UNGA Disarmament Index 2024: A-G

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament, militarism, and war made during the 79th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 24–30 September 2024.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

UN Secretary-General
Mr. António Guterres
24 September 2024

Militarism: “The war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up. Civilians are paying the price – in rising death tolls and shattered lives and communities. It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. Meanwhile, Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it. Look no further than Lebanon. We should all be alarmed by the escalation. Lebanon is at the brink. The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.”

Militarism: “Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages – both of which I have repeatedly condemned. And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General. More than 200 of our own staff have been killed, many with their families. And yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver.”

Militarism: “In Sudan, a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence -- including widespread rape and sexual assaults. A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads. Yet outside powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace. In the Sahel, the dramatic and rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity - but regional and international cooperation have broken down. From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti to Yemen and beyond – we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find solutions. Meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often operating in areas where there is no peace to keep. Instability in many places around the world is a by-product of instability in power relations and geo-political divides.”

Nuclear weapons: “And nuclear posturing and new weapons cast a dark shadow.”

President of the General Assembly (opening remarks)
Mr. Philemon Yang, Cameroon
24 September 2024

War/militarism: “Conflicts rage, from the Middle East to Ukraine, from Haiti to South Sudan, leaving in their wake death, destruction, and immense suffering. I call for an immediate ceasefire in all these conflict settings.”

War/militarism: “For almost a year now, the people of Gaza and Israel have been caught in a spiraling cycle of conflict and retribution. I take this opportunity to call for:
- an immediate ceasefire for the Hamas-Israel war,
- the unconditional release of all hostages, and
- For all parties to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law, and work towards a just and lasting solution grounded in the United Nations Charter, relevant resolutions, and international law, ensuring dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis. Indeed, only a two-state solution can end the cycle of violence and instability, ensuring peace, security, and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

Military spending, arms race: “We should be coming together for peace and the well-being of our citizens. We should not divert essential resources into military stockpiles, fueling an arms race never before seen since the Cold War era.”

Nuclear weapons: “Nuclear weapons continue to be a threat to humanity and to our planet. A nuclear war must never be fought. Conditions for their use or accidental explosion must always be avoided. We call for urgent measures for the abolition of these tools of the annihilation of the human race and our environment.”

President of the General Assembly
Mr. Philemon Yang, Cameroon
30 September 2024

Conflict: “While we are meeting in New York, violent conflicts are raging in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine. This is unfortunately not an exhaustive list of the conflicts and crises affecting Member States of the United Nations. “

“In the last few days, the world has seen an extremely dramatic escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. That escalation risks causing war in the entire Middle East Region.”

“As we speak, peace in the Middle East is hanging delicately on a shoestring! There is pervasive tension and uncertainty in the region. Thousands of people have lost their lives. Many others have been displaced. Infrastructure has been destroyed.”

“This must stop. And it must stop now.”

War, ceasefire: “The world must not allow an all-out war to happen in this volatile region. We call on all parties – Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire. And for all remaining hostages to be freed immediately and unharmed. “

“I also call on all those with influence on the parties to demand an immediate ceasefire and dialogue. I further call on all states supplying weapons to the region to desist from such actions and give peace a chance. For no sustainable peace will be achieved militarily.”

“Negotiations and diplomatic solutions must take precedence over brutal force. The Charter of the United Nations instructs that Member States settle their disputes peacefully, so as not to endanger international peace and security.”

“As you heard me saying at the opening of the General Debate, only a two-state solution, based on relevant UN resolutions, can guarantee lasting peace and security for both the people of Israel and Palestine, and indeed for the rest of the Region.”

Albania
Mr. Edi Rama, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Cyber: “In the same spirit, we gave shelter to several thousand Iranian refugees, whose lives were in daily danger in Camp Liberty in Iraq, where they were raided and killed by Tehran assassins. We paid a dear price for being their hosts. The Tehran totalitarian regime engaged in a large-scale cyber-attack on Albania, which aimed to bring the county to its knees by wiping out all our digital infrastructure of public services. They were brutal, but they failed.”

War: “In the third year of the unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine, we feel compelled to renew our call for Russia to stop this war. This is a war that neither Ukraine nor our community of like-minded nations chose—a catastrophe conceived by the decision of one country and, indeed, one delusional dreamer of an old imperial past. Rewarding an aggressor who annexes the territories of a sovereign country by disarming the victim of aggression does not bring peace but paves the way for more war. All those who seek peace by stopping Ukraine instead of stopping neo-imperialist Russia’s aggression are wrong, and they should be aware of a very simple truth: A peace that defeats Ukraine would bring only further aggression and turn our world into one ruled by might, not right. Yes, we seek peace too, and we want peace to be made between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible. And of course, we would support any peace attempt and format that would include Russia around the table.”

War: “There is a war waging in Europe’s South-East too. Albania stands firm in its position that there is no place for Hamas and its likes in the world we want to live in, as we recognize the right of the Palestinian people to have their own safe place in this world, and their right to give birth and raise their children in their own state.”

“Guaranteeing such a basic condition for millions of Palestinians is much easier said than done, just as it is much easier said than done for the Jewish people to live in their land without anyone questioning their right to exist.”

“We need to restore our moral compass in the Middle East, yes, but there is no moral compass that can relativize and, God forbid, normalize terror and a terrorist organization like Hamas as a part of the peace we all want between Israel and Palestine.”

“Doing so would be like relativizing the scourge of anti-Semitism and accepting to coexist with a new vicious form of Nazism, which is the worst thing that could have happened for so many years to, first and foremost, the Palestinian people themselves.”

“Nevertheless, it is not too difficult to state loudly and strongly that so much violence and destruction cannot be the long-term solution for both Israel and Palestine.

We reaffirm our national support for a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution.”

Algeria
Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

War: “The ongoing genocide in Gaza that has continued for almost one year, and the recent spillover of this war into the West Bank and Lebanon and the sharp, multifaceted, multi front Israeli escalation in the entire region, all of which could not have happened if the international community, at the time, had taken a firm stand that forces the Israeli settlement occupation what has been imposed on others, namely punitive and deterrent measures, as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations under Chapter Seven.”

Conflict: “Algeria continues its endeavors to establish a balanced, beneficial and meaningful partnership in the Sahel region, which is currently undergoing a fragile situation as countries in that region are suffering from an escalation of political unrest and an increase in the threat of terrorism and the absence of sustainable development, as well as the spread of the phenomenon of climate change. Algeria, in the face of all this, reiterates its solidarity with the peoples and countries of the Sahel region.”

Andorra
Mr. Xavier Espot Zamora Head of Government
27 September 2024

Conflicts: “The seriousness of the conflicts in Ukraine, in Gaza, in Lebanon, in Sudan or others which, unfortunately, are now permanent, such as the Sahel region, cannot leave us indifferent and we must make an urgent appeal to achieve one of the noblest objectives of politics: peace."

Anti-militarism, war, children and armed conflict: “We must unite and know how to find solutions to conflicts that do not involve violence and military means. For this reason, we call on the parties to work towards peace, to respect and abide by the rules of international humanitarian law, because nothing justifies the attacks on the civilian population, because nothing justifies the attacks on hospitals and schools, and because nothing justifies the use of hunger as a strategy of war. Nothing justifies so much irrationality: an irrationality of which children are the main victims.”

“For this reason, we have from the outset been giving our full support to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and, more recently, to the study on the impact of climate change on children and armed conflict.”

War: “We need to promote a new culture of peace among all peoples, based on the abolition of war and the commitment to reach peaceful agreements to resolve conflicts; development must reach all corners of the planet, fundamental rights must be respected and the new digital universe must be in the hands of knowledge.”

Angola
João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President
24 September 2024

Ceasefire: “As part of the Luanda process, a ceasefire was reached in the east of the DRC, which came into force on August 4 this year. In order to consolidate the gains made, a proposal for a peace agreement has been put on the table by the Republic of Angola, involving the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, the terms of which are being discussed by the parties at ministerial level, with the prospect of them reaching an understanding with each other that will justify the convene of a summit meeting to seal the signing of the definitive peace agreement and the re- establishment of relations between the DRC and Rwanda.”

Explosive weapons, war: “In this conflict, the main victims are defenceless and vulnerable human beings, namely children, women, the elderly and the sick, killed indiscriminately not only by aviation and artillery bombs, but also because they are prevented by the force of arms from accessing and enjoying the most basic rights, access to food, drinking water, medicines, housing and medical and medication assistance, by the destruction of the main school, hospital, housing, energy and other infrastructures.”

War/armed conflict: “It is with a very particular sense of honor that I address you and all the participants in this 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is taking place within a very worrying international context, where tensions in international relations are worsening due to the multiplicity of conflicts of different natures and intensities in various parts of our planet.”

“Faced with this reality, we need to consider where we have failed and what collective measures we should take to make the United Nations' intervention more active in the search for solutions that contribute to conflict prevention, the strengthening of world peace and security, the strengthening of trade and international cooperation, to ensure the prosperity of nations and the well- being of the peoples of our planet.”

