New York: In a compelling address to the Security Council, the Secretary-General underscored the critical need for multilateral problem-solving, particularly in light of the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The address highlighted the urgent requirement for the United Nations to act decisively, emphasizing the link between global peace and multilateral cooperation.
According to EMM, the Secretary-General expressed gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistan for organizing the open debate, which focused on the connection between international peace and multilateralism. He reminded the council of the United Nations' founding purpose 80 years ago: to protect humanity from war. However, he lamented the current state of global affairs, where international laws, including human rights and humanitarian laws, are frequently violated without accountability, exacerbating geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
The Secretary-General painted a grim picture of the situation in Gaza, describing the unprecedented death and destruction. He criticized the denial of humanitarian space and resources needed to alleviate the crisis, pointing out the intensifying Israeli military operations and displacement orders in Deir al-Balah. He condemned attacks on UN facilities, underscoring their inviolability under international humanitarian law.
The address also touched on the pervasive nature of conflicts worldwide, from Ukraine to Sudan, emphasizing the ongoing disregard for international law and the resultant human suffering. Despite these challenges, the Secretary-General maintained that diplomacy holds the potential to resolve conflicts, stressing the role of the UN Security Council in fostering peace.
He cited the Black Sea Initiative and other international agreements as examples of successful mediation and cooperation. The Secretary-General called for the Security Council to evolve, making it more representative and effective in addressing today's geopolitical realities. He urged for strengthened cooperation with regional partners and adherence to international law by all member states.
In closing, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the significance of the Pact for the Future, which envisions a strengthened United Nations collective security system and prioritizes preventive diplomacy and mediation. He called upon member states to renew their commitment to the multilateral spirit of peace through dialogue and diplomacy, as the world marks the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations.