(Возобновленное) Укрепление механизмов мирного разрешения споров: меры по выполнению резолюции 2788 (2025) - Совет Безопасности, 10201-e заседание Совет Безопасности Date: 23 July 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ru/sc/10201/2?lang=en Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [17:25]: The 10,201st meeting of the Security Council is resumed. I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than 3 minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. The flashing light on the microphone will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after 3 minutes. I now give the floor to the representative of Vietnam. Viet Nam [17:55]: Madam the President, Madam President, Vietnam thanks the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this important debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his concrete recommendations on implementing Resolution 2788. One year on, worrying developments continue worldwide. International law continues to be disregarded. Disputes and armed conflicts persist or escalate, gravely affecting stability, economic development, and civilian populations. Vietnam is deeply concerned by these trends. We need to do more to address the root causes of disputes, including disrespect for international law and recourse to unilateral actions. And coercive measures before avenues for genuine dialogue have been exhausted. Against this backdrop, Vietnam wishes to emphasize the following 4 points. First, early warning must lead to early action. Prevention must begin before disputes arise or escalate into conflict. The UN system, from peacekeeping operations and special political missions on the ground to its principal organs, should make better use of early warning tools, good offices, and preventive diplomacy. Such engagement must be timely, impartial, and consistent. Second, Regional and sub-regional organizations should be fully mobilized. They're often closest to the situations concerned, and they best understand local contexts and sensitivities and are therefore well-placed to facilitate dialogue, build confidence, and provide mediation. All charter-based mechanisms, both diplomatic and legal, must be fully utilized. In Southeast Asia, for example, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and other ASEAN-led mechanisms have fostered consultation, restraint, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Third, dispute management measures must be strengthened. Confidence-building, sustained dialogue, and restraint can prevent incidents, contain tensions, and reduce miscalculation. This requires direct engagement with the parties concerned. Fourth, practical and technical cooperation should continue even when differences remain. In South China Sea, disputes over sovereignty and maritime issues persist. They must be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS. Pending a final settlement, hotlines, search and rescue cooperation, Joint marine scientific research and marine environmental protection projects can help build confidence and benefit all concerned. Ongoing efforts by ASEAN members and China to develop an effective code of conduct in the South China Sea represent an important step toward better dispute management and enhanced dialogue and cooperation amongst the parties concerned. Madam President, Vietnam remains steadfast in promoting the consistent interpretation and application of international law, upholding the rule of law, and contributing meaningfully to common endeavors towards genuine dialogue, effective cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in our region and worldwide. I thank you, Madam President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [22:35]: I thank the representative of Vietnam for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Paraguay. Paraguay [22:45]: Madam President, thank you for convening this debate. In Paraguay's eyes, the peaceful settlement of disputes is much more than a legal principle. It is a constitutional mandate which is part and parcel of our foreign policy which has been forged by our own history. Conflicts leave scars that last over time and that is why diplomacy is the best possible way to build lasting peace. Hence, strengthening multilateralism and the mechanisms established in the UN Charter remain in our eyes a critical policy. And this vision is fully outlined in the UN Charter. The mechanisms established in Chapters 6 and 8 lay out ways of solving disputes between states focusing on negotiation to solve disputes. We believe that that is critical and of great value today. And this is borne out for Paraguay in our participation also in Mercosur and also in the Organization of American States. These regional organizations also promote dialogue, cooperation, and regional stability. Madam President, the recent adoption by consensus of Resolution 2788 is a very encouraging sign. Particularly against a complex international backdrop, it is nevertheless possible to reach agreement on principles that underpin the peaceful settlement of disputes. The challenge now consists in translating these commitments into a concrete earlier use and more effective use of the mechanisms that the Charter provides for. Hence, Paraguay attaches particular importance to the good offices of the Secretary-General through the work of their— of his special envoys and their capacity for mediation which can be carried out by the UN. Over the decades, these efforts have contributed to preventing conflicts, to bring parties together, and to support peace processes throughout the world. Many of these initiatives began discreetly, far away from public attention, but they were decisive in bringing about the conditions that made it possible to sign agreements further down the line. Precisely because mediation has shown itself to be useful, this hinges on not just the technical capacity of the Secretariat and the expertise of those involved, it also depends on the political support provided by member states themselves in the most situations. When this political consensus is not immediately available, mediation and the good offices of various envoys is critical and is particularly useful in these circumstances. When there is an imminent crisis, a humanitarian crisis or a threat to international peace and security, the international community must preserve the capacity to build practical agreements that can make it possible to save lives and open space for dialogue. This responsibility first and foremost falls on this council, this Security Council, without prejudice to the roles played by the General Assembly in line with its remit. From that point of view, Madam President, the reform processes must ensure that the organization has the best possible conditions to exercise good offices, to facilitate dialogue, and to respond effectively to threats to international peace and security. The United Nations has robust instruments to prevent and resolve conflicts. Experience shows that these instruments do yield results when they have the trust and support of parties and when it has backing from all member states. Finally, Madam President, the effectiveness of multilateralism hinges not just on the firmness of our beliefs but also fundamentally on the willingness to find common ground that will make it possible to find an opening for dialogue where inaction would be dangerous. And that is why we believe that this space for diplomacy is critical to uphold the credibility of multilateralism and to reaffirm some of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [27:33]: I thank the representative of Paraguay for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa. South Africa [27:39]: Thank you very much, Madam President. South Africa wishes to express its appreciation to the Presidency of the DRC for convening this open debate on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2788 regarding the peaceful settlement of disputes. We also want to thank the Secretary-General for his insightful presentation. Madam President, South Africa reaffirms its full commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly the principle of the pacific settlement of disputes, which is a guiding principle of South Africa's diplomacy and foreign policy. South Africa owes its own liberation and democracy to a negotiation process and peaceful settlement. In this spirit, we continue to advocate for solutions to disputes and conflict through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, as articulated in Chapter 6 of the United Nations Charter, Article 33, and further established in Resolution 2788. In the current context of proliferating armed conflicts and their potential impact on peace and security, it is vital that we deliberate on this resolution and its implementation as a critical cog in the global peace and security architecture. The peaceful settlement of disputes remains a bulwark against the scourge of war, as well as reinforces a rules-based international order premised on international law and the centrality of the UN Charter. Madam President, South Africa remains committed to finding peaceful solutions to political problems. It is for this reason that South Africa is involved in the AU, mediation effort in South Sudan and will be chairing in 2027 the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo in the region. Beyond Africa, we welcome mediation efforts in the Middle East and elsewhere and applaud the work of the Special Envoys who continue to strive for peace in the world's most intractable conflicts. We encourage the Secretary-General to continue using the good offices for prevention of conflict, mediation, and resolution of conflict as embedded in Chapter 6 of the UN Charter. We reiterate our support for strengthened relations between the UN and regional arrangements in line with Chapter 8 of the UN Charter. Many complex conflicts require concerted efforts and cooperation at various levels. The collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations attests to the importance of drawing on expertise at local level, thus ensuring the primacy of political solutions to conflict. We should continue to support cooperation between the Security Council and respective regional organizations. Madam President, as I conclude, this notwithstanding, we remain concerned about the ever-growing polarization in the Security Council, which impedes common approaches and action to end deadly conflict within the African continent as well as the genocide in Gaza. We therefore call on the Security Council to implement its mandate and with unity of purpose. The values and tools articulated in Chapter 6 of the Charter, as well as the importance of Resolution 2788, should be utilized to protect current and future generations from untold sorrow caused by current and potential conflict. Madam President, I conclude by underscoring the urgent need for the UN Member States to recommit to the promise made in 1945 in San Francisco and save succeeding generations from the scourge of war by upholding the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [31:40]: I thank the representative of South Africa for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Switzerland. Switzerland [31:48]: Thank you, Madam President. In an international context marked by a proliferation of conflicts and growing erosion of trust among states, this Council is all too often called upon to act only after violence has already reached a point of no return. One year ago, the adoption of Resolution 2788 reaffirmed the importance of prevention and early action to prevent conflicts from threatening the maintenance of international peace and security. To that end, Articles 33 and 34 of the Charter provide essential tools for the peaceful settlement of disputes, including mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and judicial settlement. However, even though prevention enjoys broad support in principle amongst member states, it is still too rarely implemented at a sufficiently early stage. At the same time, there is no shortage of warning signs. Speakers at this table regularly inform Council members of the risks of a dispute escalating into a large-scale conflict. This is particularly true of the Secretary-General and his envoys, whose role also includes offering their good offices in the event of disputes between states, and to this end, the UN must have the autonomy and resources necessary to fulfill its mandate and to provide timely analyses and proposals for action. Switzerland actively supports this mandate, and it continues to make Geneva, the UN's European headquarters, available for all forms of peace talks. It contributes to strengthening the mediation capacities of the UN and its representatives through targeted training programs. It supports specialized instruments such as the Mediation Support Unit and the Secretariat's Innovation Unit. The rationale behind such support is simple. The costs of prevention are significantly lower than those incurred by the outbreak and the prolongation of an armed conflict. But it's also a matter of preserving the framework within which prevention takes place. Respect for international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, remains an indispensable foundation for prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Switzerland reaffirms its support to multilateral judicial mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. These mechanisms strengthen a rules-based international order and help prevent the use of force. And finally, an inclusive approach, particularly through the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, is essential. Switzerland has supported from the outset the common pledge promoted by the Secretary-General in this regard. Faced with increasingly complex disputes, we must redouble our ingenuity to prevent the emergence of new crises and extinguish the many hotspots of conflict already raging around the world. Drawing on its tradition of good offices and mediation, Switzerland remains ready to encourage all initiatives aimed at preventing future conflicts in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law more broadly. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [34:59]: I thank the representative of Switzerland for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia [35:07]: I thank you, Madam President. At the outset, we'd like to express our appreciation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this important and special session on the peaceful settlement of disputes. This session is being held at a time when the entire world is experiencing rapidly evolving challenges and growing tensions that have cast a shadow over regional and international security and stability. And this paves the way to giving priority to peaceful solutions for resolving all existing disputes. Recent developments in the region have demonstrated that the continuation of conflict and war only serves to deepen human suffering and prolongs the state of insecurity and economic instability throughout the world. Recent events in the Middle East and the closure of major crossings and straits involved in supplying the world with energy, goods, and essential resources— these events highlight the need to strengthen dialogue and diplomacy and collective action to address regional and international challenges. This in turn requires the international community to activate updated mechanisms for international mediation in a manner that is aligned with the current Madam President, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes that dialogue, mediation, and preventive diplomacy constitute essential tools for preventing conflicts and containing them and resolving them before they occur. Building trust among disputing parties and addressing the root causes of tensions and respecting the sovereignty of states and their territorial integrity are all indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable peace in the region. Despite the crises facing the region, it still has great potential, a potential that qualifies it to have a more prosperous future. The Kingdom, and through its adoption of Vision 2030, works on a firm conviction that development and innovation and the creation of opportunities represent the best path towards stability and avoiding conflict. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played important and pivotal roles in addressing many regional and international crises. It has contributed to reducing the intensity of conflicts and protecting civilian lives in many areas. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes all international and regional efforts that are aimed at de-escalation and the promotion of dialogue. We emphasize the need to support the United Nations in carrying out its pivotal role in mediation and good offices, and in a manner that is consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Recent developments in the Middle East have cast their shadow on the international arena, and the repercussions have affected the global security and energy markets and economic growth. This requires us all to direct our efforts towards preserving the existing world order and to create the necessary conditions to arrive at political solutions that would lead to lasting security and peace, rather than merely pursuing temporary measures of de-escalation. Madam President, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renews its firm position on the establishment of peace in Yemen and ending the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people. And since the beginning of the crisis, the Kingdom has supported all UN-led efforts to establish peace in Yemen over the past years. This includes the roadmap that was approved by the Yemeni government. Meanwhile, the terrorist Houthi militias refused to declare their acceptance of this roadmap and instead have become embroiled in a regional conflict to advance its malicious agenda and objectives, thus deepening the suffering of the Yemeni citizens in the areas under its control. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia calls upon the international community to fulfill its responsibilities on the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, primarily Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 concerning the rights and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The Joint Forces Command of the coalition also announced that it would take and implement all necessary operational decisive measures in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to protect maritime vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The claims that were made by the Houthi terrorist groups on the closure of Yemeni ports and airports— these claims are part of a campaign of misinformation and Houthi escalation against the Yemeni government and neighboring states. This Houthi narrative on a so-called blockade is misleading. It is false and has no factual basis. More than 300 commercial vessels have entered the ports of Hodeida, Suleif, and Ras Aisa in the first half of the year 2026. These vessels were carrying various food commodities and goods and fuel and construction material. However, the Houthi militia have rejected all initiatives aimed at resuming flights from Sana'a Airport, most recently the Jordanian initiative. The Houthis' terrorist practices have led to the closure of the Sana'a International Airport and the destruction of the Yemeni Airways aircraft. The coalition forces, on their part, have begun implementing measures to protect the coalition vessels transiting through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. We believe that these Houthi threats are a clear violation of international law and qualify as maritime piracy. Thank you. In this regard, the Kingdom affirms that the continuation of the Houthi attacks without any practical and deterrent measures will only encourage their repetition. It would undermine efforts to achieve security and stability in Yemen and the wider region, and it would threaten one of the most important foundations of international— of the international order, namely the freedom and security of maritime navigation. Based on its sense of shared responsibility, the Kingdom calls upon the international community to condemn the Houthis' targeting of commercial vessels and others, and to take all the necessary measures to prevent the terrorist Houthi militias from repeating these violations. In closing, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renews its commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at strengthening international peace and security, and to working with the United Nations and international and regional partners to build a Middle East that is more secure, stable, and prosperous. And I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [41:53]: I thank the representative of Saudi Arabia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Angola. Angola [41:59]: President, Angola commends the Democratic Republic of Congo for its leadership of the Security Council and for convening this timely open debate. The unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 2788 reaffirmed the Council's commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes under Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. One year later, our priority is no longer to reaffirm principles. It is to implement them consistently, effectively and without selectivity. The credibility of the Security Council depends on implementation. Resolutions must lead to action. When implementation falters, confidence in multilateralism erodes, respect for international law weakens, and conflict persists. The Council must therefore match political commitment with measurable delivery. Madam President, Africa continues to face interconnected security challenges, including terrorism, armed groups, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational organized crime, and humanitarian crises. Military responses alone are not sufficient. Lasting peace requires preventive diplomacy, mediation, inclusive political dialogue, and nationally owned solutions supported by a strong regional and international partnership. Angola remains firmly committed to these objectives. Through its mediation efforts in the Great Lakes region and its close cooperation with the African Union and regional economic communities, Angola continues to advance African-led solutions to African challenges. In this spirit, Angola will host the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Peace and Security on the 29th and 30th of August 2026, at the initiative of His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. The Summit will strengthen conflict prevention, enhance mediation and early warning, reinforce coordination among regional actors, and mobilize concrete commitment for sustainable peace. Prevention must become our first line of action, not our last resort. Madam President, allow me to highlight 5 priorities. First, uphold the Charter of the United Nations. Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes must be applied consistently and without double standards. Second, strengthen implementation. Council mandates should include clear benchmarks, realistic timelines, and regular reporting to improve accountability and measure progress. Third, Deepened cooperation with regional organizations under Chapter 8 of the Charter. Stronger partnership with the African Union and sub-regional organizations will reinforce prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. Fourth, invest in prevention. Expand support for early warning, mediation, institutional building and inclusive governance to address the root causes of conflict before violence escalates. Fifth, advance Security Council reform. Correcting Africa's historical underrepresentation is essential to the Council's legitimacy, credibility, and effectiveness. Angola therefore reiterates its full support for the common African position as reflected in the Zulwini Consensus and the SIRT Declaration. The peaceful settlement of disputes is both a legal obligation and strategic imperative. Let us fully implement Resolution 2788. Let us invest in prevention. Let us strengthen partnership. By doing so, we will reinforce the authority of this Council and deliver more effective collective action for international peace and security. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [46:08]: I thank the representative of Angola. I now give the floor to the representative of Austria. Austria [46:14]: Merci, Madame Présidente. Austria thanks the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this debate, and we also thank the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing. As many have said before, Austria firmly believes that prevention is the most effective investment in peace. The Security Council should make more systematic use of the tools available under Articles 33 and 34 of the Charter, including by encouraging parties to pursue mediation and by considering situations at an earlier stage before they reach the Council's formal agenda. President, the Secretary-General's Good Offices remain one of the UN's greatest assets. To be effective, they require the political backing of Member States and adequate resources. The Secretariat also plays an essential role by providing impartial analysis, mediation expertise and technical support that can help parties identify mutually acceptable pathways towards peaceful settlement. And as my previous speaker before has said, regional and sub-regional organizations such as the African Union, or the OSCE, are indispensable partners in these efforts. Their established relationships and their proximity to conflicts often enable earlier engagement and help ensure national and regional ownership of peace processes. President, international law and the Charter provide us with the best available toolbox. In particular, the International Court of Justice has played a crucial role in the peaceful resolution of disputes between states. We call on all states that have not done so yet to consider accepting jurisdiction of the Court. Last, prevention does not end once violence subsides. Sustainable peace requires national prevention strategies, developed and led by national authorities and supported by the United Nations. The Peacebuilding Commission can help sustain international attention beyond immediate crises. Austria, as you know, also remains committed, including financial support of the Peacebuilding Fund and its role in advancing prevention and peacebuilding in practice through flexible and timely support for nationally owned prevention and peacebuilding initiatives. The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2788 demonstrated that all Council members share a commitment to prevention and to the peaceful settlement of disputes. We should now build on that consensus by making full use of the tools provided by the Charter. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [49:09]: I thank the representative of Austria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bulgaria. Bulgaria [49:17]: Merci, Madame la Présidente. Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to make the following points in national capacity. The remarks of the Secretary General earlier today reminded us that our collective pursuit to global peace could be brought to fruition if we step up our resolve to ensure the pacific settlement of disputes by negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements. A year ago, this Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2788. That resolution issued a clear and urgent mandate. All member states must fully employ the peaceful means outlined in Article 33 of the Charter. It also affirmed the Council's authority under Article 34 to investigate threats to peace. Equally important, it reflected the shared understanding that the instruments of peace require constant renewal and strengthening. My country fully shares the approach of DRC as President of the Council for the month that both forward-looking review and best practices in peaceful settlement, a frank assessment of the implementation of the resolution are required for a faithful recommitment to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes. Our first takeaway in this endeavor is that the resolution further underlines the deep connection between the international peace and the multilateralism that guides the drafters of the UN Charter 81 years ago. Next, when we lose trust in each other, geopolitical tension escalates, human lives are lost, development gains are rolled backward, and violence and destruction claim the space meant for diplomacy. In times of division, international law obligations must be upheld, not questioned and this Council must act as the center of the global architecture for peace and security by applying all provisions of the UN Charter in consistent and non-selective manner and in full, as we agreed in the Pact of the Future adopted by consensus. Third, cooperation, not confrontation, is the sustainable pathway to peace. The capacity to forge consensus in challenging moments is well reflected in the outcomes of the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, the Ocean Conference in Nice, the BB&G Agreement, the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, and of course in the Pact for the Future. Turning now to the many ongoing conflicts around the world, recent developments in the Middle East remind us of the indispensable value of the diplomatic initiatives in resolving complex disputes. In Ukraine, comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the principles of UN Charter and international law could only be achieved through credible and coordinated diplomatic efforts. The Black Sea Initiative likewise stands as a powerful example of that can be achieved through the mediation and good offices under the UN Nations Secretary-General. In closing, Resolution 2788 is a significant diplomatic achievement in upholding the UN Charter and international law, and a basis for the international community to develop further operational tools to achieve a more peaceful and just world. It is underpinned by the conviction that the best The best service to peace is to maintain dialogue and search for agreed solutions. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [53:25]: I thank the representative of Bulgaria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan [53:33]: Madam President, Kyrgyzstan thanks the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening today's meeting of the Security Council. We welcome the participation of Her Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of the DRC, and thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and the recommendations. Kyrgyzstan welcomes Security Council Resolution 2788 and expresses its appreciation to Pakistan for initiating it. It has renewed attention to Chapter VI of the Charter and placed the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflict prevention higher on the Council's agenda. agenda. Madam President, conflicts continue in many parts of the world. Political divisions are growing, and the space for dialogue is becoming more limited. Against this background, the peaceful settlement of disputes remains a central element of the UN. We should act before tensions turn into violence, support dialogue, and invest in prevention. Preventive diplomacy should remain one of the principal tools of the UN and the Security Council. It should be fully integrated into mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Regional organizations are often closer to the parties concerned. We agree with the Secretary-General on the need to strengthen the cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations. They have a better understanding of the local context. Regional efforts and the UN's engagement should complement and reinforce each other. The UN can provide political mediation support and assistance with confidence-building when requested. Madam President, we attach high importance to the role of the Peacebuilding Commission. The Commission is a valuable platform for dialogue, the exchange of national and regional experience, and the promotion of sustainable peace. We would welcome closer and more systematic interactions between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. The Commission's convening role could help connect the Council's political attention with long-term peacebuilding efforts and bring together the countries concerned, regional organizations and other relevant partners. We also see an important role for the Secretary-General in supporting greater coherence through good offices, mediation, special envoys, regional— and regional offices. The peaceful settlement of disputes cannot be sustainable without the participation of women, young generation, and civil society. Their meaningful participation should therefore be ensured at all stages of prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. Madam President, the experience of the Central Asian countries on the peaceful settlement of border disputes provides a practical example of preventive diplomacy. This achievement became possible because of the political will of the leaders, sustained dialogue and mutual respect. In December last year, we presented this experience at the meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission. The meeting provided an important opportunity to share the lessons of the regions with the wider UN membership. Our countries also initiated the UNGA resolution on the peaceful settlement of border disputes, which was unanimously adopted on May 20th. The initial draft contained stronger language. However, during the consultations, it became clear that border disputes remain a highly sensitive issue for many member states. The resolution is now short in form, but important in Meaning, its message is clear: border disputes must be resolved by peaceful means, through dialogue, negotiation, and other mutually agreed methods. Madam President, the peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the fundamental principles of the Charter and lies at the heart of Chapter 6. My country will continue to stand firmly for the peaceful settlement of disputes and support all the efforts I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [57:41]: I thank the representative of Kyrgyzstan for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Netherlands (Kingdom of the) · Benelux [57:48]: Thank you, Madam President, and it's always a pleasure to be able to say that. And I want to start by thanking the Democratic Republic of Congo and as well as Pakistan for convening this important debate. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Benelux countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, and my own country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We align ourselves with the statement by the European Union. Firstly, we underline the importance of the international legal order. A strong international legal order where rules are clear, agreed upon, and complied with is essential for a just, peaceful, and prosperous world. The UN Charter lies at the heart of this. For over 80 years, the Charter has provided the foundation for a multilateral system built on international law, cooperation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Respect for international law and accountability are key. Institutions like the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, both based in The Hague, remain pillars of peaceful peaceful dispute resolution. And as we mark the ICJ's 80th anniversary this year, we see an increasing number of states turning to this Court, relying on it to resolve conflict through legal means. In this context, we highlight the critical role of UN Special Rapporteurs as independent experts appointed to monitor, investigate, and report on specific human rights violations in conflict settings, as well as other mechanisms mandated by the Human Rights Council, such as commissions of inquiry or independent investigative mechanisms. Secondly, the UN has a central role in mediation, but can only be effective if it is sufficiently funded and receives adequate political support. We strongly recommend all candidates for Secretary-General to prioritize mediation and for Member States to use the knowledge, expertise and access of the UN to support their efforts. For the UN Security Council to play its full role in mediation, we support limitations to the use of the veto and stress the need to uphold Article 27, requiring parties to a dispute to abstain from voting. Lastly, sustainable peace requires sustained investment. If we are serious about preventing conflict rather than merely responding to crises, we must provide sufficient, predictable and flexible financing for prevention and peacebuilding. We have supported the adoption by the General Assembly of annual assessed contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund. And we call on Member States to increase their voluntary contributions to the Peacebuilding Funds within their capacity. And to provide additional support to the UNDP-DPPA Joint Programme, enabling Resident Coordinators and Peace and Development Advisers to identify risks early, convene innovative partnerships at country level, and deliver coherent support across the peace continuum. At the same time, we call for stronger cooperation between the PBC and the Security Council, making full use of the Commission's complementary role. In conclusion, Madam President, our commitment must go beyond words. It starts with sustained support for the institutions and the mechanisms that we have. The Benelux countries stand ready to continue working with the United Nations and all UN member states to this end. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:01:29]: I thank the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein [1:01:34]: Thank you, Madam the President. Madam the President, peaceful settlement of disputes is a key part of the work of the United Nations, and Liechtenstein fully supports efforts for the Council to make better use of its powers under Chapter 6. There is an increased need for the peaceful settlement of disputes given that armed conflicts are taking an increasingly long time to resolve and an ever stronger toll on civilians. The importance of Chapter 6 has also grown due to the fact that it has been largely— that the Council has been largely unable to use its Chapter 7 functions to end ongoing conflicts. We also note that organs other than this Council can play an important role in the peaceful settlement of disputes. The ICJ certainly stands out, but also the General Assembly in the frequent scenario that this Council is unable to take the required action. Madam President, Action 16 of the Pact for the Future urges the SG to ensure that the United Nations is adequately equipped to lead and support mediation and preventive diplomacy. Even at this time of financial stress, mediation and preventive diplomacy is an investment that pays many times over, not only in the cost of warfare averted, but in the fundamental value of human life and dignity. We continue to extend our support to the Mediation Support Unit and the standby team of mediation experts. Peaceful dispute settlement should also take into account the full range of conflict drivers. Many conflicts begin in the responses of states to communities, including minority groups, seeking a greater degree of internal self-determination. Through autonomy, self-government, governance, or self-administration. Such self-determination conflicts constitute around half of the armed conflicts occurring since the 1960s, but self-determination as a driver of conflict remains understudied by mediators and underacknowledged by states. This is why for many years Liechtenstein has had its own initiative on preventing and resolving self- determination conflict, which highlights the importance of options to exercise the right of self-determination without resorting to secession, with the aim of defusing and preventing conflict at the earliest possible stage. Madam President, the Charter builds in important and appropriate safeguards to protect its decision-making capacity in cases of disputes. We note in particular that states who are party to a dispute are required by the Charter to abstain from voting on relevant decisions under Chapter VI. This binding obligation, contained in Article 27 of the Charter and reaffirmed by our leaders in the Pact for the Future, is clearly germane to the aim of Chapter VI: to seek a resolution at the earliest possible stage of disputes between states. The perception that one of those states might act as a judge in its own case in a vote in this Council could indeed harm prospects for dispute settlement. We hope the member states will collectively take steps to ensure the full and consistent implementation of this important Charter provision. Finally, we encourage the incoming Secretary-General to use the tools at their disposal in order to foster the peaceful settlement of disputes. This should include a clear strategy for supporting credible and inclusive dialogue, including by working with regional organizations and with this Council, as well as invoking Article 99 as appropriate. In turn, the Council needs an SG that will work with them to create the political conditions for peace and to provide the political backing for peace. when it is tested. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:05:34]: I thank the representative of Liechtenstein for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Cambodia. Cambodia [1:05:39]: Thank you. Madam President, Excellency, distinguished delegates, Cambodia commends the Democratic Republic of Congo for convening these timely open debates and appreciates the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing this morning. 