“It is in this spirit that the Republic of Angola is deeply committed to the process of finding solutions to conflicts in Africa, noting that the greatest effort at the moment is focused on the conflict developing in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, without neglecting those taking place in Sudan and the Sahel region.”

“We are very seriously concerned about the situation in Sudan, where a violent war is raging with humanitarian consequences of dramatic proportions in the face of a certain apathy on the part of the international community, which must seek to converge its efforts and act in coordination with the African Union in order to promote and achieve lasting peace.”

“We are putting to the benefit of peace in Africa the experience gained by Angola in resolving its internal conflict, which after several decades was definitively resolved through an inclusive dialogue between the warring parties. We have learned from our own conflict that there is no peace without dialogue and no peace without concessions on both sides. This is a path that cannot be neglected in the context of all efforts to resolve the serious security crises facing the world today.”

Russia's war against Ukraine has seriously and profoundly shaken stability and security in Europe, with strong repercussions for the rest of the world in terms of economic stability and food and energy security. We have witnessed a continuous escalation of this conflict, which has been escalating in a disturbing way, with devastating effects on the internal situation of the contending countries, through the use of increasingly lethal weapons, without any prospect of a solution to this intricate problem. Although increasingly sophisticated military and other means are being deployed in the theater of operations, no military victory is in sight in this war, which has a tendency to spread to the rest of Europe, unless a negotiated solution is found, based on respect for the principles of the United Nations, which safeguard the sovereignty of states and the indivisibility and territorial integrity of countries.”

“In the Middle East, we witnessed and condemned the killing and kidnapping of defenseless Israeli civilians on October 7 last year. As a result, although Israel has the right to protect its territory, to guarantee the safety of its citizens and to try to rescue hostages whose whereabouts are still uncertain, because it has the responsibilities of a state, it should do everything it can to prevent the genocide that the world is witnessing live in the Gaza Strip and the attacks by settlers and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.”

“We are witnessing the deaths in alarming numbers of journalists from international networks, United Nations officials and workers from international humanitarian organizations, which is unacceptable and reprehensible. It can no longer be allowed that in just 11 months, in a small territory with no escape, nearly 43,000 people are killed and that the perpetrators are not held accountable by the international community. The international community cannot remain indifferent to this situation that threatens the existence of the Palestinian people, who have the same right to live in peace and security in the territory of their ancestors as the Jewish people do. We are concerned about the escalation of this conflict to other countries, because it threatens peace and security throughout the Middle East and opens up the dangerous possibility of the direct involvement of the major world powers and thus the internationalization of the conflict with all the possible consequences on a global scale.”

“The Republic of Angola is a hospitable country, open to the world and always available to act as a proactive partner to help increase global cooperation, in favor of development and the implementation of joint and complementary actions that help meet the permanent challenges of combating international terrorism and other threats to peace, world security and sustainable development.”

Antigua and Barbuda
Mr. Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Small arms and light weapons: “I wish now to address the grave issue of small arms and light weapons (SALW) that are routinely exported from wealthy nations to our shores, creating havoc and instability. I call on the United States and other small arms and light weapons producing countries, to put systems in place to curb the exportation of these lethal weapons to our shores. They are causing immense harm. This issue is now emerging as a public health epidemic among SIDS, to the extent, that I hereby make the call for a High-Level Meeting at the 80th UNGA, to debate the threats of these weapons to peace and security and to devise solutions. Antigua and Barbuda cannot remain silent as innocent lives are destroyed and generations are condemned to fear and hatred.”

Conflict: “The events unfolding in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, are deeply troubling. The violence is destabilizing the entire region and reverberating across the world. Every missile fired, every life lost, deepens wounds already too many to bear. The violations of international humanitarian law are alarming. We call on all parties to end the suffering, by sitting down at a table of peace, where sincere negotiations can lead to a lasting solution. We believe that the only sustainable resolution is the creation of two sovereign states, with borders respected and rights upheld. It is time for the people of this region - and all conflict zones, to end these conflicts and to give peace a chance.”

Bombs, war: “Conflict kills the victims of bullets and bombs, but it also diminishes all mankind. On September 17th, inspired by the Secretary-General’s impassioned call for peace, I wrote to him proposing an initiative that transcends borders, language, and conflict. With that letter, I transmitted a Concept Note, setting out a proposal for holding International Music Concerts for Peace, across every region of the world. This initiative is intended not only to raise our global voices in a unified chorus against the horrors of war and other conflicts, but also to raise critical funds to support displaced persons and those who continue to suffer.”

Argentina
Mr. Javier Gerardo Milei, President
24 September 2024

War: “All this did not make the scourge of war disappear, but it did ensure - for now - that no conflict escalated to global proportions. The result was that we went from having two world wars in less than 40 years, which together claimed more than 120 million lives, to 70 consecutive years of relative global peace and stability, under the mantle of an order that allowed the whole world to integrate commercially, compete and prosper. For where trade comes in, bullets don't come in - Bastiat said - because trade guarantees peace, freedom guarantees trade and equality before the law guarantees freedom.”

Armenia
Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister
26 September 2024

No relevant references.

Australia
Ms. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Steeled by the horror of the most catastrophic conflict in history, humanity forged our United Nations. Its purpose often defined not as taking us to heaven, but saving us from hell. Yet we convene this week with so much of the human family enshrouded in darkness. More conflict than any time since World War Two. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sudan. Myanmar. Yemen. Gaza. And now Lebanon. Brutal, degrading conflict ingraining hatred and division; pushing peace into the unseeable distance; and pulling neighbours into an endless, reflexive cycle of blame and retaliation. Such entrenched violence has its own gravity: more violence becomes the path of least resistance.”

War: “Not long after we last gathered here, Israel was attacked by the terrorist group Hamas, which killed 1,200 people. This was the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, and Hamas continues to hold hostages. It was an attack that cannot and should not be justified. Like many countries, Australia has imposed sanctions on Hamas, its leaders and financial facilitators. In Israel’s response, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed. More than 11,000 children. Nearly two million Gazans displaced, some many times over. More than two million facing acute food insecurity. This must end. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas. All lives have equal value.

“Last month we marked 75 years since the world established the Geneva Conventions – the foundations of international humanitarian law, to limit human suffering in conflict. War has rules. Every country in this room must abide by them. Even when confronting terrorists. Even when defending borders. Israel must comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “We have provided more than $80 million in humanitarian aid to support civilians who have been devasted by this conflict. But humanitarian aid is not a long-term answer. It is now nearly 300 days since Australia and 152 other countries voted for a ceasefire. Today I repeat that call. Just as I repeat Australia’s call for a ceasefire in Lebanon, and for parties to fully implement Resolution 1701. Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza.”

Protection of civilians in armed conflict: “We know Australia is not a central player in the Middle East, but we seek to be a constructive voice for peace and the upholding of international law, including the protection of civilians. In order to protect civilians, we must also protect aid workers who deliver the food, water and medicine civilians need to survive. Aid workers are the best of humanity. Their selfless devotion to improving the lives of others should not cost them their own. Yet 2023 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers, and 2024 is on track to be even worse. Gaza is the most dangerous place on earth to be an aid worker. Australia felt this deeply with the IDF’s strike against World Central Kitchen vehicles, which killed Australian Zomi Frankcom and her colleagues. This was not a one-off incident. More than 300 aid workers have been killed since the start of this conflict.

“This week, Australia has convened a group of ministers to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. The Declaration will be developed over the coming months, to demonstrate the unity of the international community’s commitment to protect aid workers and to channel that commitment into action in Gaza, in Sudan, in Ukraine and in all current and future conflicts. All countries will be invited to join the Declaration. I want to thank my fellow ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom - and the humanitarian leaders who have partnered with us in this.”

Armed conflict: “Russia continues its vicious assault on the people and sovereignty of Ukraine, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter. Aside from terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is also propelling the global crisis in food and energy security… Raising the cost of living for working people all over the world.”

Arms transfers, nuclear technology, outer space: “This year we saw Russia end the mandate of the Security Council’s Panel of Experts on the DPRK after fourteen years of unanimous support. The DPRK continues its unlawful activities with impunity, conducting illegal arms transfers to Russia and threatening our region, including the Republic of Korea and Japan. We are concerned that Russia is sharing nuclear and space information and technology with Iran.”

Cyber: “Whether cyberattacks, interference, disinformation or economic coercion – some states circumvent the rules, putting further out of reach collective approaches to counter new and emerging threats.”

Militarism: “No state should pretend the rules don’t apply to them; Ignoring international rulings; Using might over multilateralism; Ruling by power alone, not by law; Favouring impunity rather than facing accountability; Forcing outcomes by economic coercion or military muscle, rather than on the level playing field we established so carefully.”

