S/PV.10024 Security Council

I congratulate Council members on the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations. Adoption of the agenda Maintenance of international peace and security The United Nations Organization: looking into the future Letter dated 18 September 2025 from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/2025/592)

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Czechia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Viet Nam to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2025/592, which contains the text of a letter dated 18 September 2025 from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a concept note on the item under consideration. After consultations among Council members, I have been authorized to make the following statement on their behalf. “The Security Council, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, reaffirms its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, including its purposes and principles in their entirety and an international order based on international law, which constitutes the indispensable foundation of a more peaceful, prosperous and just world and for cooperation among States in preventing and addressing threats to international peace and security. In this connection, the Security Council reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism. “The Security Council recalls the purposes for which the United Nations was established, including to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It acknowledges the complexity of challenges and threats to international peace and security and stresses the need for comprehensive responses to address them in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, including by promoting peaceful settlement of disputes. “The Security Council reaffirms its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations, and in this context, underscores the need for all States, international “The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the central role of the United Nations in international affairs and the multilateral system as the forum for constructive dialogue among its Member States, stresses its commitment to enhance the role of the Organization across its mandates and activities, ensuring it is fit, effective and responsive for present and future challenges, and reiterates its support to strengthened cooperation and coordination within the United Nations system. “The Security Council recognizes the positive contribution of the United Nations over 80 years to upholding the Charter of the United Nations and reiterates the importance of the activities of the organs and agencies of the United Nations being undertaken in accordance with the Charter. “The Security Council underlines the important role of regional and sub-regional organizations and arrangements, with regard to maintaining international peace and security, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations and its purposes and principles, and welcomes cooperation with them. The Council recognizes the contribution by regional and sub-regional organizations in promoting and undertaking activities in accordance with the Charter. “The Security Council, guided by the general interest of humanity, stresses its determination to uphold the Charter of the United Nations in all of its activities and its commitment to working closely with all relevant partners to ensure full, effective and consistent implementation of the Charter as an indispensable tool in the maintenance of international peace and security.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2025/7. I warmly welcome the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, to whom I now give the floor.

Greetings from Hanoi. We meet today on the eightieth anniversary of a body that has shaped the United Nations and the course of history. In the spring of 1946, the first ballot box of the Security Council was opened for inspection before voting. To everyone’s surprise, there was already a slip of paper inside. It was a message from the box’s maker, a local New York mechanic named Paul Antonio. He wrote: “May I, who have had the privilege of fabricating this ballot box, cast the first vote? May God be with every member of the United Nations Organization, and through your noble efforts, bring lasting peace to us all, all over the world.” That humble note reminds us why the Security Council exists: for people; sincere, hopeful people who, for the last eight decades, have placed their trust in this institution to save them from the scourge of war. The privilege to sit at this table carries a duty, above all, to honour the faith of those people and to channel the resources so often spent on war, towards the causes of development and peace. On many pivotal occasions, the Council has delivered on that task. Together, Council members have helped Cambodia to emerge from genocide and South Africa from apartheid. They have deployed missions that helped to bring peace to Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste, Liberia and beyond and have built a The Council is a vital necessity and a powerful force for good, but at the same time, its legitimacy is fragile. Too often, we have seen members of this body acting outside of the principles of the Charter — principles that we all freely agreed, as sovereign nations. When that happens, it not only stalls action in the moment; it erodes trust in the entire United Nations project, and it puts us all in great danger. When one nation flouts the rules, others think that they have license to do the same, and history tells us with brutal clarity where that road leads. Reform of the Security Council  — long overdue  — is imperative for the maintenance of global order and safety, and this includes expanding the membership. Almost half of all United Nations peacekeeping missions, along with numerous special political missions, take place in Africa. Yet Africa has no permanent voice at this table. The Pact for the Future calls on us to correct this imbalance as a matter of urgency. It also highlights the underrepresentation of Latin America and the Caribbean, while the Asia-Pacific region  — home to more than half of humankind — holds only one permanent seat. Expanding the membership is not only about justice; it is also about results. It has the potential to undo deadlocks and offer stability in our increasingly multipolar world. I have also noted, with interest, the proposals of France and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to limit the exercise of the veto, and I encourage the Council to examine them. The Security Council is not about hegemons and empires; it is about parents who have lost their children, refugees flung from their homes, soldiers who have sacrificed their limbs. In every shadow of the Chamber, Council members are surrounded by the ghosts of the dead. But beside them stands something else: the hopes of the living. If Council members listen closely, they will hear the cries of their citizens who are rallying for peace, the whispers of families who are longing for safety. A poet once said that the greatest prayer of man is not for victory, but for peace. The United Nations emblem bears not the laurel wreath of a victor, but the olive-branch crown of a peacemaker. I urge the privileged few who sit at this table to be worthy of that crown. The time has come to open the doors of the Chamber and let in the light because without a Security Council that is fit for purpose, the world is in grave danger. It is our duty to forge a body that can meet the challenges of the next 80 years — one that delivers justice and safety for all. Paul Antonio, the mechanic, never sat at this table. He never gave a speech or signed a treaty. But he believed in everyone here; he believed in the Council members. I urge them to honour that trust and to make the Chamber worthy of the hopes of every man, woman and child.

I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Russian Federation. Exactly 80 years ago to the day, on 24 October 1945, the Charter of the United Nations entered into force. The document laid the foundation for the modern global order, which not only turned the page on the most destructive war in human history but also ruled out — thus far, at least — a repeat of such a heinous tragedy on a similar scale. The United Nations Charter was the fruit of the collective determination of States to set aside ideological differences for the sake of future generations and agree the principles for international cooperation on the basis of equality and justice, free from the dictates or hegemony of any State or group of States. Since then, the United Nations has come a long way. Under its auspices, the process of decolonization was effected, bringing independence to more than 80 erstwhile Over the past 80 years, the United Nations has been marked by success and failure and highs and lows. The greatest disappointment, in our view, is the unresolved nature of what is probably the most long-standing issue on the United Nations agenda: the question of Palestine. Despite every effort, we have yet to achieve the creation of an independent Palestinian State, the return of Palestinian refugees or the establishment of peace in that long-suffering land. It is important to prevent this prospect from being erased and replaced by other schemes that deprive the Palestinians of their own State. The end of the cold war marked a serious test for the United Nations and the international relations system as a whole. Instead of using the end of the ideological and military confrontation between the two blocs to create a truly equitable system of international relations, for which the Charter provides, certain players assumed the role of world hegemon, policeman and adjudicator, attempting to impose a unipolar world and an order grounded in rules that they themselves had set and with which they sought to supplant international law. Systematic and gross violations of the principle of sovereign equality of States have steadily undermined faith in justice and led to crises and conflicts. In an effort to preserve its waning influence and dominance, the West divided the world into “us” and “them”, “democracies” and “autocracies” and into a group of “chosen ones” and “violators” of the order they had imposed. As a result, unfortunately, many of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations now exist only on paper. The collective West has still not abandoned those approaches, which are fuelling fresh strife and instability. NATO countries did not stop at the bombing of Yugoslavia, which undermined international law, but have steadily shifted the “Overton window” so as to normalize the use of force and tools for intervening in the internal affairs of States. From the invasion of Iraq and the staging of “colour revolutions”, to the recent bombing of Iran, they have justified their criminal deeds on the grounds of fighting “dictatorships”, “terrorism” and ephemeral “threats” and continue to do so. However, in reality, these adventures have always entailed tragedy for millions and new hotbeds of instability, depriving people of the hope of justice and a bright future. Of course, violations of the Charter of the United Nations and other rules of international law directly affect the role of the United Nations. Its authority, nimbleness and legitimacy have come under repeated strain. Trends of bloc confrontation and, worse still, double standards and the selective interpretations and cherry-picking of the principles of the Charter have re-emerged. There have also been increasingly frequent attempts to undermine the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations by imposing the participation of non-governmental actors, with a number of countries trying to place the opinions of such entities on the same footing as those of States, in violation of the Charter. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that all efforts by the West to turn the clock back and entrench its own global hierarchy and to erase and rewrite everything that the founding fathers of the United Nations agreed 80 years ago are meeting with increasingly noticeable resistance on the part of the global majority. There is a growing demand for genuine multilateralism and equitable cooperation with due In this context, we see no alternative to measures aimed at restoring trust and building international dialogue based on the Charter, with the central coordinating role being played by the United Nations, which must find new impetus. It is our shared responsibility to prevent further deterioration of the international situation, which exponentially increases the risks of escalation with all the ensuing consequences. This must be done for the sake of future generations. However, as in the past, we must first reaffirm the consensus on the basic parameters of international cooperation. In this regard, we are very pleased with the statement delivered earlier today, namely the statement by President of the Security Council on the occasion of the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations (S/PRST/2025/7), which was prepared on the initiative of the Russian Federation. It is important that in this document, Council members reached consensus on the need to fully implement the purposes and principles of the Charter in their entirety and to respond comprehensively to threats to international peace and security, which must include addressing the root causes of international conflicts. We are grateful to all members of the Security Council for supporting this Russian initiative and for their constructive contributions to fine-tuning the document. The challenges of our time cannot be surmounted without involving the United Nations as a unique coordinating mechanism for finding collective solutions. Restoring trust in the United Nations can be achieved only through good-faith negotiations, the implementation of intergovernmental decisions and through adapting the United Nations system to changing realities, with a leading role played by Member States. That is why Secretary-General António Guterres’ UN80 Initiative must be implemented under close national oversight and in full compliance with the resolutions and decisions by United Nations bodies. It is also vitally important to ensure that the prerogatives of the Security Council are not called into question. After all, it is the Security Council that, in accordance with the Charter, bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It is only by adhering to the Charter that we can transition as painlessly as possible to genuine and effective multilateralism, which will benefit all nations. The lofty goals of strengthening the multilateral world order must be underpinned by concrete measures to restore professional diplomacy, a culture of dialogue, the ability to listen and to hear and the development of crisis communication channels. We have a foundation for that, which is the Charter of our Organization. If all States, without exception, follow its letter and spirit, implementing all its provisions and not just those that suit them, the United Nations will be able to overcome current differences and find common ground on most issues. We invite interested partners to engage in candid discussion and vigorous work that will lead us to tangible results in the interests of global peace and the prosperity of all humankind. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. Eighty years ago on this day, the United Nations was born, with a Charter that remains timeless. It was a time when the world was yearning for peace, as nations lay in ruins in the aftermath of the Second World War. The United Nations, it was hoped, would save future generations from another world war. Despite the criticisms, struggles and setbacks over these past eight decades, our United Nations has delivered. Across every region — Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific — the presence of the United Nations is felt. There is not a single country that is untouched by the work of the United Nations. On this note, I thank every United Nations staff member and the network of international and national organizations that support them for their positive contributions to the lives of people worldwide. We pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate price in service to humankind. One important lesson that we have all learnt in the past 80 years is that multilateralism is the only path to building a world that is safe, peaceful, just and prosperous for all people, no matter the circumstances or place of their birth. It is by working together, based on mutual respect, cooperation and shared responsibility, that we are afforded the best chance of realizing the aspirations of our countries and peoples. The United Nations has been, and must remain, the premier forum for multilateralism, where we gather and join efforts in the pursuit of these goals. In convening this meeting today, Mr. President, you have raised some critical questions for us to consider. Our ability to address them together will be instructive in determining the future of multilateralism and the world we will leave for future generations. Will our collective legacy be one of wilful ignorance or one of making the right choices at the right time? With this in mind, allow me to share a few ideas that Guyana, as a small, developing nation, wishes to contribute to this discussion. First, let us start right here  — the Security Council must be reformed. Notwithstanding the expansive breadth of the work of the United Nations, the reality is that the success or failure of the United Nations as a whole is judged in large measure through the action, or lack thereof, of the Security Council. Regrettably, the Council is increasingly seen to be failing in its sacred responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. We have, in recent years, borne witness to a proliferation of armed conflicts — the highest number since the Second World War, according to the Global Peace Index. At the same time, there is a growing inability of Council members to reach consensus on some of the most critical issues. This is often not even owing to a lack of strong political will in the Organization as a whole but rather the way the Council is configured, with five permanent members having veto power. This presents serious impediments whenever the Council is expected to respond decisively to some of the most urgent security situations. In no other international structure in the world can 6.6 per cent of the vote cancel out 93.3 per cent. The structure of the Security Council has therefore come to undermine the very global norms and principles it was created to uphold. The world has changed vastly over the past eight decades, and the Council has not adapted to reflect or respond to the changes that have ensued. The non- or under-representation of certain regions must be corrected in any reform plan. Guyana therefore supports an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, including permanent Secondly, we must uphold and promote the notion that national interest and international cooperation are not opposing concepts. While it can prove challenging at times to persuade some leaders to place the collective good above what may seem beneficial for their own nation’s prosperity, the interconnected nature of today’s world makes this imperative. The reality is that our most urgent global challenges are not confined to national borders. We are all connected. Conflict in one region can drive food insecurity in another. Advancing the common interest, therefore, is ultimately in everyone’s national interest. While some of the mechanisms for international and regional cooperation have underperformed in their effectiveness, we cannot afford to retreat. It is we, as the international community, that can make them effective. Harnessing global trade, responding to climate change, addressing terrorism and adjusting to rapid technological development require collaborative efforts and strong partnerships. Thirdly, we must address the Organization’s financial strains. The UN80 Initiative put forward by the Secretary-General, if implemented as envisioned, will reduce overlapping mandates and redundancies in the system and eliminate inefficiencies. A nimbler United Nations means a United Nations that can more effectively respond to global challenges. Yet, we must recognize that what we are asking of the United Nations in 2025 is a far cry from what was envisioned in 1945. Therefore, as the Organization has grown and expanded based on the mandates that we have created, so too must our contributions. Each Member State must meet its financial obligations. Likewise, we must also be responsible and realistic in creating and maintaining mandates. The United Nations cannot always be everything to everyone, but we must never fail those who are most in need. In conclusion, 80 years ago, when our forefathers were faced with a planet shattered by war, their wise actions led to the creation of a system that has done incalculable good. We are now facing a new — if not equally critical — moment, and many have concluded that if the United Nations did not exist, we would have to create it. Let us, then, recalibrate together on the strong foundation bequeathed to us and build a United Nations that is fit to respond to the realities of the twenty-first century. And if ever we tire of this undertaking, let us remember that the United Nations is us, and we are the United Nations. Happy United Nations Day.

