S/PV.9315Resumption1 Security Council

The President (spoke in French): I would like to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than three minutes in order to enable the Council to conclude its work on time. Flashing lights on the collars of the microphones will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after three minutes. I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): Latvia welcomes this high-level open debate on building and sustaining peace. We appreciate Switzerland’s leadership in organizing this meeting and thank all the briefers for their valuable insight. Latvia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. Latvia shares the view that trust is a key ingredient when it comes to building and sustaining peace. We all know well that trust takes a long time and patience to develop; at the same time, it is very easy to break. Therefore, we should focus on solid building blocks of trust, which in turn can play a crucial role in upholding global peace and security. First of all, trust depends on adherence to rules and norms by everyone who has signed up to them. The international rules-based order was established to prevent the darkest pages of the history of the twentieth century from ever repeating themselves again. Therefore, every case when a State attempts to divert from that order should cause the deepest alarm in the global community. One clear example is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as other key tenets of international law and international humanitarian law. It is imperative that all members of the Security Council strictly reject such behaviour by Russia and continue efforts to stop its aggression in order to preserve the trust and credibility of this body. The international community, by having entrusted significant powers to the Council, has every reason to expect from its members, in particular the five permanent Member States, to hold international norms to their highest standard, rather than brutally trample upon them. Secondly, trust goes hand in hand with confidence in the ability of the international community to successfully manage and overcome crises and challenges. From the coronavirus disease pandemic to the climate crisis, we have seen inconsistent responses, which often leave vulnerable groups, including women and girls, as the most exposed. Therefore, we believe that strengthening resilience is an important priority in the context of improving governance at local, regional and global levels, as it can help to absorb shocks, manage crises and prevent further disruption. While acknowledging the importance of national efforts in building resilience, the international community, and the United Nations in particular, has an important role to play in supporting and coordinating those efforts in various areas, including cyber security, sustainable energy, media and information literacy and others. Thirdly, Latvia strongly believes in the importance of ensuring accountability as a vehicle for building trust and sustaining peace. As a donor to the Peacebuilding Fund and a former member of the Peacebuilding Commission, we have noted that in many successful peacebuilding cases accountability and justice has played a key role in post-conflict transition, helping communities to reconcile with the past and to focus on building a peaceful future — while, on the contrary, impunity always creates fertile ground for more crimes, violence and suffering. Therefore, in our view, the theme of accountability deserves more attention in the peacebuilding and New Agenda for Peace deliberations, which should aim at closer collaboration among the Security Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council. Ensuring adequate funding for the respective peacebuilding and human rights mandates and activities is equally important. Before I conclude, let me assure you, Madam President, of Latvia’s commitment to continue contributing to our collective efforts to build trust as a central element of sustaining peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of New Zealand.

Ms. Schwalger (New Zealand): It is an honour to be able to address the Security Council during Switzerland’s first presidency of the Security Council. I thank Switzerland for its leadership on this important issue. I deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, Australia and my own country, New Zealand (CANZ). In 1992, when former Secretary-General Boutros- Ghali released the original Agenda for Peace, he articulated the United Nations modern peace and security mandate: preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. While activities under those headings have evolved since 1992, the fundamental ingredients for sustainable peace remain the same, namely, trust, inclusivity, predictability and adaptability. Trust in the Council’s ability to effectively discharge its mandate to maintain international peace and security and implement resolutions on peacebuilding and sustaining peace is unfortunately low. That trust has been shaken in many contexts across the globe, and further eroded by Russia’s illegal war of aggression on another sovereign Member State, Ukraine. The Security Council has the primary responsibility for international peace and security under the Charter. Yet its members should be reminded of Article 24, that is, that responsibility is conferred by the entire membership, and the Council acts on our behalf. A year on from Russia’s invasion, and 30 years since contemporizing efforts began in the Agenda for Peace, the reform of the Security Council remains long overdue. Building trust and confidence in peacebuilding and sustaining peace necessitates inclusion. CANZ sees the need for greater inclusion in several places. First, we must deliver on our commitments to realize the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women in all aspects of peace and security, as noted by many speakers this morning. Rhetoric must finally be matched with decisive action by all of us. Secondly, our three countries are engaged in ongoing efforts to promote the participation of all of our diverse peoples in our own political and peace processes. That is especially so for First Nations and Indigenous persons. We are not perfect; far from it. However, we are committed to ensuring the full participation and engagement of groups whose voices have been traditionally marginalized. We believe the Council and the wider United Nations system must do the same. Thirdly, we should enhance engagement with relevant organizations, not limited to the African Union, the Organization of American States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum. Genuine engagement with those organizations would support the democratization of the Council’s work and result in better outcomes on the ground. To guarantee peace, the Security Council and all Member States must ensure the continued predictability of adherence to the normative and legal frameworks that we have collectively developed. Without those established rules and norms, which have promoted trust, transparency and mutual understanding for the past 70 years and supported the resolution of emerging challenges, peace will prove elusive. Prioritizing the establishment of resilient institutions, the protection and promotion of human rights and the rule of law strengthens the potential for peace. Sustainable peace also means predictable financing for peacebuilding. In 2023, CANZ countries have together committed $22 million in voluntary contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund. CANZ encourages States to expeditiously agree to the proposal for an assessed contribution for the Fund in the Fifth Committee. To futureproof peace, the United Nations must adapt its practices. That includes using data, science and technology. Tools and partnerships, such as the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Innovation Cell, can better equip the Council to meet some of the evolving challenges it faces. Climate-related security risks are compounding and exacerbating existing security challenges and straining already limited resources. An effective peacebuilding architecture would respond to those risks in the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin, the Pacific and beyond. Finally, as the New Agenda for Peace takes shape, CANZ wishes to ensure that we avoid duplication or overstretching the efforts of the United Nations. We agree with others that there is much scope to futureproof trust for sustainable peace. We can succeed if we are collectively committed to weaving together the formidable strengths of the United Nations across its three main pillars, the lessons learned from past missteps, and actions that are more inclusive, predictable and adaptable.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

Mr. Malovrh (Slovenia): Let me thank the briefers for their contributions. Slovenia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union, and I would like to make the following marks in our national capacity. The focus of today’s debate on building trust to secure our future is important for my country, Slovenia, as trust is the cornerstone of effective multilateralism and ensuring global peace and security. Building sustainable peace requires adopting a holistic and inclusive approach beyond the efforts to end conflicts. Successful peacebuilding demands our long-term commitment to making coordinated and collective efforts to build resilient societies, address root causes and promote good governance and sustainable development. When addressing the complexities of global challenges, the Security Council can benefit from working in synergy with other United Nations bodies and agencies. In particular, the linkages and cooperation between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council should be strengthened. Trust and resilience require regional, national and local ownership and strong and inclusive partnerships. Cooperation among the United Nations and regional organizations in maintaining peace and security is therefore critical. Slovenia supports predictable and sustainable financing and the use of United Nations- assessed contributions for African Union (AU)-led operations, as authorized by the Security Council, and looks forward to the upcoming discussions on that issue. It is essential to create an environment in which all segments of society can work together and peacefully resolve their differences. Building consensus and trust calls for inclusive engagement with all members of our societies, including women, young people, marginalized groups and civil society organizations. Only when all voices are heard, all human rights are respected and diversity is embraced can we address the root causes and find solutions that are the foundation for sustainable peace. We therefore welcome the recent united response of the Security Council to the violations of women’s human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Taliban in Afghanistan. We need to do more to support the crucial role of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes. Peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction that include women’s full, equal and meaningful participation lead to a more durable peace and stability. Nationally, we have been steadily raising the bar on women’s political participation, which has contributed to Slovenia being the seventh most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2022 Global Peace Index. Empowered young people can be critical agents of change and drivers of peace. Their participation can play an important role in the prevention of conflict and the promotion of social cohesion. We therefore warmly welcome today’s participation of the AU Youth Ambassador for Peace for Southern Africa, Ms. Chigwenya. Respect for international law is the foundation of our trust and sustainable peace and security. It provides a stable and more predictable international environment in which States may engage and work together to seek collective and sustainable solutions to global challenges. The existing international normative framework, with the Charter of the United Nations at the centre, remains the bedrock of our global peace and security. Slovenia is committed to continuing to work with all partners to build and foster a more secure and peaceful future for all.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico.

Mr. Ochoa Martínez (Mexico) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, allow me to congratulate Switzerland on its assumption of the presidency of the Council and to thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s debate. Our statement will be focused on the normative frameworks for conflict prevention and peacebuilding, as we move towards the New Agenda for Peace called for by the Secretary-General. The first prerequisite for confidence-building is good faith — better known as the pacta sunt servanda principle — as set out in article 26 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. If freely agreed upon international obligations are not fulfilled in good faith, then the framework of rules that we have painstakingly built is useless. The international community has succeeded in regulating the most diverse aspects of international relations. We do not lack rules but rather respect for sovereign obligations. And when a dispute arises, international law remains the common language left for States to seek a solution by peaceful means. The Security Council has a privileged role to play in promoting trust by ensuring compliance with legal obligations on matters within its competence and by requiring States to comply with them in good faith. In addition to ensuring compliance with its own resolutions, the Security Council can also make use of its powers under the Charter of the United Nations, for example as provided in Article 94, paragraph 2, to make recommendations to give effect to the judgments of the International Court of Justice if any party to a case fails to perform the obligations incumbent upon it, just as it can use the powers conferred upon it by Article 96, paragraph 1, to request an advisory opinion from the Court, which has occurred only once. The advisory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice can help to prevent conflicts, as evidenced by the increasingly frequent requests of the General Assembly for advisory opinions. As previously noted, a close relationship between the Security Council and the International Court of Justice is necessary for the peaceful settlement of disputes. More broadly, it can also be said that better collaboration among all the principal organs of the United Nations is key for conflict prevention, the strengthening of the rule of law and sustainable peacebuilding, as previously recognized by the Security Council, including in its presidential statement S/PRST/2021/23 of 16 November 2021, which was adopted under the presidency of Mexico. For those reasons, Mexico supports the Secretary- General’s call to develop a New Agenda for Peace that seeks to better and more comprehensively understand structural factors and their impact on conflicts, while promoting the strengthening of the rule of law.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Mr. Akram (Pakistan): Pakistan congratulates Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. And it is a great pleasure for me personally to see you presiding over today’s open debate, Madam. We are also grateful to Switzerland for convening today’s open debate. The erosion of trust in the international political and economic system has been gradual, but it is now pervasive. While the trust deficit cannot be attributed to a single factor or event, it can be attributed to the evolution of a toxic global security environment in which States have come to believe that equipping themselves for war is the best guarantee of preserving their national security, sovereignty and independence. In Pakistan’s view, trust among States has eroded primarily because the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations have been consistently violated by powerful States and their allies and because insufficient attention has been paid to securing the implementation of the Security Council’s resolutions, as required under Article 25 of the Charter. Both the Charter and the Council’s resolutions are cardinal pillars of international law and the world order. Compliance with them is binding and obligatory for Member States. That is the critical prerequisite for restoring mutual trust among Member States. The Secretary-General should prepare an annual review of situations on the Security Council’s agenda where the Charter’s principles are being violated and the Council’s resolutions remain unimplemented. The Council can then utilize the various means available under the Charter — for example, in Chapters VI, VII and VIII — to secure compliance by States that continue to violate the Charter’s principles and the Council’s own decisions. That would be the best way to futureproof — and even present-proof — international peace and security. Building international trust also entails addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, hunger, foreign occupation and oppression, the denial of the right to self-determination, injustice, human rights violations and climate impacts. Those are all conditions that should take centre stage in the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace. Moreover, an equitable and non-discriminatory arms-control and disarmament regime is indispensable to averting conflicts and mitigating their effects. It is evident that conflicts, violence and terrorism have proliferated, particularly in the poorest parts of the world. Resilient peace is impossible without resilient development. The multiple economic shocks of the past three years have reversed the prospects for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. During the pandemic, and in the subsequent development crises, trust has eroded in the international system owing to a wide deficit in solidarity and support for those who have suffered the most in these crises, through no fault of their own. Even today, the Bretton Woods institutions continue with policies that directly exacerbate the fiscal and development challenges of the developing countries. Today 54 States are in debt distress and in danger of default, more than 100 million people have fallen back into poverty and 300 million are in need of food aid every day. Meanwhile, climate impacts are mounting, and the planet is becoming a less friendly habitat, especially for the poor. We know what needs to be done. We need to provide adequate finance — $4.2 trillion annually — to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through the creation of special drawing rights and reallocation through the recapitalization of the multilateral development banks; we need to fulfil official development assistance and climate finance commitments, as well as ensuring sustainable resolution of the debt crises and an end to illicit financial flows; and we need development-oriented policies in international trade, taxation and access to technology. If we are to restore trust, it is essential for decisions to be taken on those issues at the forthcoming SDG Summit. As mentioned in the concept note for today’s open debate (S/2023/283, annex), evidence-based insights are critical to strengthening transparency and decision-making in the Council and elsewhere. Yet the Council’s failures are not failures of insight or of recognition of realities. Of course, modern technological advances such as artificial intelligence are useful tools in building such insights. However, reliance on technology should not lead us to underestimate the unique value of the human factor in shaping the right and humane decisions at the United Nations, including in the Security Council. It is only by emphasizing and ensuring the values of humanity, morality and ethics that imbue the system of international relations constructed under the Charter that we, the world’s nations, can futureproof peace, security and prosperity.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Italy.

Mr. Greco (Italy): I would like to commend you, Madam President, for convening today’s timely open debate, and I extend my best wishes to you for the month of your presidency. Italy aligns itself to the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union, and I would like to add the following comments in my national capacity. When peacebuilding and sustaining peace are at stake, we must be ready to set aside national priorities and find common ground, showing that the United Nations is able to listen, understand the root causes of conflict and deliver. To achieve that goal and restore the circle of trust, we need to fill the gap between societies and the United Nations bodies entrusted with maintaining their peace and security. It is essential to respect the needs, aspirations and proposals of the countries and communities under consideration. The Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) have a special responsibility in that regard. They should engage societies beyond political elites, grounding action in a deep knowledge of the communities and peoples affected; promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies centred on human rights and a solid relationship between people and their territories; integrate a gender perspective into all policies and advance the participation and protection of women, young people and marginalized groups or communities, while prioritizing the protection of their rights. The PBC should therefore build its work on ensuring the peacebuilding needs of the communities affected, without reference to other agendas. On the other hand, the Security Council should consider the input of the PBC, based on a genuinely inclusive approach, as a natural starting point for its decision-making. Let us consider the New Agenda for Peace, a call for action to restore trust in an effective multilateralism able to prevent conflict and maintain lasting peace that includes the following objectives. The first is getting back on track with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, starting with food security and making sure that no one is left behind. The second is respecting national ownership and supporting regional prevention efforts. The third is supporting human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, as well as the systematic integration of the women and peace and security agenda, the rules-based international order founded on the Charter of the United Nations and the protection of children in armed conflict. The fourth is recognizing the climate-security nexus and its wide implications, investing in inclusivity and preserving access to resources for borderland communities. The fifth is considering peacebuilding and peacekeeping as parts of a unique peace continuum to achieve sustainable political solutions, as well as supporting peacebuilding through assessed contributions. The sixth and last involves aligning international support with the communities’ priorities through a people-centred approach to crises. I know that those priorities are widely shared in this Chamber. Our common ground is much greater than our differences, and Italy is committed to bridging the current devastating divide and restoring trust.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Chile.