Missiles, deterrence: “We are committed to doing all we can to de-escalate and prevent conflict.... We do this by backing the call of Fiji’s President for a cessation of ballistic missile testing in the Pacific. We do this by combining reassurance and deterrence – by working with our friends and partners, openly and transparently, so no potential aggressor thinks the pursuit of conflict is worth the risk.”

Austria
Mr. Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs
26 September 2024

War, militarism: “Russia relentlessly pursues its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. A violation of the UN Charter, of the most basic rules that we have set ourselves, that continues to shock. My country, Austria, is a militarily neutral country. But neutrality does not mean, and never meant, indifference. We know very well that a world in which Russia succeeds in shifting borders with tanks and rockets is a world more dangerous to all of us. After 946 days of unspeakable human suffering and destruction, it is high time to return to diplomacy. Nobody wants, nobody deserves, peace more than the citizens of Ukraine. But a negotiated peace, not a dictate from Moscow.”

War, ceasefire: “In the Middle East, the barbaric terror attack of Hamas against Israel has brought a new dimension of devastation to a region not lacking in violence: Israelis are traumatized by the slaughter, torture and sexual violence of October 7th. Hostages are still held captive by terrorists, including an Austrian father of two. And Palestinians in Gaza are facing starvation and disease in what can only be called a humanitarian tragedy. All this is heart breaking. International humanitarian law is non-negotiable. It applies all the time, everywhere. The protection of civilians is paramount. We need a ceasefire to get the hostages out and more humanitarian aid in. And we need it now! What we definitely don’t need is any side adding fuel to the fire.

“It is wishful thinking to believe that a full-scale escalation between Israel and Hezbollah could be controlled. The result would be a firestorm engulfing the entire region and beyond. Everyone would lose. I still believe that there are enough reasonable voices in the region wanting to work towards a political solution. A solution enabling us to continue the normalization between Israel and the Arab world. And to finally realize the two state solution allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace and security.”

Azerbaijan
Mr. Jeyhun Aziz oglu Bayramov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Armed conflict: “The end of armed conflict with Armenia and restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity created substantially new environment in the South Caucasus. For the first time since decades, stability has been achieved on the ground, de-facto peace is established. By putting an end to military occupation, it is Azerbaijan that created conditions, for both parties to eventually turn the page of enmity and embark on good-neighbourly relations. This process was launched by Azerbaijan in the immediate aftermath of its victory in the 44-Day Patriotic War.”

Military budget: “For the finalization of the normalization process, Armenia has yet to legally abandon territorial claims against Azerbaijan once and for all through implementing constitutional amendments. Armenia’s negligence with respect to implementation of constitutional amendments combined with dramatic increase in military budget, acquisition of large amount of offensive weaponry from both traditional and new suppliers and attempts to maintain obsolete conflict-driven narratives and structures, derails the normalization process.”

Armed conflict: “In this regard, it is of paramount importance to shed light to the fate of about 4000 Azerbaijanis who went missing due to the conflict. Resolving this issue is essential not only in terms of accountability, and the rights of the victims and their families, but also for post-conflict reconciliation and normalization. Around 300,000 Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia continue to be deprived of their ancestral homeland in blatant violation of international law. Despite repeated calls by the Western Azerbaijan Community to launch a dialogue and ensure a safe and dignified return to the homeland, the Government of Armenia denies them exercising the fundamental right of return enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and other important international acts."

Landmines: “Thanks to the tireless efforts taken by the Government, life now returns to the territories that have witnessed unprecedented destruction during military occupation. Regrettably, the massive contamination of territories of Azerbaijan with landmines and other explosive devices remains a significant obstacle to the smooth progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Since the end of the conflict in 2020, 377 individuals, among them civilians have fallen victim to landmines. With this in mind, Azerbaijan has introduced a national goal, SDG18, focusing on mine action. Given the scale of the problem, there is an urgent need for increased international support to strengthen Azerbaijan's humanitarian mine action capacity. Taking this opportunity, I thank all countries and other stakeholders who have generously contributed to humanitarian de-mining in Azerbaijan and reiterate our call for increased international support and solidarity.”

Bahamas
Mr. Philip Davis, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Military spending, bullets, bombs: " Member states can somehow quickly find eye-watering sums of money for bullets and bombs, but only rattle small change in their pockets when it comes to financing the costs of loss and damage, repair and recovery, so desperately needed to adapt to the new climate reality.”

War: “The genocidal crisis of the Second World War gave birth to the United Nations, and the ensuing wars of Independence, and regional conflicts means that we have in place, the structure for real, effective action.”

War: “We understand well that the Council’s mandate to maintain international peace and security, goes far beyond the mere absence of war.”

Bahrain
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Crown Prince
24 September 2024

Autonomous weapons / killer robots: “Partnerships such as these can go beyond the geopolitical dimension and enter the world of emerging technologies as well. Through meaningful international collaboration, we can harness the transformative potential of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to advance shared goals of global development, peace, and prosperity. Doing so will require a united global front, and today we call for an international treaty governing the development of artificial intelligence to ensure that these technologies contribute to peace rather than exacerbate existing conflicts—and that they become forces for creation and innovation, not destruction and division.”

Ceasefire, Protection of civilians in armed conflict, War/armed conflict:” In Gaza, we see Palestinians living through an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, with over 40 thousand killed, many of them women and children. The protection of innocent life is enshrined in international law and a moral and religious responsibility. It is clear that what is required is the implementation of an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the adoption of an irrevocable path to the creation of a viable, independent Palestinian state. This will achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace, deliver security and prosperity to all nations in our region, and prevent the spread of a wider regional conflict.”

War/armed conflict, Militarism: “In the West, we witness widespread suffering as the intractable conflict in Ukraine persists. In the East, we see tensions continuing to rise in the South China Sea, raising grave concerns of a wider military escalation and the further erosion of the integrity of the international rules-based order.”

War/armed conflict: “Today, we see governments disregarding the established rules-based order as they pursue policies rooted exclusively in self-interest. We see a preference for brinksmanship and the use of questionably legal force to resolve disputes. We see the rise of radicalism, extremism, and rogue non-state actors sowing chaos and discord.”

“Diplomacy and dialogue must prevail. Indiscriminate violence, conflict, and fragmentation will only drive us further from this noble goal.”

Bangladesh
Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser
27 September 2024

War: “In a world of poly-crisis, wars and conflicts are leading to erosion of rights and widespread abuses.”

War, ceasefire: “The genocide in Gaza continues unabated despite global concerns and condemnation. The situation in Palestine just does not concern the Arabs or Muslims at large rather the entire humanity. Palestinians are no expendable people. All those responsible for the crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people must be held accountable. Bangladesh calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire to protect the Palestinian people from the brutalities, particularly against the children and women. International community, including the UN, needs to act in earnest to implement the two-state solution that remains the only path to bring lasting peace in the Middle-East.”

War: “The two and half year long war in Ukraine has claimed far too many lives. The war has impacted far and wide, even lending deeper economic implications in Bangladesh. We would urge both sides to pursue dialogue to resolve the differences and end the war.”

Barbados
Ms. Mia Amor Mottley, S.C. M.P., Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War, armed conflict: “As a digitally connected people, we are now daily confronted by multiple theaters of war and armed conflict.”

War, armed conflict: “The conflicts that have engulfed Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Israel and Gaza and now Lebanon are but the tip of an iceberg of death, violence and instability. Even the longest war in history came to an end. These too will come to an end but the question is at what costs and with how much loss of life. Innocent people are paying the price with their lives. Unless we address the root causes of these wars and the manner in which they are sustained we will know more than we ever needed to know of war and the rumors of war.

“The transmittal of these scenes of horror in real time into people's bedrooms and living rooms will trigger 2 extreme reactions, neither of which are acceptable - the desensitizing of ordinary people to the loss of lives, especially of innocent children and women on the one hand and the anger and inclination for vengeance that it spawns. We need peace. We must work for peace.

“In the midst of this maelstrom, Barbados took the step this year, of recognizing and establishing diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine. We did this because it is clear to us that the State and people of Palestine are entitled to full recognition by, integration into, and support from the international community. We join with others in congratulating the State of Palestine on taking a seat among UN member states on September 10, 2024.

“We condemn the actions of Hamas. We also strongly deplore the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza which is the result of the disproportionate use of force by Israel. There is no justification for it. That is why treaties exist governing the rules of engagement for war. A two-state solution, no matter how elusive it may appear to be now, is the only answer.”

War: “We insist that the killing in Ukraine must stop. The people of the Ukraine must be allowed to live within the internationally recognized boundaries of their state, in peace and free from the threat or use of force. There must be a singular commitment to building the peace.”

Guns, conventional weapons, arms trafficking: “My own region has not escaped the scourge of instability and violence. The Americas do not constitute a theater of war, but we are today witnessing an unprecedented escalation in the number and caliber of assault weapons which are finding themselves in the hands of criminals who are wreaking havoc on the legal systems and societies of the small island states of the Caribbean and the countries of Central and Latin America. This scourge, caused by guns manufactured in the United States, also requires a fundamental reset. The right of persons to bear arms in countries not engaged in military conflict should not be an opening to accept assault weapons.”