I thank the Secretary-General for his powerful words. Eighty years ago, representatives from around the globe came together in common cause to establish the United Nations. The task was as momentous as it was visionary: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to uphold fundamental human rights, to maintain justice and respect for international law and to promote social progress and better standards of life. Denmark was part of that historic moment. Our commitment to this vision remains as firm as it was 80 years ago. Since the inception of the United Nations, the world has made tremendous progress. Yet, in recent years, the purposes and principles of this Organization have been fundamentally challenged like never before. We need look no further than Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues in blatant The United Nations has never been lacking in blueprints or in frameworks for action. Throughout history, it has consistently adapted to changing realities. Today’s context is no different. We have the Sustainable Development Goals, a universal call to action to ensure peace and prosperity. We have the Pact for the Future, a bold and ambitious design to revitalize global governance. We have the UN80 reform initiative, a necessary and timely effort to ensure that we remain fit for purpose. What is needed now, as ever, is implementation. As a Council, we must also reflect on our ability to fulfil our mandate, to ask ourselves: where are we succeeding, and where and how are we failing? Too often, we have been unable to act to alleviate immense suffering, owing to the veto. We must ensure that the veto never stands in the way of action to prevent and to end atrocity crimes. If the Security Council fails to act, the General Assembly must step up and take action. The killings, suffering and injustices in Gaza, Ukraine, the Sudan and beyond are stains on our humanity. Our collective inability to halt them is a damning indictment of our mandate. However, we must remain undeterred. We must work harder to sustain and strengthen the instruments and mechanisms that we have built over the past 80 years. To Denmark, this includes upholding international law and ensuring that human rights underpin the work of the entire United Nations system, in line with the Secretary-General’s call to action for human rights. It also includes maintaining our unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court as core international justice institutions and listening to the voices of civil society. Around this table, it means using the tools already at our disposal, tools such as establishing investigations into disputes, the bold and forward-leaning use of good offices and mediation, horizon-scanning initiatives and early warning mechanisms. Finally, we should not lose sight of the fact that core to the mission of the United Nations is its people — the humanitarians on the ground delivering aid to those in need, the peacekeepers protecting civilians in conflict. Their work does not grab headlines. It is often behind the scenes, but it is crucial. Equally crucial is the person who leads them. The selection of the Secretary-General is much more than filling a position; it is perhaps the most consequential action that the Council will take in the next year. How we come to that decision is also important. It must be transparent and inclusive, building on the important progress made in 2015. After 80 years, it is long past time for a woman to be at the helm of this Organization. In conclusion, let us recall that each of us has undertaken a solemn commitment to uphold the United Nations Charter, and to promote and defend its principles, its purposes and its values. On this eightieth anniversary, let us not only recommit to these principles and values today, but take concrete steps to implement them.

I thank the Secretary-General for his powerful briefing. As we reflect on the eightieth year of the United Nations, there is much to commemorate. No international organization in history has done more to lift people out of poverty, eliminate disease, respond to natural disasters, uphold human rights and prevent conflict. The United Nations has maintained ceasefires, secured peace deals through its good offices and helped support States on everything from To this day, the United Nations remains the primary convening forum for the world, the stage on which we defend international law and seek, as the Charter dictates, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, the equal rights of men and women and of nations, and to respect the obligations arising from other sources of international law. The founding purposes and principles of the United Nations are as essential today as they were 80 years ago, and we must collectively uphold them. We must also seize the opportunity of the Secretary-General’s reform initiative to refocus the Organization and bolster the impact of the United Nations. UN80 must result in a stronger, more effective United Nations, better able to support Governments in tackling the challenges we face today, including complex conflicts, development and the climate and nature crisis. The United Kingdom also believes that the Security Council should be reformed to make it more representative of the world today. We support reforms to both permanent and non-permanent membership. This includes permanent membership for Africa, plus permanent seats for Germany, Japan, India and Brazil. Since the very beginning, the United Kingdom has been committed to supporting the United Nations and its Charter. The first-ever meeting of the Security Council was convened in London in early 1946. It is because of this very commitment that we must highlight the hypocrisy of the Russian Federation positioning itself as a champion of the Charter. It does this while continuing to disrespect the principles of the sovereign equality of States and flagrantly contravening the prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity of another State. This makes a mockery of the very platform we have been given in the Security Council to uphold international law and to maintain peace and security. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the actions of its shadow fleet and its malign activity targeting a wide range of States all raise serious concerns about its adherence to the very Charter it seeks to celebrate today. To be unequivocally clear, all States have an obligation to act in full compliance with the Charter of the United Nations. It is only through a collective commitment and adherence to the Charter that we will learn from the horrors of the past to prevent and resolve conflicts now and for the next 80 years and beyond.

I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important topic: the vision for the future of the United Nations. The United States played a leading role in the founding of the United Nations. For 80 years, the United States has actively worked in the United Nations to promote the cause of peace, after an era of devastating conflicts. This eightieth anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on what the United Nations has become. I recall the words of former United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld: “The United Nations was not created in order to bring us to heaven, but in order to save us from hell.” We should remember those words as we think about the way forward. The United Nations of today is no longer guided by this founding mission and has lost its way. The United Nations is incapable of addressing the wars that still rage on in multiple continents. It has become a bloated bureaucracy, weighed down by inefficiency, excessive spending and a lack of accountability. It has become a forum for the propagation of divisive ideologies that undermine national sovereignty and stir controversy rather than bring Member States together to address issues of common concern. The United States recognizes that United Nations peace operations can be an option to address threats to international peace and security. However, to effectively confront these threats, missions require robust political support and the operational capacity to adapt to evolving political and security dynamics. The Security Council must ensure mandates are designed with clear political objectives and measurable benchmarks for success, while countries sustain diplomatic engagement to secure host State cooperation and regional support. It is imperative that we reassess missions that fail to deliver. Accountability, adaptability and transparency are essential for peace operations reform. To address these concerns and wider problems within the United Nations system, the United Nations must return to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations should respect State sovereignty, rather than try to impose unacceptable forms of global governance. The United Nations must increase fiscal transparency, rather than engage in wasteful spending. In other words, the United Nations should serve Member States, rather than have Member States beholden to an unaccountable bureaucracy. The United Nations can become more focused, effective, relevant and efficient by recommitting to its founding purpose of maintaining international peace and security. The United States will continue to reject initiatives that fall outside the purposes of the Charter. As the largest contributor to the United Nations budget throughout its existence, we will prioritize a strong return on our investment, as we expect other countries to do as well. This is a critical moment for the United Nations. Effective leadership will be essential in advancing needed reforms. Looking to the future and the selection of the next Secretary-General, the United States looks forward to a Secretary-General who shares this vision of returning the United Nations to its founding purpose of maintaining international peace and security. The next Secretary-General should reject initiatives that fall outside the Charter’s founding purpose, prioritize accountability and transparency and respect State sovereignty. We believe the process for selection of such an important position should be purely merit-based, with as wide a pool of candidates as possible. With this in mind, the United States invites candidates from all regional groupings. The next Secretary-General should bring the United Nations back to basics and, by so doing, help to achieve the bold vision of peace and prosperity to which we all committed 80 years ago.