Mr. Vidal (Chile) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, Madam President, please accept our heartfelt acknowledgement and congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of this organ for the current month. We wish you and your team every success. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this open debate and to reaffirm the importance that we attach to this topic. Accordingly, we take note of the briefings that we heard today and appreciate the briefers’ time. We must build trust among the various actors working for peace. Trust is the fuel that drives relationships in all social dynamics, which is especially relevant in cases of conflict by enabling fluid communications, lowering transaction costs and promoting the institutionalization of the behaviours of the actors concerned, and it leads to minimizing the risks associated with confrontation and uncertainty. It is imperative to carefully analyse the underlying causes of conflicts in order to understand the differentiated needs and vulnerabilities that may be at the root of violence. We would like to underscore that building lasting peace is possible only with the participation of civil society at all stages of conflict resolution. It therefore follows that the Security Council must strengthen its engagement with local actors, while judiciously including civil society organizations, women’s and youth groups, academics, journalists and activists in general, in order to ensure that their perspectives and experiences are taken into account in decision-making processes. The comprehensive inclusion of civil society can help countries that are in conflict and are transitioning to peace to reach innovative solutions by implementing public policies that enjoy broad consensus and support. Both the Security Council and the decision makers of Member States will be able to better envisage future situations by considering the positions of historically marginalized groups in terms of peace and security, as civil society has consistently been a positive source for understanding the evolution of conflicts and the situation of the most vulnerable population affected by them. Similarly, the Security Council must also improve its coordination with the various United Nations agencies, regional organizations and other partners in order to support peacebuilding efforts, including through joint programming and the garnering of resources. The knowledge on the ground of regional organizations and other local partners can facilitate the work of the Council and help build lasting peace in countries suffering from conflict or in which violence has begun to spiral out of control. It must be underscored that, in order to build and consolidate lasting and sustainable peace, we must decrease the flow of weapons to conflict zones, whether traditional or not. It should be noted that regulatory frameworks are already in place to control the illicit trafficking and diversion of arms. Adherence to, compliance with and the enforcement of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition and the Arms Trade Treaty are key to reducing their flow. In addition, arms-producing countries must commit to implementing those mechanisms in a compulsory manner, while integrating practices such as on-site verification to prevent the diversion of weapons of war.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Kenya.

Mr. Kimani (Kenya): As we all know, trust is in short supply in the United Nations. We are ranked in our regional and economic groupings, debating each other across gulfs of understanding, of solidarity and sometimes even of goodwill. We fully subscribe to your concept note (S/2023/283, annex), Madam President, which embraces strengthening trust through inclusion, implementing the norms of accountability and predictability for all States in all situations and making decisions on the basis of objective evidence. Those are fine principles, and we will join with other Members in realizing them practically. However, given the current low levels of trust, we want to propose specific actions by the Security Council, which we believe is suffering the greatest trust deficit. First, existing pen-holding responsibilities should be shared with non-permanent members. Specifically, we would like to see Africa files with African penholders and co-penholders. That does not require elaborate reform; it can be implemented in January 2024 and beyond. Secondly, there will be little trust if there is no urgent reform of the Council’s membership. The attitude of the permanent members to the intergovernmental negotiation process will reveal their individual commitment to reform and rebuilding trust. The New Agenda for Peace will be made new by furthering the demand for reform. Trust will also be built by the countries that aspire to permanent membership demonstrating, through action and not just through rhetoric, that they will take their responsibilities seriously. They should start immediately by showing concretely that they are listening and responding positively to the views of the African Union, African countries and small island developing States. Trust demands new permanent members that will stand for our values and collective interests, not the narrow pursuit of national interests. Thirdly, during the annual consultations between members of the Security Council and members of the African Union Peace and Security Council, participation by all at the level of permanent representatives, will increase trust, as will ensuring that every annual meeting has at least one practical and impactful outcome. Let us move beyond ceremonial meetings. Fourthly, the Council needs to be more welcoming and actioning of the advisories of the Peacebuilding Commission. Enhanced coordination will be even more effective if efforts are made to reinforce the Peacebuilding Commission and deliver an adequately resourced Peacebuilding Fund. Fifthly and lastly, trust will be increased if States ensure that the Fifth Committee acts on General Assembly resolution 76/305, of 8 September 2022, on financing for peacebuilding. The current delay is degrading trust. Let us deliver a way forward that includes assessed funding. There is a famous saying that a single thread of trust can hold together the strongest bond. Our suggestions can be taken as the threads that we all urgently need.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Kanu (Sierra Leone): I congratulate you, Madam President, and the delegation of Switzerland on assuming your maiden presidency of the Security Council and thank you for convening this important open debate. I also thank the briefers for their important contributions. Futureproofing trust for sustaining peace is a timely and relevant topic given our present-day reality as we strive to strengthen multilateralism and build trust in the multilateral rules-based system. That in turn has to led to a situation in which peace and security can be maintained and conflicts prevented. Sierra Leone strongly believes that the international community, including the United Nations system, can do more to build peaceful and resilient societies. That view is definitely in line with resolution 2282 (2016) and General Assembly resolution 70/262, twin resolutions on the review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture adopted in 2016. For our part, at the domestic level, Sierra Leone recently established and operationalized the Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, with a mandate to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts, build, promote and maintain trust and sustainable peace and advise the Government on all aspects of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Futureproofing trust to sustain peace requires a multifaceted approach that involves various actors, including Governments, international organizations, civil society and communities. With regard to the United Nations system’s part, we would like to point to some of the steps that can be pursued. First, we should promote inclusive dialogue and participation, which are crucial to building trust between countries, including among marginalized groups and communities within those countries. Governments and other stakeholders should create platforms and mechanisms that enable communities to engage in dialogue, participate in decision-making and hold Governments accountable. Secondly, we should invest in education and information, both of them essential tools for building trust and promoting peace. Member States and other stakeholders should pursue education and information programmes that promote understanding and tolerance and counter hate speech and misinformation. Thirdly, we should foster economic development. Economic development can help to create opportunities and reduce poverty, which in turn can reduce tensions and promote peace. Governments and other stakeholders should prioritize policies and programmes that promote economic development, job creation and social protection. In that regard, reforming the international financial system is fundamental. Fourthly, we should strengthen institutions. Strong and accountable institutions are critical to building trust and sustaining peace. Member States and other stakeholders, such as international financial institutions, should invest in institutions that promote the rule of law, human rights and good governance and that are responsive to people’s needs. Fifthly, we should address the root causes of conflict, which are vital if we are to futureproof trust and sustain peace. That requires confronting issues such as inequality, exclusion, discrimination and marginalization, as well as working to promote social cohesion and inclusion. Sixthly, we should foster international cooperation, which is a vital part of building trust and sustaining peace. Governments and other stakeholders should work to address global challenges, including climate change, poverty, terrorism and conflict, as well as promoting international norms and standards that support peace and security. In conclusion, trust is essential for peace. When people and countries trust each other, they are more likely to cooperate and resolve their differences peacefully. However, trust can be fragile and easily broken. In order to futureproof trust and sustain peace, we need to take into consideration the steps we have highlighted, among others, to strengthen trust and make it more resilient.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

Mr. Hwang (Republic of Korea): My delegation would like to express its appreciation to Switzerland for convening today’s open debate. Faced with increasingly multifaceted and cross- cutting challenges around the globe, the Security Council needs to respond to the world’s changing expectations. It should address the root causes and multipliers of conflict, including human rights violations, climate change and cyberthreats, among other things. Otherwise, it will be unable to act in a timely manner when required or to regain the international community’s trust. My delegation would like to highlight the following points aimed at ensuring that the Council can play a more meaningful role in peacebuilding and sustaining peace. First, the Council must be more vigilant on issues related to human rights and the rule of law. Conflicts are invariably marked by human rights violations, both as warning signs and significant features of conflicts. And accountability for human rights violations is also crucial in post-conflict circumstances in order to prevent such conflicts from recurring. President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea has constantly emphasized the universal values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law as indispensable to sustaining peace. A lack of respect for the freedoms of others often manifests in attempts to alter the status quo by force. We have witnessed many such cases all around the world and throughout history. As a strong advocate for freedom and human rights for all in every corner of the world, the Republic of Korea would like to underscore that the Security Council should be seized of cases of human rights violations and abuses across the world, including the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Secondly, discussions in the Security Council should be based on credible information and evidence-based data. As was also highlighted during my President’s recent visit to the United States, in many parts of the world today false propaganda and disinformation are distorting the truth and public opinion, threatening the very foundations of democracy. The Council should serve as a key platform where we can hear voices from the ground establishing the truth and sharing vital information, enabling bona fide deliberations conducive to sustaining peace. That leads me to my third point, which is that inclusivity must be ensured in peacebuilding efforts. The Security Council needs to provide women and young people, and civil society more broadly, with more and greater opportunities to participate and speak before the Council. It is important that their views be heeded in peace processes, as their enhanced voices will bring in more relevant and future-oriented ideas for sustaining peace. In that regard, my delegation is deeply concerned and frustrated by the status of women in Afghanistan. And we hope the values I have described will be duly reflected in the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace. My delegation would also like to once again reiterate the importance of the Security Council’s role in building trust in the international community. If the international community’s trust in the Council is to be rebuilt, we believe that the first step is for the Security Council to effectively and consistently implement its own decisions, without trying to undermine existing decisions by allowing self-contradictory vetoes, as in the case of the non-proliferation issues concerning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In conclusion, the Republic of Korea looks forward to the continued endeavours of the United Nations towards futureproofing trust and sustaining peace and reaffirms its commitment and support in that regard.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the observer of the African Union.

Ms. Mohammed: Allow me first of all to congratulate you, Madam President, for taking over the Council presidency during the month of May, and to thank all of the briefers for their meaningful presentations. The global peace and security environment is in permanent evolution. That requires continued efforts in terms of adaptation and the retooling of our policies to better respond to existing and emerging challenges. Sustaining peace and peacebuilding in Africa has always been the central quest in the efforts deployed by the African Union (AU) through the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture. That is also in line with our aspirations towards the realization of the AU’s Agenda 2063, particularly aspiration 3, entitled “An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law”, and aspiration 4, entitled “A peaceful and secure Africa”. The broad concept of security and the wide scope covered by the processes for sustaining peace show us the inescapable linkage between all the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, under the prevention approach. From a concrete perspective, when it comes mainly to implementing policies aiming at sustaining peace in conflict-affected regions or volatile or fragile settings, it is more a matter of vertical and horizontal interaction between several concerned actors, starting from the targeted communities and local and national authorities to subregional, regional and international partners, including bilateral and multilateral actors. To fulfil the commitment for sustainable peace, the interaction between the different involved and concerned actors has to be guided by trust in order to enhance synergy of action and integrated planning and operations, and to promote genuine partnerships and complementarity between the relevant involved structures. The definition of roles and responsibilities of all actors is also important to guarantee national ownership, particularly in terms of setting priorities. Inclusivity, clear normative frameworks and fact- based approaches are key principles in the path to gird the sustaining-peace process with all the needed trust. In this regard, I wish to underline the following points. First, on defence and security, strengthening demobilization, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reform (SSR) mechanisms is crucial to prevent conflicts and instability. It has to be noted that the AU has deployed technical teams to several African countries, at their request, to assist in the conduct of DDR and SSR processes. These processes must be undertaken from a prevention angle to address challenges related to, inter alia, directly linking command and control within the security architecture to the objective of building trust among parties to the conflict, which is a sine qua non condition for building a stable and solid national army. The Security Council could consider innovative ways to provide further support to DDR and SSR processes in view of addressing the current challenges they are facing. However, most importantly, the Council should further prioritize national perceptions of the design of DDR and SSR processes. Building trust also involves commitments to placing trust in regional arrangements, as outlined in Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, to ensure peace and security. Ensuring sustainable, predictable and flexible financing for AU- led peace support operations, by granting access to United Nations assessed contributions, is therefore a crucial prerequisite for us. On governance, the AU continues to strengthen the African Governance Architecture by setting forth firm and solid legal frameworks to put an end to the era of unconstitutional changes of government. In Malabo last year, the AU Heads of State and Government expressed their determination to further enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of AU support to member States in political transition and post-conflict situations, build durable peace, entrench democratic culture and governance, including through transitional justice, and prevent relapse into cycles of violence within the context of silencing the guns in Africa. The AU Commission has recently deployed multidimensional technical teams to some member States, notably in the fields of constitutionalism and good governance. Long-term technical teams will also be deployed for the identification of countries in post- conflict reconstruction and development. In the end, the objective is to re-establish the lost trust relationship between the citizens and national authorities by bringing local and national institutions closer to the ordinary citizen. The Security Council could recognize the efforts of the AU on this important chapter and call for more support to member States experiencing difficult situations in terms of State-building and of strengthening the performance of their key institutions in compliance with the agreed standards and rules and their national priorities. Building trust means also establishing a fair and just United Nations system in which inclusivity and representation are the key words. In this context, I refer mainly to the reform of the Security Council, which is registering some positive signs. The African Union, through the AU Committee of Ten on Security Council reform coordinated by Sierra Leone, is advocating this well-known position, which will contribute to creating a trust-based international order. On early warning, the AU continues to strengthen its continental and regional early-warning systems to respond to initial signs of imminent crisis in a timely manner. In this regard, the AU, together with its regional economic commissions and regional mechanisms (RECs/RMs), co-created the Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange on Early Warning and Conflict Prevention as a pan-African initiative, to advance information- and knowledge-exchange and co-learning on generating early action to prevent and respond effectively to conflicts. Permit me to share with Council members that, in February 2022, the African Union Assembly of Heads of State encouraged member States to utilize the opportunities afforded by the AU Commission and RECs/ RMs to address structural causes of violent conflict through the implementation of Country Structural Vulnerability and Resilience Assessments (CSVRAs), and in this respect, the Commission was directed by the AU Assembly to establish a monitoring and oversight committee comprising the AU Commission, RECs/ RMs and the African Peer Review Mechanism in order to facilitate effective coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. I am delighted to inform Council members that the AU Peace and Security Council will hold a session to review the CSVRAs in the month of May. The role of the Panel of the Wise and the AU special envoys in this regard is also critical. The trust dimension in this matter is more related to the readiness of AU member States to use the multiple tools that we have established in order to enhance and develop further technical tools and human capabilities. It is only by building trust and investing in these initiatives that we can enhance social cohesion. Indeed, by promoting inclusion, equality and justice, States and parties can work together to address their challenges and build a sustainable future that is peaceful and prosperous for all. On the development dimension, economic fragility together with environmental degradation is providing fertile ground for political instability, terrorist threats and mass displacements across the African continent. Extreme poverty and scarcity of economic opportunities are increasing the vulnerabilities among youth and women, making them privileged targets to recruitment by extremist groups and terrorist groups. Creating sustainable jobs and decent livelihoods by designing resilient economies is key in this regard to fighting poverty and radicalization. In addition, regional integration is the key, as it is an angle that we continue to support in order to build and sustain peace. The African Continental Free Trade Area is a concrete step forward in boosting intra-Africa trade, creating jobs and fostering economic diversification. On emerging threats, the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes is expanding due to the increasingly wide access to new technologies. The integration and development that the African continent is registering is bringing about a new era of security threats that require cybersecurity to be strengthened. I take this opportunity to mention that, in May 2022, the AU Heads of State decided to deploy greater efforts and resources to strengthening cybersecurity, including through legislation at the national level and through ratification of the AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. In addition, in April 2022, the AU Peace and Security Council was encouraged by AU member States to make full use of existing capacities within the continent, including AFRIPOL and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services in Africa. I would like to quickly conclude with a very fundamental point, which I know is very dear to your heart, Madam President, and to mine as well, namely, the issue of women, peace and security. The women, peace and security agenda must be high in all our engagements, specifically Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), if we wish to indeed look at a future full of trust and sustaining peace. That could be done in multiple ways. First, we can improve legitimacy and effectiveness through inclusion and accountability. Secondly, we can enhance our standards for justice and fairness and genuinely aim for effective inclusion and accountability, taking into account a fundamental transformation of the ecosystem Thirdly, we can adopt well-proven solutions to gender-sensitive macroeconomic actions. Fourthly, we can promote the increased representation of women in leadership positions, which is equally important and has prompted the establishment, in our case, of the African Women Leaders Network. This platform of leaders at the helm of affairs across various sectors is a pillar for peace and security in Africa. Allow me, finally, to recognize the role of our young people. Young women and men in advancing peace and security is critical for our global peace agenda. The establishment of the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace, one of whom was a briefer earlier today, and the adoption by the AU Peace and Security Council of the Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security, as well as the Peace and Security Council’s endorsement of the study on roles and contributions to peace and security are a testimony of the AU’s commitment for the promotion of youth as important actors and future leaders on peace and security. Building trust is crucial for sustaining peace and should be a natural declination of a well-coordinated and coherent efforts. Therefore, the strategic partnership between the African Union and the United Nations, as envisioned by the leaders of the two organizations, as well as the New Agenda for Peace, should be the path through which we coordinate and gain more sustainability in peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to Mr. Skoog.

Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the potential candidate country Georgia, as well as Andorra, align themselves with this statement. First, I want to congratulate Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and to thank you, Madam President, for hosting this very timely debate. I also want to thank the briefers for their important contributions at the beginning of the debate. Today is World Press Freedom Day. Let me therefore underline the powerful link between what we are discussing today — trust and sustainable peace — and the protection of freedom of expression, as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago. We know that peaceful, just, resilient and inclusive societies are those built on trust, those where people can express themselves freely and where institutions serve and are accountable to the people. The European Union is extremely concerned about the threats to freedom of the press today, with journalists, media workers and all those who bring independent quality information to the public increasingly facing discredit, threats and attacks, including through disinformation. The Security Council and the entire United Nations system must engage more actively in order to protect journalists and media workers, as well as to prevent and condemn harassment and, indeed, reprisals against civil society representatives. Today I want to focus on the three perspectives that the Swiss presidency has outlined on building trust for sustaining peace: first, that we redouble our efforts to protect the normative frameworks of the United Nations; secondly, that we enhance our tools for mediation and dialogue and ensure that they are inclusive and thirdly, that we base our work on facts and evidence and call out those who spread disinformation. The universal norms that we all agreed on here, at the United Nations, are being attacked on a daily basis around the world. International human rights conventions are being systematically violated, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syria and in many other crises around the world. Unfortunately, we have seen that the Security Council itself has become a stage for spreading disinformation, not least by Russia in the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. We have also seen civil society briefers being intimidated in the Council and later punished for exercising their right to free speech. The Security Council is the primary organ for protecting international peace and security, and it has to embody and uphold the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and human rights. That is the responsibility of Council members. In the same vein, the Secretariat should always present the facts as it sees them. The United Nations Charter gives the Secretary-General the possibility to bring to the attention of the Council any matter that may threaten international peace and security. Unfortunately, there are many such matters. Turning now to the concrete tools that the United Nations has at its disposal to promote peacebuilding, we know that building trust is a crucial component in all of these. The Secretary-General’s Special Representatives, Envoys and Mediators can have real impact in resolving conflict, and the Security Council should more systematically provide them with its unanimous backing. Strengthened tools for dialogue, mediation and good offices should be included in the New Agenda for Peace as means to prevent conflict. The EU is a major supporter of conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. We are working around the world to enhance trust between local populations and national authorities. In Somalia, for example, we support communities that have been liberated from Al-Shabaab and suffer from their punitive actions and the drought. In the Central African Republic, the EU Advisory Mission supported the Government in creating a reliable legal framework to thoroughly restructure the organization of the police and gendarmerie and meet the needs of the Central African Republic. Those are just a few examples. We promote international peace efforts in Yemen, Libya and Syria. We also support in-country civil society actors in their efforts to prevent conflicts, respond to crises and build peace. Much of our support is channelled through the United Nations, for example to the United Nations Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. One concrete example of operational United Nations- EU collaboration is Yemen, where the EU — at the request of the United Nations — is playing a strong coordinating role of Track II mediation and of support to the ceasefire. Another example is the EU-United Nations Development Programme partnership on Insider Mediation that has enabled building and piloting critical mediation capacities in 14 countries. The third cycle of that partnership is presently being launched, with specific attention to the inclusion of women. This initiative was mentioned by many here this afternoon, including the previous speaker. Indeed, it is crucial that all such instruments are inclusive in their approach. We know that more gender- equal societies are more peaceful. Moreover, women are formidable peacebuilders, and we need to support their full, equal and meaningful participation in all peacebuilding processes — not least to build trust in them. Similarly, we strongly support the accelerated implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda and the promotion of young people’s participation in peacebuilding. Finally, the Council and, more broadly, the United Nations, have to make use of the best data and evidence that we have in order to shape our decisions. The creation of the multi-partner Complex Risk Analytics Fund (CRAF’d), a United Nations multilateral financing instrument aimed at strengthening our shared capabilities to better anticipate, prevent and respond to complex risks in fragile and conflict-affected settings, is advancing the use of data and scientific knowledge for conflict prevention and resolution. We are supporting CRAF’d and believe that the analysis coming out of these new tools should feed into the Security Council’s work. It seems obvious that we should always base ourselves on evidence and facts. However, on some issues where we have plenty of evidence, such as the link between climate change and security, some Security Council members are still denying the facts. Many of the countries most affected by climate change have themselves testified to the link between climate, peace and security in the Council and in the Peacebuilding Commission. It would be highly relevant for the Council to have a discussion based on a report from the Secretary-General providing data and evidence regarding the link between climate change and security. Upholding facts and the truth in this organ is crucial to maintaining trust in the United Nations system, as a whole, and to ensuring that the United Nations can pursue its work of building and sustaining peace. We look forward to working with the United Nations on how we can improve our capabilities for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace within the framework of the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. Muhith (Bangladesh): I congratulate you, Madam President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and thank you, Madam, for convening this timely debate. I wish to also thank the briefers for their insightful remarks. Over the past few years, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic and the ongoing conflicts, we have witnessed increasing trust deficits between people and institutions, including the United Nations. The ability of the Security Council, in particular, to make, build and keep peace has constantly been put to the test. The challenges to peace are further deepened with the emergence of new and unconventional threats. Against that backdrop, the need to redouble efforts to build trust could not be more urgent. Allow me to share a few thoughts. First and foremost, the Security Council must demonstrate unity and decisiveness in effectively addressing visible threats to international peace and security and use its existing tools to protect the most vulnerable. Almost six years have passed since the Rohingya minorities were expelled en masse from their ancestral land in Myanmar. No effective action was taken by the Security Council to remedy the situation; rather the Council has remained a mute witness to its continuous deterioration. Rebuilding trust would require the reversal of such situations. Secondly, peacekeeping operations remain one of the most credible tools of the United Nations for building trust. The role of peacekeepers in protecting civilians, particularly through community engagement and other unarmed measures and their contributions in building institutions in the host countries, should be adequately leveraged. Equally important is increasing investments in the peacebuilding components of the peacekeeping missions through the allocation of mandates and resources. Thirdly, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), with its unique mandate, plays an important complementary role in futureproofing sustaining peace. Owing to its structure and working methods, which are founded on the principle of national ownership and inclusivity, the Peacebuilding Commission is best positioned to contribute to building trust. As the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission for two terms, Bangladesh has broadened the prospects of the PBC, including by strengthening its advisory, bridging and convening roles; expanding its geographical and thematic scope; and providing space to countries to discuss various non-traditional security threats, such as climate change. A similar approach may be taken in addressing other emerging threats, including those emanating from digital technologies. Fourthly, the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda must be promoted in broader peace and security contexts, including in addressing climate change and disaster risk reduction and in humanitarian action. Finally, as we prepare for the summit of the future in 2024, we need to engage constructively in creating effective foresight mechanisms based on data and their scientific analysis to predict future threats and take preventive measures. The ongoing consultations for the New Agenda for Peace, the global digital compact and the declaration for future generations offer opportunities to exchange ideas and thoughts for such mechanisms. We must seize the opportunity to build a better United Nations for our future generations.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia.

Mr. Nasir (Indonesia): I thank you, Madam President, for convening this open debate. I thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and all the briefers for their presentations. Trust is a fundamental element in peace and crucial for multilateralism to be effective and bring results. The decline in trust in multilateralism can therefore be detrimental not only to peacebuilding efforts but also to sustaining global peace. Efforts to promote trust- building must therefore be a prominent feature of the New Agenda for Peace and the multilateral system. For Indonesia, trust begins at home in our region. Coming from a region that has transformed deep mistrust or a trust deficit into strategic trust, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can offer useful insights for futureproofing trust. Rather than being contentiously entangled in entrenched differences, causing the regional conflicts, hostilities and trust deficit itself, the ASEAN founding fathers chose to focus on trust-building through dialogue and cooperation on common interests, such as economic development and eliminating poverty. The habit of dialogue, cooperation and consensus- building has become a prominent feature in ASEAN trust-building strategy. Numerous regional frameworks were developed to build confidence and advance cooperation, contributing to the strengthening the regional peace architecture. That includes building norms through the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. Recognizing that peacebuilding in South-east Asia requires support from the wider region and beyond, ASEAN also extended its habit of dialogue and cooperation to other countries beyond ASEAN, including on issues of strategic risk for peace, through ASEAN mechanisms, such as ASEAN Dialogue Partner mechanisms, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, to name a few. Delivering on the reform of the Security Council is essential to building trust in the United Nations peace and security machinery. Close collaboration between the Security Council and other multilateral machinery is also important. The work of the United Nations development machinery, for instance, can translate peacebuilding strategies taken by the Security Council into actions on the ground. At the same time, to allow all the United Nations machinery to successfully carry out its work, adequate support, including predictable and sustainable financing, is needed. Therefore, we must broaden the sources of funding, including through partnerships with the private sector, as well as fostering South-South and triangular cooperation. Reforming the multilateral development banks and strengthening their cooperation with the United Nations will allow for more impactful programmes on the ground. Peace is a continuous process. A bottom-up approach, a habit of dialogue and national ownership are some important elements for futureproofing trust and peace. As we work towards the New Agenda for Peace, it is also important to be guided by all available experiences. Having a platform for the Security Council to engage in exchanges of experiences, including with regional entities, would therefore be useful.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Romania.

Mr. Feruță (Romania) (spoke in French): I would like to genuinely congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming this important position on the Security Council. (spoke in English) The concept note (S/2023/283, annex) for this open debate is straightforward and in line with our common interest at the United Nations: building trust to foster sustainable peace against the backdrop of an environment of deteriorating global peace and security. It is therefore no surprise that today’s interventions also hinted at the future New Agenda for Peace. We welcome the remarks made earlier today by High Commissioner Volker Türk and the other briefers. I want to emphatically emphasize the message of the African Youth Ambassador for Peace for Southern Africa delivered earlier this morning, and I think that is indeed a wake-up call for us all on the question of youth trust in institutions. Human rights should be at the heart of our actions towards achieving peace and security. Cooperation with multi-stakeholders, civil society, media workers, women, girls and youth is key for building trust. As a serving member of the Council for Human Rights, Romania places a great deal of importance on protecting and promoting human rights. Romania remains committed to the promotion of the women and peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda. Those are key areas which we also would like to be reflected in the New Agenda for Peace. Alongside the United States, Romania is serving as co-Chair of the Women and Peace and Security Focal Points Network in 2023. We look forward to engaging with all Member States on that topic with a view to advancing the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. Fostering inclusivity has the benefit of creating synergies and avoiding a duplication of efforts and resources. Romania strongly encourages the enhancement of cooperation among the various stakeholders in the peacebuilding process, in particular among regional organizations and national institutions. Building trust is about creating partnerships that are mutually reinforcing and that is a vital part of our multilateral system. Today is World Press Freedom Day, and we should praise the work of journalists and media workers who contribute to news reports and seek to uncover fake news so that the public is adequately informed. Their activities are a stepping stone in building trust. Similarly, their activities matter in achieving and sustaining peace, and given that this year we celebrate 75 years of peacekeeping, I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that peace begins with a free press. We applaud your efforts, Madam President. This is the second time this year that the Council is debating the important issue of peacebuilding, following the meeting convened by the Japanese presidency in January (see S/PV.9250). We welcome the continuity of efforts. Indeed, United Nations peacebuilding efforts need to identify new ways to respond to emerging global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics and food insecurity, including by promoting and protecting human rights and human security. In handling those topics, upholding international law principles and multilateralism is key. Refraining from actions and incitement to actions that erode the international architecture of values and democratic norms is also key in building trust among global actors, just as accountability is. It is high time we acknowledge that reinvigorated multilateralism is above all about cooperation with each other, in good faith, and compliance with the existing normative framework. Our Organization is already equipped with the necessary tools to address various challenges, but we need to step up our action in ensuring the proper implementation of the norms and principles that guide our ideals. Romania will remain committed and actively engaged in efforts to consolidate our multilateral system, as the only alternative to ensuring lasting and sustainable peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Slovakia.

Mr. Chatrnúch (Slovakia): I would like to thank you, Madam President, for organizing today’s important debate. Slovakia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union, and I would like to add the following points in my national capacity. We are convinced that strengthening mutual trust among various different actors within the peacebuilding architecture is essential for building resilience and achieving durable peace and stability, especially in conflict-affected regions and countries. Trust develops through a process of collective engagement that helps communities and societies to foster their social institutions and build the resilience and social cohesion that affected countries need to prevent or recover from conflict. In that context, inclusivity is key. A wide spectrum of opinions and actors, in particular those of women and young people, must be heard to ensure the long-term sustainability of peacebuilding processes. We need to continue translating their advice into policy and action. As the world is experiencing a growing sense of insecurity, division and instability, the international community should further strive for the development and implementation of the international normative framework. That is becoming increasingly important, especially in the light of the rapid pace of technological developments and emerging security threats. The growing spread of disinformation and misinformation has a particularly negative impact on trust among actors. Predictability and accountability are fundamental cornerstones of any stable post-conflict order. Therefore, international and local support for peacebuilding processes largely depend on whether or not the responsible actors are able to credibly demonstrate their respect for the rule of international law. We believe that the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace is an opportunity to advance a comprehensive and integrated approach to peacebuilding and sustaining peace. That Agenda will provide opportunities to further a shared understanding and identify ways to support conflict prevention, peace and security. The energy and food crisis, support for effective institutions, human security and the digital gap should be included in the New Agenda for Peace. It is critical that all relevant actors take part in further discussions on how to advance and intensify our collective work to enhance resilience against complex challenges related to peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Uruguay.