Belarus
Mr. Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

NATO: “And what's most important, anyone who disagrees with the West will be subjected to illegal sanctions and pressure. This is what's behind all of the so-called color revolutions. They resulted in suffering and upheaval for ordinary people. That's the way of the West. That's their recipe for a new world, and this recipe is generously seasoned with NATO weapons.”

Bomb: “He did not understand why the US and the UK at the very end of World War II, when everything was already over, why they had to carpet bomb Dresden, raising it to the ground and burying in the rubble under the rubble, roughly, in fact, several 100,000 people, children, women and the elderly. We know why they did this to make them the future. And this is very similar to what we're seeing these days, meddling, provocations. However, we now see real American warships, and not just one, but many. This is why we need a strong and impartial, universal international organization which can guarantee that a balance is struck in our world, in which one country or group of countries can do as it see fits, imposing its will on the UN to stoke its egotism at the expense of the global majority.”

NATO: “Long ago, Ukraine and Russia would be sitting around a negotiating table, not out in the battlefield. There are many time initiatives such as the Brazil, China peace plan, and yet, without Russia's participation, they won't be successful. A new security architecture in our region is also impossible without Belarus' participation. NATO is bolstering military capabilities at our borders, many times over, tens of thousands of soldiers, thousands of units of military equipment. And were seriously disquieted by the fact that these games might get out of control, resulting in the conflict spreading throughout the region and throughout the world, which would have catastrophic repercussions for us all.”

Nuclear weapons: “Europe has its share of nuclear weapons, thus escalating these tensions is a path straight to World War III.”

Belgium
Mr. Alexander de Croo, Prime Minister
24 September 2024

Arms trade: “Action speaks louder than words. Belgium has imposed a weapons embargo. We never ceased our support to UNRWA and other humanitarian organisations. Together with the EU we have imposed sanctions on Hamas, but also on extremist settlers and settler organisations.”

“Over the past year the Belgian Ukraine fund spent 1.7 billion EUR on military equipment, humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Ukraine's hardest-hit regions.”

Arms trade, Bombs: “As the Russians continue to bomb cities, Ukraine’s call for more air defence is pure self-protection. How else can they keep their citizens safe? The build-up of a strong Ukraine F-16 force is an integral part of our support. We will transfer all our fighter jets as they leave the Belgian Air Force. The total amounts to at least 30 over the coming years. We want to help protect the people of Ukraine. The aggressor shall not win. And that is why our support for Ukraine stands strong.”

Ceasefire : « Early on in the Gaza war, my government warned against the lack of respect for International Humanitarian Law on both sides and the disproportionate attacks with blatant disregard for Palestinian civilian life. Almost one year later we must sadly acknowledge that the extremes on both sides, still set the tone of this conflict. Fanatics believe that military power can end this conflict. This is a delusion. To achieve peace, we need a proper roadmap, political courage, not mere tactics to remain in power another day. We’ve been calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire for many months, but it seems more distant than ever. Hostilities need to stop before the whole region becomes engulfed in violence.”

Arms race, Nuclear weapons: “Just after Andrey Sakharov had developed the first Soviet hydrogen bomb in 1955, the nuclear arms race and Soviet doctrine seriously troubled him. Because he saw that human rights and human dignity were an absolute necessity, a precondition, not just for nuclear security, but for the prevention of war. This fight for human rights defined him and turned him into an international advocate, culminating in the Nobel Peace Prize 20 years later.”

War/armed conflict, Militarism: “In the Middle-East, decades of dehumanizing the enemy has led to a vicious cycle of violence, resulting in the killing of over 40 thousand people in less than a year. This manmade conflict has proven one of the deadliest in decades. This conflict didn’t start with the horrific terrorist attack against Israel, killing over 1,400 Israeli citizens, almost a year ago. But on the 7th of October, Belgium immediately acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself and we called for the unconditional release of all hostages. Early on in the Gaza war, my government warned against the lack of respect for International Humanitarian Law on both sides and the disproportionate attacks with blatant disregard for Palestinian civilian life. Almost one year later we must sadly acknowledge that the extremes on both sides, still set the tone of this conflict. Fanatics believe that military power can end this conflict. This is a delusion.”

War/armed conflict: “As leaders from around the globe flock to the UN this week, they should only have one ambition: find a way out of conflicts in Sudan, the Middle East, Ukraine and all too many other places.These conflicts are close to our homes and cities, bringing war and famine and terrible tragedies for families and societies.”

“However, there is a way out. I’m convinced it starts with recognizing the right to exist of both Israel and Palestine, based on the 1967 borders. We should all engage with Palestinian and Israeli leaders who recognize these rights and who oppose both antisemitism and anti-Palestinian. Only then can we start articulating a viable pathway for a two-state solution.”

“Vladimir Putin has been waging war in Europe for more than two years now. And there is one simple truth: He can stop the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine right now. His madness continues to have devastating consequences for the Ukrainian people. One man alone can stop the killing of thousands of civilians. Can end the continuous violence against Ukrainians whose future he has put on hold. Only he can end the shelling, the bombing, the indiscriminate attacks on bridges, roads and energy infrastructure, hospitals, schools and people’s houses. Widespread and disturbing brutality has been established by various Independent International Inquiries. None of us can and should look away.”

Belize
Mr. Francis Fonseca, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
28 September 2024

Conflicts: “Conflicts should not be allowed to fester. The war in Ukraine is now two years running and we are concerned that the end is still not near. Haiti has seized our attention once again. For Belize, the international response must be enduring for long lasting peace and security of our sister country.”

War: “Belize rejects the continued denial of self-determination of the Palestinian people and calls for the eradication of the system of colonial domination and apartheid being imposed upon them. As Belize stated to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the recent Advisory Opinion, “Israel cannot be permitted to continue flouting one of the most fundamental principles of international law with impunity. Impunity breeds inhumanity.” Just two weeks ago, this Assembly approved a resolution proposed by Palestine affirming the ICJ’s advisory opinion and called on Members to act to re-enforce the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The war, the oppression and the inhumanity must end.”

Benin
Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Conflicts: “Today, the world is facing growing tensions, and uncertainty is becoming a constant feature of our times. Whether in the Sahel, Sudan, Ukraine, the China Sea or the Middle East, the conflicts that are emerging are jeopardising global peace and stability. These tensions bring nothing but suffering and desolation, triggering waves of poverty that affect the most fragile economies and exacerbate the vulnerability of populations.”

War: “It is also this commitment to non-violence that has led us to condemn the war in Ukraine, the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 in the Middle East, and all the violence that plunges our brothers and sisters in the Sahel into mourning every day. We call on the international community to intensify its efforts to restore stability through dialogue, whether in the Middle East, where the two-state solution remains the only viable option, or in Ukraine, the Great Lakes region, Sudan, Libya or the sister republic of Haiti.”

Bhutan
Mr. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

No relevant references.

Bolivia
Ms. Celinda Sosa Lunda, Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2024

Military spending: “Wars, the production of weapons, military expenditure, and the dissemination of weapons doesn't only take massive resource is away from sustainable development, it also fuels conflict, exacerbating the suffering of human beings. Billions of dollars are destined to the production of weapons while millions of people go without access to basic services such as education, health, food and water. Instead of finding solutions to common problems, it increases global instability and hinders the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Armed conflict: “During the decades, Palestine has suffered from a protracted conflict which has shaken regional stability and they have asked for their dream of lasting peace. The occupation, forced expulsions, and genocide have led the people of Palestine to face devastation, destruction, creating an open prison where thousands of people live, including mostly women and children. Peace and security in Palestine will not be achieved without a genuine commitment to human rights and an end to the genocide. Bolivia reiterates its full support to the exercise of self-determination and independence in Palestine within the 1967 borders with Easter Jerusalem as its capital.”

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mr. Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency
25 September 2024

Military spending: ”A reasonable question arises: why have we allowed an incomparably greater investment in weapons than in eradicating poverty? It's time for everyone to realize that human lives are more important than guns. Otherwise, I fear that we are collectively headed for a global catastrophe.”

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): “Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina is at the doorstep of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively working to become a NATO and the EU member. These are our strategic foreign policy goals, which were unanimously defined by the state authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

War/armed conflict: “Bosnia and Herzegovina has made great progress, since the end of the war in 1995. We rebuilt the country destroyed by the war. We united the defense system, the judiciary, the tax system and numerous other institutions.”

“In the past two years, we faced new difficult challenges, especially security-related ones. The strengthening of authoritarian populism, the aggression against Ukraine and the suffering of Gaza have brought humanity into a deep crisis full of uncertainty and fear.”

“Terrorism is a serious threat. Countering this threat requires joint and dedicated efforts. The world must have a consensus on fight against terrorism. Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to show a determined commitment to the fight against terrorism.”

“Humanity is once again facing severe moral and political crisis. UN’s response to Ukraine and Gaza was inadequate as it was during the aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995. The Russian aggression on Ukraine is a flagrant example of violation of the UN Charter and international law. That is why we reiterate, our firm condemnation of Russian aggression and the support to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

“The suffering and hardship of Palestinian children and civilians is terrifying. Gaza is an utter defeat of collective humanity in the 21st century. All human lives are equally valuable. Civilized people must fight for the human rights of all, regardless of their racial, religious, ethnic or other affiliation.”

Botswana
Mr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President
25 September 2024

War: “This Assembly continues to meet on the backdrop of an age of multiple and interconnected crises, which were triggered by the covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions between major powers. These crises have been further compounded by the Israel-Hamas war, which erupted shortly after we concluded last year's High-Level Week. The attacks on innocent civilians on both sides are unacceptable and thus stand condemned. In the same vein, we express our deep concern at the situation in the Gaza Strip, where the war has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian crises and unprecedented fatalities of civilians, children, and humanitarian workers.”

War: “The war in Ukraine also rages on with no indication of an end in sight. We continue to call for the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter and international law.”

Armed conflict, guns: “In Africa, the guns still have not gone silent. We continue to grapple with armed conflict, terrorism, and potentially explosive geopolitical tensions. We commend the African Union sub regional bodies as well as the UN for their efforts in addressing these challenges.”

Brazil
Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President
24 September 2024

Military spending, nuclear weapons: “Global military spending grew for the ninth year in a row, reaching year and reached 2.4 trillion dollars. More than 90 billion dollars were mobilised for nuclear arsenals. These resources could have been used to fight hungerand tackle climate change. What we see is an increase in war capabilities.”

Armed conflict, militarism: “The use of force, without support from international law, is becoming the norm. We are witnessing two simultaneous conflicts with the potential to become generalised confrontations. In Ukraine, it is with regret that we see the war spreading with no prospect of peace. Brazil has firmly condemned the invasion of Ukrainian territory . It is already clear that none of the parties will be able to achieve all their objectives by military means. The use of increasingly destructive weaponry brings to mind the darkest times of the sterile Cold War confrontation . Creating the conditions for the resumption of direct dialogue between the parties is crucial at this time. This is the message of the six-point understanding that China and Brazil are offering in order to establish a process of dialogue and an end to hostilities.”

Ceasefire: “In Gaza and the West Bank, we are witnessing one of the biggest humanitarian crisis in recent history, which is now spreading dangerously to Lebanon. What began as a terrorist action by fanatics against innocent Israeli civilians has become the collective punishment of the entire Palestinian people. More than 40,000 people have died, most of them women and children. The right of defence has been transformed into the right of revenge, which prevents an agreement on the release of hostages and postpones the ceasefire.”

Armed conflict: “Forgotten conflicts in Sudan and Yemen impose atrocious suffering on almost thirty million people.”

Artificial intelligence: “In the field of Artificial Intelligence, we are experiencing the consolidation of asymmetries that lead to a veritable oligopoly of knowledge. The unprecedented concentration of knowledge in the hands of a small number of a small number of people and companies, based in an even smaller number of countries. We are interested in an emancipatory Artificial Intelligence that also has the face of the Global South and strengthens cultural diversity . One that respects human rights, protects personal data and promotes the integrity of information. And, above all, that it is a tool for peace, not war. We need intergovernmental governance of artificial artificial intelligence, in which all states have a seat.”

Bulgaria
Mr. Rumen Radev, President
25 September 2024

War: “It has been two and a half years since the Russian Federation unleashed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From the very beginning, Bulgaria strongly condemns this war, which led to hundreds of thousands of victims, enormous suffering and destruction. Every single day of this war increases the risk of escalation in intensity and geographical scope, posing a substantial threat to the global peace and security. The side effects of the war are already gravely affecting the economies and social systems of many countries worldwide. That is why the international community should seek ways that lead to de-escalation and dialogue. We should support every diplomatic effort that pursues comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in conformity with the United Nations Charter and International law.”

War, ceasefire: “Since the last year UN General Debate, we have witnessed a significant increase in instability across the Middle East. The conflict between Israel and Hamas after the Hamas brutal attack on Israel triggered a major deterioration of the security in the region with global projections. We must not forget the consequences which followed – tens of thousands dead and injured civilians in Gaza, the total destruction of vital infrastructure and mass displacement of people. We call for immediate ceasefire, free access of the humanitarian convoys as well as release of all hostages held by Hamas. We are also deeply concerned about the recent development in Lebanon, bringing a qualitative new and dangerous dimension in the conflict and increasing the risk of its regional enlargement. We call for refraining from use of force, for wisdom and de-escalation. The spiral of violence and the human suffering must come to an end. The only way to achieve sustainable and lasting peace in this region with its very fragile security landscape is the two-state solution.”

Nuclear weapons, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, nuclear energy: “Amid the ongoing destabilization around different regions, the collective goal for a world without nuclear threat remains more critical than ever. In line with the New Agenda for Peace, Bulgaria will maintain its commitment to uphold, protect and strengthen the multilateral framework for disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. We remain dedicated to the universalization and full implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, recognizing it as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, which serves as the essential foundation for pursuing nuclear disarmament and plays a crucial role in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”

Burkina Faso
Mr. Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

Wars: “The means of achieving this range from manipulating national elites and regional and sub-regional organisations to perpetrating proxy wars, as is the case in the Sahel, where Ukraine and other countries finance and arm terrorists with impunity.”

Militarisation: “This interpretation, which is also borne out by the worrying proliferation of military bases in our sub-region, also explains the possession by criminal gangs of sophisticated, state-of-the-art weapons.”

Burundi
Mr. Albert Shingiro, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

No relevant references.

Cabo Verde
Mr. José Maria Pereira Neves, President
25 September 2024

War: “Numerous armed conflicts continue to ravage various regions with devastating impacts on the populations, particularly in the Middle East, where the potential for escalation and risk of spreading are all too evident. Innocent lives are lost daily in an unrelenting and merciless cycle of violence. We urge all parties involved, alongside the international community and relevant organizations, to spare no effort to put an end to these conflicts, to commit to dialogue, and uphold the values enshrined in the United Nations Charter, International Law, and Humanitarian Law, thus allowing the gradual return to normalcy and the possibility of building a future free from the present-day destruction and indiscriminate death.”

Cambodia
Mr. Chenda Sophea Sok, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
28 September 2024

Armed conflict: “The current picture of the world is grim. Violent conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar and many other parts of the world rage on despite efforts to de-escalate them.”

Nuclear weapons: “Worse, with intensifying geopolitical tensions, any misstep in various flashpoints may trigger a regional or even global war, potentially involving nuclear weapons.”

Military spending: “Military spending has surged across the world, draining resources that could be used to address multiplying nontraditional threats—threats that no single country can effectively tackle alone, such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, technological disruptions, transnational crime and backsliding on SDGs.”

Armed conflict: “Cambodia cannot emphasize enough the urgency for all of us to act together to confront these daunting challenges. It is critical that the principles of the UN Charter and international law remain the backbone of the world order and global cooperation. The use of diplomacy and mediation must be prioritized to resolve conflicts and prevent their escalation. Cambodia believes that sustainable peace can be achieved only through meaningful dialogue based on mutual respect, genuine goodwill, tolerance and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.”

War: “Also based on these principles, Cambodia hopes for a prompt end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, through diplomacy and dialogue based on equal respect. We commend all efforts to de-escalate the fighting and all initiatives that seek to end the war through peaceful means and that engage all sides to work toward a lasting peace.”

War: “On the Palestine-Israel conflict: Cambodia remains committed to its long-held support for a two-state solution, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions. We believe this plan is the only way Palestinians and Israelis can heal their prolonged antagonism and live side-by-side peacefully. Put differently: Cambodia supports both the establishment of the State of Palestine and Palestine’s bid to become a full member of the United Nations. At the same time, Cambodia condemns all acts of terrorism and calls for a dialogue to stop the ongoing war and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"We are deeply concerned over the prospect of an all-out region-wide war in the Middle East, as Israel is intensifying attacks on targets in Lebanon. The current rapid escalation of war in this region must stop; members of the international community must insist on all sides to work proactively to seek ways to defuse the situation, now.”

Ceasefire: “The crisis in Myanmar remains a serious concern to us. Cambodia, along with other ASEAN Member States, is committed to ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus as the basis for a peaceful and inclusive solution. We stress the importance of fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and to ceasefire negotiations.”

Armed conflict, arms control: “Cambodia values multilateralism, the rules-based international order, the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law. These are indispensable for consensus-building and mobilizing concerted actions. And we worry that confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of multilateralism is eroding. Conflicts are multiplying. Geopolitical competition is intensifying. Adherence to international regimes is declining on many fronts—arms control, trade, the environment, human rights.”

Landmines: “Cambodia is also honored to be hosting the Fifth Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention, in November in Siem Reap. This landmark event will serve as a platform for renewed global solidarity in the pursuit of a world free from the scourge of anti-personnel mines. We extend a warm invitation to all Member States to join us for this important gathering.”