I am grateful for your initiative, Mr. President, in convening this timely open debate as we mark the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, an occasion to take stock of the past and, more importantly, to chart a credible course for the future. We congratulate the Russian Federation on the adoption of the presidential statement (S/PRST/2025/7). I thank the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, for his thoughtful briefing. Sierra Leone acknowledges his principled and steady leadership at a moment of profound international strain. On this United Nations Day, Sierra Leone congratulates all Member States, the Secretary-General and United Nations staff. For eight decades the Charter’s ideals — peace, justice and human progress — have animated a shared endeavour that continues to shape lives across the world. Sierra Leone’s commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, to international law and to genuine multilateral solidarity remains unwavering. We recall with pride our admission in September 1961 as the 100th Member State. For a newly independent State, joining the United Nations was not a mere symbol; it was an affirmation that sovereignty is safest within a community of nations. Over the decades, the United Nations has helped to avert global catastrophe, promoted dialogue over confrontation and advanced decolonization, development and human rights. For Sierra Leone, this journey and history are personal. During our civil conflict, the United Nations stood with us. As the Secretary-General mentioned in his briefing, and it bears repeating, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, mandated by the Council to support the Peace Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, disarmed more than 75,000 combatants, helped to re-establish State authority and supported credible elections. The Special Court for Sierra Leone and our Truth and Reconciliation Commission — both supported by the United Nations  — advanced justice and reconciliation. The closure of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone in 2014 marked a rare and notable transition from conflict to peace, achieved through a multilateral partnership. The aforementioned reflects the statement delivered at the eightieth General Assembly general debate by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, who recalled that when the United Nations rises to the challenge, lives are saved (see A/80/PV.6). Looking ahead, we must be candid: the world is far from peaceful. Devastating conflict, widening inequalities, climate emergencies, disruptive technologies and frayed trust in institutions are testing our collective resolve. The United Nations must not only be a venue for debate but also an engine for action and delivery — for peace, for people and for the planet. The Charter is a compass. Its principles — sovereign equality, the non-use of force, the peaceful settlement of disputes and collective action  — must guide us consistently and without selectivity. International humanitarian law and human rights law must be upheld. Civilians, humanitarian workers and peacekeepers must be protected. Accountability for grave violations cannot be optional, and international judicial institutions  — the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court — must be supported in their independence. Peace and development are inseparable. We will not sustain peace if poverty, injustice and exclusion persist. Sierra Leone therefore supports the accelerated delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals and the reform of the international financial architecture to enable fairer access to finance, debt relief and predictable resources for development and climate action. Rebuilding trust also requires renewal within our own house. Nowhere is reform more urgent than in the Security Council. Africa  — the largest regional group and the region most frequently on the Council’s agenda — remains excluded from permanent representation. This is unjust and inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Charter’s principles. Sierra Leone reaffirms the Common African Position on Security Council reform, as set out in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, demanding at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the prerogatives of permanent membership, and two additional non-permanent seats. This is not a plea for pity but a plea and a demand for legitimacy — one that bears direct relevance to the Council’s credibility and effectiveness. We remain grateful for the broad support expressed by Member States and regional groups, including that expressed today. As regards peace and security, we must shift from reaction to prevention, address root causes, invest in mediation and sustain peace, from early warning to post-conflict recovery. The Peacebuilding Commission is central to this continuum. Sierra Leone will continue to champion its work. In terms of climate and security, the threat is immediate and existential. Rising seas, floods, drought and resource scarcity are driving instability and displacement. Climate action is therefore integral to conflict prevention. We call for the full implementation of climate agreements, scaled financing for adaptation and resilience and regular climate-security analysis across United Nations operations. As to digital technologies and artificial intelligence, Sierra Leone welcomes the Global Digital Compact’s focus on universal connectivity, responsible innovation and governance grounded in human rights and international law. Technology must narrow divides and serve humankind. The future of multilateralism must be inclusive. Sierra Leone is committed to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace and political processes and to ensuring that young people are partners in decision-making and not merely its beneficiaries. At 80, the United Nations is not a relic; it is a living instrument capable of renewal. The UN80 Initiative should not be ceremonial; it must become a binding commitment to a United Nations that is more representative, more effective and more resilient. We therefore call on all Member States to turn aspiration into action, uphold the Charter without selectivity, advance institutional reform, especially that of the Security Council, invest in peacebuilding, climate resilience, digital inclusion and the empowerment of women and youth and strengthen the United Nations as the indispensable centre for harmonizing the actions of nations. The Council must lead, setting aside narrow interests and honouring its primary responsibility for international peace and security in the interest of all humankind. As the late Secretary-General Kofi Annan reminded us, we share a common destiny that we can master only together. In honouring the founders’ vision and the commitments of the Pact for the Future, let us renew our resolve to save succeeding generations so that the United Nations of tomorrow is stronger, fairer and more united than the one that we inherited. I wish everyone a happy United Nations Day.

I thank the Secretary-General for sharing his valuable insights. As we celebrate 80 years since the founding of the United Nations, the number itself carries the weight of history. For eight decades, the United Nations has stood at the centre of collective efforts to advance peace, human rights and development. This is especially meaningful to the Republic of Korea, as our modern history has been inseparable from that of the United Nations. Liberated from colonial rule in the very year when the United Nations was founded, Korea rose from the scars of division and war with the support of the United Nations. Guided by the universal values of freedom, equality, democracy and human rights — the very principles that the United Nations has championed — Korea transformed from an aid recipient into a donor country. Having thrived under the multilateral framework, we have sought to share our experience and contribute actively within the United Nations. And it With this, I would like to share three reflections. First, the United Nations must continue to evolve and adapt in order to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. It is very true that the international community’s aspiration to maintain international peace and security remains an unfinished task. While the United Nations continues to address traditional challenges, such as preventing and resolving conflicts, promoting human rights, upholding international law and fostering sustainable development, it now faces new and complex emerging threats. To stay effective, the United Nations must go further by focusing on taking concrete action. Today’s emerging challenges, from artificial intelligence and cybertools to disinformation and climate-related risks, are reshaping the very nature of peace. The Security Council in particular has both the responsibility and the potential to address these new security threats. During Korea’s presidency, we brought cybersecurity and artificial intelligence into the Council’s discussions as part of broader efforts to foster collective action on emerging security issues. Strengthening the United Nations capacity to respond effectively to such evolving challenges is essential to ensuring its continued relevance. Secondly, peace must be understood as a continuum. Today’s security environment demands integrated approaches that combine humanitarian assistance, development and peace efforts, known as the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, to address the root causes of conflicts and foster lasting peace and stability. In this context, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and peace operations remain indispensable in supporting conflict-affected countries and reinforcing the foundations of durable peace. As the informal coordinator between the Security Council and the PBC and as part of the trio initiative together with Denmark and Pakistan, Korea remains committed to advancing these efforts. Peace must also be inclusive, built on the meaningful participation of women, youth and civil society, which forms the foundation for peace that is shared and sustained by all. Thirdly, we must leverage the United Nations convening power in a more focused way to better uphold the principles and norms that have guided our work since the Organization’s founding. For the past 80 years, the United Nations has built a unique legacy of addressing global challenges by bringing together diverse stakeholders, including 193 Member States, international and regional organizations and civil society. This remains the United Nations greatest asset. To make this strength more effective, the United Nations must not remain a talking shop but must act as a body capable of translating dialogue into action and results. In this respect, the Pact for the Future, with its 56 actionable commitments, sets a clear path to modernizing multilateral governance and reinvigorating the United Nations purpose. It must be implemented in a way that gives the text real meaning in practice. Equally important are the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, which remain essential for addressing today’s global crises. Our challenge is not to design a new system but to adhere more faithfully to these principles, such as the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty, the responsibility to protect human rights and the responsible use of the veto power. Indeed, many of today’s challenges come from neglecting these very norms. It is time to return to upholding the values and frameworks that we have advanced through eight decades of collective efforts. The United Nations does not exist merely to mirror the world as it is; it exists to inspire the world as it could be. The United Nations next chapter will depend on our collective resolve to renew its purpose and keep its principles at the heart of our work. In this regard, we believe that the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative presents a timely opportunity to make the United Nations not only more efficient but also agile, coherent and accountable. We also hope that the Security Council can adapt to

Somalia extends its appreciation to the Russian Federation presidency for convening this timely open debate on how we can further realize global solidarity and collective action. We thank the Secretary-General for his illuminating briefing. Indeed, 24 October 1945 marked the beginning of a remarkable new chapter in global diplomacy — the birth of the United Nations, anchored by a Charter that remains a cornerstone of international law, collective security and rules-based multilateral cooperation. This occasion — the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations — is no mere milestone. It is a moment for reckoning and honest reflection. My memory is long. I remember the desperate, tangible hope that swept the globe in 1945 — a hope that those of us in the colonized world watched from afar, told it was not ours to share. But we claimed it. Our scars are particular; they are the scars of the map-makers who carved up our continent and the scars of the freedom fighters who put it back together. In 1960, Somalia entered the family of nations, young and hopeful, embracing the Charter not merely as a text but as a covenant binding all of humankind, ourselves included. Eight decades ago, the world’s nations looked upon the aftermath of unparalleled destruction and pledged, in the very first sentence of our Charter, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Somalia associates itself wholly with that aspiration. It is based on this promise that we address the Security Council today. We placed our faith in this institution as the ultimate guarantor of sovereignty, justice and a rules-based order worthy of its name. That faith is now under strain. My delegation views the current state of the Council with profound concern. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is a stark testament to our collective shortcomings. When the Security Council stands paralysed in the face of such human suffering, it does more than forfeit its mandate — it undermines the very foundation of the Charter. Inaction is not neutrality. Inaction, in the face of atrocity, is complicity. We must address a truth that we have long acknowledged: the structure of the Council is outdated. It does not reflect the changed realities of our world and may not be able, as presently constituted, to fulfil all of its responsibilities. The international order has undergone a significant transformation, with emerging Powers playing increasingly prominent roles on the global stage. As we confront a spectrum of modern challenges, from terrorism to cyberwarfare, it is imperative that our security architecture respond with inclusivity, effectiveness and a renewed sense of legitimacy. As we mark this milestone eightieth anniversary, our delegation’s message is at once a tribute to the past and a call to action for the future. In this spirit, we respectfully urge consideration of four essential steps. First, there must be a return to the founding compass of the Charter of the United Nations. Our impasse in the face of multiple, interlocking crises is an abrogation of the core tenets of the United Nations Charter. The Security Council must act resolutely in the face of human suffering. We must seek a renewed commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, as mandated by the Charter, and embrace the ideals of cooperation, multilateralism and a renewed spirit of unity in the Security Council. Secondly, together with the African Union, Somalia calls for comprehensive reform of the Security Council, including expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership. We insist that Africa must be allocated Thirdly, there is a need for a holistic approach to peace that addresses its roots. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without confronting deeply rooted inequalities  — political, economic and social. We must invest in prevention, not just response, and prioritize predictable resources and political will. Genuine peacekeeping requires close, predictable cooperation with regional organizations, such as the African Union, by enhancing and supporting African Union-led peace support operations. Fourthly, the construction of strong economic foundations for lasting peace is essential. Unfortunately, the world economic order has been, and still is, structured in favour of developed countries, and that situation is likely to continue unless the United Nations takes bold, significant steps. Sustainable peace demands structural economic change, fairer trade, reformed financial institutions and relief of debt that drains vital resources from developing world economies. Institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund operate under structures that marginalize developing countries. If we desire progress, these structures must change so that those most affected finally have a voice in shaping their destiny. In conclusion, on this eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, we are at a crossroads in terms of realizing the Charter’s purposes and principles. We must confront questions of credibility, adaptability and legitimacy head-on, not by retreating from multilateralism, but by recommitting to it through reform and innovation. Somalia stands ready to help write the next chapter — one rooted in founding ideals, cooperation, multilateralism and a renewed spirit of unity in the Security Council. Lastly, Somalia appeals to all people of goodwill, of all walks of life, of all races, religions and creeds, and to the young generations of all nationalities, to rise to the occasion and support organizations like the United Nations, take charge and save this beautiful planet of ours for generations to come. Happy United Nations Day.