Mr. Amorín (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, we thank the delegation of Switzerland, as President of the Security Council, for convening today’s debate, which allows us to link issues of the utmost importance for rebuilding trust in sustaining peace and the measures that must be taken to achieve that goal. We also thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the other briefers for their briefings earlier today. Over the past year, we have experienced a deep-seated crisis, which is an immediate threat to international peace and security and consequently to the multilateral system itself. It is evident that situation did not emerge from a clear sky — we were already seeing storm clouds — but the current situation is a storm of a magnitude that we had not anticipated would lead to the dangerous extremes we now see. It has led to a very rapid erosion of the multilateral system and effectiveness of the international legal order. The international community, represented by the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, has been unable to respond adequately to the crisis. At the same time, the situation has led to a crisis of confidence among Member States with respect to the functioning of United Nations organs, which has spread to all the institutions of the multilateral system. Rebuilding trust in our Organization and the functioning of the multilateral system is therefore a matter of urgency. First of all, we must work to uphold and promote multilateralism in the context of strict compliance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The principles outlined in Article 2 of the Charter — positive law — set out the main obligations that must guide the conduct of Member States: the sovereign equality of all its Members; the fulfilment in good faith of obligations under the Charter; the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means; refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State; and non-intervention in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of State, a principle that has been applied in the actions taken by Latin American countries. Member States must reiterate their commitment to complying with and enforcing those principles, through their adherence to the norms of the Charter and their conduct. Over the past year, the majority of the States Members of the United Nations have shown that they continue to uphold those principles as legally binding and as fundamental obligations of international law that must be adhered to and complied with. Indeed, a set of General Assembly resolutions that were adopted last year reaffirm those principles, in particular as they underscore the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States and call for a halt to violations of international human rights law by the Governments of Member States. Through a binding international covenant, the States Members of the United Nations agreed on the principle of sovereign equality and to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any State. With regard to the prohibition on the threat or use of force, the conditions for the legitimate use of force are clearly set out in Chapter VII of the Charter. In any other case, the use of force would be a clear departure from the norms of the Charter. In that regard, we would like to highlight as particularly relevant the Secretary- General’s New Agenda for Peace. As we have said over the past year and a half, we have seen challenges within the international community and to the effectiveness of multilateralism. That has been the case in particular for those of us who believe in the rule of law and believe that we should conduct our international relations in accordance with international law, and that it should be the basis of the multilateral system. As we said, conduct that is at variance with those principles has led to an erosion of trust in the system. Enforcing those norms and principles is in the best interests of all States, large and small. That means we must ensure that the principles we agree on are respected and implemented by all. Only by doing that can we speak of a true multilateralism. Adherence to international law serves our collective security and guarantees the security of our citizens. Many conflicts can be prevented if States comply with their obligations under international law, the cardinal principle of which is the peaceful settlement of disputes. If States fail to or are unwilling to resolve conflicts by peaceful means, the Security Council has the primary responsibility to maintain or restore international peace and security, as enshrined in the Charter, and that means applying the means to restore the rule of law. However, if the Council is unable to act, the United Nations should not fail to do so, and we have seen it act since February of 2022 through its implementation of the resolutions relating to Uniting for Peace. The international community is facing a myriad of challenges. Genuine multilateralism, based on the rule of law — first and foremost the provisions of the Charter — must be the fundamental basis on which we must build our relations and face all those challenges together. As we have said, over the past year we have felt a clear lack of trust where norms are concerned among the States Members of the United Nations. The international law, treaties and norms that we have established to govern our relations — most importantly the Charter and its application under the concept of the rule of law — constitute the best vehicle for restoring genuine international trust, which provides a solid foundation for genuine multilateralism. We must rely on compliance with the rule of law as a foundation for trust on which to build our relations. That will bring about a genuine multilateralism, which is the best guarantee for ensuring respect for the sovereignty and equality of all States, large and small, especially the less powerful, as it is our only shield for the defence of our rights. In that context, progress must be made on reforming the Security Council through its democratization, first and foremost by expanding the number of its members, with a special focus on ensuring the representation of developing regions, in particular by addressing the just demands of the African countries, as well as granting the Latin American and Caribbean countries’ request to see their presence on the Council doubled. It is also essential to work on limiting the use of the veto, or committing to refraining from using it where certain issues are concerned, for example as laid out in the framework of the French-Mexican initiative, as well as enforcing the rule forbidding States from participating in the context of disputes or situations to which they are a party. As Member States, all of us are active players in the reform process, but the five permanent members of the Council clearly also have a special responsibility in that regard. We must therefore bolster that process, but those five countries in particular must play their part. The proper functioning of the Security Council and strict respect for the norms of the Charter, especially its Article 2, are the indisputable basis for removing all the doubts and dangers we are currently facing and ultimately rebuilding confidence in the future of the multilateral system.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Guatemala.

Mr. Benard Estrada (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Guatemala thanks the delegation of the Swiss Confederation, in its capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of May, for convening today’s open debate. We thank the briefers for their briefings and appreciate the concept note (S/2023/283, annex) provided as a basis for our discussions. In resolution 2282 (2016), the Council reaffirmed its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, in line with the Charter of the United Nations. However, in unjustifiably attacking its neighbour, which has a direct impact on international peace and security, one of the permanent Member States of the Council, the Russian Federation, is far from fulfilling that responsibility. Such unilateral actions only weaken the rule of law and violate the most basic norms of international law. Guatemala reiterates its firm condemnation of the unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Guatemala would like to echo the point in the concept note about how the Council can make creative use of its toolbox and channels, as well as its global voice, to ensure that global normative frameworks remain effective for sustaining peace in the light of current and emerging threats to peace and security. We believe that today’s open debate is essential, considering that despite the adoption of Security Council resolution 2282 (2016) and General Assembly resolution 70/262, on the review of the peacebuilding architecture — resolutions that incidentally created the agenda item before us today — the challenge of the lack of a universal understanding of peacebuilding persists at both the normative and practical levels, and in the implementation of peacebuilding mandates with a preventive approach. Guatemala sees a need for greater coherence in the understanding of fundamental peacebuilding approaches, tools and principles, given that strategic tools can be used to uphold the added value of peacebuilding. In addition, the Security Council can and should benefit from increased interaction with non-Council members, as well as other United Nations organs. We therefore recognize the added value that the Peacebuilding Commission brings as an advisory body to the Council. The Commission’s convening power should be maximized to bring together different groups and facilitate dialogue in order to promote the nexus of peace and security, development and human rights. Lastly, we believe that the Security Council has the capacity to further strengthen and improve preventive action on international peace and security. We therefore believe that the New Agenda for Peace should include a holistic view of conflict in the form of a continuum encompassing the entire spectrum of the conflict cycle, from prevention, immediate intervention and peacekeeping to the subsequent building and sustaining of peace and long-term development, in order to ensure that the Council implements its mandate in accordance with the needs and realities of the twenty-first century.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Ethiopia.

Mr. Yoseph (Ethiopia): I would like to congratulate you, Madam, on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of May, and I thank you for organizing today’s open debate. I would like to recognize Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, who presided over this morning’s open debate (see S/PV.9315), and I thank all the briefers for their insights. I have the honour to share with the Council Ethiopia’s perspective on this important topic, focusing on the need to restore trust in peacebuilding efforts. The Code of Conduct for Inter-African Relations, adopted in Tunis in 1994, states that “every cooperation effort is doomed to failure in an environment devoid of stability, trust and security”. Clearly, restoring trust was also an inspiration for the Charter of the United Nations. On that basis, I will raise four closely related issues that we believe are at the centre of creating confidence among nations and paving the way for building and sustaining peace. First, strict adherence to the Charter and the principles on friendly relations among States is at the heart of building and strengthening trust in the multilateral system. The primary objective of the Charter is creating trust that constitutes a conducive environment, in which justice and respect for the obligations of States can be maintained. Therefore, the primary course of action to attain that objective is for all States to adhere to all our undertakings under the Charter and international law. To that end, creating confidence and respect for the principles of sovereignty, the sovereign equality of States and the non-interference in their internal affairs are supremely critical. Secondly, the principle of national ownership is the cornerstone of peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The responsibility to protect nationals and uphold national security is incumbent upon States themselves. In that regard, as provided under the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, every State has the right to freely choose and develop its political, social, economic and cultural systems. On that basis, we must recognize our cultural and civilizational diversity, which entails our approach to our shared values and goals within the realm of national policy choices. Furthermore, respect for national ownership entails embracing indigenous solutions and the policy choices of States. To that end, we must ensure that the discretion and prerogatives related to financing peacebuilding activities do not compromise that fundamental principle. Thirdly, the equal participation and representation of States are a critical element of building trust. Africa’s representation in the organs of the United Nations, including in this very Council, is obviously unjust. The status quo has already undermined the credibility of the Council and its decisions. Correcting the status quo is therefore the most critical and urgent measure needed to generate trust. Furthermore, the United Nations as an Organization must make constant amends and enhance its credibility and ability to preside over global affairs so that it can win the trust of the people of the world. Adherence to the principle of subsidiarity and granting regional organizations the necessary space to execute their mandates and plans is also imperative. Fourthly, lasting peace and aspirations to create and develop functioning democracies and the rule of law demand coherence in the means and methods we apply in the context of international cooperation. Political support and the provision of economic and financial assistance — in particular development financing and efforts to combat climate change — go hand in hand. The prevailing practice, whereby we attempt to build and sustain peace while simultaneously applying political pressure and coercive measures that undermine the authority and capability of States, is self-defeating. Our actions must be coherent with our targets and must complement one another. To that end, political organs, development agencies and international financial institutions must take constructive measures in support of national priorities and efforts to ensure peace and development. In conclusion, Ethiopia believes that the challenges that surround building trust can be remedied only through concerted action, cooperation and solidarity. We can create effective multilateral cooperation with the United Nations at its core through adherence to the fundamental norms and principles of international relations.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Georgia.

Mr. Abesadze (Georgia): At the outset, let me express our appreciation to the presidency of Switzerland for bringing this very important topic to the forefront of our discussions today. Georgia aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union, and I would like to make some additional comments in my national capacity. Peace and security, together with human rights and development, are the main pillars of the work of the United Nations, and they are tightly intertwined. Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies lies at the core of progress in achieving all the other Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a whole. We believe that promoting peace is key to guiding our efforts towards a sustainable and resilient future, especially in the light of the continuing international tensions, wars, cybersecurity threats and the rapid spread of disinformation, coupled with the unmitigated climate change that we are witnessing worldwide. At the same time, we believe that multilateralism and respect for a rules-based international order must be the foundation of such efforts. They are key to preventing conflicts, sustaining international peace and security and ensuring sustainable development. Today multilateralism is undergoing its most challenging time since the founding of the United Nations, as the result of an attack on its founding principles by a permanent member of Security Council itself, which is entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and security. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its continued occupation of 20 per cent of my country’s territories constitute blatant violations of the fundamental norms and principles of international law and a massive blow to European security and the entire international order. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has also been the most recent litmus test of the Council’s inability to effectively play its role in stopping wars and the consequent human suffering. We must find ways to uphold the Charter of the United Nations, including by addressing the issue of the abuse of the right of the veto. It is our firm position that the use of the veto should be restricted when a member is involved in the conflict under consideration. That is also enshrined in the Charter, namely, Article 27, which states that in a series of specific important decisions, a “party to a dispute shall abstain from voting”. We have had bitter experience in that regard, when in the aftermath of the Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Georgia in August 2008, the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia was brazenly terminated by the veto cast by the Russian Federation — a permanent member of the Security Council and a party to the conflict — thereby creating a total vacuum left by the absence of an international security presence in the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia, when it was most needed. Almost 15 years later, Russia is still in breach of its international obligations and continues to violate the European Union-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008. Russia’s illegal occupation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions continues to have a heavy impact on the population living there and the territories adjacent to the occupation line. Let me once again recall that Russia’s responsibility for grave human rights violations in the Russian- occupied territories of Georgia has been clearly attested to in the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and of the International Criminal Court, which confirmed the occupation and effective control of Georgia’s regions by the Russian Federation during and after the 2008 August Russian aggression against Georgia. Moreover, let me also recall the recent judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 7 March 2023, which confirmed that the Abkhazia region had been under the effective control of the Russian Federation even before Russia’s August 2008 aggression against Georgia, as well as Russia’s full responsibility for human rights violations in the occupied region. In conclusion, let me reiterate our belief that sustaining peace can be achieved by Member States’ strong adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the presence of strong accountability. To that end, the New Agenda for Peace must rest upon reinforced commitment to the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter and better protection and realization of human rights.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Ireland.

Mr. Gallagher (Ireland): Let me warmly congratulate you, Madam President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I also want to thank the briefers for their remarks today. I align my statement with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. Today’s discussion could not be more urgent or timely. Our world is more connected than ever, but our societies are more polarized and fragmented. Persistent inequalities, the spread of disinformation and the perception of Government inaction on critical issues have all contributed to a widening trust deficit within and among nations. The Council is no exception. As the organ with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council’s credibility is undermined when it fails to take decisive action in the face of pressing global challenges. Worse still, lives are lost. Sadly, that is true in many cases, from the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory to Myanmar, to climate change. Every time the Council fails to act as a result of a member’s self-interest or to protect others’ behaviour, the fabric of its legitimacy frays further. That is epitomized by the Russian Federation’s shameful use of the veto in connection with its own military aggression in Ukraine, an act that severely threatens the Council’s long-term legitimacy. There is a saying often attributed to the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov — “You must trust and believe in people or life becomes impossible”. I think that axiom particularly apt in the context of peacebuilding, but it also speaks to the consequences of declining trust in the very structures that are meant to uphold peace and security and the rule of law. If we are to futureproof trust, the Security Council must lead by example. Demonstrating unity, cooperation and a steadfast commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations will send a powerful message of reassurance and hope to the international community and help rebuild the trust that is so essential for peace. But that in itself will not be enough. In all the situations on its agenda, the Council must insist on strict adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. It must hold parties to account and challenge impunity. Human rights, as we heard from the High Commissioner this morning (see S/PV.9315), are a critical foundation of sustaining peace and must be recognized as such. Ireland welcomed the participation of High Commissioner Türk in today’s debate, but his presence in this Chamber is far too rare an occurrence. We urge Council members to consider inviting the High Commissioner to brief them on a more regular basis. In the age of fake news, the Council also has a responsibility to advance sound, scientifically driven and evidence-based decision-making. It should deepen its engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission and prioritize gender-responsive approaches and conflict- sensitive perspectives. It should make use of reliable data, expert analysis and technological advances that can enhance transparency, accuracy and inclusiveness in its deliberations. Finally, as I just said, we must trust and believe in people. Having learned from the experience of the Troubles on the island of Ireland, Ireland understands the need for an inclusive approach to peacebuilding that ensures the meaningful participation of women, young people and minorities in decision-making. Indeed, it was only by adopting a whole-of-society approach that peace became possible in Northern Ireland. But peace is more than just the absence of conflict. It is a state of positive and constructive engagement in which people can live in dignity, equality and security. Sustaining peace requires more than simply stopping violence. It necessitates addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting social justice and building inclusive and accountable institutions. Above all, it requires rebuilding trust both in our institutions and in one another.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of India.

Mrs. Kamboj (India): It is wonderful to see you, Madam, in the President’s chair. Let me extend our congratulations on the first ever Swiss presidency of the Security Council. We also thank your delegation for organizing today’s open debate on a very interesting topic, “Futureproofing trust for sustaining peace”. The three key issues raised in the presidency’s concept note for today’s debate (S/2023/283, annex) are, first, inclusion through the equal and meaningful participation of all stakeholders; secondly, normative frameworks that eliminate inequalities and thirdly, facts that draw on the potential of new technologies to improve the Council’s effectiveness. From our delegation’s perspective, if we are to futureproof or secure the future, we need to draw the right lessons from history first and foremost. Can the Security Council in its present form, as a body that denies permanent representation to the entire continents of Africa and Latin America and to the world’s largest democracy, be deemed inclusive? By making five members more equal than others in this very Chamber, does the Council’s normative framework eliminate inequality or tend to perpetuate it? Will we be able to credibly improve the Council’s effectiveness at any stage, when it is a fact that we do not even have a time frame for concluding the long-running discussions on Security Council reform? Can we actually be futureproofing trust for sustaining peace through the Council until we arrive at credible answers to those core questions? Reforming the Security Council is the fundamental first step towards futureproofing trust for sustaining peace. Multilateral institutions must be made more accountable to their memberships, and they must be open and welcoming to a diversity of viewpoints, particularly from the Global South. The Council must be made more representative of developing countries if it is to continue to engender trust and confidence in its ability to provide leadership to the entire world. It can deliver effective solutions only if it gives a voice to the voiceless. The Security Council should also respect the regional approach adopted by countries involved, while working in collaboration with regional organizations to address peacebuilding challenges. We believe that regional organizations have an important role to play in tackling global challenges, with the United Nations at the core of multilateral efforts. A comprehensive approach focusing on sustainable development, inclusive economic growth and political processes is critical to peacebuilding and sustaining peace. India’s fundamental approach to peacebuilding efforts is anchored in respect for national ownership and the development priorities of Member States. We have always played a constructive and significant role in the context of peacebuilding through our extensive development partnerships with countries of the Global South. We continue to assist countries in post- conflict situations through bilateral and multilateral forums and our extensive network of development partnership assistance. Our engagement has been wide-ranging, encompassing key sectors such as infrastructure, housing, education, health, connectivity and improving livelihoods. India remains unwaveringly dedicated to peacebuilding and sustaining peace. In keeping with the theme of our Group of 20 (G-20) presidency, “One Earth, one family, one future”, India is committed to forging consensus through the G-20 process in the effort to find solutions to global challenges.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Viet Nam.