Cameroon
Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for External Affairs
27 September 2024

Conflict: “Added to this climate crisis are old and new conflicts and sources of tension that affect every geographical area. Sahel, Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine are the most illustrative examples.”

Arms race, SALW, weapons of mass destruction, nuclear weapons: “This situation is fuelling the arms race, including in space, at sea and in the oceans. it is also fuelling the growing use of small arms and weapons of mass destruction. finally, it constitutes a5strong threat of recourse to the use of nuclear weapons.”

War: “For Cameroon, it is important to reverse this trend as quickly as possible. we must do so to free ourselves from war and its scourges and to preserve future generations in the light of the ideals upheld by the founding fathers of the United Nations.”

Canada
Ms. Mélanie Joly, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

War, ceasefire: “What continues to happen in the Middle East is an unspeakable tragedy. Thousands have been killed in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon – including many Canadians. This is a senseless war that goes against the dignity of human beings. The suffering- on all sides - must end. What the world continues to witness is a repeated cycle of violence where civilians pay the heaviest price. Canada is joining those urging Israel and Hezbollah to accept an immediate ceasefire. We need to create space for peace talks and save lives. There cannot be war in Lebanon. Full stop. UN Security council resolutions must be respected. Families in Southern Lebanon and families in Northern Israel must be able to safely return to their homes. We have - and always will- insist that civilians be protected, wherever they're from.”

Bombs, war, ceasefire: “As she spoke about the horrors of October 7th, we heard the bombs as they landed on Gaza nearby and felt the ground shudder. In that moment, the duality of the tragedy befalling the Israeli and Palestinian people was profound. It is a moment I will never forget. The situation in Gaza is inhumane. The level of suffering is unacceptable. It must stop. Innocent Palestinians, women and children, cannot pay the price of defeating Hamas. It must end. A ceasefire is needed immediately. Hostages must be released. This requires both sides making real efforts.”

Weapons: “For lasting peace, Canada has long advocated for a two-state solution. We believe both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to exist. We all know a negotiated agreement is the best chance for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace and security. Unfortunately, Hamas, a terrorist organization, continues to operate in Gaza, refuses to release hostages and refuses to lay down its weapons. Meanwhile, the government of Israel is against the creation of a Palestinian State. Violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers and expansion of settlements by Israel in the West Bank continue unabated. This is unacceptable.”

Armed conflict, protest of genocide: “Canada supports the creation of a Palestinian State. That is why we are providing security and development support to the Palestinian people. We will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the right time, when it is most conducive to building a lasting peace, and not necessarily as the last step of a negotiated process. More than anything, this conflict has led to unspeakable pain. Communities are hurting. People have the right to protest peacefully. But nobody has the freedom to intimidate others. Polarization is a problem. Division is real. We have a collective responsibility to bring people together.”

War: "It's now been 2 and a half years since Russia launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine. The human cost continues to grow. No country has the freedom to invade its neighbor. There's no freedom to impose your will on others. This aggression is a blatant violation of the UN Charter. Russia needs to get out of Ukraine now. The Ukrainian people have the right to be free from fear, free from aggression. They have the right to decide what their own future should be. Mr. President, we all know that if Russia's aggression goes unchecked here - it will continue. Many countries in the region, and the hemisphere, are wondering if they will be next. The world must not back down in denouncing this unjustifiable aggression."

“Canada will not back down from its support for Ukraine. At the end of October, Canada will host a conference co-organized with Norway and Ukraine on the human dimension of Ukraine's 10-point peace formula. We will focus on the return of children to their families as well as deported civilians and prisoners of war. Every one of those affected by this war is entitled to freedom from violence and from being forced from their home.”

Central African Republic
Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, President
26 September 2024

Arms embargo: “As you know, on 30 July, the United Nations Security Council decided to lift the unjust, illegitimate and unfair arms embargo imposed on the Central African Armed Forces, which had caused the country so much irreparable damage for a decade. From this rostrum, I would like to express the gratitude of the people of the Central African Republic to the United Nations Security Council for this wise decision which, albeit belated, enables my country to continue its efforts to restore peace and national security and to act, with the other States of the world, for peace, sustainable development and the human dignity of present and future generations.”

Wars, Armed conflict: “Our 79th Session is taking place in a very turbulent world situation, undermined by growing geopolitical crises: the wars between Russia and Ukraine, between Israel and Hamas, in Sudan and in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, terrorism, deteriorating economic conditions that are stifling growth in Africa, and rising fuel prices. Convinced that only dialogue can put a lasting end to a conflict, the Central African Republic urges the parties in conflict in the various regions of the world to give priority to dialogue and diplomacy in order to find a solution to all the disagreements at the root of these conflicts and save thousands of human lives.”

Chad
Mr. Allah Maye Halina, Prime Minister
25 September 2024

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “The continuing hostilities in Sudan are prolonging the suffering of Sudanese civilians and worsening the humanitarian situation both in the combat zones and in neighbouring countries such as Chad, where new refugees continue to arrive every day. Chad deplores the fact that the numerous calls for a cease-fire are not being heeded by the warring parties. My country is deeply concerned by the continuing clashes in Sudan, which are exacerbating the deterioration in the humanitarian situation and its repercussions on neighbouring countries, including Chad. Chad once again reiterates its urgent appeal to the parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access for the millions of victims of this fratricidal war, and resume political dialogue. Chad remains convinced that the current crisis in Sudan cannot be resolved by arms, but by peaceful means, through inter-Sudanese dialogue with a view to lasting peace.”

Chile
Mr. Gabriel Boric Font, President
24 September 2024

Ceasefire: “That is why I refuse to choose between the terrorism of Hamas and the genocide being carried out by Netanyahu's Israel. We do not have to choose between barbarities. I choose humanity! We denounce the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories and the de facto denial of the existence of an independent Palestinian state. From Chile we call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to put an end to the suffering and massacre of the Palestinian population and the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas. Israel must respect international law, cease the establishment and expansion of illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territory, and end the occupation of Gaza and the indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population.”

War: “Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine must stop, and it is the United Nations that is called upon to put an end to this flagrant transgression of international law.”

Illicit arms trade: “It is essential that our governments act in coordination and articulate public policies, strategies and operational capacity to help curb financial crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and arms trafficking. For this reason, during our rotating presidency of the Brasilia Consensus, the first meeting of ministers and high-level authorities on public security and organised crime was held, which we hosted.”

China
Mr. Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

War: “An end to the Ukraine crisis remains elusive. The top priority is to commit to “no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party,” and push for deescalation of the situation as soon as possible. China is committed to playing a constructive role, engaging in shuttle mediation and promoting talks for peace, not throwing oil on the fire or exploiting the situation for selfish gains. At this session of the General Assembly, China, Brazil and other Global South countries have jointly launched the group of Friends for Peace. Its very purpose is to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, build consensus for a political settlement of the crisis and contribute to a prospect of peace.”

War: “The question of Palestine is the biggest wound to human conscience. As we speak, the conflict in Gaza is still going on, causing more civilian casualties with each passing day. Fighting has spread to Lebanon; might must not take the place of justice. Palestine’s long-held aspiration to establish an independent state should not be shunned anymore, and the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people should not be ignored any longer. There must not be any delay in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire, and the fundamental way out lies in the two-State solution. China has always been a staunch supporter of the just cause of the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate national rights, and a staunch supporter of Palestine’s full U.N. membership. We have recently helped to bring about breakthroughs in intra-Palestine reconciliation, and will continue to work in concert with like-minded countries for a comprehensive and just settlement of the question of Palestine and durable peace and security in the Middle East.”

War: “The Korean Peninsula should not experience war again. The important thing is to make persistent effort for deescalation, commit to seeking solutions through dialogue and consultation, realize a transition from the armistice to a peace mechanism, and safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula.”

Conflict: “China is deeply aware that Asia needs stability and development and opposes division and conflict. As an important origin of human civilization and a key engine of global growth, Asia has the wisdom and capability to stabilize the situation through regional cooperation and handle differences properly through dialogue and consultation. We are firmly against the meddling by countries outside the region, and will resolutely resist attempts by any force to stoke trouble and confrontation in the region.”

Nuclear weapons: “Chinese modernization will contribute robustly to world peace and stability. The Chinese culture values peace, and the Chinese nation has no tradition of external expansion. China, once a victim of foreign power bullying, knows full well the value of peace and the hard-won gains of development. In fact, China is the only major country that has written peaceful development into its constitution, and the only country among the five nuclear-weapon states to pledge no-first-use of nuclear weapons. We are actively exploring and putting into practice the Chinese way of addressing hotspot issues, boosting the prospects for resolving the security dilemma and improving security governance, and paving the ground for conflict settlement and peacebuilding. Every step in China’s development is an increase in the force for peace.”