2 months ago, in this very chamber, my Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Cambodia's unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogues, diplomacy, and respect for international law. This commitment exactly goes in line with the Security Council Resolution 2788, as we discussed. However, The letter and spirit of these resolutions are increasingly under strain. The world continues to face armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, international law undermined, and Chapter 6 of the Charter, particularly Article 34, remained unfulfilled. Growing challenges, I would like to share the following points. First, the recent role of the— the central role of the United Nations in dialogues, preventive diplomacy, and collective security must be strengthened and preserved. Block confrontations, law of force and the threat of use of force should have no room in international relations. Second, to achieve a lasting peace, all disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, including dialogues conducted in good faith, diplomacy, respect for international law, and comply with the decision of ICJ in any case. To which state is a party. Third, the credibility and effectiveness of the Security Council should be reinforced through greater unity, transparency, and genuine commitment to act consistently and impartially in accordance with the purpose and principle of the Charter. Selectivity would be unlikely lead to the paralysis of the Security Council's performance of its core duty in maintaining international peace and security. Fourth, when it comes to border conflict, I wish to inform the Council that humanitarian situation of the Cambodian civilians remained dire. More than 20,000 Cambodian civilians continue to live in temporary shelters. Many children are unable to attend schools, and the elderly and vulnerable persons face lacking adequate access to essential care despite government efforts to ease their hardships. Therefore, Cambodia calls on international community including the Security Council, to support the call for their return to their homes and normal livelihood without obstruction and in safe and dignity manners. In conclusion, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes, which remained cornerstone of the Maintenance of international peace and security. Cambodia wishes to emphasize that border and sovereignty must never be altered by force through fair accompli. Through fair accompli. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:09:42]: I thank the representative of Cambodia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Armenia. Armenia [1:09:48]: Madam President, at the outset. We would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter, as it remains indispensable in the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Security Council Resolution 2788 underscores that the mechanisms provided for under Chapter VI of the Charter could be better leveraged to prevent and contain disputes and to resolve conflicts. In this regard, the resolution highlights the value of preventive diplomacy, including early warning, confidence-building measures at the international, regional, and sub-regional levels. We reiterate that prevention-centered approaches should be mainstreamed across the United Nations system, as the international community is increasingly challenged by the attempts to legitimize the threat or use of force, while overlooking our collective responsibility to respect the norms and principles of international law. These trends undermine confidence in the international order while increasing the risk of conflict. Madam President, through the Pact for the Future, the member states committed to promoting cooperation and understanding, defusing tensions, seeking the peaceful settlement of disputes, and resolving conflicts. including through confidence-building measures that promote peace and cooperation. In this context, unconditional respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of internationally recognized borders, and national jurisdiction is vitally important for the success of peacebuilding and the consolidation of peace. Madam President, the developments in our region demonstrate that Dialogue conducted in good faith, coupled with political will, can create the conditions for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Our region has experienced significant developments over the past year. On August 8th, 2025, in Washington, D.C., the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States of America, the latter as a witness, signed the Joint Declaration Opening a New Chapter of peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus. The Washington Summit has created a significant opportunity for the unblocking of regional communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and for advancing a broader regional connectivity agenda. In this regard, connectivity constitutes an important pillar of the new regional reality. In line with this understanding, understandings, Armenia has worked with the United States to establish the framework for the connectivity project called Trans-Route for International Peace and Prosperity, TRIP. The signing of the framework agreement on strategic cooperation concerning TRIP in early June by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the U.S. State Secretary marked an important step towards the implementation of these understandings. Based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national jurisdiction, the TREP project aims to enhance intrastate, bilateral, and international transportation, facilitate regional and global trade, and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Madam President, in conclusion, I would like to stress that the good offices of the Secretary-General with the strong backing of the member states, can play an essential role in strengthening the existing tools and mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes. I thank you, Madam President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:14:01]: I thank the representative of Armenia for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan [1:14:08]: Madam President, at the outset, I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Congo for convening this timely open debate. The peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and remains indispensable for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Charter provides Member States with a comprehensive framework for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Full use should be made of the Charter-based mechanisms with a view to preventing disputes from escalating into threats to international peace and security. It is pertinent to emphasize that the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 2788, presented by Pakistan, marked an important reaffirmation of the Council's role in conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The resolution brings renewed focus on the preventive mechanisms available under the Charter, urging Member States to make more effective use of Article 33, and underscoring the relevance of Article 34, which enables the Council to investigate disputes or situations that might endanger international peace and security. For these mechanisms to be credible and effective, they must remain firmly anchored in international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter, particularly respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the inviolability of international borders, non-interference in internal affairs, and the prohibition of the threat or use of force. Peaceful settlement must serve the early, just, and lasting resolution of disputes. It must not be misused to freeze unlawful situations, consolidate the results of the use of force, prolong impunity, or delay the implementation of international obligations. Mediation must be impartial and conducted in in accordance with the Charter and international law. Selectivity and double standards have no place in preventive diplomacy or conflict resolution. The effectiveness of peaceful settlement mechanisms also depends on the implementation of decisions already taken. The prolonged non-implementation of Security Council resolutions undermines confidence in the Council and in the international legal order. Azerbaijan experienced this directly when the relevant resolutions of the Council remained unimplemented for almost 3 decades, despite their clear demands and the repeated appeals of my country. Azerbaijan remains committed to advancing the normalization process based on mutual recognition of and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sustained direct dialogue and the good-faith implementation of commitments are essential for advancing the normalization process and achieving lasting peace. Furthermore, greater solidarity is essential with countries that are overcoming the severe consequences of conflict, rebuilding devastated cities, rehabilitating the destroyed environment and biodiversity, and helping forcibly displaced populations return to their homes in safety and dignity. Madam President, In following up on Resolution 2788, greater emphasis should be placed on preventive diplomacy, mediation, dialogue, confidence-building and the Good Offices of the Secretary-General, as well as on strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations in accordance with the Charter. Azerbaijan remains committed to international law, effective multilateralism and peaceful cooperation and will continue contributing to sustainable peace, stability, and development in its region and beyond. Thank you very much. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:17:58]: I thank the representative of Azerbaijan for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:18:07]: Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Madam President, we thank the presidency for convening this important open debate. Madam President, the most effective means of preventing conflicts is full adherence to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, refraining from the threat or use of force, resolving disputes peacefully based on equal footing mutual respect, and adherence to international law. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently upheld these principles and pursued dialogue and diplomacy, convinced that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through respect for international law and the sovereign equality of states. Despite the profound mistrust Resulting from the United States' flagrant violations of its obligations under the JCPOA and Security Council Resolution 2231, Iran once again engaged in serious negotiations in 2025, in good faith, with a view to reaching durable agreements. Regrettably, on 2 separate occasions, While diplomatic efforts were actively underway, the United States betrayed diplomacy by resorting to the unlawful use of force in clear violation of Article 2, Para 4 of the Charter of the United Nations. The blatant acts of aggression committed by the United States and the Israeli regime in June 2025 and again since February 2026, including the deliberate targeting of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical facilities, constitute grave violations of international law, in particular international humanitarian law, with serious consequences for regional and international peace and security. Despite these unlawful acts, the Islamic Republic of Iran once again demonstrated its commitment to diplomacy. Through the sincere mediation of Pakistan, with the support of regional partners, the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding of 17 June established a framework for de-escalation, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, The non-recurrence of aggression and the peaceful settlement of dispute. Madam President, since the signing of the MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran has acted in good faith and faithfully implemented its commitments. But by contrast, the United States has systematically breached its obligations with attempting to justify its non-compliance through unfounded pretexts. Almost immediately after the MOU entered into force, the United States committed material breaches of its obligations, including by continuing daily military attacks against Iran by targeting civilian infrastructure, including bridges, reimposing a maritime blockade, and attempting to establish a parallel maritime regime in the Strait of Hormuz in clear contravention of paragraph 5 of the MOU. The United States has also continued to violate other key provisions of the memorandum. Over the past days, the President of the United States continues to show no respect for international law and has repeatedly and openly threatened to destroy Iran's vital infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. The United States' continued unlawful attacks pose a serious threat to regional stability, freedom of navigation, and the security of Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Madam President, the normalization of such reckless statements and continued unlawful acts against Iran, if left unchecked, will embolden further aggression, undermine mediation efforts, erode confidence in negotiated settlements, and reduce the Charter of the United Nations to a mere piece of paper. With grave consequences for regional and international peace and security. The Security Council must not remain silent. It must discharge its responsibilities under the Charter by taking immediate and effective measures to compel the United States to cease its ongoing acts of aggression and other unlawful conduct, and to ensure accountability for its serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law. Madam President, we reiterate that all Iran's measures are defensive, necessary, and consistent with international law. The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to exercise its inherent right of self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, to protect its people and to defend and safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and vital national interests. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:24:16]: I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations. SMOM [1:24:31]: At the outset, the Sovereign Order of Malta commends the Democratic Republic of the Congo on its presidency of the Security Council this month and expresses its sincere appreciation for facilitating our participation in this important debate. We also welcome the convening of today's meeting on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes and reaffirm the importance of Security Council Resolution 2788. The maintenance of international peace and security depends fundamentally upon the effective functioning of multilateral institutions and upon the commitment of all states to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Today, however, we are witnessing with profound concern an increasing erosion of respect for the principles and norms that underpin the rules-based international order. Too often, dialogue is replaced by confrontation, mediation by military escalation, and cooperation by division. The extremely harmful consequences of this are visible to all. When disputes remain unresolved, conflicts become protracted, humanitarian needs intensify, civilian suffering deepens, and instability spreads far beyond national borders. Forced displacement, food insecurity, economic disruption, and environmental degradation increasingly demonstrate that contemporary conflicts are never confined to one region alone. Madam President, for more than 9 centuries, the Sovereign Order of Malta has upheld the principle of humanitarian assistance to those in need without regard to their nationality, religion, or ethnicity, and to the principle of complete neutrality. As a neutral and apolitical entity enjoying full diplomatic relations with 115 countries, The Order pursues no national, political, or economic interests of its own. Rather, its sole concern is the welfare, dignity, and aspirations of the people and communities it serves, especially those affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, and disaster. As the Order's Head of Government recently stated in a speech, the Embassies of States are called to defend national interests, our embassies have a different task: to represent principles. It is a more demanding responsibility because principles are not negotiated like interests. Through its humanitarian activities, the Order bears direct witness to the appalling consequences of unresolved disputes. In Ukraine, the Order remains active through 64 centers across the country, despite damage sustained to several of its facilities. In Gaza, our clinic in Gaza City and our local medical personnel continue to be among the very few who provide essential healthcare under extraordinarily difficult conditions. In Lebanon, our volunteers have delivered life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities despite immense personal risk And we recall with deep sorrow our young Order of Malta staff colleague, Mr. Chadi Ammar, who, while engaged in humanitarian service in Lebanon on behalf of the Order, was killed in an airstrike in March. These experiences remind us that the failure to prevent and resolve disputes peacefully exacts an immense human cost. In closing, the Sovereign Order of Malta calls upon member states to renew their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes by making fuller and more effective use of the mechanisms provided under Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and other peaceful means. including the Secretariat, to continue strengthening cooperation, information sharing, and the exchange of best practices, ensuring that efforts are complementary and mutually reinforcing rather than duplicative. In this regard, we recall the recent words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who reminded us that those who tire of dialogue tire of hoping. for peace. The cost of prevention is invariably far lower than the cost of conflict. By strengthening these mechanisms and placing dialogue, trust-building, and human dignity at the center of our collective efforts, we may prevent disputes from escalating into violence, and we might spare countless individuals from suffering displacement and loss. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:29:42]: I thank the representative of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Australia. Australia · MIKTA [1:29:54]: Thank you, President. I'm pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of MIKTA— Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, and Australia. We welcome Security Council Resolution Thank you, Mr. President. Today, the Security Council is discussing Resolution 2788 and the Secretary-General's recommendations on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Peaceful settlement is a core obligation under the UN Charter and remains essential to maintaining international peace and security. Today, we offer 3 practical steps that can strengthen the international architecture for preventing and resolving disputes. Law and existing dispute settlement mechanisms. The Charter provides States with a clear toolbox for resolving disputes peacefully, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and judicial settlement. We encourage all States to make fuller use of available dispute settlement mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court of Justice and relevant treaty-based dispute settlement processes where applicable and appropriate. The international community does not need to create new tools. We need to use the tools we already have more consistently, effectively, and in good faith. Second, invest in prevention before crises emerge. Preventative diplomacy remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient mechanisms of maintaining peace. States should strengthen support for the Secretary-General's Good Offices, mediation efforts, early warning capacities and the UN's prevention architecture, while ensuring these efforts respect national ownership and are adequately resourced. We can do this by making better use of the UN system's vast data and analytical capabilities, and critically, by turning warning into action. Early warning without early action does not prevent conflict; it merely documents its escalation. Acting early can prevent disputes from escalating into crises that are far more difficult and costly to resolve. Third, strengthen partnerships and make peace processes more inclusive. Regional and sub-regional organizations are often closest to emerging risks and can play a critical role in de-escalation, dialogue, and confidence-building. We should deepen cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations and ensure that women and young people participate meaningfully in conflict prevention and resolution efforts. Inclusive processes create more sustainable and durable peace. The foundations for peaceful settlement already exist: international law, preventative diplomacy, effective mediation, and strong regional partnerships. Our collective challenge is to make better use of these mechanisms before disputes escalate and lives are lost. As MIKTA partners, we remain committed to strengthening multilateralism, preventing conflict, and advancing peaceful solutions to disputes. President, I'd like to add 3 points in my national capacity. First, on making better use of existing mechanisms, Australia notes Article 94 of the UN Charter specifically empowers the Security Council to make recommendations and decide upon measures to give effect to International Court of Justice judgments. And Article 99 gives the Secretary-General the power to bring any matter to the Council's attention which may threaten international peace and security, which could include an emerging dispute before it became a full-blown crisis. Second, Council members should facilitate the timely appointment of subsidiary body chairs so that these bodies can continue to perform their important firsthand monitoring, information gathering, and preventative functions without interruption. Sanctions are one of the Council's tools to promote peaceful settlement, but they are not working properly because of the delay. Third, stronger military capabilities must be matched by stronger diplomatic channels— dialogue, mediation, confidence-building measures, and crisis communication mechanisms. remain essential to preventing disputes from escalating into conflict. Australia recognizes that it takes work to assure peace and stability, and will continue to stand up for the rules and norms that underpin our shared security and shared prosperity. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:34:18]: I thank the representative of Australia for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Nigeria. Nigeria [1:34:25]: Madam President, Nigeria thanks the Democratic Republic of Congo for convening this debate and the Secretary-General for his briefing and recommendations pursuant to Resolution 2788. Nigeria continues to stand fully behind that important resolution. One year on, the test, however, is not whether the Council restated its commitment to Chapter VI of the UN Charter, but whether member states and the Council actually reach for those tools before a dispute transcends into conflict. Nigeria has direct experience on both sides of that test. Our dispute with Cameroon over the Bakassi Peninsula could easily have become a war between 2 neighbors. Instead, both countries accepted and implemented the International Court of Justice 2002 judgment through the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission and the Green Tree Agreement. That outcome holds because both governments treated judicial settlement as binding rather than advisory, which is exactly what operative paragraph 3 of Resolution 2788 asks of legal disputes generally. Madam President, Nigeria has relied on the regional mechanisms envisaged under Chapter 8 of the UN Charter Through ECOWAS, we have led mediation in political crises in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Niger with uneven but real results. Those efforts work best when the Council treats regional organizations as partners with comparative advantage in their own neighborhoods, not as bodies to be consulted after the fact. Furthermore, The Secretary-General's recommendations through his good offices should not simply be noted. The Council should act on them. Nigeria puts forward 2 recommendations to that end. First, the Council should make earlier and fuller use of its own Article 4 investigative authority rather than reserving it for disputes that have already escalated. And second, the Council should place real resources behind the Secretary-General's good offices and mediation support capacity. capacity, and give regional and sub-regional organizations undertaking preventive diplomacy a formal role in its work, not merely a welcome. Madam President, to conclude, the UN Charter entrusted the Council with tools to prevent conflict, tools too often left unused until conflict has already begun. Nigeria will continue to engage and collaborate in this chamber and beyond. For the Council to treat prevention as a first resort and not the last option. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:37:13]: I thank the representative of Nigeria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba. Cuba [1:37:21]: Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Cuba aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter. The debate that we are witnessing should not be limited to examine available instruments to resolve disputes. We should also address the best way to prevent them. Prevention of conflicts requires addressing the root causes that generate them, including the threat of use or the use of force, breach of international law, non-compliance with the UN Charter, policies of domination, foreign occupation, colonialism, inequalities, and poverty. The mechanisms played out in Chapter 6 of the Charter— negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial regulations, and other tools— are critical ways of preserving peace. Nevertheless, none of them can fully reach its goals as long as there is the selective application of international law and for as long as the logic of confrontation continues to prevail over dialogue or over peace. Respect for the sovereign equality between states, the prohibition of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other state, non-interference in states' domestic affairs, the free determination of peoples, and compliance in good faith with international obligations are all critical principles to avoid new disputes and to create a climate of mutual trust which appears to be vanishing today. The Resolution 2725 of the Council on International Law and on Relations Between States continues to be completely relevant in this context. Unfortunately, we are seeing that there is an increasing trend to ignore these fundamental principles by the increasingly frequent use of military force. And this ignores the Security Council's work and the Charter. This includes the use of unilateral coercive measures as means of exerting political pressure. Madam President, the aggressive policy carried out by the government of the United States against Cuba contradicts any kind of good neighborliness and peaceful relations between states that should prevail regardless of differences that may exist between political, economic, and social systems in different countries. The government of the United States has been carrying out a multidimensional war against Cuba, which has become even more aggressive