Mr. Dang (Viet Nam): We thank Switzerland for convening this timely high-level open debate, which is a meaningful contribution to the promotion of global peace and security. To address the question on the relationship between building trust and peace, my delegation would like to share the following points. First, it is our strong belief that dialogue provides a solid foundation for our multilateral system to achieve and sustain peace. Trust is the bedrock on which that foundation is laid. In a world riddled with uncertainties and strategic complexities, trust plays a critical role in conflict prevention and resolution. Without mutual understanding and trust, differences become more difficult to address and in turn can escalate into tensions, disputes and even wide-scale violence. Secondly, in building trust, we need to acknowledge that it cannot be coerced or manufactured. It rests on the principles of fairness and equality. All actors in international relations, especially the major Powers, have to act in good faith and uphold their responsibilities while taking into full consideration the legitimate interests of all parties and stakeholders. Multilateralism and respect for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, should be the core elements of trust-building. In that regard, the United Nations generally and the Security Council in particular should have greater confidence in regional organizations and work in better harmony with them, respecting their central role, perspectives and local knowledge in preventing and resolving conflicts. Thirdly, as far as post-conflict peacebuilding is concerned, forging mutual understanding and trust between United Nations peacekeeping missions and their host countries is of prime importance. Peacekeepers must earn the respect and confidence of local authorities and communities before being able to effectively contribute to building trust between political parties and armed groups. Trust is especially critical in the immediate aftermath of conflicts and the delicate early stages of peacebuilding so as to avoid the risks of fragile States spiralling back into violence, and there is no better way to build trust with and within host countries than to engage in open dialogue and candid interactions with all stakeholders while respecting the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference. That approach needs to be mainstreamed in the mandates of all United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. Fourthly, trust is also an essential element in developing comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, hunger, inequality and violence. The international community must foster greater transparency and inclusion in our common efforts to fulfil the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Likewise, trust and trust- building should be the key components in the New Agenda for Peace proposed by the Secretary-General. As a nation that has overcome the devastating wars waged to secure our independence and sovereignty as well as a difficult post-war reconstruction and reconciliation, Viet Nam attaches utmost importance to trust and trust-building in its domestic and foreign policies so as to maintain national unity and enhance international integration. That is clearly reflected in the implementation of Viet Nam’s consistent foreign policy of diversification and multilateralism in foreign relations and its commitment to being a trusted partner of the international community. It is also evident in our responsible participation in and contribution to the work of the United Nations, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and other multilateral forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN’s related mechanisms, which are committed to promoting peace, security and prosperity through confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy. In this spirit, we stand ready to work closely with all States Members of the United Nations to futureproof trust for sustainable peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.

Mr. Santos Maraver (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I congratulate you, Madam President, on Switzerland’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the first time in the history of your country, as well as for convening today’s open debate. Spain aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of the European Union. Trust between Member States is the foundation stone of the United Nations. The conditions for trust are set out in the Preamble and Chapter I of the United Nations Charter, and Article 2, paragraph 2, and Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Charter specifically establish the principle of acting in good faith and its existence as a condition for the admission of States to the Organization. In our view, the subject of this debate has a twofold dimension. On the one hand, there is growing distrust among the Member States, which is reflected in the debates and decisions we take in the various intergovernmental bodies. On the other hand, this mistrust also affects the credibility of the United Nations in its work to help respond to the challenges facing today’s societies and global problems for which we know multilateral solutions are the only solutions. The Security Council’s non-compliance with the resolutions it has adopted together with the Council’s paralysis undermines its legitimacy and effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security, which is a cause for concern. As for the work of the United Nations, mistrust translates into a perception reflected in the most recent Human Development Report that the United Nations is an excessively bureaucratic system far removed from the day-to-day realities of the peoples it is trying to help. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 corroborates this pessimism. It is imperative to rebuild trust and forge a new multilateral and intra-State social contract based on the shared values of democracy, solidarity and human rights as set forth in Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), proposed by Secretary-General António Guterres. How can we contribute to this? The precondition is to ensure the maintenance of peace and security for all and compliance with the resolutions of this Security Council. Accordingly, the New Agenda for Peace is a plan to revitalize multilateral action in a world in transition and in geostrategic competition, which must include both reform of the Security Council — to make it more representative — and a new institutional relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly that ensures the subordination of specific interests to the common good.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Costa Rica.

Ms. Chan Valverde (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Madam President, Costa Rica welcomes the convening of today’s open debate and congratulates you and Switzerland on your historic presidency of the Security Council. In the current geostrategic context of eroding levels of trust and growing competition, the New Agenda for Peace offers an opportunity to promote transparency and foster trust and dialogue as an alternative to arms acquisitions. It can revive the objective set forth in Article 26 of the United Nations Charter which calls for “the establishment and maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world’s human and economic resources”. The New Agenda for Peace can also revive existing transparency and confidence-building measures and promote the development of new ones applicable to weapons of mass destruction, conventional weapons, cyberspace and outer space, as well as emerging technologies. Such measures can build mutual understanding, lessen misperceptions and miscalculations, improve clarity of intent and ultimately reduce the risk of conflict. In this regard, Costa Rica would like to highlight three aspects. First, Costa Rica encourages greater use of existing tools, such as the United Nations Report on Military Expenditures and the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, which are key to promoting transparency and accountability in military spending and the arms trade. To ensure that these mechanisms are used successfully, Member States must demonstrate political will and mutual trust. As to the Security Council, it is essential that it introduce into its mandates the tools necessary to better understand the risks arising from the diversion, illicit trafficking and proliferation of arms and ammunition and their impact on security and people’s lives. Secondly, Costa Rica wishes to emphasize the importance of collecting credible and verified data and evidence, in particular through the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). UNIDIR’s independent research enables decision-making and policymaking in disarmament and peacebuilding, for example, in such areas as the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on military operations and all domains of warfare, as well as opportunities and challenges. Finally, the United Nations must lead by example and implement flexible, context-specific, attentive and reliable responses to conflict threats. It must act as one, integrating the various pillars of the Organization with inclusive, people-centred, balanced and gender- sensitive approaches so as to build trust with local populations. This involves including women and youth in decision-making processes and policies, as well as engaging with rural communities and civil society organizations. While the Security Council intends for Member States, regional and subregional organizations and individuals to do more to manage global crises, the Council must also do more. Keeping the peace requires a more benevolent, cooperative and, above all, determined approach to maintain trust, particularly in this very Chamber.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

Mr. Mabhongo (South Africa): South Africa congratulates Switzerland for its first-ever assumption of the presidency of the Security Council, and we wish you well, Madam President, during your term in the Council. We thank you, Madam, for convening today’s open debate, and we wish to thank all the briefers for sharing their insights on this topic. Building trust is one of the commitments made by our leaders in their declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (General Assembly resolution 75/1). The report of the Secretary-General, Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), also buttresses the imperative of building trust through inclusive societies, which is one of the priority targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are various facets of trust that need to be considered as we engage in the process of elaborating a New Agenda for Peace. First, causes of mistrust are diverse and differ in each country or regional situation. A one-size-fits-all diagnosis or solution should be avoided. Efforts aimed at building, restoring and futureproofing trust should therefore be guided by empirical evidence, based on the specificities of each situation. Secondly, trust, in relation to inter- or intra-State conflict, remains a key element in any peacebuilding scenario. As we learned from the sharing of best practices in the Peacebuilding Commission meetings, trust is often developed through continuous dialogue; political, economic and social inclusion; and an acknowledgement or understanding of our interdependence. Thirdly, we agree that normative frameworks and complementary institutions are important in enhancing trust within States and between States. National institutions aimed at rendering services expected by the population and regional agreements and entities that foster peace and good-neighbourliness are some of the confidence-building measures required to harness trust. However, scrupulous implementation, monitoring and evaluation are important elements if such measures are to be effective. Fourth, trust must also extend to intergovernmental organizations that many developing countries rely on to advance their development aspirations, such as the United Nations and international financial institutions. Since the United Nations is a beacon of multilateralism, we agree with the assertion made by the Secretary- General that we need multilateralism that is more effective in delivering on its promises and, consequently, is more trusted. In that regard, the Security Council needs to play its role in ensuring that it is consistent and effective in dealing with matters of peace and security so that people in long-standing conflict situations, such as Palestine and Western Sahara, can trust that the multilateral system will address their situations in an even-handed manner, based on international law. Fifthly, partnerships among various actors on shared objectives at local, national, regional and international levels are also vital in promoting trust in leadership and institutions. We are referring, more specifically, to the partnerships that involve Governments, the private sector, civil society and academia working together to find innovative solutions to existing and emerging threats to peace. Lastly, I would like to conclude by underscoring the need for the international community to act decisively on the findings of the recently published report of the Secretary-General, entitled “Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: Towards a Rescue Plan for People and Planet”, which states that the SDGs are in trouble. Those findings, if not addressed, will have an adverse impact on efforts aimed at peacebuilding and sustaining peace, including futureproofing trust.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Ms. Brandt (the Kingdom of the Netherlands): I would like to join others in congratulating you, Madam President, and your country, Switzerland on assuming its first-ever presidency of the Security Council. I also thank you for organizing this open debate. We would also like to thank the briefers for their contributions and, like Ireland, would encourage Security Council members to more frequently invite the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to meetings. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union. I will therefore limit myself to highlighting the importance of two elements: inclusion and adequate, sustainable financing. First, we can all agree that we can only build trust in peacebuilding processes through inclusive approaches. That means ensuring the meaningful participation of all stakeholders — women, youth and minorities — in all stages of peacebuilding. It also means inclusive dialogue at all levels, including at the community-level. Fortunately, we have some good examples of how that can be done. For instance, in South-Sudan, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan women- protection teams play an important role in early warning and early action through their daily monitoring activities in local communities and internally displaced persons camps. That provides the Mission with critical information on issues that are essential for peacebuilding — information that would otherwise go largely unnoticed. Sadly, we also see examples of the opposite — where exclusion of important stakeholders in processes contributed to a relapse into violence. Even when it is evident that women and young people have a vital role to play, like in the Sudan in 2019, it should be equally evident that their voices have to be heard. That has not been adequately pursued The Council can and should play its role here by making sure that Security Council mandates generally reflect the importance of inclusive approaches — for instance, by always paying attention to women and peace and security and youth, peace and security elements, and by listening more and better. That means not only inviting women and young representatives to the Council to share their views and perspectives, but also following up on their suggestions through concrete proposals for action. Similarly, we hope that the work currently under way on the New Agenda for Peace will recognize the importance of inclusive approaches, including by giving women and young people a chance to contribute to the consultations. My second point is that we also have to build trust when it comes to the support that we provide. That means that funding should be dependable and sustainable. The United Nations should be able to rely on adequate and predictable resources when it comes to fulfilling its mandate and tasks in the area of peacebuilding. The Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore supports moving towards the use of assessed contributions for the Peacebuilding Fund. Not only would that improve the predictability of financing, but it would also send a strong signal that Member States collectively support the United Nations peacebuilding efforts and that we, as the States Members of the United Nations, place our trust in the United Nations system to deliver on this crucial mandate. Let us all work towards a swift and positive conclusion of the negotiations on this in the Fifth Committee. The world looks to the United Nations and so to all of us when it comes to maintaining and building peace. Together, we have to build the trust in people, institutions and the United Nations that is essential for our efforts to get there. We are confident that the debate today will prove to be an important step in that direction.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Nepal.

Mr. Rai (Nepal): Let me join the previous speakers in congratulating you, Madam President, and your great country on your first-ever presidency of the Security Council. I thank you for convening this pertinent debate today at a time when the credibility and effectiveness of the Security Council in maintaining global peace and security are being called into question. Today we live in the shadow of nuclear arms and great Power rivalry, but also in the intensity of the ravages of climate change and pandemics. Critical enablers such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, climate action and the digital commons have remained underused and underachieved. Poor countries and many of the developing countries are suffering from debt distress, widening poverty, inequality and inflation. Trust within and among nations is declining, and the challenges to peacebuilding and sustaining peace have multiplied. Seventy-eight years ago, the United Nations was created from the ashes of the Second World War in order to establish universal peace over conflicts, trust over animosity and prosperity over poverty. Today’s fragility requires us to make greater efforts to rebuild trust among nations, anchored in the Charter of the United Nations, multilateralism and international law. The stakes are too high to let mistrust and suspicion define the course of international relations. Peacebuilding requires persistently prioritizing development so that the root causes of conflicts can be addressed. Considering the significance of the humanitarian, development and peace nexus, we must emphasize the importance of the timely realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Given its own experience as a post-conflict country, Nepal emphasizes nationally owned peacebuilding efforts based on constant political dialogue and inclusive political processes. The voices of all segments of society should be heard, and their concerns need to be addressed in order to sustain peace. The meaningful participation of women, youth and minorities is the cornerstone of building trust within governance systems. And there is a need for stronger cooperation between the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission on the peacebuilding agenda. We emphasize the synergy in the work of United Nations country teams, international financial institutions and regional organizations to marshal adequate resources for peacebuilding needs. As one of the largest troop- and police-contributing countries, Nepal has always prioritized peacebuilding efforts in its peacekeeping operations, as mandated by Security Council resolutions. Finally, trust is an essential prerequisite to maintaining enduring peace in the world. Building trust within and among nations involves continuous dialogue and frank exchanges through which they can build common understanding. Member States must respect the Charter of the United Nations to foster trust and secure sustainable peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines.

Mr. Lagdameo (Philippines): We congratulate Switzerland for assuming the Security Council presidency for the first time in its history and for convening this timely open debate. In the current geopolitics, there is a growing trust deficit between and among countries, which has become a challenge to maintaining international peace and security and collaborative efforts to address current and emerging threats. An important undertaking in futureproofing trust for sustaining peace is the Secretary-General’s call for a New Agenda for Peace. A people-centred New Agenda for Peace should promote and enhance the inclusion of women, youth and civil society within the ambit of international law in a rules-based order. That should be central to the programme of work of the Peacebuilding Commission. Our experience in the southern Philippines is a good example of a people-centred peace process. We placed a premium on communities achieving their desired quality of life, which included the pursuit of sustainable livelihood and political participation within a peaceful deliberative society. That normalization process in the Bangsamoro fostered an effective peace and development road map that is inclusive, participatory and conflict-, culture- and gender- sensitive. That involved a Philippine Government-led dialogue with all stakeholders, including women, the youth, faith leaders and civil society. The Philippines forged that peace initiative in the region in a common pursuit for a solution to the Bangsamoro question with honour, justice and dignity for all concerned. As seen in the Philippine experience, the people-entered New Agenda for Peace should also have the following crucial elements. For trust to be built, all Members States, especially the country and region concerned, must have a voice in decision-making and such decision-making process must be made transparent, while decision-makers are made accountable for their actions. There must also be greater collaboration among Member States, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. That can help build understanding, identify shared goals and facilitate cooperation. We also need to actively engage in conflict prevention and resolution efforts. That can include supporting negotiations, promoting dialogue and providing mediation and other forms of assistance to help prevent or resolve conflicts. I wish to point out that human rights is a means to build strategic trust in the context of peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The Philippines believes in the importance of abiding by human rights commitments, but is of the view that politicizing human rights is not an effective method to transform human rights situations and create lasting change on the ground. Human rights mechanisms and programmes that are based on constructive dialogue and cooperation, such as the Philippines-United Nations joint programme on human rights, are a good model that fosters trust among Member States, the United Nations and other stakeholders and establishes lasting partnerships for democracy, justice and the rule of law. On the logistical side, the enhancement of capacity- building and financing is a necessary ingredient. We should take advantage of advanced research and technology in ensuring that the decisions we make are data driven and based on facts and science. The use of modern technology should be welcomed. For instance, on the heels of the pandemic, it is now much easier to engage Governments in a virtual or hybrid format. We should further strengthen and make that system more secure and fit for purpose. At any rate, there is a need for the Security Council and the Secretariat to ensure that the perspectives of Governments are fully heard, as they undertake the triangulation of data with non-Government sources. We also recognize financing as a critical component for peacebuilding. We should bolster our institutions for peace by infusing the necessary resources and strengthening participatory processes. That would allow institutions such as the Peacebuilding Commission to address key priorities such as supporting cross-border and regional approaches, facilitating transitions and fostering inclusion through women and youth empowerment. In all the processes related to international peace and security, including in the area of disarmament, the Philippines has been a staunch advocate of the importance of promoting trust among Member States. We enjoin Member States to stay relentless in finding ways that will allow trust to flourish, as we allow it to endure into the future.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Kazakhstan.