I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks and for his leadership. Eleanor Roosevelt once said that it is not enough to talk about peace, that one must believe in it, and that it is not enough just to believe in it, but that one must work at it. With this, she perfectly captured the spirit and determination of the founders of the United Nations. An international architecture permanently working on peace was needed — a system to save us and future generations from war. The Charter of the United Nations, born out of those convictions, remains an inspiring document. It was fit to address the challenges of 80 years ago, and it is fit to tackle today’s. This truly amazing feat of legal and diplomatic engineering reflects the wisdom and foresight of its authors. The Charter, this tiny booklet, and the impressive Organization that sprang from it, are on everyone’s mind in this Chamber today. While the horrors of the World Wars dictated a new approach to international relations, they also taught us that humanity could only be saved from the scourge of war if human rights are respected and protected, if the dignity of every person is upheld, if international obligations are honoured, if better standards of life are attainable and if there is freedom for all. One hundred and ninety-three of us have ratified the Charter. Unfortunately, many have forgotten its contents or chosen to ignore it outright. In parallel, conflicts are running at an all-time high, with unprecedented civilian casualties and without accountability. Since Slovenia entered the Council, we have been asking ourselves how to reinvigorate the spirit that prevailed after the Second World War and how I will make two points about how Slovenia sees the future of the United Nations. First, the achievements of the past must be protected. Peace and cooperation are not a given — we must work for them each and every day. We also need to give credit where credit is due. We should not forget the remarkable accomplishments that the United Nations has delivered throughout the decades: the progressive development of international law, the deployment of peacekeeping operations, the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid, the prosecution of war crimes, fostering sustainable development, combating climate change, and the list goes on. However, the mounting violations of the Charter and international law in Ukraine, Gaza, the Sudan and elsewhere are putting these achievements at risk. These breaches of international law and disregard for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, especially women, children and older persons, threaten to drive our world into disorder and chaos. If we are unable to ensure accountability for violations of the Charter, the future will indeed be grim. Secondly, the Organization must be equipped to recognize and tackle the profound global transformation that we are witnessing. Climate change, environmental degradation and water-related risks can fuel conflicts. Cyberattacks can cripple critical infrastructure and bring whole societies to a standstill. Terrorism continues to threaten the well-being of our citizens. These security concerns do not stop at our borders. They represent a common and global threat to peace and security that calls for collective action. The Council cannot afford to shy away from addressing them. Humanity’s best option for tackling the future and the challenges it brings is to maintain and further strengthen the United Nations umbrella. For this reason, Slovenia supports the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative, striving for a more responsive, efficient and resilient United Nations. In the same vein, we emphasize the need to implement the Pact for the Future, including reform of the Council to make it more transparent, inclusive and accountable. Let me conclude by underlining that we will strengthen the United Nations most effectively by abandoning double standards. If a Member State holds dear the principle of territorial integrity, let it afford it to its neighbour too. If sovereignty is on the tip of its tongue, allow it for everyone else as well. If it truly values the peaceful settlement of disputes, agree to a ceasefire. The Organization was founded on the conviction that humanity is capable of more than the pursuit of unilateral interest. For the United Nations to truly work, each one of us must be willing to set aside certain differences and leave some baggage behind. Perhaps we shall feel inspired by the words of Trygve Lie: “I shall take all the troubles of the past, all the disappointments, all the headaches, and I shall pack them in a bag and throw them in the East River”. Let us look towards the future with optimism, and let us work together towards common goals.

Allow me to start by underlining that this debate comes at a crucial juncture for the United Nations. The current year carries special weight since we are celebrating the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations. Moreover, the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative is a timely call for ambitious reform to make the Organization more effective, transparent and accountable. Greece stands fully behind this vision. Allow me to make the following points. It is unfortunate that the permanent member of the Security Council that convened this meeting has for more than three years now waged an unjustified, illegal and full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, with a devastating toll primarily on Ukrainian civilians and with spillover effects in the wider region and across the world. Greece remains steadfast in its commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the Charter and international law. In this context, we recall an enduring truth: might cannot make right. For us, there can be no ambiguity: international law is and must remain the cornerstone of peace and stability. As a maritime nation, we attach particular importance to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea  — the constitution of the oceans — the universal and unified character of which provides the legal framework within which all activities at sea must be carried out. Its centrality is not merely a matter of legal doctrine but of the very credibility of the United Nations as a guardian of order and justice in international relations. The United Nations today faces a profound crisis of confidence, not only among Member States but also in the eyes of citizens around the world. To overcome this, we must revive a genuine culture of dialogue, strengthen cooperation between the General Assembly and the Security Council and ensure that collective solutions prevail over unilateral action. The Council must remain at the core of the United Nations. Yet it is weakened by the repeated use of the veto. Greece supports initiatives to restrict such use when genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing or crimes against humanity are at stake. At the same time, the selection of the next Secretary-General must be conducted with transparency, inclusivity, gender parity and balanced geographical representation, ensuring a merit-based process worthy of the Organization. The United Nations must continue to adapt to the defining challenges of our century. From climate change and maritime security to cyberthreats, disinformation and the protection of children in the digital age, global issues demand global responses. The Organization must remain the central forum for setting norms, sharing best practices and coordinating collective action. No vision for the future of the United Nations can neglect the centrality of human rights. Greece will continue to advocate for the protection of children affected by armed conflict, strengthen accountability and promote reintegration efforts, ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind. We will also continue to champion the rights of women and girls and to advocate for stronger mechanisms to protect journalists and ensure freedom of expression. Equally, sustainable development must remain at the heart of the mission of the United Nations. Progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is far off track, and the Organization must remain the engine for financing technology transfer and capacity-building. Climate change — the defining challenge of our time — must be fully integrated into peace and security deliberations, including peace operations. At the same time, the digital revolution demands urgent governance. Greece advocates for a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence based on transparency, ethics and accountability. It would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to those men and women who serve under the United Nations flag and honour the memory of those who have fallen in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice. We thank them. Finally, as my Prime Minister told the General Assembly: “Let us not be the sleepwalkers of our time, for, this time, there may be no way back. Instead, let us prove that we have the vision, courage, and resolve to build a world of peace, security and shared prosperity, worthy of the generations to come” (see A/80/PV.10).

I thank the Secretary-General for his statement, which reminded the Security Council of its duties and responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations. It has been 80 years since the Second World War ended and our Charter made a commitment to the peoples of the world that never again would might prevail over right. The United Nations is the foundation of this open multilateralism, based on universal values and governed by law. The world of 2025 is no longer the world of 1945; we must adapt our Organization, without betraying its ideals. We live in a time when the most elementary principles are being trampled underfoot. In Europe, Russia is violating the principles of the Charter. For more than three and a half years, it has been waging a war of aggression against a sovereign State, Ukraine, committing unjustifiable abuses there. France once again calls on Russia to halt its illegal offensive and uphold the Charter by forever respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Respect for international law is an imperative. It is the condition for a civilized international community and the guarantee of respect for the rights of all. As conflicts spread, crises of international humanitarian law and human rights, so dangerously flouted in Gaza, Ukraine and the Sudan, are proliferating. That is why we reiterate our commitment to the role of the International Court of Justice, whose decisions contribute to the peaceful settlement of disputes, and our determination to implement the global initiative on international humanitarian law jointly with the International Committee of the Red Cross. For the same reason, the fight against impunity throughout the world must continue. France supports the mechanisms established by the United Nations and the work of the International Criminal Court — a pillar of the global system of international criminal justice. France believes that the three missions of the United Nations are inextricably intertwined and equally important under the Charter: to maintain international peace and security, to promote human rights and to foster the conditions for sustainable development. Maintaining peace and security is at the heart of the Council’s mandate. It must shoulder that responsibility. Today, I should like to emphasize peacekeeping, which has been called into question. Everywhere, peacekeeping missions created by the Council support stabilization and peace processes, such as in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Central African Republic and elsewhere. This undertaking also takes new forms: by creating the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, the United Nations has contributed to peacekeeping through its strategic and operational expertise. Let us preserve this proven tool by providing it with the capacities it needs and adapting its methods of action. Both the affirmation of the law and the modernization of the tools at the disposal of the United Nations will make our collective action more effective. In the face of the excesses, fragmentation and disorder in the world, we must be guided by a multilateralism of values in law and action. France will continue to play its full part tirelessly, together with its partners and all States of goodwill.