over the last 7 months. This includes the imposition of a— what is equivalent tantamount to a naval blockade. The United States is trying to take Cuba out of the global economy and the tensions are only being ratcheted up. There are threats of military aggression that have been used, that have been— and ridiculous pretexts have been used to try to justify that. The most recent of which was published by the Department of State on the 20th of July. This is something that we are seeing within the current administration. These are pretexts that are being used to try to justify aggression against Cuba, but that. Has been no statement made by the Cuban government in this regard or any kind of evidence for Cuba posing any kind of threat to the national security of the United States, the United States which is after all the biggest military superpower in the world. We insist that Cuba is not a threat. Cuba is the country that is being threatened every day. In spite of this, Cuba reiterates its availability to engage in serious constructive dialogue with the government of the United States on the basis of sovereign equality and non-interference in our domestic affairs. There are contacts that have been initiated between the government of the U.S. and Cuba with a frank and constructive spirit to try to find We have been trying to find solutions to our differences, but there are no signs of progress at the moment because Washington is trying to treat Cuba as a colonial possession. We have consistently said that any kind of military aggression against Cuba would have incalculable consequences, not just for our country and for the United States, but also for peace and security at the regional and international level. It would seriously compromise our region being a zone of peace, which has been enshrined as such since 2014, as leaders committed always to resolve disputes through peaceful means and to promote good neighborliness between states in the region. Cuba is a friendly country that is in favor of peace, but never, never will it renounce its right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Madam President, strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes does not require reinventing international law. It means respecting the U.N. Charter without any kind of double standards. Abandoning coercion and confrontation, promoting dialogue over confrontation, and dealing with the root causes that are fueling conflicts before it's too late. International peace and security depends on the political will of all states in line with the founding principles of this organization. Let us preserve present and future generations from the scourge of war. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:43:50]: I thank the representative of Cuba for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritania. Mauritania [1:43:59]: Thank you, Madam President. At the outset, I would like to thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo President of the Security Council for the month of July for convening this important debate. Madam President, Mauritania reaffirms its commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and its full engagement in all efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security. Madam President, our foreign policy is based on the principles of good neighborliness, international cooperation, strengthening the multilateral system, and promoting the peaceful settlement of international disputes. We believe in the importance of being an active partner in United Nations efforts to resolve international disputes through peaceful means. Mauritania has played an active role to maintain international peace and security through its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions and through our efforts within regional organizations. Most recently, during our presidency of the African Union in 2024, we have engaged in mediation efforts in a number of African conflicts. Our efforts extended to the Sahel region and other hotspots around the world, Madam President, we are witnessing today a resurgence of conflicts, wars, armed disputes, and multidimensional crises across all regions of the world— in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and elsewhere. Against this background, the effectiveness of multilateral action, international cooperation, and efforts to maintain peace and security is being seriously tested. The United Nations recognized early on, since its inception, the importance of the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Article 2 of the Charter stipulates that states must settle all their disputes by peaceful means to avoid endangering international peace and security. The same article also stipulates the need for states to refrain from the threat or use of force in international relations. Article 33 further provides that the parties to any dispute shall seek to resolve it first through peaceful means, such as negotiation, mediation, and other peaceful methods. Madam President, your esteemed Council has adopted numerous resolutions on the maintenance of international peace and security, most notably Resolution 2788, adopted on the 22nd of July, 2025. So a year ago, the resolution focused on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. This resolution, inter alia, reaffirmed the principles of and purposes of the Charter, called for resorting preventive diplomacy mechanisms to prevent the outbreak of crises and escalation of conflicts. It emphasized the need to— of settling international disputes through peaceful means. It called for refraining from the threat or use of force since this is inconsistent with the Charter. It called for supporting mediation efforts to prevent international conflicts and encourage member states and regional organizations to strengthen cooperation in the field of the peaceful settlement of disputes. Madam President, the challenges facing the peaceful settlement of disputes are numerous and varied. They include, above all, competing political interests, the lack of trust among parties to a dispute, weak implementation of agreements and treaties, failure to fulfill international obligations, and external interventions which fuel in most cases, international conflicts. All of these factors limit the effectiveness of the peaceful settlement of disputes. To address these challenges, we must encourage dialogue between the parties to any dispute and assist them in reaching an agreement as quickly as possible. We must develop early warning mechanisms to prevent the escalation of crises. We must involve civil society, women, and youth in peacebuilding efforts, and we must urge the parties to any dispute to demonstrate political will and act in good faith in implementing what has been agreed upon. In conclusion, peaceful solutions to international disputes have become more than ever a top priority and an urgent necessity, given the escalation of conflicts and wars and the growing number of victims, especially civilians. Civilians in hotspots in Africa, suffer from grave violations, the consequences of which are borne by the parties to the conflict. Civilians in Gaza and Lebanon have been suffering over the past years from a genocidal war that killed and injured tens of thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands. The entire region continues to suffer from the repercussions of this war, which has expanded to new fronts. This war has had humanitarian and environmental repercussions and caused food, energy, and global supply chains crises. Therefore, it is imperative that we learn the lesson and collectively uphold the shared values of cooperation and coexistence in dignity and humanity, and that we resolve our crises through peaceful means and avoid any tension and escalation. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:48:58]: I thank the representative of Mauritania for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Georgia. Georgia [1:49:04]: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Georgia welcomes this High-Level Open Debate as a vital opportunity to revitalize our collective commitment to Chapter VI of the UN Charter. Multilateralism is a founding pillar of Georgia's national identity. More than a century ago, our first democratic republic, from 1918 to 1921, stood as a principled advocate for a rules-based order. Seeking membership in the League of Nations. Even as we were ultimately left to face Soviet aggression alone in February 2021. Today, that legacy fuels our dedication to global cooperation. Genuine conflict prevention can only occur when states respect their international obligations. But the integrity of this multilateral system is shattered when sovereign borders are altered by force. For nearly 3 decades, the Russian Federation has continuously violated Georgia's sovereignty through the illegal occupation of our indivisible parts of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region. Russia remains in flagrant violation of the 2008 UN-mediated ceasefire agreement, refusing to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions and continues artificial so-called borderization evolving into a strategy of creeping annexation. Recent so-called Treaty on Deepening Allied Interaction, signed on May 9th this year between Moscow and the occupation regime in Tskhinvali region, is nothing less than formalized bureaucratic takeover aimed at annexing Georgia's territories. We call upon this Council to recognize these actions for what they truly are. A premeditated subversion of international law. The consequences transcend Georgia. Russia's aggression patterns in our territory served as a dangerous blueprint for its ongoing full-scale military aggression against Ukraine. By militarizing occupied Abkhazia, the Russian Federation projects geopolitical threats across the entire Black Sea region. Despite this, Georgia has strictly adhered to the peaceful tools of Chapter 6. Since 2010, we have maintained a unilateral, legally binding pledge on the non-use of force. We have systematically pursued accountability through the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights, and the International Criminal Court. These institutions have clearly confirmed Russia's effective control over the illegally occupied regions of Georgia and issued arrest warrants, establishing a legal record of Russia's war crimes. In stark contrast, Russia uses diplomatic platforms as a calculated distraction. It pressures Tbilisi to sign agreements with occupation regimes, attempting to rebrand itself from an occupying power into a neutral mediator. Any legitimate security guarantee must come from the Russian Federation fulfilling its own obligations as occupying power. Mrs. President, we cannot ignore the human cost of conflict. Russia systematically denies international humanitarian access to the illegally occupied regions of Georgia and routinely blocks the fundamental right of return for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees. These are the victims of forced demographic changes and ethnic cleansing. We urge this Council, and the wider international community, to demand full humanitarian access and defend the unalienable right of all displaced persons to return to their homes in safety and dignity. True international peace cannot coexist with forced displacement and unlawful occupation. I thank you, Mr. President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:53:06]: I thank the representative of Georgia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Maldives. Maldives [1:53:12]: Thank you, President. Small states carry equal sovereignty, but we face unequal exposure when peace breaks down. We depend on an international order in which borders are respected, international law restrains power, and disputes are resolved before they become conflicts. For the Maldives, the credibility of multilateralism is measured by whether it protects those with least capacity to withstand its failure. This conviction has long guided the Maldives' diplomacy. In 1989, the Maldives brought the protection and security of small states before the General Assembly. Resolution 44/51 affirmed the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of all states and called for special attention to the security of small states. That commitment remains urgent today. Conflicts travel far beyond the battlefield. Its closure— it closes sea routes, disrupts supply chains, raises the cost of food and fuel, and diverts scarce resources from development. For an island nation dependent on open seas, stable markets, and international cooperation, failures of prevention in this Chamber quickly become hardship at home. Resolution 2788 offers an opportunity to change that pattern. The Council must make Chapter VI of the Charter the starting point of its work. So let me make 4 points. First, early warning must produce early political action. Risk assessment should ensure timely engagement by the Council, the Secretary-General, and regional organizations. Good offices and mediation should begin before positions harden and violence becomes the language of negotiations. Second, the Council action must establish a pathway to settlement. Resolutions should identify the appropriate mechanisms, assign responsibility, and set timelines that require follow-ups. Third, prevention must be properly resourced. Mediation support, special political missions, and regional offices require predictable funding and adequate access to expertise. The cost of early diplomacy is modest. The cost of delayed action, meanwhile, is measured in lives. Fourth, peaceful settlement must draw on the full range of institutions available under the Charter. The Council should encourage greater use of arbitration, judicial settlement, and support for compliance with legal obligations. Women, young people, and affected communities must have a meaningful role in shaping agreements that can endure. Consistency is essential. Selective adherence to international law weakens every peaceful mechanism. In the State of Palestine, Israel must comply with international law and relevant UN resolutions. The right of the Palestinian people for self-determination must be realized through the recognition of an independent, sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Small states ask for no special standard. We ask for the Charter's promise to be applied equally, early, and effectively. Let peaceful settlement become the discipline of this Council, so that every state, regardless of size or power, can place its security and international law rather than in the mercy of the powerful. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [1:57:05]: Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco. Morocco [1:57:10]: Thank you, Madam President. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on having this 3rd signature event during your presidency this month. Show the constant commitment of your country, especially country to peace and security internationally, and your commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes. I also would like to thank the Secretary General for his briefing, and I thank Pakistan whose efforts, tireless efforts in making sure that the Council passed the Resolution 2788. And this principle remains relevant today. The peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the oldest, most fundamental principles of the UN Charter, and it was never more relevant than it is today. In the world with a growing number of conflicts where geopolitical shocks are increasing, multilateralism remains our lodestar. To build an order based on the rule of law, cooperation, and international solidarity. Chapter 6 of the Charter occupies in this architecture a place, a prime, primal place. It's a preventive mattress— matrix to make sure that diplomacy comes before a crisis rather than after. Negotiations, conciliation, arbitration, legal settlement, or regional agreements. The San Francisco Charter didn't make this the last resort, but the first reflex of any dispute. And it is guided by this spirit that Resolution 2788 invites the Security Council to promote anticipation to reaction, to act rather than to react. In this regard, my delegation would like to put forward 3 comments. First, prevention. Prevention is not something that you improvise on the eve of the crisis. You start beforehand. The Articles 33 and 34 of the Charter ask for daily practice of this before tension becomes daily occurrence and comes in front of the Council. Second, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. He works using his good offices, his personal envoys, his special representatives, and he plays a cardinal role in looking for peaceful settlement of disputes together with the Council. We welcome his constant commitment, his discernment and the equity which he displays as he exercises the noble duty which is an incarnation of preventive diplomacy. Third, Pact for the Future was adopted by all of the member states, and it is an expression of the common will to promote dialogue given the differences. 2788, the resolution gives this an operational expression. And it is in this continuity from a theoretical expression and practical expression that we find the reflection of our will. Madam President, to conclude, I would like to say that any conflict tells us that peace is within reach, provided there's a political will to resolve it, and there are tools that we're using under the Charter. We will continue believing in that, working on that together with all of the United Nations member states. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:01:02]: I thank— I thank the representative of Morocco for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Malaysia. Malaysia [2:01:10]: Madam President, Malaysia thanks the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this important debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing pursuant to Resolution 2706. Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind introduction of Resolution 2788 and for presenting his recommendations. A year ago, this Council spoke with one voice. Under Pakistan's presidency, it unanimously adopted Resolution 2788, reaffirming that peaceful settlement of dispute under Chapter 6 of the Charter remains our first defense against conflict. Today, we must translate that shared commitment into action. The urgency of this task is clear. Prolonged conflicts continue to devastate communities, weaken institutions, undermine economic growth, and destabilize entire regions. The ongoing situation in the Middle East illustrates these far-reaching consequences. The conflict has disrupted energy supplies, threatened food security, deepened humanitarian suffering, and caused widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. These consequences rarely remain confined within national borders. Madam President, against this backdrop, we support the Secretary-General's recommendations to strengthen the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. In this regard, we wish to highlight 3 priorities. First, on prevention. Resolution 2788 rightly urged Member States to make full and effective use of the mechanisms under Article 33 of the Charter. These include negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, and recourse to regional agencies or arrangements. Crucially, these tools must be used early, consistently, and in good faith before disputes escalate into armed conflict. Malaysia has consistently supported these mechanisms, including recourse to the International Court of Justice. As effective means of upholding international law and the rule of law. Our experience demonstrates that complex transboundary and territorial disputes can be resolved peacefully through diplomacy, principled engagement, and respect for international law. Second, on cooperation with regional organisations. As recognised under Chapter 8 of the Charter, regional organisations are indispensable partners in preventive diplomacy and dispute resolution. Within ASEAN, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia continues to anchor a regional order based on dialogue, restraint, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Building on these principles and experience, Malaysia calls for deeper and more structured cooperation between the Council and regional as well as sub-regional organizations. Such cooperation should draw on regional knowledge, strengthen early engagement and support locally driven solutions. Third, on the Council itself. The Security Council is entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It plays a critical role in advancing the peaceful settlement of disputes as a tool to prevent conflict, reduce tensions, and promote sustainable peace. Yet growing polarization and the pursuit of narrow political interests including among its Permanent Members, have at times constrained the Council's ability to act. We recall Action 16 of the Pact for the Future, in which Member States renewed their commitment to preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. This commitment must be reflected, first and foremost, in the conduct of this Council. To conclude, Malaysia will continue to work closely with Member States, the UN, and regional partners to advance the implementation of Resolution 2788, and to uphold the peaceful settlement of disputes as a fundamental principle of the UN Charter. I thank you, Madam President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:05:06]: I thank the representative of Malaysia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [2:05:16]: Thank you very much, Madam President. The Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter would like to thank the presidency of the Democratic Republic of the I would like to thank the President of the Republic of the Congo for convening this debate and for the concept note that was introduced. We welcome the fact that the Council is devoting its attention to the peaceful settlement of disputes, which is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Charter and is the cornerstone of the multilateral system and a critical part of the efforts to maintain international peace and security. Today we are seeing a global context that is characterized by growing tensions, prolonged conflicts, and a worrying erosion of trust between states. Against this backdrop, the UN Charter reminds us that peace requires sustained efforts over time through diplomacy, dialogue, and prevention. When these mechanisms are activated too late, crises have already claimed lives and have weakened regional and global stability. Madam President, Resolution 2788 of last year, adopted unanimously, reaffirms the preventive role that this council has. It is critical today more than ever to move from reaffirming statements to implementation, strengthening the early use of the tools laid out in Article 33, Chapter 6 of the UN Charter, such as negotiation, investigation, reconciliation, and in particular mediation. The group of friends wishes to stress that mediation is one of the most effective ways to prevent escalation and promote mutually acceptable solutions. It is there that dialogue and fora are established and grow. It is there that one can work on reducing tensions by creating trust and preserving state sovereignty by offering voluntary, non-coercive means of making progress. That is why it should be used impartially, inclusively, and fully aligned with the principles of the Charter. The support of regional organizations also has a critical role to play because of their contextual knowledge and local legitimacy. and never on confrontation. We stress that mediation is an expression of the force, the strength of multilateralism and the collective will to avoid human suffering, and it is an essential tool to uphold international peace and security. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:08:23]: I thank the representative of Venezuela for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Japan. Japan [2:08:32]: Thank you, Madam President. Japan appreciates the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this important open debate and Pakistan for leading the adoption of Resolution 2788 last year. We also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and recommendations. In a world shaken by escalating tensions and crashes, upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter is more vital than ever. As we mark the 70th anniversary of Japan's membership in the UN, we reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes. I would like to emphasize 3 points on how we can strengthen the mechanism for peaceful settlement. Of disputes and sustain peace. Firstly, we highlight the importance of mediation. As a member of the Group of Friends of Mediation, Japan strongly believes that UN must strengthen its role in mediation, leveraging the Secretary-General's good offices and supporting mediators by sharing expertise. The Security Council should promote and support these activities. Japan has been contributing to peace mediations in the regions, for instance, in the Mindanao peace process in the Philippines and in Cambodia, among others. The government of Japan has recently established an international mediation unit, underscoring our enhanced commitment to mediation. Secondly, the role of international judicial bodies such as ICJ is indispensable for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Broader acceptance of the jurisdiction of ICJ would further promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes based on international law. Japan reiterates its call for member states who have not yet done so to make a declaration under Article 36, paragraph 2 of the ICJ's statute on the acceptance of its compulsory jurisdiction. Thirdly, comprehensive peacebuilding efforts, ensuring humanitarian development, peace nexus, are essential to consolidate and sustain peace. Japan promotes peacebuilding initiatives across regions based on the human security approach, which focuses on the empowerment and protection of every individual. Fostering national ownership in preventive strategies is equally important. In closing, Japan believes that Security Council should play an active role in promoting the peaceful settlement of dispute, as it bears primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:11:47]: I thank the representative of Japan for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines. Philippines [2:11:52]: Madam President, the Philippines thanks the Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank the United Nations and the Democratic Republic of Congo for convening this timely debate. The Philippines wishes to share the following views with respect to the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2788. Firstly, Article 33 is not a mechanism of last resort. It is the Charter's first line of defense against conflict, as it obliges parties to seek a peaceful settlement through, among others, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or other peaceful means of their own choice. Equally important is Article 34, as it empowers the Security Council to investigate disputes before they escalate to threats to international peace and security. Secondly, peaceful settlement must remain firmly anchored in international law. The 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, adopted by consensus by the General Assembly, upon the initiative of the Philippines, affirms that peaceful settlement is a legal obligation. It calls upon states to act in good faith, refrain from actions that aggravate disputes, and make full use of the peaceful means provided under the Charter, including judicial settlement where appropriate. In this regard, international courts and tribunals remain indispensable in clarifying rights reducing tensions, and reinforcing respect for the rule of law. These principles remain as relevant today as they were over 4 decades ago. Thirdly, prevention requires stronger cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, which complement the UN's responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. In this regard, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is committed to advancing dialogue, confidence-building, and preventive diplomacy while strengthening a regional order anchored on international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter, and international law. The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, initiated by ASEAN and adopted 50 years ago, embodies these principles by promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes. Madam President, to conclude, we thus encourage the Council to reinforce the Secretary-General's good offices and mediation efforts, deepen cooperation with regional organizations, and foster greater confidence in judicial and arbitral settlement as indispensable instruments for maintaining international peace and security. Thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:14:32]: I thank the representative of the Philippines for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Burundi. Burundi [2:14:39]: Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the delegation of Burundi thanks you for convening this important open debate on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. I commend Pakistan's leadership and their commitment to the implementation of Resolution 2788 of 2025, and I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and for the recommendations made in the follow-up to that resolution. Madam President, the peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the founding principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In an international context marked by the proliferation of conflicts, geopolitical polarization, and the erosion of trust among states, it is more essential than ever to give priority to dialogue, prevention, and diplomacy as first responses to tensions that could threaten international peace and security. Burundi welcomes The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2788, which reaffirms the central role of the Security Council in conflict prevention and encourages a more systematic use of the instruments provided for in Chapter 6 of the Charter. This resolution rightly points out that prevention remains not only less costly than crisis management, but also more effective in achieving lasting peace. Madam President, Burundi remains convinced that the mechanisms enshrined in Articles 33 and 34 of the Charter must be fully exploited before disputes degenerate into open conflicts. Negotiation, mediation, good offices, investigation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement provide states with a set of complementary tools to resolve disputes while respecting state sovereignty and international law. In this regard, The Security Council would benefit from giving greater priority to preventive approaches based on inclusive dialogue, confidence-building between the parties, and support for national and regional efforts. Early, impartial, and consent-based action remains essential. to avoid escalating tensions. Madam President, Burundi attaches particular importance to the role of regional and sub-regional organizations in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. The African experience shows that organizations such as the African Union, the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region have in-depth knowledge of local realities and can play a key role in mediation, facilitating dialogue, and accompanying peace processes. In this spirit, we encourage a strengthened partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Charter, in accordance with respective mandates and the principle of complementarity. Madam President, Burundi also believes that the success of preventive diplomacy depends above all on respect for the fundamental principles of the Charter, including the sovereignty of states, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These principles remain an essential guarantee of an international order based on law, dialogue, and mutual respect. We also believe that the good offices of the Secretary-General and mediation initiatives should continue to be carried out in a spirit of impartiality, transparency, and in close consultation with the states concerned. Their effectiveness depends on the trust of the parties and on national ownership of peace processes. Madam President, Burundi's experience shows that conflicts find lasting solutions when inclusive dialogue, national reconciliation, and institution building are placed at the heart of peacebuilding efforts. And this is why we remain committed to an approach that emphasizes political dialogue, the prevention of tensions, sustainable development, and the strengthening of national capacities as the foundations of lasting peace. Burundi also supports efforts to improve the mediation capacity of the United Nations to to strengthen early warning mechanisms, and to develop closer cooperation between the Security Council, the Secretariat, regional organizations, and member states. In conclusion, Madam President, the effective implementation of Resolution 2788 is an important opportunity to translate the commitments of the Charter into concrete actions. Burundi remains convinced that increased use of preventive diplomacy, dialogue, mediation, and other peaceful mechanisms will not only prevent crises but also consolidate lasting peace based on trust, respect for international law, and cooperation among nations. Burundi thus reaffirms its commitment to work with all member states States for effective multilateralism, peaceful settlement of disputes, and maintenance of international peace and security. I thank you, Madam President. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:21:19]: I thank the representative of Burundi for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Thailand. Thailand [2:21:25]: Thank you, Madam President. Today's open debate is both timely and essential indeed. The need for the peaceful settlement of disputes has never been greater in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions and expanding conflicts across the globe. According to the 2026 Global Peace Index, the number of interstate conflicts has reached its highest level since the end of the Second World War. This, of course, underscores the urgency of strengthening our collective commitment to prevention, dialogue, and diplomacy. In this regard, Thailand welcomes the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2788, which reaffirms the importance of the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. Madam President, Thailand wishes to emphasize 3 key points. First, peaceful means of dispute settlement as set out in Article 33 of the Charter, including negotiation, dialogue, reconciliation among others, must be our first response to emerging tensions, not measures of last resort. Parties to a dispute bear the primary responsibility for seeking peaceful resolutions through dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation in good faith. Any support by the international community must strictly uphold the principles of non-interference and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Second, the United Nations system has a role to play in supporting efforts by parties to a conflict in achieving the peaceful settlement of disputes. While the Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the broader UN system possesses a wide range of preventive diplomacy tools that should be fully utilized. In this regard, Thailand supports the Secretary-General's continued efforts in preventing diplomacy, mediation, fact-finding, and the deployment of special envoys where appropriate and with the consent of the parties concerned. Third, the UN should deepen its partnership with regional and sub-regional organizations to advance the peaceful settlement of disputes. Their close collaboration could reinforce collective efforts to promote sustained international peace and security while being responsive to regional contexts. In my region, ASEAN's consensus-based and flexible approach to preventive diplomacy, as well as practical confidence-building measures, have fostered fostered mutual trust and contributed to peace and stability beyond Southeast Asia. In particular, practical cooperation on non-traditional security such as addressing online scams, disaster relief, maritime safety, and cybersecurity builds operational trust opens channels of communication, creating common ground to navigate more complex political disputes. Grounded in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and driven by platforms, in particular the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit, and the ADMM Plus, these confidence-building measures reinforce conflict prevention, and regional resilience. Thailand indeed stands ready to share these experiences and best practices with the international community. Madam President, the peaceful settlement of disputes is both a legal obligation under the Charter and a shared responsibility. Thailand urges all parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy in good faith, to refrain from disseminating false narrative, and cease provocative actions on the ground, as they are the cornerstone of conflict prevention and resolution. Let me reaffirm Thailand's commitment to resolving any differences through peaceful and amicable negotiation and dialogue in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We believe that bilateral negotiation remains the most effective and appropriate means to address issues between 2 neighboring countries rather than politicizing such issues in multilateral fora. I thank you so much for your kind attention. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:26:52]: I thank the representative of Thailand for this statement. The representative of Pakistan has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I give them the floor. Pakistan [2:27:06]: Thank you, Madam President. While member states focused today on strengthening mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes and implementation of Resolution 2788, one delegation indulged in undermining the substance of the debate through denial, distortion, false accusations, and gross misrepresentation of its own conduct. It is ironic to hear India preaching peace while breaching international law and Security Council resolutions and practicing aggression against all neighbors, repression in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, persecution of minorities, and perpetrating state-sponsored terrorism across the region and beyond. Madam President, Jammu and Kashmir is neither so-called integral part of India, nor is it India's internal matter. India's denial cannot rewrite history, change Jammu and Kashmir's internationally recognized disputed status, or conceal nearly 8 decades of systematic human rights violations against the Kashmiri people, including denial of their inalienable right to self-determination. India itself brought the Jammu and Kashmir dispute before the Security Council, yet continues to defy its own resolutions. Let me remind the Indian delegation, Security Council resolutions do not have an expiry date. The contrast between Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is stark. In AJK, Kashmiris live freely, participate in political life, and raise their voices. In Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, voices are silenced, dissent criminalized, thousands of cases of detentions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and conflict-related sexual violence used as instruments of repression, demographic changes imposed, and the right to self-determination denied. Rights exercised cannot be equated with rights denied. The same disregard for international law and the UN Charter is manifested in India's unilateral and illegal decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The water of the Indus rivers is a lifeline for 240 million people of Pakistan, not a weapon of war. Such reckless conduct of India can only endanger peace and security in South Asia. Madam President, India is a state sponsor of terrorism. Pakistan has lost nearly 100,000 citizens, including innocent men, women, and children, to terrorism perpetrated by TTP, BLA, and Majid Brigade, proxies financed, armed, aided, and abetted by India. From serving Indian naval commander Kulbhushan Yadav to assassination plots and killings linked to Indian operatives in North America, India's terrorist franchise has gone from regional to global. At home, India's Hindutva-inspired right-wing fascist RSS-BJP government has turned Islamophobia into a state policy, normalizing hate crimes and genocide against more than 200 million Muslims. Other minorities, including Christians, are persecuted, Dalits dehumanized, and Sikhs disenfranchised in the largest hypocrisy of the world. Madam President, Pakistan's conduct speaks for itself. Even in the face of provocation and aggression, we have exercised restraint, kept the door to dialogue always opened, and consistently chosen peaceful settlement of disputes over confrontation in the region and beyond. The path to peace in South Asia lies neither in denial nor in defiance, but in adherence to the UN Charter and international law. We hope that India will introspect on the recommendations presented today and demonstrate the moral courage to implement Resolution 2788 in letter and spirit. spirit, honor its treaty obligations, and engage sincerely in the peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Security Council resolutions. I thank you. Democratic Republic of the Congo · President [2:32:12]: I thank the representative of Pakistan for their statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.