Mr. Rakhmetullin (Kazakhstan): We commend the Swiss presidency and briefers for their timely reminder of the importance of futureproofing trust for sustaining peace, not only for fragile but also relatively secure societies to prevent and protect them from unprecedented threats through the use of the principles of inclusion, the standardization of norms and evidence-based data. Kazakhstan supports joint coordinated efforts aimed at a comprehensive peacebuilding process. We share and take very seriously our commitments in implementing a New Agenda for Peace, with a particular focus on women and girls. Let me briefly touch upon the measures my country has undertaken to promote regional and global peace, based on the concepts of inclusion and overcoming a trust deficit in modern multilateralism, as consistently highlighted by President Tokayev of Kazakhstan. It established the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia. It hosted the nineteenth round of the Astana process on Syria and has hosted regular consultative meetings of the Heads of Central Asian States to strengthen multilateral and inter-State partnerships, and the triennial Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which is integrated with the United Nations concept of a culture of peace. Other examples are our national development strategies, which incorporate all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); our support to Afghanistan through increased economic cooperation with the Central Asian region; the establishment of a United Nations regional centre for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan; the mobilization of humanitarian aid and the transformation of Central Asia into a zone of peace and security. Terrorism, crime and corruption are scourges that destabilize society. Therefore, we launched a joint action plan to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia. With regard to disarmament, a shift towards greater transparency, verification, total disarmament, irreversibility and reducing nuclear postures in military doctrines will enhance nuclear peace and security, as well as compensation for victims. We are confident that acceding to and implementing key legally binding United Nations instruments in national and regional legislation create trust and predictability. Security sector reforms enhance trust, safeguard human rights, promote respect for the rules of military engagement and prevent the rise of militias and unauthorized non-State armies. Finally, evidence-based data is critical for every challenge the United Nations faces for a realistic appraisal of projections, early warning, timely action, information management and sharing — the building blocks of trust and confidence. Science also counters misinformation and disinformation aimed at sowing discontent, fuelling hostilities and disrupting societies. In conclusion, Kazakhstan stands ready to join multilateral action to safeguard trust, as an absolute requisite for building global peace and solidarity.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Pieris (Sri Lanka): I would like to congratulate Switzerland on assuming its maiden presidency. We have every confidence that Ambassador Baeriswyl will execute her mandate efficiently. It is said that peace is a by-product of trust, and when trust happens we meditate and focus on who our neighbour is and who we are to that neighbour. Transposing that ethos to our own environment can happen only when our foreign policy is structured to accommodate our neighbour — the other, so to speak. We are gathered here to evaluate our efforts to sustain peace while anticipating the future, developing methods to minimize the effects of shocks and stressors and futureproofing trust — an amazing expression. As we confront multiple and intersecting crises, it is imperative that we renew our commitment to building trust and strengthening our mechanisms to face those challenges in the future. We must accept the position that from the perspective of inclusion, we need to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, especially women and young people, in peacebuilding processes. By doing so, we generate trust in those processes and ensure their long-term sustainability. Of course, we cannot pause there. We must engage the wider peacebuilding architecture, including regional and subregional organizations, more effectively if we are to build inclusive and sustainable peace. Here I cannot but recall the words of Archbishop Tutu, who spoke extensively on the importance of trust and reconciliation in building sustainable peace. He said that we need to believe that a peaceful world is possible — with all the drudgery that we see around us — and that it is worth working for. We need to foster trust among individuals and communities, and between nations. We need to recognize the dignity and value of every human being and promote human rights and social justice. And we need to work together, in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation, to create a world that is safe, just and sustainable for all of us. We need normative frameworks. In the context of the relevant Security Council resolutions regarding normative frameworks, if we are to futureproof trust we must examine how international human rights law can enable accountability while embodying predictability, both of which are essential components in building trust. The rule of law, a social contract between Governments and their peoples, anchored in democracy, human rights and the elimination of inequalities, is vital to sustaining peaceful, resilient and trusting societies. The Security Council must creatively use its toolbox and channels, as well as its unique global voice, to ensure that global normative frameworks remain effective in sustaining peace in the light of current and emerging threats to peace and security. After all, should not the Security Council be the sanctum sanctorum, the high altar of global peace? Should not the futureproofing initiative then be rooted firmly here — with the necessary reforms, if need be? The effectiveness of normative frameworks in building trust and sustaining peace, however, depends on their implementation and enforcement. If norms and standards are not upheld or if there is a perception of selective enforcement or double standards, that can undermine trust and create tensions between States and other actors. It is therefore important to ensure that normative frameworks are implemented in a fair and consistent manner and that there is accountability for violations. It is not difficult to appreciate that there is a strong interconnection between trust-building and sustaining peace. Transitional justice processes, such as truth commissions, can play a role in building trust by promoting accountability for past human rights abuses, acknowledging the suffering of victims and facilitating reconciliation among various groups. The New Agenda for Peace, as proposed by our Secretary-General, calls for a more comprehensive approach to peacebuilding, as former Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali also mentioned in 1992, identifying various measures that could contribute to building peace. The former Secretary-General emphasized the importance of trust-building when he said that an agenda for peace identifies trust as a crucial element in establishing lasting peace and stability. He said that no key peace can be lasting and no security guaranteed without trust among all people, regard for their social and economic conditions and a sustained effort to build peace that is both inclusive and welcoming. He believed firmly that one of the basic conditions for peace is social justice — indeed, that there can be no peace without social justice. We must therefore work to build trust from multiple perspectives of inclusion, normative frameworks and facts. The Security Council has a vital role to play in that endeavour, and we call on all Member States to work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous world. It was His Holiness Pope John XXIII who reminded us that the peace of nations consists not in equality of arms but in mutual trust alone.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Ms. Wegter (Denmark): I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries — Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark. We congratulate Switzerland on assuming its first presidency of the Security Council and thank you, Mr. President, for convening us today to discuss the pertinent issue of building trust. The Nordic countries are well known for the high level of trust in their societies, and we appreciate the importance of trust for our societies’ well-being. As a natural extension, we see trust as a necessity for effective multilateralism and for building and sustaining peace within and between States. For today’s meeting, we have three recommendations for strengthening trust across the peacebuilding architecture — prioritizing prevention, promoting partnerships and ensuring the inclusion of diverse actors and perspectives in our processes and initiatives. First, an important key to building trust is strengthening prevention. The New Agenda for Peace provides a timely opportunity to increase the effectiveness of our collective efforts to sustain peace and rebuild trust in our systems. To that end, we must strengthen capacities for prevention at all levels by integrating climate-sensitivity and operationalizing the close relationship between conflict prevention and the protection and promotion of human rights, as they represent both the end goal of more peaceful and just societies and the means for reaching them. Secondly, equal partnerships contribute to building trust among stakeholders and to sustaining peace, whether we are talking about regional organizations, local civil-society organizations, young people bridging divides within communities or enhancing the sustainability of peace processes through women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all stages of conflict. To build those inclusive partnerships, we need adequate, predictable and sustainable financing for peacebuilding. We also need to support locally led peace initiatives in particular. Thirdly, trust can be enhanced across the United Nations peacebuilding architecture by further strengthening the Security Council’s engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission. That cooperation has improved, but the full potential remains untapped. The Commission’s convening role, with a focus on national ownership and peer-to-peer exchanges, can be leveraged to take into account a broader spectrum of voices in the work of the Council. At a time when multiple crises are testing our norms and institutions, we must work together and build trust to build and sustain peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco.

Mr. Hilale (Morocco) (spoke in French): First of all, on behalf of my delegation, allow me to sincerely congratulate you, Mr. President, on your country’s assumption this month of the presidency of the Security Council for the first time in Switzerland’s history, and to assure you of our full cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Cynthia Chigwenya, Youth Ambassador for Peace for Southern Africa, and Ms. ’Funmi Olonisakin, Vice-President and Professor of Security, Leadership and Development at King’s College London, for their comprehensive briefings and participation in today’s open debate. Today’s conflicts give rise to multidimensional and complex geopolitical and cross-border dynamics that require a strengthening of multilateralism in order to better promote international peace and security, while fostering confidence-building measures and inclusive approaches in peacebuilding processes and partnerships between Governments and civil society actors, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and full respect for the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Member States. In order to build a lasting peace capable of facing the current and emerging challenges, the United Nations and, more particularly, the Security Council, should continue to make use of all means, instruments and rules placed at its disposal by the Charter of the United Nations for the prevention of conflicts and the peaceful settlement of disputes, including — first — through the promotion of mediation and dialogue as sine qua non confidence-building measures that can contribute to conflict prevention and the rebuilding of trust between stakeholders. In that regard, the use of the good offices of the Secretary-General remains crucial for promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes and bringing together stakeholders to engage in negotiations, mediation and other peaceful methods to resolve their differences. Secondly, we must strengthen peacebuilding and the lasting nature of peace in order to prevent conflicts from recurring and promote stability and development in countries or regions that have experienced conflict. In that context, it is very important to further strengthen the collaboration between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission so as to ensure more consistent approaches to building resilient and effective institutions and to providing inclusive approaches capable of supporting national peacebuilding initiatives. Thirdly, we must ensure respect for the principle of good neighbourliness, the pre-eminence of the universal values of living together and, especially, non-interference in the internal affairs of States. My country supports the actions undertaken by the Security Council, the Secretariat and the United Nations agencies to, first, ensure the equal representation of women in national, regional and international institutions; secondly, promote their key role in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as in peacebuilding; and thirdly, provide them with the means to influence decision-making at all levels. In that respect, on 23 March 2022, the Kingdom of Morocco officially launched its first national action plan on women and peace and security, in support of resolution 1325 (2000). We have also put in place gender-sensitive policies to strengthen the participation, resilience and leadership of women and young people in all areas and at all levels. Morocco also recognizes the key role of young people in promoting the youth, peace and security agenda within their communities and around the world, as well as the need for them to contribute to decision-making processes at the national, regional and international levels. Young people are not only our future but also a crucial phase of our present, and their input contributes significantly to shaping efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace. The Kingdom of Morocco would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its full support for the Secretary-General and fully shares the vision of his recommendations to address the common challenges of the twenty-first century, in particular through the establishment of the New Agenda for Peace. The Agenda will bring to the fore the full range of diplomatic avenues available under the Charter to promote international peace and security, in particular the provisions of Chapter VI relating to negotiation, mediation and reconciliation, as well as the emphasis placed on prevention and peacebuilding. The Agenda will also enable a sense of urgency in the search for a better future for all of us, with the aim of reducing strategic risks, strengthening predictive capacities, intensifying action against violence, addressing the root causes of conflict, combating violent extremism, placing women at the centre of peace efforts and promoting the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making. In conclusion, my country believes that using a range of confidence-building approaches and instruments remains the way to build a lasting and sustainable peace in the face of current and emerging challenges. Confidence-building is essential to fostering peace and will lead the States Members of the United Nations to trust each other and to work together, to cooperate and to find solutions to common problems together.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait.

Mr. Mohammad (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to warmly congratulate you, Mr. President, on Switzerland’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the first time in its history, and I wish your friendly country every success in presiding over the Council for the month of May. I would also like to thank you for convening today’s open debate on the theme of futureproofing trust for sustaining peace and for preparing the valuable concept note (S/2023/283, annex) for this meeting. This important open debate has been convened at a very critical juncture, as our world today is facing more intertwined and intersecting risks, challenges and threats than it has in the past. Despite the ability of the multilateral international system, the United Nations and its various organs, led by the Security Council, to address many risks, challenges and threats in the past effectively and decisively, we find ourselves today facing an international system that lacks the effectiveness it had in the past. It is a system marred by disruptions, increasingly profound differences and divisions between Member States, and that sometimes finds itself incapable of properly addressing and responding to the political, security, humanitarian, economic, social, environmental and health challenges that are facing our world today. For that reason, it is more important than ever before for us to re-examine and work to better leverage the tools at our disposal in order to tackle those challenges. We must also consider the opportunities offered by various modern tools, such as technologies and digitization, as well as work to take collective action to towards adopting more tangible measures to reform the multilateral international system, with the United Nations at its helm, in order to enable it to better address and face the current and future challenges. Let me start by referring to the tools currently at our disposal, which must be better operationalized, particularly by the Security Council. The Charter of the United Nations provides a number of tools for resolving disputes through peaceful means, specifically Chapter VI of the Charter, which sets out the steps to resolve any dispute between conflicting parties through negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement or resort to regional agencies or arrangements or other peaceful means of their own choice. The Council is well aware that the cost of managing a crisis after its outbreak is particularly high for the international community. For that reason, the Security Council’s action should not be exclusively limited to managing the consequences of conflicts. We should not merely contain the consequences of conflicts. It is incumbent upon us to explore more effective and efficient ways to prevent conflicts. In that regard, we would like to emphasize the importance of regional and subregional organizations playing a greater role in conflict prevention and mediation efforts, in line with Chapter VIII of the Charter, by strengthening their strategic partnerships with the United Nations in order to implement mediation efforts. Peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts must be anchored in trust at all stages of the peacebuilding process, which is essential for building reconciled, peaceful and resilient societies, in which dialogue prevails over violence, justice prevails over injustice, order prevails over chaos and peaceful coexistence prevails over intolerance. If we want to proceed on the basis of trust serving as a pillar that ensures the success of peacekeeping operations, then we must emphasize national reconciliation and the effective participation of all parties, including women and young people, in the relevant political processes. The meaningful participation of women in political processes and peacebuilding leads to positive results. Many reports and statistics demonstrate that women’s participation increases the likelihood that peace agreements will be implemented and sustained. Furthermore, political efforts should be supported by development efforts during the post-conflict phase. There is a strong correlation among peace, security and sustainable development. There can be no sustainable peace without development; there can be no development without sustainable peace. We support the Secretary-General’s report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), in which he calls for the establishment of a New Agenda for Peace. For us, such an agenda should be integrated and comprehensive in terms of peace and security. It should help us overcome conventional challenges such as military conflict and non-proliferation, as well as emerging challenges such as climate change and cyberthreats. The initiative should be rooted in achieving the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In that regard, we believe that preventive diplomacy, mediation, peacebuilding and sustaining peace should represent key elements of the New Agenda for Peace. In conclusion, Kuwait stresses that the United Nations is the cornerstone of international multilateralism action, based on the Charter and its purposes and principles, which govern relations among States throughout the world. At the same time, we support efforts to reform the United Nations system in order to make the Organization more effective, efficient and better able to address and tackle current and future challenges.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.