Colombia
Mr. Gustavo Petro Urrego, President
24 September 2024

Militarism: “Ladies and gentlemen presidents of the world, in this room a president's ability to communicate depends on how many dollars he has in his budget. On the number of warplanes he has and, ultimately, on his country's capacity for destruction of mankind. A country's power in the world is no longer exercised by the kind of economic or political system or ideas it radiates, but by the power to destroy the lives of humanity.”

Bombs, war: “That is why they do not listen to us when we vote to stop the genocide in Gaza, even though we are the majority of the world's presidents and representatives of the majority of humanity, they do not listen to us, a minority of presidents who can stop the bombing, that is, the presidents of the countries that can destroy humanity do not listen to us.”

“If we call for debt to be swapped for climate action, we are not listened to by powerful minorities. If we call for an end to war to focus on the rapid transformation of the world's economy in order to save life and the human species, we are not heard either. It is the power to destroy life that gives volume to the voice on the floor of the United Nations and brings together the majority of its representatives and delegates.”

Bombs, war: “A year ago I called for a peace conference for Palestine in this very place, before the first bomb had gone off; today we have 20 000 children murdered under the bombs and the presidents of the countries of human destruction are laughing in these corridors, with the help of the communication power of the world media, which are now owned by big business, rearranging the world without democracy, without freedom. The democratic project of humanity is dying with life, while the racists, the supremacists, those who stupidly believe that the Aryans are the superior race, are preparing to dominate the world by writing the terror of bombs on the peoples. The control of humanity on the basis of barbarism is under construction and its demonstration is Gaza, Lebanon. When Gaza dies, the whole humanity will die.”

Bombs: “Oxfam says that the richest 1% of humanity has more wealth than 95% of all humanity combined. It is in this achieved inequality, the greatest in our history as a species, that is the logic of the massive destruction unleashed in the climate crisis and the logic of the bombs dropped by a criminal like (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu on Gaza. Netanyahu is a hero for the richest 1% of humanity, because he is able to show that people are destroyed under bombs.”

WMDs: “I can only say to the peoples of the world, from the weak voice of a country without weapons of mass destruction, without dollars, but beautiful for its natural and cultural diversity, the country of beauty and butterflies of all colours, that it is no longer the time of governments, but the time of the people. The time is over. Either we raise the flag of life or our villages will be filled with cemeteries, as the epidemic has shown us. It is the time of the people and we must act locally and coordinate globally.”

Nuclear weapons, anti-militarism: “We need to build the greatest army of all time, made up of the warriors of life. The army of life will not have the weapons of the global oligarchy, it will not have nuclear weapons, it will not compete for weapons, nor will it have the deep pockets of the banks, nor the power to tear children apart in the genocides of the oligarchy; but it will have the greatest power of all: the power of a united humanity that will not let its existence on the planet be taken away from it.”

Bombs, war: “It is the time of the people. If governments could not, as shown here, and decided to play with bombs and senseless wars and killing children, power games, then it is time to take the solution of the great problems of humanity into the hands of the people themselves, the simple people of humanity.”

Comoros
Mr. Mbae Mohamed, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
26 September 2024

Ceasefire: “On behalf of the Union of the Comoros, I implore the Russian and Ukrainian leaders to take the path of dialogue and negotiation. I appeal to them for the sake of their peoples, for the mark they will leave on history, but also because a ceasefire first and then peace are the essential conditions for economic, social and food peace for the whole world and, in particular, for Africa, which is suffering so much from this conflict.”

War: “Speaking of Palestine, in view of the realities we experience on a daily basis, there is no doubt that we are not acting in self-defence. This war, marked by a disproportion of forces, targeting mostly innocent people, is nothing other than a genocide perpetrated by the Israeli forces in Gaza, which we must condemn and put an end to as a matter of urgency.”

“The horrors suffered by the Palestinian people have resulted in the deaths of more than forty thousand people, including innocent women and children, more than one hundred thousand wounded, the forced displacement of thousands of people in inhuman conditions and the systematic destruction of hospitals and social housing. The Union of the Comoros, while reiterating its full solidarity with and unfailing support for the brotherly people of Palestine, urgently appeals to the international community to take action to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities and a rapid resumption of the delivery of humanitarian aid.”

“I would also remind you, because we tend to forget it, that the situation is also very serious in the West Bank. And, as Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, points out, what is happening there ‘is a palpable and concrete example of how hatred, resentment and contempt have led to increasingly extreme forms of violence that are more and more difficult to contain’.”

War: “The situation in Sudan also has our full attention. We call on both parties to the conflict to show restraint, to spare the population from the horrors of this war which, for brothers, has gone on for far too long!”

Congo
Mr. Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

War, armed conflict, nuclear weapons: “Situations of war and armed violence of all kinds, in Ukraine, Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo - the list is unfortunately not exhaustive, and to which we must add the climate crisis, the unsustainable debt burden and the apocalyptic spectre of nuclear war are all existential challenges that challenge what remains of human wisdom today, and question what remains of our awareness of good and evil!”

Costa Rica
Mr. Arnoldo Ricardo André Tinoco, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship
26 September 2024

Arms race: “We come to this session amidst the reactivation of the arms race, increasing geopolitical tensions, systematic violations of human rights, and the principles of international law.”

Armed conflict: “With these challenges comes the spread of violent conflicts from Africa to Europe and the Middle East.”

Military spending, militarism: “The humanitarian crisis in [Haiti] has generated a minimal and immorally low response from the international community. The $674 million dollars required by the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan represents only 0.03% of global military spending, which in 2023 reached $2.44 trillion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Allow me to repeat that: 0.03% of global military spending. A tiny drop of hope in an ocean of militarization.”

Weapons, ammunition: “Violence and crime have grown alarmingly worldwide, and Latin America and the Caribbean are no exception. Criminal networks have consolidated into a complex phenomenon that transcends national borders. These organizations, engaged in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the smuggling of weapons and ammunition, have found fertile ground for growth in the region, whether due to corruption, lack of opportunities for youth, or limited police capacity to counter them. The interconnection of these networks not only affects the security and well-being of local communities, but also has global repercussions, as their operations tend to extend across transit countries and into international markets.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “This brings me to my second reflection: at the heart of multilateralism lies peace. There is no peace without justice. However, its heartbeat weakens with the escalation of conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, the Red Sea, Sudan, the Sahel, Yemen, Myanmar, and Syria. These crises expose the fragility of our collective security system and demand that all parties to the conflict assume their obligations under international law, particularly international humanitarian law. Norms and principles must be respected without exception, especially the protection of civilians and the principles of proportionality, limitation, distinction, and humanity.

“For each of these conflicts, Costa Rica reiterates its call—to all involved—for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, for safe, uninterrupted, and unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance, the release of hostages and detainees, the withdrawal of troops from affected areas, and the de-escalation of tensions. It is also urgent to comply in good faith with all decisions from international courts and the Security Council; because without justice, there will be no lasting peace.”

Disarmament, protection of civilians in armed conflict: “While expressing our deep concern over the weakening of international humanitarian disarmament instruments, Costa Rica urges states to reverse this trend and renew their efforts to ensure that civilians do not become victims of use of weapons with indiscriminate effects.”

Explosive weapons: “We also urge the avoidance of the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas or their surroundings and invite all states to participate in the upcoming international conference on the humanitarian consequences of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, to be held in July next year in San José.”

Autonomous weapon systems, militarisation of artificial intelligence: “Costa Rica calls for a consensus on governance frameworks for artificial intelligence in both military and civilian spheres. These frameworks must regulate autonomous systems with transformative capabilities that operate without human intervention. The recently adopted Global Digital Compact puts the multilateral system in motion to address artificial intelligence and is key for its research and development, not just its applications.”

Côte d’Ivoire
Mr. Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice-President
26 September 2024

No relevant references.

Croatia
Mr. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Armed conflict: “We live in a world increasingly ablaze. As a country that has endured conflict and the painful process of post-war recovery, Croatia understands first-hand the value of peace, security, and international solidarity. Our journey from a nation affected by aggression to a contributor to global peace efforts equips us with a unique perspective. The lessons we have learned — about resilience, reconciliation, and the importance of upholding international law — shape our commitment to promoting peace and security worldwide.

“In a world facing intensifying crises, from Ukraine to Gaza and Sudan, Croatia stands firm in its belief that every nation has the right to self-determination and protection under the UN Charter. The Russian Federation’s brutal aggression against Ukraine continues well into its third year, trampling all tenets of international law.”

Nuclear energy: “While Ukrainian civilians continue to die and suffer, the largest active nuclear power plant in Europe is also at risk. This undermines all principles of nuclear safety and may bring about catastrophic consequences with cross-border impact.”

Armed conflict: “All Member States of the United Nations have the right to be independent and their people must be free to choose their own path. They must not depend on their neighbour’s permission, nor should they be left alone to succumb to a neighbour’s military aggression. • In that vein, we will not tire in our support to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and in our assistance, and we call upon all to do the same.