We thank the Russian Federation for convening this open debate on a topic of critical interest to all Member States, and we welcome the adoption of the presidential statement coinciding with United Nations Day (S/PRST/2025/7). We thank the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks. From Paul Antonio to António Guterres, we hear the same message of peace, justice and humanity. In 1945, as humanity emerged from the darkest and most destructive war in history, it became clear that lasting peace required a fundamental shift in the conduct of international relations. The world could no longer be shaped by the unilateral whims of a few powerful States. Instead, it had to be guided by universally accepted rules grounded in a shared conviction that even the strongest must restrain themselves from acting solely at will and that collective efforts undertaken in a spirit of cooperation are more effective and far greater than the sum of individual actions. It was this very recognition that nurtured the multilateral spirit and found institutional expression in the creation of the United Nations. The founders of the Organization envisioned an international order rooted in peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, collective security, justice and human dignity. Yet today, that noble vision is being tested like seldom before. Over the past eight decades, the United Nations has served as an indispensable pillar in advancing our shared aspirations for peace and security, human rights and development. From enshrining the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination and supporting struggles against colonialism and foreign occupation, to affirming the dignity and worth of every individual, the United Nations has left an indelible imprint across virtually every dimension of international affairs. We are witnessing an era of deepening inequalities, the erosion of international law, growing economic fragility and rising mistrust among major powers. At the same time, climate threats, pandemics, cybervulnerabilities and the emergence of artificial intelligence and new technologies are reshaping the global landscape. Yet multilateralism is under stress when, in fact, international cooperation is most urgently needed to tackle the common challenges confronting humanity. In our interconnected world, if some are insecure, we will all be vulnerable. It was therefore gratifying to hear the ringing endorsement of multilateralism and support for the United Nations from the world leaders during the high-level week of the General Assembly last month. The best measure of our commitment to multilateralism is to strengthen the role of the United Nations. Pakistan firmly believes that the United Nations, as the most representative international organization and the quintessential expression of multilateralism, is the premier platform to address multifaceted global issues. We remain steadfastly committed to an international order governed by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. These include the right Nowhere is selective application more glaring than in the denial of justice to the people of Palestine and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute, among the longest-standing items on the Council’s agenda, remains unresolved despite numerous Security Council resolutions guaranteeing the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination through a United Nations-supervised plebiscite. The Kashmiris rightfully look to the international community and particularly to the Council to deliver what was promised to them more than seven decades ago. Let me recall that under Article 25 of the Charter, Member States are obliged to implement Security Council decisions. Yet the continued disregard is eroding trust in the multilateral system. Similarly, the prolonged suffering of the Palestinian people remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for a just and lasting solution. Pakistan hopes that the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, complemented by the ongoing peace efforts led by the United States and Arab-Islamic countries, will lead to a credible political process aimed at achieving an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and international legitimacy. The United Nations Charter provides a full spectrum of peaceful dispute resolution tools under Chapter VI: negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and judicial settlement. The adoption of resolution 2788 (2025), on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, by the Council in July 2025 during Pakistan’s presidency, was a timely reiteration of our collective will and determination to pursue dialogue and diplomacy for the pacific settlement of disputes, in full conformity with the Charter and the expectations of the international community. We must also strengthen the United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding architectures. Pakistan takes pride in its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping over the decades. Looking to the future, the United Nations must remain fit for purpose and accountable, as well as more representative. In this spirit, Pakistan underscores the following. First, the Security Council must be reformed through an inclusive, democratic and consensus-based process that expands elected representation, rejects new permanent privilege and strengthens accountability to the wider membership. Today, nothing is more anachronistic than the individual permanent members that pursue their own national interests, represent nobody and are accountable to no one. The overwhelming majority of United Nations Members believe that this is the fundamental problem facing the Security Council. It would not be disingenuous to suggest that instead of addressing this problem, we could end up aggravating it by adding new individual permanent members. Those permanent members that seem open to expanding their exclusive club, primarily in an effort to try to preserve their own outdated position of privilege, must instead declare a commitment to genuine reform, abandon privilege and be part of the democratic mainstream. The African model of regional representation, reflecting unity and regional consensus, on the other hand, is different from the pursuit of power and privilege by some individual countries in other regions, and we therefore see that in a positive light. Secondly, as the most representative organ of the United Nations, the General Assembly must be empowered to assume a more decisive role in shaping global Thirdly, the global financial and economic governance must be restructured on equitable, inclusive and democratic foundations. We reiterate the urgent need to reform international financial institutions to ensure fair access to concessional financing, meaningful debt relief and a more balanced allocation of special drawing rights. Lastly, the accelerating pace of scientific and technological innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, presents both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks. It is imperative that international regulatory frameworks be established to ensure that these technologies are harnessed for peaceful, ethical and development-oriented purposes. They must not widen existing digital divides or exacerbate threats to global peace and security. In conclusion, the world order envisioned in the United Nations Charter must be reinforced through a stronger, more representative multilateral system that upholds justice, peace and equitable development. As we mark 80 years of the United Nations, we must revive the spirit of San Francisco and make this Organization truly fit for the future. Pakistan stands ready to work with all nations towards this shared objective.

China welcomes Russia’s initiative to convene this open debate and thanks Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. On United Nations Day and the eightieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Charter of the United Nations it is important for us to reflect upon history, take stock of lessons learned and chart a course for the future. Eighty years ago, humankind emerged from the ruins of the Second World War and, aspiring to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, came together to establish the United Nations. This was a significant collective decision by the international community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in human history. Over the past eight decades, the United Nations membership has expanded from 51 to 193, making it the most universal, representative and authoritative intergovernmental organization. Multilateralism has enjoyed broad consensus, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter have been widely embraced. The United Nations has made an indelible contribution to world peace and development. Today, 80 years later, the ideals envisioned in the Charter remain unfulfilled. The world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. A multitude of global challenges have arisen, thick and fast. The global governance system is under severe strain, and the United Nations has come to a crossroads at which much is at stake. At this defining moment, President Xi Jinping has solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative, a profound answer to the major questions of our times: what kind of global governance system to build and how to reform and improve global governance. It presents China’s solution to how to address the widening global governance deficit and advance the establishment of a more just and equitable global governance system. First, we should adhere to the principle of sovereign equality. The sovereignty and dignity of all nations, regardless of size, strength and wealth, should be equally respected; they are equal participants, decision makers and beneficiaries in global governance. Thirdly, we should practice multilateralism. We should promote greater solidarity to break down small cliques. Global affairs should be managed through extensive consultation. The governance system should be jointly built and its benefits shared by all. Fourthly, we should advocate the people-centred approach. We should reform and improve the global governance system to continuously provide people with confidence and stable expectations, as well as a growing sense of security, fulfilment and happiness. Fifthly, we should focus on taking real action. We should concentrate on the pressing issues of the day, adopt a holistic and systematic approach, coordinate global actions, put forward pragmatic and effective solutions and strive for more visible outcomes. The Global Governance Initiative is in line with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. It aims to foster closer solidarity and coordination within the international community and enable a more robust response to the challenges of our times. It provides important guidance for the future development of the United Nations. Looking ahead to the next 80 years, instead of talking the talk, we must walk the walk and support the United Nations as it embarks on a new journey. We need to build a United Nations that safeguards peace and security. The United Nations should advocate a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable approach to security, while promoting respect for one another’s legitimate security concerns, replacing the pursuit of military might with dialogue and consultation and overcoming bloc confrontation through unity and cooperation. The Security Council should make full use of the tools that the Charter provides and effectively fulfil its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. We need to build a United Nations that tackles challenges and difficulties. The United Nations should place development at the core of the international agenda, mobilize global resources, strengthen coordination and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We should uphold the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and promote the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement. We should adhere to a people-centred approach, harness technology for the common good, ensure fairness and inclusiveness and support the United Nations in playing a central role in the global governance of artificial intelligence. We need to build a United Nations that upholds fairness and justice. We must adhere to genuine multilateralism. The United Nations should remain the primary global platform for the joint development of international rules, governance of global affairs and distribution of the fruits of development. We must follow the historical trend of the collective rise of the global South and amplify the voices and representation of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries. We need to build a United Nations that is efficient, pragmatic and authoritative. The United Nations should decisively reform itself, address outdated practices and entrenched problems and adapt to the needs of the times. It must prioritize the interests of its Member States, adopt a problem-oriented approach, improve its working methods and strongly encourage frugality. By genuinely enhancing its operational efficiency and capacity to fulfil its mandate, the United Nations can consolidate its standing and restore its authority through concrete achievements.