Ms. Hayovyshyn (Ukraine): Ukraine greatly appreciates the initiative of the Swiss presidency to hold this important debate, and we thank all briefers for their presentations. Our delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union, and I would like to make the following statement in my national capacity. One could hardly question the nexus between trust and peace or deny the current deficit of trust and confidence. As rightly pointed out in the concept note, “[a]t the core, trust is about expectations and predictability” (S/2023/283, p.2). Given that a full- fledged war — the bloodiest on the European continent in the past eight decades — started in the middle of a Security Council meeting (see S/PV.8970), we definitely have problems with both expectations and predictability. Therefore, we should address ongoing violations, and the Charter of the United Nations should be at the core of our attempts to futureproof trust. In speaking about the role of the Security Council in shoring up trust, we should not deny the fact that currently the Council is not a credible point of reference because it is incapable of delivering what it was established for — namely, the maintenance of international peace and security, its primary responsibility, which Member States conferred upon it under the Charter. The irresponsible behaviour of just one country has totally undermined trust. It is not only in Ukraine that people believe that the Council is incapable of delivering on that promise. And that is why we like the title of today’s open debate, which suggests that trust should be futureproofed. Ukraine firmly stands for its restoration. Trust is built on a foundation of fairness and justice. As soon as a violation takes place, trust is undermined, and it cannot be restored without addressing and fixing that injustice. If the circle of impunity is not broken and the violator is not held accountable, it is not very important what language we use for our documents and concept papers and what processes we launch. We welcome discussions about the future, but there are no half-solutions to the problem just mentioned if we want to achieve what we set out to achieve. We will succeed only if accountability is ensured and the enforcement toolbox for the violator is sufficient and adequately applied. When your home is on fire, you do not drive to a Home Depot to buy new wallpaper. First, you have to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile, an alleged criminal recently presided over the Council, while the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States is enshrined in its Constitution. It is our duty to extinguish that fire — the fire of grave violations of international law and the Charter by the Russian Federation. The question is whether the world is just watching or whether it will act, as it acted eight decades ago, when the Nuremberg Tribunal served as a bulwark against violations and aggression. We are confident that the future trials of Russian war criminals will play the same role for the purpose of trust, peace and the current and future generations of the United Nations.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Jordan.

Mr. Hmoud (Jordan): It is my pleasure to begin by thanking Switzerland for organizing this important and timely open debate. I would also like to extend our appreciation to the briefers for providing their valuable insights to the Security Council. Jordan emphasizes the central role of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security, in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We are committed to supporting and advancing the Organization’s efforts, initiatives and resolutions aimed at preventing and responding to threats to peace and security worldwide. Evolving challenges and threats require a Security Council that leads and advances international efforts to build peaceful and resilient societies. The Council can effectively contribute to sustaining international peace and security by addressing the root causes of conflicts, assisting in the cessation of hostilities; ,strengthening conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts, ensuring accountability for crimes, promoting justice and guaranteeing the full, equal and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including women and young people, throughout the peacebuilding processes. In that regard, we emphasize the importance of fully implementing resolutions 1325 (2000) and 2250 (2015) and formulating inclusive and people-centred policies in political processes and peace efforts. In addition, strengthening partnerships with regional organizations, civil society groups and other relevant stakeholders is vital to further support local actors on the ground and ensure a functional and consistent approach to sustaining peace. Such partnerships should be part of an integral approach to peacebuilding. In the light of the current challenges and threats and in an effort to promote trust and predictability, the Security Council should work towards the prevention of conflicts through diplomatic means and early-warning mechanisms, strengthen peacekeeping operations through the deployment of well-trained and equipped peacekeepers and further engage in mediation efforts in coordination with regional organizations. In addition, ensuring accountability for crimes and the promotion of the rule of law are key in building and sustaining peace. Accordingly, peacebuilding processes should be aimed at strengthening the judicial institutions of post-conflict States to ensure respect for the rule of law and the applicability of internationally recognized normative and human rights standards. Moreover, peacebuilding processes must take into account the differences and particularities of societies and States that are in post-conflict situations. Minimum human rights and international normative standards should be clearly defined. The Security Council and General Assembly have key roles in that regard. Based on the foregoing, Jordan considers the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace as a starting point for constructive discussions and dialogue between the concerned governmental and non-governmental interlocutors on a holistic and sustainable approach to peacebuilding, while emphasizing the primary role of States in that regard. The upcoming Summit of the Future is an appropriate forum in which to advance a new direction to promote peace in a manner that addresses the existing challenges in accordance with the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The Summit provides a unique opportunity to discuss confidence- and trust-building measures, including on empowering women and youth in peacebuilding efforts, addressing the root causes of conflicts, upholding human rights and supporting the development agendas of States situated in conflict zones by providing capacity-building programmes and developing national institutions to ensure justice and achieve sustainable peace. I thank you again, Sir, for organizing this important open debate, given the pressing global need for the Security Council to fully utilize its prominent position to make meaningful contributions to sustaining peace and to prevent the recurrence of conflict and instability.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Myanmar.

Mr. Tun (Myanmar): At the outset, I wish to congratulate Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. Myanmar thanks Switzerland for organizing this important open debate. I also thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the other briefers for their insightful briefings this morning (see S/PV.9315). Sustainable peace is the foundation for human progress and the development of every society. To achieve and sustain peace is one of the primary responsibilities of every Government. Trust among people and communities and their Government within a society is fostered and maintained through the institutions of the rule of law, justice and democracy. Violent conflicts break out in many situations owing to the collapse or destruction of the rule of law, which is usually preceded by systematic and widespread violations of human rights, abuse of power, exclusion and persistent impunity. Fostering public trust and restoring confidence in justice and security institutions is a prerequisite for achieving eventual national reconciliation and sustainable peace. However, that can hardly be achieved without addressing the issues of accountability and impunity. The predictability and consistency of the Council’s response to the perpetration of atrocity crimes can significantly contribute to the success of peacebuilding processes at the national level. The Council, in its resolutions, has emphasized the importance of addressing accountability and ending impunity for atrocity crimes, including war crimes and sexual violence. In the past, the Council has addressed accountability for those responsible for serious international crimes and contributed to the long-term impact of national reconciliation on the ground. On the other hand, in situations in which no adequate action is taken by the international community and the Security Council, the perpetrators of serious international crimes are emboldened and, subsequently, their impunity thrives. As a result, peace can hardly be built or sustained. In that connection, I wish to take the continued experience of my country, Myanmar, as an example. It has been over 27 months since the illegal military coup of February 2021. During that time, in response to the illegal junta’s blatant disregard for human lives and humanity, as well as their brutality against the people, the Council has issued seven press statements and one presidential statement (S/PRST/2021/5) and adopted a historic resolution (resolution 2669 (2022)), the first ever on Myanmar, expressing its repeated concern regarding, and condemnation of, the violence against the civilian population and calling for the release of the detained elected leaders and for the swift and full implementation of the five-point consensus of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. However, every single call made by the Security Council has been disrespected and ignored by the military junta. Instead, the junta has lawlessly killed more than 3,400 people and committed 64 massacres of civilians during that period. The latest large-scale massacre was a heinous targeted aerial attack on a civilian gathering in the village of Pazigyi on 11 April, in which nearly 200 civilians, including women and children as young as a six-month-old baby, were killed. That clearly constitutes a crime against humanity and a war crime. In total disregard for the Council’s demand for an immediate end to all forms of violence in resolution 2669 (2022), the junta’s widespread and coordinated attacks against the people of Myanmar continue unabated, with much more cruelty. I sincerely recall the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group’s code of conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. We all talk, conveniently and time and again, of preventive measures and the importance of early warning. With regard to the military’s atrocities in Myanmar, we do have a lot of early-warning signs. The Secretary-General, his Special Envoy on Myanmar, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar widely mentioned the military’s atrocities in the country. Here, the question must be raised: how does the Security Council take action effectively on such early warnings provided by the United Nations system? What can the people of Myanmar expect from the Security Council to save their lives? We understand that there may be different views within the Council on approaches towards the resolution of a particular conflict. However, the Council should be unequivocal in denouncing the deliberate killing of civilians, taking action to hold the perpetrators accountable and preventing further loss of people’s lives. The military’s repeated aerial bombings on civilians in an indiscriminate and disproportionate manner have made it clear that the junta cannot be expected to stop attacking the civilian population while its inhumane actions have received no response from the international community. In conclusion, it is high time for the Security Council to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected and to effectively respond to the indiscriminate killings of civilians by the military junta. I urge the Council to adopt, in accordance with the will and aspirations of Myanmar’s people, concrete follow-up measures to resolution 2669 (2022) and give peacemaking a chance by ending the military’s impunity. It will significantly contribute not only to the resolution of the current crisis, but also to a successful peacebuilding process in post-conflict Myanmar.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Lebanon.

Mr. Hitti (Lebanon) (spoke in French): My delegation is honoured to participate in this historic meeting for your country, Switzerland, which is presiding over the Security Council for the first time. We congratulate you, Mr. President, and wish you every success. Just over a century ago, in 1902, Élie Ducommun and Charles Albert Gobat, both Swiss citizens, received the Nobel Peace Prize. We can therefore only welcome your decision, Sir, to hold a debate on confidence-building in the service of peace and a lasting peace at a time when, it is true, people’s trust in international institutions and in their Governments is eroding day by day, to be replaced by a mistrust that is growing day by day. Building trust means setting an example. That is why the Security Council must be consistent and fair in its treatment of all violations of international law and in the implementation of all the resolutions it adopts. Strengthening trust also implies that the Council must be reformed so that it is more representative and inclusive. That will also require real acts of solidarity, beyond mere trends, with States that are facing significant challenges alone. In that connection, I cite the crisis of displaced persons in my region. We must admit that too often and for too long, the logic of palliative care has prevailed in the treatment of crises and conflicts. This method is insufficient to achieve real solutions. So what can the Council do to tackle the root causes of crises that undermine international peace and security? As mentioned in your concept note (S/2023/283, annex), Mr. President, an inclusive approach is needed. In that regard, the enlightening presentations this morning by three briefers — from the United Nations, youth and academia — only confirmed the importance of mobilizing a variety of actors to build peace. Local actors, young people, women and civil society are vital forces that also have a role to play in all stages of the peace process and in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and crises. We must steadfastly invest in this human capital, which is what makes Lebanon strong. The Council and the entire United Nations system can promote their role and consult them more. In addition, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission should be able to meet and exchange views more regularly. Furthermore, ambitious national plans, developed through inclusive processes, often cannot be implemented due to lack of resources. The United Nations must support those national efforts by mobilizing adequate financial resources. That is particularly true of the Peacebuilding Fund, for which predictable and sustainable funding must be ensured. The Council and Member States can also build on the latest recommendations of the High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, in particular those related to restoring confidence in multilateralism through inclusiveness and accountability. All of this can help support the Secretary-General’s efforts, including his proposal for a New Agenda for Peace. All over the world, as we see every day, the social contract between the people and those who are supposed to respond to their expectations seems to be broken. Lebanon is certainly not exempt. One certainty that emerges is that the bond of trust cannot be established or restored without guaranteeing the rule of law, with robust national institutions and respect for human rights. The rule of law is the foundation of stability, development and lasting peace.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Malawi.

