aggression, and take measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. Regrettably, today we face a different reality. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes the gravest violation of the UN Charter and international law. By waging this war, Russia not only undermines global peace and security, but also weakens credibility and legitimacy of the Security Council itself. Such actions are incompatible with a membership in this body. Russia further abuses its current position in the Security Council by involving states like Iran, DPRK, and Belarus as accomplices in its aggression. The transfer of weapons between DPRK and Russia and use of the DPRK’s troops in Russia, Russia’s war constitute major escalation with global consequences. By allowing Russia to perpetrate this aggression, the Security Council and the whole UN is being implicated in undermining its principles upon which this organization and multilateralism itself are based. This dangerous precedent of lawlessness is already spreading across regions worldwide, where local actors in conflicts reject international law, resorting instead to brute force and conquest. Russia has directly and openly supported these violations, deploying mercenaries and spreading disinformation in Sahel, backing failing Assad regime in Syria, and undermining nuclear nonproliferation efforts towards the DRC and Iran. Lithuania invites all States to support the resolution on advancing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine that will be adopted by the General Assembly next Monday. A strong vote in favour of this resolution would demonstrate a genuine commitment to multilateralism and a collective resolve to uphold the international law and principles upon which the UN was founded. Mr. President, in the Pact for the Future, adopted last September by the heads of state and government of all UN Member States, We pledged to live up to our foundational promise to protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war. We affirmed the vital importance of upholding international law, including the UN Charter, committing to peaceful dispute resolution, rejecting the threat or use of force or acts of aggression, respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, supporting the principles of political independence and self-determination, as well as strengthening accountability and ending impunity. This clear path forward, outlined through concrete actions, can only be realized through effective multilateral cooperation based on consensus of the shared objectives. We also agreed on transforming global governance by renewing commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, guided by the UN Charter and the principles of trust, equity, solidarity, and universality. This includes a commitment to reform the Security Council to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable. In this regard, Lithuania steadfastly supports the Accountability, Coherence, and Transparency Code of Conduct and the France-Mexico initiative calling to limit the use of the veto, particularly in situations of mass atrocity. Lithuania also calls for adherence to paragraph 3 of Article 27 of the UN Charter, which constrains veto use by obliging a party to a dispute to abstain from voting. Selective application of the UN Charter undermines its integrity and should not be tolerated. Mr. President, looking ahead, for multilateralism to endure, we must reiterate the importance of universal adherence to the international law. All states, including those on the Security Council, must uphold the principles of the UN Charter. I thank you. China · President of the Security Council [3:54:16]: I thank the representative of Lithuania for their statement. There are still a number of speakers remaining on the list for this meeting. As it’s closed – it’s already 2:00, with the concurrence of members of the Council, I intend to suspend the meeting until 3:00 PM today. The meeting is suspended.