We thank the Russian presidency for convening this timely open debate on “The United Nations Organization: looking into the future”, as part of the eightieth anniversary of the Organization and specifically in the Chamber of the Security Council, with the participation of the entire membership, which is necessary to contribute diversity and drive the winds of change. Likewise, we salute and thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his detailed briefing, which depicts a landscape that should give us food for thought and spur us to take timely action on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations. In addition to being inspirational, his speech today calls on us to live up to that laurel wreath depicted in the emblem. To the Secretary-General, we say: we are listening. It is precisely the Charter that is a commitment that binds us all alike. The sovereign equality of States, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the prohibition of the threat or use of force and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law do not allow for selective or opaque interpretation or double standards. That being so, and throughout the 80 years of the Organization’s existence, decisions have been the responsibility of Member States and, as is the case for any human creation, there have been successes and failures in fulfilling the mandate that we conferred on the Organization in 1945. In that regard, our joint responsibility for this matter should be acknowledged, given that the success or failure of the United Nations rests on our shoulders — a fact that compels us to think outside of the predetermined parameters and change course to bolster the Organization’s credibility at a time of mounting scepticism about its effectiveness. We recall that with the veto comes a special responsibility: it must be cast on an exceptional basis and in line with the Charter. Panama supports initiatives in favour of the exercise of restraint in cases of mass atrocities and the timely referral of such cases to the General Assembly when the Council fails to act. Even in the event of disagreement, initiatives that put the protection of civilians first must not be obstructed. Panama also supports the changes effected in the various workstreams put forward by Secretary-General António Guterres as part of the UN80 process, in particular the necessary cuts to the highest echelons of the Organization and the merging of some departments, while also taking note of his efforts to reduce the duplication of tasks. However, it falls to Member States to effect the changes to these mandates, including their reduction and changes to their focus. It is our collective responsibility to review these mandates and reduce expenditure where appropriate, without affecting those working on the ground, such as the Blue Helmets, humanitarian personnel and mediators, who are toiling night and day in high-risk areas. Today we pay tribute to, and honour, all those who have lost their lives in the course of duty, and we celebrate those who continue to serve with that commitment. Panama recognizes that peacekeeping operations and special political missions are necessary and continue to be the bedrock of the maintenance of international peace and security. Their presence on the ground not only maintains peace but also comprehensively addresses post-conflict situations, which demand an approach that addresses climate, women, peace and security and the rights and human dignity of civilians in conflict, in particular children in armed conflict. Panama is a founding Member of the United Nations, and it has therefore also enjoyed the benefits of multilateralism and the safeguards that it affords to all States — rich or poor, large or small. Through this system and this very Council, Panama regained its full sovereignty, drawing on the Charter of the United Nations and all the tools at its disposal to secure its independence and territorial integrity with the support of the international community. After the departure of foreign troops in 1999, the Panamanian Government turned the land over to the Fundación Ciudad del Saber, which transformed the military facilities into a hub for education, science and sustainable development. For this reason and many others, our country is hosting more than 20 United Nations regional agencies, sharing our vocation for peace, dialogue and service with the world in the form of tangible deeds, contributing infrastructure and financial resources. We reaffirm our intention to reinforce this presence, and we assure Council members that Panama stands ready to host more agencies and more personnel, thereby ensuring that, from this regional hub, the Council will be able continue to pursue efforts to strengthen multilateralism and contribute to conflict resolution, using Panama’s geographical position as a reliable strategic centre. Lastly, looking ahead to the next election of the Secretary-General of this Organization, although there is still a year to go, we must recognize the tireless work of the Secretary-General, António Guterres, who has successfully made important reforms to the three pillars of peace and security, development and human rights. From Panama, we recognize his experience and leadership in these complex times. We are witnesses, especially working with the Secretary-General as members of the Council, of his commitment and dedication, so we take the opportunity of such a symbolic day as today to express to him, on behalf of the Government and the people of Panama, our gratitude and admiration. Therefore, the election of the new Secretary-General must be one of our main concerns. Panama recognizes that there exists a regional and geographical imbalance and remains hopeful that, during this process, the leadership, trajectories and profiles of the developing world will be recognized, particularly the underrepresented Latin American and Caribbean region, when it comes to occupying this important position, which requires extensive knowledge of the global multilateral and political system but also of administration and transparency to direct the reform processes towards a modern, rejuvenated United Nations prepared for present and future challenges. The overlapping conflicts and dire crises in the Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine and the situations in political transition in other regions call us to renew efforts to revitalize the United Nations, building on experience but recognizing that new leadership is required at all levels to ensure that this project, which originated from the result of two bloody wars, lasts eighty more years in peace and prosperity. I wish everyone a happy United Nations Day. Eighty years after the entry into force of the Charter of the United Nations, our collective reflection must focus not only on the Organization’s achievements but also on its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. In this endeavour, the Charter remains the cornerstone of multilateralism and the foundation of international peace and security. Yet its full implementation continues to face serious challenges, including recurrent violations of its purposes and principles, selective approaches to international law and double standards, illustrating the continued divisions within the international community. Moreover, unilateralism, coercive measures, the discriminatory interpretation of Charter principles and the imposition of double standards threaten international trust and undermine the United Nations effectiveness. In this regard, Algeria reiterates its firm conviction that the United Nations must remain a universal and inclusive platform. Strengthening multilateralism requires restoring trust among Member States through respect for the Charter, adherence to international law and a renewed commitment to collective responsibility. Addressing the current crisis of confidence in the multilateral system requires an urgent and comprehensive reform of the Security Council, of this body. Algeria firmly believes that the Council must be reformed in both composition and working methods to ensure greater representativeness, transparency and accountability. Algeria reiterates its call to correct the historical injustice against Africa, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. In this context, Africa’s legitimate aspiration to full representation must be central to any reform. Only through a more democratic, more equitable and more representative Council can we strengthen its legitimacy, credibility and collective resolve. Furthermore, the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly is key to strengthening the overall role of the United Nations, particularly in peace and security matters. The General Assembly, as the most representative organ of our Organization, must be empowered to play its rightful role in advancing preventive diplomacy, mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes. In this regard, Algeria attaches great importance to the advisory role of the International Court of Justice, whose opinions contribute to clarifying complex legal questions and strengthening the rule of law. As the United Nations embarks on the UN80 Initiative, Algeria calls for a reform process that enhances rather than diminishes the Organization’s effectiveness, legitimacy and inclusiveness. Given that the 2030 deadline is looming, any reform must urgently galvanize the United Nations to be more responsive to the needs of developing countries in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, Algeria stresses that the future of the United Nations must be guided by renewed solidarity and multilateral cooperation. This objective is the only viable path forward, prioritizing dialogue over confrontation, consensus over division and justice over selectivity and double standards. In reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter, Algeria stands ready to work with other Member States to build a stronger, more just and more effective United Nations for present and future generations. In this context of the celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, of our Organization, Algeria wishes to commend the leadership of the Secretary-General and deeply appreciates the efforts and sacrifice of United Nations personnel and peacekeepers in upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter

I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait. Sheikh Sabah (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Mr. President, and to the friendly Russian Federation for convening this important meeting, which coincides with the eightieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Charter of the United Nations. This is a timely opportunity to reflect on the progress of the United Nations and to contemplate its future and its role in maintaining international peace and security. The State of Kuwait considers today’s meeting to be consistent with the open debate that it held during its presidency of the Security Council in February 2018, on the theme “Purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter in the maintenance of international peace and security” (see S/PV.8185). In a time of challenges, with crises escalating worldwide, the United Nations remains the greatest humanitarian experiment that has sought to make law and human conscience the basis of relations between States. Despite its shortcomings and failures at numerous junctures, it continues to embody the hope of humankind for a more just and equitable international order. Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of two devastating wars, the will of peoples came together to establish an organization that embodies hope and to adopt a Charter that combines noble purposes and lofty principles, most notably the maintenance of international peace and security, the development of friendly relations among nations, the right of peoples to self- determination, the promotion of human rights, the sovereign equality of States, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the non-use of force and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. Over time, this Charter has been not a mere legal document but rather a moral and humanitarian covenant that reflects the world’s dream of reason prevailing over ignorance, wisdom over brute force and justice over injustice. Despite the existence of this Organization and its noble Charter since 1945, conflicts and wars have not stopped. Today there are approximately 120 conflicts around the world, and injustice still finds its way through gaps of silence and hesitation. At this time, we must recognize the significant positive role of the United Nations system, especially in developing international law, coordinating international humanitarian action, providing development support, promoting sustainable development and establishing peacekeeping operations. These achievements confirm the enduring importance of multilateralism and collective action in confronting global challenges. However, we believe that the future of the United Nations must be based on three fundamental pillars. First, a comprehensive reform of the Organization is imperative in order to enable it to face future challenges and address them effectively and efficiently. Here, we reiterate Kuwait’s support for the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative. In this context, we believe that reforming the Security Council should be at the top of the list of priorities for reforming the United Nations system, to make the Council more representative, fair and transparent, and to reflect the reality of the world and its new balances of power. Secondly, there is a need to enhance the Organization’s preventive and early warning capabilities, specifically preventing conflicts by supporting preventive diplomacy, expanding mediation tools and investing in sustainable development as the real guarantee of lasting peace. I cannot deliver this statement in the Security Council as we discuss the future of this Organization and its role over the past eight decades without recalling with pride one of the most prominent success stories of the United Nations in general, and of the Council in particular. Thirty-five years ago, the Council took a principled and decisive stance and stood by the State of Kuwait and its people in the face of invasion and aggression, in support of the law, truth, justice and legitimacy. It adopted its historic resolutions, which led to the liberation of my country in February 1991. That historic position was a true embodiment of human solidarity and a living translation of the spirit of the United Nations Charter. The leadership, Government and people of the State of Kuwait will always remember this position with loyalty and gratitude, convinced that international cooperation within the framework of this Organization is the best way to maintain international peace and security. In conclusion, the United Nations remains the great home of humankind. Let us hold fast to it, not because it is perfect, but because it still carries within it the message of hope for a tomorrow in which nations coexist on foundations of justice and mutual respect. Let us renew our faith in its Charter and uphold its principles in our consciences. Let us work together to ensure that this Organization remains the cornerstone of multilateralism, a platform for collective action based on dialogue, a vehicle for development and shared prosperity and a bridge to a brighter, more just and peaceful future for all humankind.

I would like to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than three minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate. Eighty years ago, the world came together to build a great ship to navigate humankind away from the wreckage of war. It was a modern-day Noah’s Ark called the United Nations, housing all nations, large and small, in several main chambers and charting the course for peace, freedom and prosperity to all. Over the decades, the ark has managed to sail through turbulent seas, as its foundation was built with the solid timber of international law, its frame guarded by the sovereign equality of all nations. Yet, over the decades, it has also been taken for granted, and its need to revamp and rejuvenate in order to stand afloat has been neglected. Hence, today the ark is listing as it faces even more turbulent storms. Its foundation has been eroded by double standards and by the mindset of might making right. Geopolitical divides have led the ark into uncharted waters, and new forms of storms continue to arise, from climate change to outer space and artificial intelligence, bringing anxiety to many of the nations that seek refuge under the ark. That anxiety grows greater by the day, as the Chamber entrusted to provide direction in navigating international peace and security is often paralysed, and as many of the ark’s members are not recognized as part of the solution. It is time to recalibrate our compass, revamp our machinery and ensure that all voices are heard and that all hands are on deck. In doing so, I wish to underline three points. First, it is necessary to rebuild trust in multilateralism. The purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations must remain our compass. We must recommit to the principles of sovereignty, equality and the peaceful settlement of disputes to guide us through any storms. We cannot allow this ship to drift into Secondly, there is a need to ensure progress for genuine and comprehensive reform. A ship built in 1945 must undergo the necessary repairs to ensure that it meets the demands of 2025, let alone the demands of the future. The United Nations, and especially the Council, must evolve to remain relevant. A reform of the Security Council must not be merely rhetoric echoed in a meeting room. A more effective, more democratic and more representative Council requires us to work together and exercise our flexibility to achieve consensus. The choice is in our hands: raise the mast of reform or sink into irrelevance. Thirdly and lastly, tangible results must be delivered to all humankind. The worth of this ark is not in how many resolutions it carries, but how many lives it saves along the journey. The Council should reverse its failure to act — from Gaza to the Sudan, from Ukraine to Myanmar. The fate of many should not be decided by a single show of hands. The Council must work in synergy with others: with the General Assembly, with the Peacebuilding Commission and with regional organizations. Eighty years on, the United Nations must carry not only the weight of our history, but also the hope of our future. Indonesia will remain steadfast to keep this ark afloat, as a reliable crew member, a builder of bridges among nations and a firm believer that multilateralism will thrive to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

I now give the floor to the representative of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. Eighty years ago in San Francisco, nations scarred by war chose dialogue and diplomacy over domination, and solidarity and cooperation over division. They left us a Charter containing principles that remain our compass today: sovereign equality, non-interference, self-determination, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use and threat of use of force. For our countries, these principles are our shield, our guarantee of survival and the hope of our peoples for a future of dignity and peace. Yet these principles are being eroded before our very eyes. In Palestine, thousands of men, women and children have been murdered. An entire people is being denied its inalienable right to self-determination and even its very right to exist. The Security Council cannot ignore this situation. The State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, within the pre-1967 borders, must finally be recognized by all and admitted as a full State Member of this Organization, on the basis of the two-State solution. Today we are also witnessing attacks against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations, from the so-called pre-emptive strikes against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities to military deployments in the Latin American and Caribbean region, disguised as acts of legitimate defence that seek only to advance regime change policies and revive the infamous Monroe doctrine. These acts, which can supposedly be justified by exceptionalist approaches, such as peace through strength, are clearly incompatible with the United Nations Charter, and they fuel tensions and instability around the world. They do not bring peace. Instead, they bring the world closer to a major conflict, one that we pledged eight decades ago to save succeeding generations from. On this eightieth anniversary, we must not only honour the past but also remember unfulfilled promises and call for collective action to liberate peoples under occupation, put an end to colonial practices in all their forms and establish a truly fair and equitable international economic order. The reform of the United Nations and of the global financial system is necessary to give the voices of the global South the weight that they deserve, be it here in the Security Council or in the Bretton Woods institutions. Making progress in these and many other areas, in which we face common challenges and threats, will guarantee that this Organization does not succumb to the fate of its predecessor. We currently stand at a crossroads. Either we lose our way in a world ruled by might, division and unilateralism, or we save ourselves through multilateralism, cooperation and the law, for a world of compromise, respect, tolerance and mutual understanding that embraces dialogue among civilizations and a genuine culture of peace and non-violence as the way forward. Our Group of Friends chooses that path. We call upon all responsible members of the international community to actively defend the Charter of the United Nations and to avoid convenient interpretations of its principles, to champion peace and to ensure that no nation is left at the mercy of domination or exclusion. Today more than ever, humankind needs the United Nations, its Charter and the spirit of San Francisco. The lesson is clear: peace and development are possible only if we build them together. We conclude by reaffirming our commitment to defending the Charter of the United Nations and passing on to future generations a world in which justice and peace for all prevail.