Mrs. Chimbiri Molande (Malawi): Malawi congratulates you, Mr. President, and your country, Switzerland, for this historic presidency, and we wish you a successful presidency. The Republic of Malawi is honoured to be part of this meeting as a sign of its commitment to international peace and security. As a Member State, we believe in an international rules-based order. This open debate could not have come at a better time, and it is comforting that this meeting will consider futureproofing peacekeeping initiatives. The fact that this open debate will also feed into the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace serves as an opportunity for all of us to incubate ideas for more reliable, predictable and sustainable peace processes in an increasingly complex world. The Republic of Malawi agrees that there is a need for transparency and reliability in peace efforts. That is why we believe that observance of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and other legal instruments that other multilateral actors and the United Nations develop, is a must at all times. In furtherance of these international instruments, we call for harmony, equality and inclusion. We should desist from creating circumstances that lead to other States acquiring a dominant role, with others being subjected to a subordinate-partner status. We should all note that the key to sustainable peace is the smooth and efficient functioning of the Security Council leveraging its high and influential voice in upholding an international rules-based order. The voices of all other regions should be part of the Council’s voice, hence the need for Security Council reform. Malawi is a peace-loving nation, and we are fully aware of the dangers that climate change poses to our people and neighbouring countries. As a State recently devastated by a horrible Cyclone, communal harmony and peace are at stake, with thousands of people displaced. Just like migrants, internally displaced populations create the need for transparent peace and development processes. The world is advancing in technology, which is jeopardizing peace and security. As a result, the world is increasingly facing threats of cyberinsecurity and the use of lethal nuclear weapons. Our position is that we need to harness the peaceful use of new technologies while simultaneously keeping our eye on the threats they pose. The United Nations should put in place accountability mechanisms for those threats. We also need to develop the resilience of our people, fully cognizant of the fact that climate induced and human-made disasters will continue to create existential threats. That is why trust, participation, mutual respect and shared values and norms should be the cornerstones of the United Nations in order to deliver the nexus of humanity, peace and development. As the States Members of the United Nations and representatives of our people, it is critical that we leverage our existing multilateral and United Nations capabilities in preventing and resolving conflicts worldwide, now and in future.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Mr. Alrowaiei (Bahrain) (spoke in Arabic): I would like to begin by welcoming the presidency of His Excellency Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. I congratulate the Swiss delegation for presiding over the Security Council this month. We thank you for convening this important open debate on futureproofing trust for sustaining peace, in particular as the world witnesses multiple intersecting crises that threaten international peace and security today. I would be remiss if I did not thank Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the other briefers for their valuable presentations. The continued armed conflict in different parts of the world, as well as the new growing risks, such as climate change and the malicious use of information and communications technologies, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and the lack of stability, all establish the essential need for multilateral action and cooperation to put an end to wars and settle conflicts by peaceful means. We must also counter terrorism and extremism and address any political, economic and social issues that may fuel conflicts, disputes and hatred. The Kingdom of Bahrain believes that the main pillar for resolving regional and international conflicts is compliance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, as stipulated therein, the most important of which are respect for the sovereignty of States and international law; non-interference in the internal affairs of States; and the reinforcement of the pillars of maintaining international peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. We must also agree on more effective mechanisms to prevent future conflicts and to settle disputes before they escalate to violence. Therefore, the Kingdom of Bahrain has continued to reiterate the key role of promoting the values of tolerance, mutual respect and dialogue in the prevention of conflicts, the maintenance of security and the building of cooperation and trust among States. The United Nations, in particular the Security Council, as the primary organ in charge of the maintenance of international peace and security, is a critical element for the promotion of peaceful coexistence, dialogue among cultures and civilizations, human solidarity and stability and the protection of human rights, and the coordination of humanitarian assistance operations, development efforts and climate action. Accordingly, the complexities and fluctuations engulfing current and emerging conflicts in the world require renewed efforts and effective responses by the Security Council and through the adoption of transparent, constructive and cooperative approaches among States, while bearing in mind the primary role of regional organizations and actors in addressing important issues and ensuring that conflicts are de-escalated and resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain shares the international community’s concerns and its interests in the Secretary-General’s proposals to be put forward in the New Agenda for Peace. We reiterate our support for international partnership in promoting peace, dialogue and peaceful coexistence; protecting and promoting human rights and sustainable development efforts for the benefit of humankind; and redoubling our joint efforts by addressing and overcoming together all challenges in the promotion of peace and security.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Mr. Sekeris (Greece): At the outset, allow me to congratulate Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and for organizing this timely debate. I would also like to align myself with the statement delivered earlier by the European Union and would like to add the following in my national capacity. Futureproofing trust for sustaining peace is a very important topic that begs to be considered in a comprehensive and thorough manner. Trust and Peace go, after all, hand in hand, as we know all too well from our collective efforts to achieve peace, stability and prosperity the world over. In view of the elaboration of the New Agenda for Peace, which will shape new responses and strengthen the prevention of old and new threats to international peace and security, trust should be placed at the core of that project. My country, which has welcomed since the very beginning the Secretary- General’s ambitious report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) as a major step towards further enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations and highlighted as a priority the New Agenda for Peace, will spare no effort to that end. In that respect, in today’s debate I would like to elaborate on three dimensions: the normative frameworks, inclusivity and trust through credible facts. With regard to normative frameworks, trust is about predictability and the international community has a great normative tool — international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We should place our efforts on upholding the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as the obligation of all Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force against other Members. Indeed, in our efforts to build trust, it is essential to go back to the basics and reinvigorate the membership’s commitment to those core principles, especially in an era of continual attacks on the foundations of our multilateral system, of which we are all aware, including through the misinterpretation of international law. A particular aspect of normative frameworks, and indeed a case in point, concerns maritime security. Safe seas and oceans are fundamental for blue growth, energy security, supply operations and the achievement of sustainable development. Illegal activities at sea, such as piracy, terrorist acts, arms trafficking and human trafficking, constitute major maritime security threats. Their interconnection requires an integrated approach, including through the implementation of the law of the sea and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as the sole legal and institutional framework governing the world’s oceans and seas. Turning to inclusivity, it is essential to support and enhance United Nations efforts to place women and girls at the centre of security policy, building on the framework of the women and peace and security agenda. The equal representation of women in decision-making, including in peace processes, remains a decisive factor in our ability to make progress in our collective efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace and development. Preventing and addressing sexual violence in conflict, ensuring accountability for the perpetrators and relief and recovery for survivors, and enhancing the participation and leadership of women as agents of change in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and mediation efforts are essential in building durable trust through bolstering inclusivity. Last but certainly not least, today we are celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. The role of the freedom of journalists in establishing credible facts to guide us in our collective efforts for peace and prosperity cannot be exaggerated. A free press exposes the truth. It plays an essential role in identifying and promoting accountability for human rights violations and abuses and holds those in positions of authority to account. Journalists and media workers play a crucial role in the flow of information, opinions and ideas and are indispensable to building inclusive and tolerant societies, promoting at the same time understanding and cooperation. Yet, we are witnessing today an alarming increase in disinformation, polarizing discourse and fierce attacks on factual reporting, both online and offline, leading ultimately to the erosion of trust and paving the way for more confusion, which is the number one fuel for crisis. Greece, as co-Chair, along with France and Lithuania, of the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists, comprising 27 Member States, stands firm in its unwavering dedication to the principles of a free, independent and pluralistic press and to ensuring the safety and protection of journalists and media workers worldwide.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Gusman (Azerbaijan): At the outset, I would like to congratulate the delegation of Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and thank it for convening this important open debate. As the United Nations membership has engaged in informal discussions on the Secretary-General’s proposal for a New Agenda for Peace, we look forward to the outcomes as an opportunity to address all forms and domains of threats and reflect on the collective commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and multilateralism. I would like to briefly focus on some thematic areas of concern which, in our view, need to be taken into account in identifying possible contributions to the process and the ways and means of enhancing national and multilateral action. Selectivity, double standards and the resulting persistent incompliance with international obligations, along with the inadequacy of international security mechanisms, have been and continue to be among the major obstacles to addressing current and emerging threats and promoting trust, predictability and peacebuilding more effectively. As this open debate, among its objectives, provides an opportunity to examine the role of international normative frameworks, it is essential, first and foremost, to reject misinterpretations, underline that there is no conflict among the commonly agreed norms and principles and reaffirm the duty to implement international obligations in good faith. The purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations are universally binding and must be applied consistently, not selectively. The foundation stone across all efforts is and must remain the State. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial to achieving any progress in preventing conflicts; restoring and maintaining peace; building bonds of peaceful, mutual trust among nations; enhancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; protecting human security and promoting sustainable economic and social development. Furthermore, accountability is an important preventive tool and an essential constituent on the path to the adoption of a longer-term approach that looks towards shaping a more peaceful, just and inclusive future. Justice is a fundamental building block of peacebuilding, sustainable peace and a peaceful international order. It is also critical that the United Nations continue mobilizing the world against racism and confronting hate speech, hatred of all kinds, misinformation, disinformation and incitement to division, violence and extremism. Intercultural and interreligious dialogue at the national and international levels is one of the important avenues within the broader objectives of peacebuilding, sustaining peace and reconciliation. In that connection, we recognize the important role played by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Strengthened global solidarity, multilateralism and common efforts, grounded in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, are the most effective ways to achieve the goals of peace, inclusive sustainable development and human rights for all. Providing support to States affected by conflict and engaged in post-conflict peacebuilding, reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration is, and must remain, a critical commitment of the entire United Nations system. Such support and solidarity is critical to my country — Azerbaijan — and to many States around the world that are overcoming the consequences of devastating wars, aggression, occupation and ethnic cleansing. In conclusion, we believe that there is a need for closer strategic and operational partnership among the United Nations, Governments and other key stakeholders, while complying with national sovereignty and taking into account priorities and policies of States.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Cambodia.

Mrs. Eat (Cambodia): First, allow me to congratulate Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month May. I thank you, Madam President, for organizing today’s debate on the important topic of futureproofing trust for sustaining peace. I highly appreciate the comments and views of all the briefers and speakers who took the floor before me, all of which I found relatively valid. Upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations is absolutely fundamental to maintaining universal peace and security and fostering human development, and all Members of this body have time and again reaffirmed commitment to them. Yet we continue to see wars and armed conflicts breaking out within and between Member States. It is apparent that there are many differences among United Nations Members in the interpretation of the principles that support peace and peaceful coexistence. It is also apparent, from the current fragility of world peace, that there is a huge deficit of trust in all dimensions and an eroding spirit of international solidarity. Nevertheless, the fact that we have all gathered here to discuss the root causes of eroding trust and on the best approach to rebuild and consolidate it reflects our faith in multilateralism and collective efforts to maintain and build a world where all nations, large and small, can enjoy peace, security and socioeconomic development. For small States like Cambodia, multilateralism and the principle of mutual respect is our best defence. The United Nations, in particular the Security Council, has an important role in ensuring member nations’ trust in multilateralism and that principles, rules and norms be upheld as committed to and applied equitably for all. It is also crucial that the concerns of each and every nation be fairly taken into consideration and that peaceful means and diplomacy should remain supreme in resolving disputes and addressing concerns. The state of peace, security and development in my country, Cambodia, now and in earlier times within our living memory, stands as an example of what trust and a severe depletion of trust, nationally and internationally, can do to a nation and its ability to contribute to regional and global peace and development. Finally, may I join others in voicing support for the Secretary-General’s proposal on the New Agenda for Peace. We should work for and through an inclusive process to build convergence and bridge division in our approaches to peace, security and development in order to build a peaceful and sustainable world for future generations of humankind.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

Ms. Squeff (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): As new forms of conflict demand innovative responses, States that manage to end a conflict often fail to maintain the peace they have achieved over time. Many conflicts take place in countries that were already at war, while the relapse rate has increased every decade since the 1960s. Empirical analysis of eight decades of international crises shows that peacekeeping efforts often succeed in the short term and fail in the quest for peace in the long term. Since the Security Council and the General Assembly adopted historic and identical resolutions on sustainable peace in April 2016, Member States have begun to reflect on what that concept means. Argentina has supported the development of the concept of sustainable peace as understood to mean a continuous process that involves the peacebuilding system not only in the post-conflict stage, but also before and during conflicts. That is also based on a comprehensive approach that must take into account the need to combat the root causes of conflicts by means of, among others, strengthening the rule of law, promoting sustained economic growth and eradicating poverty, while promoting social development, democracy and respect for human rights. Conflict prevention is the first step in the peace architecture. As an integral part of preventive diplomacy, the international community should focus on institutional and capacity-building in States where situations of potential or imminent conflict exist. That step is also key to safeguarding successful transitions from conflict to lasting peace. Strengthening the resilience of States, building legitimate, accountable and effective institutions, and consolidating the rule of law are long-term efforts that require national leadership and responsibility and sustained international support. The Security Council has a fundamental role to play in supporting preventive diplomacy efforts. In recent years, the Council has increased its engagement and flexibility to address emerging threats before they escalate and come onto the Council’s formal agenda. Through its actions, the Council can send important signals that help discourage violence and open up a channel of dialogue between the conflicting parties, which will facilitate, for example, the work of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoys when it comes to good offices. Many ceasefire and peace agreements are initially unsuccessful. When insufficient attention is paid to the needs of societies emerging from conflict, the consequences are serious for all concerned. That is why peacebuilding aims not only to resolve conflicts, but also to build societies, institutions, policies and relations that are more capable of sustaining peace and justice over time. Inclusion is another crucial aspect of sustainable peace. Conflict prevention and resolution and peacebuilding processes and efforts must involve all sectors of society. Women must play an active role across the spectrum of conflict prevention and resolution and post-conflict peacebuilding. There is evidence that women’s empowerment and gender equality are linked with peace and stability in societies. In particular, when women influence decisions in their communities, crises are more likely to be resolved without resorting to violence. Broad consultations and participatory mechanisms that do not exclude any group or segment of society serve to consolidate the legitimacy of the State and foster trust among all its citizens. Contrariwise, a lack of inclusion threatens peace and reconciliation processes and the stability of the State itself. The participation of all citizens in building peace helps to achieve inclusive agreements and lasting peace and stability. Ultimately, the success of a transition from conflict to peace requires that justice and accountability be taken seriously. Justice is an essential component of reconciliation. A failure by Governments to ensure justice and end impunity could lead to sabotaging peacebuilding efforts and, ultimately, to reigniting conflicts. Faced with new global challenges, we must ask ourselves what the correct United Nations structures and mandates for conflict resolution with sustainable peace are. The transition from war to peace is not a technical exercise, but a highly political process in which different principles, priorities and approaches must be brought together. In that regard, there is a crucial need for coordination among the main organs of the United Nations, while avoiding working in separate silos and seeking to achieve systemic coherence in peacebuilding strategies.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Ms. Tickner (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I thank you and the members of the Security Council, Madam President, for convening this meeting. Colombia welcomes this debate, which is very timely in the light of the “total peace” project being developed by the Government of Gustavo Petro Urrego. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the Security Council’s support and acknowledgment of the advances achieved by my country towards the goal of achieving a stable and lasting peace. I reiterate Colombia’s willingness to make our national experience available to the United Nations as a reference for those other cases where it is necessary to encourage and create the conditions for a transition from an armed conflict to overcoming violence. Along those lines, I would like to briefly share some ideas from the Colombian perspective regarding the link between peacebuilding and inclusion, within the framework of more effective action by the Security Council. First, inclusion constitutes the cross-cutting axis of the indissoluble link between development and peace. Listening to the voices of society as a whole is essential to guarantee the sustainability of both development and peace. That means that national policies cannot be imposed from capitals, but must be built from the regions. Aware of that need to weave the social, political and economic fabric, the Government Colombia believes that social participation not only legitimizes initiatives aimed at strengthening the rule of law, but that it also guarantees its sustainability over time. The voice of women, youth, LGBTQI+ persons, Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant populations is essential in any effort undertaken by the United Nations. Secondly, building strong and effective institutions also requires designing inclusive mechanisms. Consequently, one of the central messages of President Petro Urrego and Vice-President Francia Márquez has been “change with women.” In pursuit of that ambition, Colombia is in the process of preparing its first national plan of action for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, as an overarching document that has been conceived by involving not only State institutions but also civil society, academia and women themselves throughout the country. Thirdly, as the Colombian case clearly proves, it is essential to have the political, technical and financial support of the international community as well as that of regional banks in order to advance on the path towards peace through multilateral instruments that make possible the viability of projects to that end and that contribute to sustainable development. During our tenure in the Peacebuilding Commission, which ended in December, we worked under such a collaborative approach, while emphasizing that the support of the international community is an indispensable tool. The Commission’s advisory function to the Security Council must be constant and seek to integrate, as an integral part of the recommendations and actions defined within the framework of the so- called configurations, the lessons learned from positive cases of transitions towards peace. For that reason, and in conclusion, Colombia supports and actively participates in the five-year review process of the peacebuilding architecture, to take place in 2025, under a holistic approach that ensures more efficient and timely decision-making by the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund. In that way, peacebuilding could be strengthened as a platform in which national experiences converge on issues such as transitional justice, disarmament, reintegration and demobilization, all of which are the basis for overcoming conflict situations.

The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Armenia.

Mr. Hakobyan (Armenia): We join others in congratulating Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. We thank you, Madam President, for organizing today’s important debate. We also thank Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the other briefers for their valuable contributions. The mounting challenges to international peace and security are indeed troubling and call for strengthened international cooperation. The Security Council should be able to perform its responsibilities enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and take all measures on behalf of the wider membership of the Organization to maintain peace and security around the world. To futureproof peace, new impetus should be given to the prevention agenda, peacebuilding and trust- and confidence-building. Efforts should be made to ensure broader participation by women and youth, to counter all forms of violence and discrimination and to strengthen international oversight capacities. Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be placed at the centre of the international efforts, with special attention on the protection of civilians in vulnerable situations, and particularly those affected by conflicts. Upholding the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security is essential for the realization of the rights to truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence of breaches of trust and international peace. Often it is the lack of accountability for wrongful acts that breeds more violence and sows discord. The United Nations and its principal organs, particularly the Security Council and the International Court of Justice, has a central role in promoting justice and accountability and upholding faith in the rule of law among nations. To build trust, prior agreements and international commitments should be implemented in good faith and in full. The well-established record of non-compliance by Azerbaijan with international treaties, agreements and arms control regimes and its consistent refusal to implement confidence- and security-building measures throughout the years have demonstrated a clear intention of instigating further hostilities in our region, notably exemplified by its large-scale aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020. Regrettably, the lack of adequate reaction from international structures allowed Azerbaijan to further pursue its aggressive policies. It has been almost five months since Azerbaijan put the Lachin corridor, the only lifeline connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outside world, under an effective blockade. Moreover, on 23 April Azerbaijan installed a checkpoint in the corridor, violating the trilateral statement on a ceasefire of 9 November 2020, as well as disregarding the provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice, according to which Azerbaijan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan’s continued violations of international law and prior commitments and its warmongering and aggressive behaviour should not be tolerated by the Council or by the international community at large. To achieve sustainable peace, it is equally important to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to conflict zones by the United Nations, in conformity with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as well as the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the displaced population and the preservation of cultural and religious heritage. We believe that the New Agenda for Peace provides a timely opportunity to address those and other multifaceted contemporary challenges and to reinforce the prevention toolbox of the United Nations.

The President (spoke in French): The representative of Azerbaijan has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor.

Mr. Gusman (Azerbaijan): We will not be replying to insinuations by the representative of Armenia. Azerbaijan is firm in its determination to rehabilitate, reconstruct and reintegrate its conflict- affected territories, ensure a safe and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons, advance the normalization agenda for the sake of peace, stability and well-being for all peoples in our region and prevent and eliminate, by all legitimate means, any threat to the safety and well-being of its people and the State’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Proceeding from that position, Azerbaijan constructively engages in the talks currently being held in Washington, D.C. In that context, we categorically reject all attempts by the representatives of Armenia to impose false narratives and animosity. The meeting rose at 6.55 p.m.