I now give the floor to the representative of Austria.

As Austria is the host country of one of the United Nations Headquarters offices, multilateralism and support for the United Nations are part of its DNA. As we deeply believe in this Organization, we are convinced that its eightieth anniversary must be an impetus for renewal, not a moment for nostalgia. The world today is not short of crises. If we are to respond effectively, we must face the crisis of confidence in the very institutions designed to preserve peace. It is the elephant in the room that we can no longer afford to ignore. The concept note asks how to overcome this. The answer begins here, in the Council. Let me share some reflections in this regard. First, on the legal dimension, the Charter of the United Nations is not a pick-and- choose menu. It is binding international law, and Article 27, paragraph 3, is clear: a party to a dispute must abstain from voting concerning that very dispute. Ignoring this rule undermines the legitimacy of and trust in this body. If the Security Council is to regain trust, its members must lead by example. Austria has long worked to strengthen this legal backbone, not least through our coordination of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law. Political will also entails the will to lead for peace, in both the Security Council and the Secretariat. Too often, the United Nations is sidelined in processes of conflict resolution. We must entrust the Secretary-General with the necessary authority and political backing to again engage decisively in peacemaking and conflict resolution. We need a United Nations that is present at conflict settings to deliver aid and rebuild, but also, first and foremost, to address the underlying political drivers of conflict, in order to prevent, to mediate and to resolve. Any meaningful reform of this Organization must place peacemaking firmly at the heart of the United Nations. Austria will continue to lead discussions with partners on this topic, including at our upcoming Permanent Representative-level workshop with the International Peace Institute on 12 November. Thirdly, with regard to the operational dimension, while we must retain the United Nations as the primary political forum for peace, the United Nations must also become more networked and integrated with other actors. This is particularly true for its relationship with regional and subregional organizations, such as, but certainly not limited to, the African Union (AU), the European Union, the Arab League and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. These organizations have become increasingly important actors in conflict prevention and resolution. Austria therefore strongly supports resolution 2719 (2023) on the financing of AU-led peace operations and calls on the Council to apply it in relevant conflicts. Fourthly, concerning the financial dimension, resources matter but reform will not succeed if it is understood only as a budgetary exercise. Sustainable financing must go hand in hand with legal integrity, political will and innovation. Money without vision will not build a United Nations fit for our next generation, and neither will no money and no vision. More importantly, the United Nations was conceived as an Organization resting on three pillars: peace and security, development and human rights. Take away one, and the other two will falter. Austria therefore advocates for reforms that preserve this balance, including a fair and equitable arrangement for all offices of the United Nations. Rebuilding trust is not a slogan, but it is a necessity. Austria is willing to do its part, including in this Chamber, if elected to the Council in June 2026.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

At the outset, allow me to express my appreciation to the Russian Federation for convening this open debate on the occasion of the eightieth anniversary of the founding the United Nations. Eighty years ago, the United Nations was established with the noble ideals of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war and promoting friendly relations among nations, based on respect for sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and the right of people to self-determination. Since its founding, the United Nations has achieved remarkable progress. Above all, the avoidance of another world war is a great achievement, in keeping with the Since the founding of the United Nations, the international norms and order have never been so gravely disregarded, nor has the sovereignty of independent States been so openly violated. The root cause of this tragic situation lies in the high- handedness and arbitrary practices of the hegemonic forces that disregard the spirit and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and selectively apply international norms, based on their own interests, and that replace universal justice with the logic of power. Today, our world stands at a crossroads between war and peace. If military threats and invasions against sovereign States continue to be tolerated, humankind will inevitably face the disaster of another world war. In order to realize the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the highhanded and arbitrary practices of the hegemonic forces must come to an end and the principle of sovereign equality must be strictly observed. The principle of sovereign equality is not a matter of choice, but it is a fundamental cornerstone of international relations and an obligation binding upon all States. If the principle of sovereign equality is to be ignored and high-handed and arbitrary practices permitted, the international community will never escape the vicious cycle of war and conflict, confrontation and distrust. The realization of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter requires the elimination of double standards and economic coercive measures in all their forms. Double standards and economic coercion are extremely dangerous, for they undermine the very foundations of the United Nations. We established the United Nations with the noble ideals of sovereign equality and the promotion of mutual cooperation among nations and entrusted the Security Council with the important mission of maintaining international peace and security. However, in its decision-making on matters of international peace and security, certain Western countries make decisions based not on the norms of any international law but rather based on their own discretion and criteria of who did it instead of what was done. If such a selective application of international law continues as it is now, and accordingly, economic sanctions and coercive measures are imposed, the authority of the Security Council will be seriously undermined and trust among nations will collapse. The Charter of the United Nations is not a mere document, it is a solemn commitment to peace, equality and justice. We are convinced that the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter can be realized only when the principle of sovereign equality is fully respected and double standards, coercion and high- handedness are put to an end. In conclusion, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will continue to oppose and reject aggression and intervention, high-handedness and arbitrary practices, and will fulfil its responsibilities and role in realizing the purposes and principles stipulated in the United Nations Charter.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines.

On this United Nations Day, marking the United Nations’ eightieth anniversary, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and to the Charter of the United Nations and its principles, and firm adherence to the rule of law among nations. Multilateralism remains the most viable means for addressing global challenges. First, as set out in the Pact for the Future, we need to live up to our foundational promise to protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war. We need to abide by international law and the Charter of the United Nations and make full use of all instruments set out therein to resolve disputes peacefully. The 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in promoting peaceful dispute settlement. Secondly, we must promote a genuine culture of dialogue, through ensuring inclusiveness, representation and transparency in our internal processes and working methods. For this reason, we support many proposed and ongoing reforms in the United Nations and across the United Nations system. We see reforms not as a matter of retrenchment or retreat but as our collective task to ensure that the United Nations and the United Nations system are able to effectively perform their expected present and future tasks. When it comes specifically to the Security Council, we look forward to the leadership of the permanent members in shepherding reforms, particularly the expansion of membership of the Council  — both permanent and non-permanent  — especially to include underrepresented regions and Africa in particular, while continuing to ensure greater transparency in its working methods and more contributions from the general membership in the Council’s decision-making processes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. We also underline the importance of regional cooperation and peacebuilding. We welcome broader United Nations cooperation with regional bodies, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and support efforts to strengthen the United Nations peacebuilding architecture to ensure that peace processes remain nationally owned, inclusive and responsive to local needs. With respect to the UN80 Initiative, reform efforts must not come at the expense of the United Nations essential mandates and services, particularly in its development pillar. Eight decades after its founding, the United Nations must remain focused on delivering results that make a real difference to people’s lives on the ground, preventing conflict, protecting human rights and advancing sustainable development. As the Philippines aspires to a non-permanent seat on the Council for the 2027–2028 term, we are guided by the hope and the endeavour of helping to realize the Charter’s vision by promoting dialogue and cooperation.

I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt.

I congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and commend you for convening this important meeting as we celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations. The challenges now facing the Organization are, however, more of a cause for concern than for celebration. They raise questions that we must all answer more than they paint an optimistic picture of the future. Allow me to share some of Egypt’s concerns as the United Nations enters its ninth decade and some of the solutions that, in our view, could contribute to dispelling the ambiguity about the way forward. First, we must acknowledge that peoples worldwide today are experiencing a profound crisis of confidence in the international system in its entirety. We have seen this in the Middle East, during two full years in which everything on which the United Nations had agreed over the past 80 years — the frameworks and the laws  — has been violated, and many have pursued a policy of double standards Secondly, we must be cognizant of the fact that the United Nations is undergoing a difficult gestation and that we face two choices: either to be part of the problem or to be part of the solution. The Organization is beset by a financial crisis that has compounded over the years and is threatening its present and its future. The reasons for this crisis are clear to us all. Egypt has supported and continues to support the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative for reform and its three pillars. We hope that the Initiative will help to restore some of the major financial contributors’ confidence in the efficiency, effectiveness and indeed necessity of the United Nations. This liquidity crisis will, however, persist as long as some countries refuse to honour their obligations fully, unconditionally and in a timely manner. I would like to underscore in this regard that Egypt categorically rejects the policy of conditionality and selectivity in the payment of financial contributions and of treating the Organization’s mandate as an à la carte menu from which Members can pick and choose and refuse to fund that which does not suit their policies and narrow interests. That said, the Organization must also adjust its own performance and understand that we are now living in a world in which resources are scarce and must be used with optimal efficiency. Thirdly, the Council must shoulder its responsibilities and be alive to the fact that as a result of the repeated use of the veto, it is one of the primary causes of the United Nations failure to fulfil its role, specifically that of maintaining international peace and security. And so the Council will remain, unless it is genuinely reformed to expand permanent and non-permanent membership, grant new permanent members the power of veto and include two permanent African seats and permanent Arab representation. I also wish to underscore the role that the Council must play in implementing the many proposals for reform as part of the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative and the general membership’s expectations that Council members will set aside narrow prejudices for the sake of the United Nations. The future of the Organization lies in Member States’ hands. Either we work together to revive the spirit of cooperation and peace on which the Charter was founded or we continue along this disastrous path, which will inevitably entail the collapse of the United Nations and it being declared bankrupt, as the Secretary-General has warned. Egypt has chosen the former — the path of cooperation, solidarity and joint action for a better future. Now is the time for everyone else to make their choice.

I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

I thank the Secretary-General, António Guterres, for his vision and leadership in shaping the future of the United Nations, and I also wish to congratulate everyone on United Nations Day. Latvia strongly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Charter of the United Nations. Upholding the Charter is our shared imperative and responsibility. This entails a renewed focus on preventive diplomacy, adherence to international law and respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and “The United Nations is as indispensable as the will of its Members to make it work. And let us be clear: without the United Nations, the world would be adrift — ungoverned, unjust and unsafe”. Against this backdrop, I would like to highlight three points. First, to address the prevailing deficit of trust within the international system, it is imperative that all Member States fully comply with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law. This responsibility rests most heavily on the shoulders of the Security Council and in particular its permanent members. Impunity for violations and crimes undermines the foundations of the multilateral order. Permanent membership demands leadership and accountability, not exemption from them. Upholding the international rules-based order requires that Russia be held responsible for its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We cannot accept a reality in which a permanent member of the Security Council applies the principle that might makes right by invading a sovereign State and killing civilians with impunity. Latvia stands with Ukraine, and we will continue to advocate for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will continue to advocate for the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We will continue to call for the safety of every civilian, and we will tirelessly draw the world’s attention to the importance of preventing a nuclear disaster at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. Secondly, the Security Council must strive for efficiency and a results-oriented approach to ensuring and maintaining peace. This prerogative must be grounded in transparency, accountability and a revitalized spirit of multilateralism. The Security Council has to make the best use of all the tools at its disposal. Thirdly, as the United Nations marks its eightieth anniversary, Latvia envisages a United Nations that is more agile and truly fit for the twenty-first century. The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, together with the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative, is the way to transform global governance and bring meaningful reforms that ensure long-term effectiveness. And this includes Security Council reform to address structural asymmetries and enhance the voice and participation of underrepresented regions. The international community must speak with clarity and resolve, reaffirming that no State is above the Charter of the United Nations or international law. As an incoming member of the Security Council, we will spare no effort in upholding and defending the Charter and the rules-based international order.

I now give the floor to the representative of Italy.

Italy aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity. Eighty years ago, nations joined together to create the United Nations — the cornerstone of a world order built on law, dignity and solidarity. It remains our shared home  — a forum where all countries have a voice and where peace must always prevail over confrontation. Since its accession to the Organization, Italy has constantly believed in and strongly supported the United Nations as a project with peace at its heart — a project that chose cooperation over conflict, human rights over repression and solidarity over inequality. Yet today the principles that unite us are under threat. The rule of law is challenged by the rule of force, solidarity gives way to self-interest, and human rights are too often portrayed as expendable. This is also the case for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine — a blatant violation of We must ensure that the United Nations remains fit for purpose. Italy welcomes the Secretary-General’s leadership and the UN80 Initiative, which charts a path towards a more agile, effective and accountable Organization. Reform is not ideological; it is pragmatic and urgent. We need a United Nations that can respond quickly to crises, eliminate duplication and deliver concrete results on the ground. On peace and security, we should adapt without lowering our level of ambition. With the right adjustments and an effective integration with peacebuilding activities, peace operations can continue to be a key engine of peace and stability, as they have been since the birth of the United Nations, combining political sustainability and operational effectiveness, ensuring a resilient peace continuum and leveraging regional capacities. On development, we must move from fragmentation to delivering impact at scale to face a fast-changing world and ever-new global challenges. Stronger regional coordination, unified data and research and the efficient use of resources are now essential, without diverting funds from action where they are most needed. On human rights, coherence and impact must be matched with sustainable funding. And on humanitarian response, Italy supports a gradual, pragmatic approach that enhances efficiency while empowering local actors. The Security Council itself must also evolve. Italy has for a long time voiced the need for a comprehensive reform to make the Council more representative, democratic, transparent and effective, amplifying the voice of underrepresented regions. Italy will continue to work with all its partners to build a United Nations capable of meeting today’s complex challenges. The United Nations has overcome great challenges before. Let us once again find the courage to renew it, so that it can continue to deliver peace, justice and human dignity for all.

I now give the floor to the representative of Portugal.

Portugal aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on the behalf of the European Union (EU) and wishes to add the following in its national capacity. We thank the presidency for convening this debate — an occasion to celebrate 80 years of the Charter of the United Nations but also to reflect soberly on the future of the Organization. We do so at a time of unprecedented challenge. The world is facing the highest number of active conflicts since the end of the Second World War, from Gaza to Ukraine, the Sudan to Haiti, the Sahel and beyond. This stark reality reminds us that multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core, is not a choice, but a necessity. The answer cannot be less cooperation, but stronger and more inclusive collaboration. We see three key avenues for the future. First, the multilateral system must be strengthened. The United Nations must remain pre-emptive, coherent and inclusive. We must invest in preventive diplomacy, mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as enshrined in Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. This also means ensuring the effective implementation of Article 27, paragraph 3, and truly following up on the General Assembly’s veto initiative, which Portugal proudly co-sponsored, to enhance accountability and Secondly, partnerships with regional organizations must be enhanced. Sustainable peace requires synergy between the United Nations and regional actors. From the EU’s engagement in mediation to the African Union’s peace support operations and the dialogue mechanisms of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, regional and subregional organizations bring proximity and legitimacy to the United Nations. Thirdly, the Security Council itself must be reformed. To remain credible, it must reflect today’s geopolitical realities. Portugal supports an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, with stronger African representation across both those categories, greater inclusion of small and midsize countries, including small island developing States, and enhanced transparency and accountability in the use of the veto. Finally, the UN80 Initiative is a reminder that reform is not an abstract exercise but an existential necessity. Portugal supports efforts to make the United Nations more effective, efficient and responsive, always with respect for its three inseparable pillars. Efficiency must not come at the expense of legitimacy and credibility. We welcome the presidential statement to be issued by the Council on this occasion, in particular its significant recommitment to multilateral principles and the United Nations system as the primary framework for addressing global challenges. Portugal will continue to act as a bridge-builder through development cooperation, regional partnerships and our commitment to prevention and good offices  — an engagement that we coherently pursue through our candidature to an elected seat in the Council for 2027–2028. On this United Nations Day, let us recommit to the Charter’s vision that peace and security can only be safeguarded through collective effort, grounded in international law, trust, respect and solidarity.

I now give the floor to the representative of Jamaica.

It is an honour to address the Security Council on this significant occasion of the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations and to use this opportunity to offer some thoughts as we contemplate the future of the Organization. I speak today also on behalf of Her Excellency Carolyn Schwalger, Permanent Representative of New Zealand, with whom Jamaica co-chairs the informal ad hoc working group on mandate implementation review, which is part of the UN80 Initiative on the reform of the Organization. In this regard, we commend the Secretary-General for the UN80 Initiative and reiterate our unwavering commitment to multilateralism and dedication to ensuring that the Organization remains effective, responsive and fit to address the complex challenges of our time, taking full account of the needs and interests of future generations. We view the privilege of co-chairing this important process as an opportunity to contribute to strengthening the efficiency of the United Nations — an indispensable Organization that must remain at the centre of a robust, rejuvenated and effective multilateral system. The challenges confronting multilateralism mean that the call for a reform of the United Nations has never been more urgent, and the outcomes of this process will have lasting implications, not only for us today but for generations to come. Like most small delegations, we consider that the United Nations is an essential forum for building mutual understanding and agreeing on collective action to address shared challenges that we cannot resolve alone. It is a crucial anchor for a global system based on agreed rules that apply to all States, regardless of their size or Jamaica and New Zealand fully recognize the importance of a transparent, inclusive and forward-looking reform process. As co-Chairs, our objectives are to ensure that Member States retain a strong sense of ownership throughout this process, thereby making it a truly collaborative endeavour, as together we address all stages of the mandate life cycle: creation, implementation and review. An interim report will be presented before 15 December, and it is our hope to pursue the highest possible level of ambition throughout this process, culminating in an outcome that reflects broad consensus by the end of March 2026. We will continue to foster an atmosphere of trust throughout the process by ensuring that our decisions are informed by empirical evidence, facts, data and science, as we look across the United Nations system. As co-Chairs of this process, we stress that the following points will guide our efforts. Reform efforts must be grounded in the principles and purposes of the United Nations and strengthen its ability to deliver across the three core pillars of its work: peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. The initiative must not be seen as an opportunity to set any above the others. As co-Chairs, our focus in the Informal Ad Hoc Working Group is to improve the quality of the mandates we create, to strengthen their implementation and ensure we effectively review their impact against their objectives. We will all benefit if mandates are clearer, more focused and less duplicative and deliver maximum impact from the resources available. Considering how Security Council mandates are created, implemented and reviewed could offer insights for the wider United Nations system. There is undoubtedly much we can learn about what works well in the Council that could prove useful elsewhere. Approval of mandates is a Member State prerogative, but there is much the Secretary-General can do to support Member States by providing tools, data and analysis, and practical support to help Member States in their decision-making. In closing, Jamaica and New Zealand reaffirm that the reform process is an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to peace, security and sustainable development for all. With unity of purpose, transparency and determination, we hope to contribute to building a United Nations system that remains relevant and effective in serving the needs of present and future generations.

I give the floor to the representative of Singapore.

I thank the Russian Federation for convening this timely and important debate and the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks this morning. We also welcome the statement issued by the Council on the occasion of United Nations Day that the President read out this morning. Allow me to offer Singapore’s perspective on the future of the United Nations and of multilateralism. First, the Charter must continue to be the bedrock of our multilateral system. The principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes remain critical. Full and faithful adherence to international law by all countries, big and small, has been essential to the maintenance of peace and security, the promotion of sustainable development, the protection of human rights and the governance of global commons over the last eight decades. However, violations of international law, international humanitarian law, sovereignty and territorial Secondly, the tools of the United Nations must evolve to remain effective. The traditional model of deploying peacekeeping operations, often where there is no peace to keep, may no longer be sustainable. We must pay attention to other parts of the peace spectrum, such as preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding. The ongoing review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture is a key opportunity to strengthen coherence, enhance cooperation between the General Assembly and the Security Council, reduce duplication and support national ownership of peace processes. Thirdly, the United Nations must act coherently across its three pillars — peace and security, development and human rights — which are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. The Pact for the Future is our blueprint to ensure the continued relevance of the United Nations. The United Nations must also address non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, cyberthreats, public health emergencies and the responsible governance of artificial intelligence. These transboundary challenges often contribute to the root causes of conflict. Singapore will continue to do its part to build consensus, build bridges and find solutions, as we have done in the case of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction and in the context of the open-ended working group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021–2025. In closing, as we look towards the future of this Organization, let us hold steadfastly to the principles of the Charter even as we seek to adapt the United Nations to a very challenging future.

There are still a number of speakers remaining on my list for this meeting. I intend, with the concurrence of the members of the Council, to suspend the meeting until 3 p.m.