“At the same time, the looming threat of a wider conflict in the Middle East is evident. The heinous terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October horrified us. So did the unspeakable, continued tragedy since endured by the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza, where tens of thousands were killed, wounded or maimed. Whatever historical or present grievances, continuing down this path will not bring a lasting resolution – only more death and destruction. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages and on both sides to engage in genuine negotiations to end hostilities and prevent further escalation. The Middle East and its people deserve a better future. The rest of the world as well.

War: “The wars in Ukraine and Gaza are overshadowing the immense humanitarian and civilian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan.”

Arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation: “In the same vein, we must not falter when it comes to strengthening international arms control, disarmament and the non-proliferation architecture. This is essential not just to avoid conflict, instability or even greater tragedies, but to reduce the already heightened risks of escalations – either deliberate or as a result of a misunderstanding.”

Landmines, unexploded remnants of war: “Croatia is also proud that today, a Croatian company is a global leader in robotic demining, and we are actively supporting Ukraine by providing our expertise to assist in the clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas.”

War: “Croatia is today extending its support to Ukraine by offering its expertise in prosecuting war crimes and making its seasoned experts available to assist Ukraine in navigating the complex process of accountability and justice, drawing from its own experience in addressing the aftermath of war crimes committed during the Homeland War.”

Gendered impacts of conflict: “This is why Croatia promotes women, peace and security at the global level as we know the disproportionate effect of conflict on women, but we have also seen how women when participating in all peacebuilding and sustaining peace processes are agents of change and harbingers of peace.”

Cuba
Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

War, Weapons: “I dedicate these first words to ratify Cuba’s solidarity and support to the brotherly people of Palestine, victim of more than 75 years of colonial occupation, flagrant violations to their legitimate rights as a nation, submitted to cruelty, aggressions, collective punishments and apartheid. It is an unacceptable tragedy, plain for all to see; it’s a wound in human consciousness. During the last eleven months, the Israeli army has massacred more than 40 thousand civilians. That indiscriminate and disproportionate massacre has killed more boys and girls than men and women. They die with the complicity and the weapons contributed by the United States, with the complicit silence of others. We pay tribute to the more than 220 aid workers of this Organization who have also been killed. Cuba’s position is clear and unequivocal. President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has said, and I quote: “History will not forgive the indifferent. We will not be among them.” The genocide against the Palestinian people must end unconditionally and without further delay!”

“Israel, with the complicity of the United States, has placed the world before an imminent risk of a major world conflict. The irresponsible aggressiveness against Lebanon, Iran and the Middle East peoples will have consequences that are hard to predict.”

Militarism: “Aggressive, expansionist and supremacist military doctrines of domination, based on the “philosophy of dispossession, are alarmingly undermining international Peace and Security.”

Nuclear weapons, military spending: “The risk of a nuclear hecatomb is real and imminent. The world military expenditure has continued to increase for the ninth consecutive year. In 2023 it reached the record figure of 2.44 trillion dollars, which includes the development of nuclear weapons. There has been a regression, despite the huge efforts made by State Parties and Signatories of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and enlightened and broad sectors of international society.”

War: “We advocate a serious, constructive and realistic diplomatic solution, by peaceful means, to the current war in Ukraine. In that context, Cuba supports the joint proposal presented by Brazil and China to find a political solution to that crisis.”

Cyprus
Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, President
25 September 2024

War: “I humbly stood at this podium for the first time last year. My main premise then was that the UN Charter is not a reality. It is a promise. A sacred pledge that we inherited from our predecessors. From those who had the remarkable courage, the clarity of vision, to put pen on paper, vision to action, and to solemnly declare – Never Again. These great visionaries, who had the audacity to build peace upon still burning ashes of war, assumed the tremendous responsibility to look beyond the horrors of the past. To learn from history, no matter how painful, and to lay the foundations for a world anchored on peace and stability, respect for international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. A world that leaves no one behind. Τhat ensures prosperity and human dignity for all."

“Burning like a torch, lit from those ashes, this promise was passed to us. Their voices are echoed in the halls of this building, which stands as a beacon and a symbol of the only path to the fulfillment of the UN Charter, which each and every state, each and every one of us, undertook to uphold – Multilateralism and Respect for International Law. Diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes, cooperation over use of force and aggression. Laying down arms. A world order that does not appease the aggressor, the violator of international legality.”

War: “In the immediate aftermath of the October 7th attack, and as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorated, the Republic of Cyprus acted. We acted on our moral responsibility to help the innocent civilians of Gaza - men, women, children - suffering abhorrent conditions no human should ever endure.... The Palestinian children – that have been orphaned, forced to live in tents, with no access to the most basic items of existence - food, shelter, education, safety - are also Our Children. No child should ever endure such nightmare. They did not cause this war. They do not deserve it. They suffer in silence. Their cries are haunting our conscience. We have also failed them."

“The situation in Gaza is a desperate cry for us to act decisively. We must do all that is in our power, we must act - as leaders, as states, as international and regional organisations. My country has emphatically stressed, the need for the respect of international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, the rapid, safe and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. For the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This war must end now. The suffering must stop now."

“We have also consistently underlined and acted on the imperative of avoiding further escalation and destabilization in the region, and of the vital importance of preventing regional escalation. We are deeply alarmed by recent developments in our neighbouring Lebanon and stress the need for restraint. A step back must be taken from the brink.”

War: “There are no shortcuts, no alternatives, or substitutes to a lasting peace. There are no frozen conflicts. The vacuum created in the absence of a viable peace becomes a breeding ground for crisis and conflict.”

War, militarism: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation, came as yet another stark reminder of what is at stake if we do not defend and uphold the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Cyprus strongly condemns any breach of international peace and security effected through military action by any State, against the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of another State. My country has stood in an unwavering manner, since the first day of Russian invasion, on the right side of history. Cyprus, itself a victim of invasion and continuing occupation, has steadfastly supported the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

Czech Republic
Mr. Petr Pavel, President
25 September 2024

Cyber: ”The last topic I want to touch upon is cybersecurity and technology. With progressing digital transformation and our increasing reliance on advanced technology, the gravity and scale of cyber threats are increasing; and respect no borders. Cyber espionage and attacks against our hospitals, media, infrastructure, national institutions and businesses aim to destabilise our democratic systems and undermine its principles. Just as offline, we cannot allow the cyberspace to become a lawless criminal world. The agreed framework of responsible behaviour of states in cyberspace should guide us in our effort to strive for a safer online world. The security of cyberspace will depend on the capacities and effort of all responsible states to enhance their own cyber-capabilities. Czechia is taking its commitment to the protection of global cyberspace security very seriously. We will continue providing assistance to our partners in Africa, Asia and South America so that together we can improve our resilience and to protect our citizens even better. Foreign interference and disinformation continue to present a challenge with a serious impact on democracy, security and the rules-based international order. With rapid development of new technologies, protection and promotion of human rights continue to be vital for our societies. Emerging technologies will have an undisputable influence on the nature of our future conflicts, but also in peace. It is our duty to ensure that innovations – including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, biotech and quantum computing – fully conform to our ethical and human rights standards.”

Nuclear energy: “The cynical nature of Russia’s policy and its disinterest in genuine peace talks has global consequences. These include impairing nuclear safety, diminishing food and energy security, and damaging rule-based international order.”

War/armed conflict: “In the face of the unjust and unprovoked Russian war against Ukraine, we must realise that Security Council membership is not a carte blanche.No one has the right to abuse power and bully other members of the international community without sanctions. Together, we must exercise more pressure on Russia to end its unjust and brutal war. The Peace summit in Switzerland clearly confirmed that peace in Ukraine must be based on international law and principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“If you remain silent to injustice and aggression, soon there will be others waiting in line to see how far they can go in bending international rules as they please. Some of you might think that Russia’s actions against Ukraine are just another regional conflict and both sides need to meet halfway. But there is no such thing as “just a regional conflict”. Conflicts in one part of the world cause food insecurity and create refugee waves in other. With globalisation, our security and prosperity start way beyond our own borders. Being fully aware of that, Czechia is committed not only to security of Europe but also in Middle East, Africa and elsewhere.”

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Mr. Song Kim, Permanent Representative
30 September

Militarism: From the beginning of this year, the U.S. and its allies have staged joint military exercises one after another with various code-names such as “Freedom Shield”, “Freedom Edge” and “Combined Air Drill” in the vicinity of the DPRK, thus heightening military tension and hostile atmosphere in the region.

NATO/Nuclear weapons: Joining here are the member states of NATO which is an outside force beyond the region and exclusive military bloc. They are strengthening military cooperation with the U.S. and ROK abusing the signboard of “UN Command” which should have been dismantled decades ago in accordance with UNGA resolution. They are stirring up military confrontation still further by deploying warships and aircrafts in the hot spot region of the Korean peninsula. Such being the case, they blame us for “threatening” them and the peace and stability of the region and beyond with nuclear weapons.

Nuclear weapons: “Last year, I stated on this podium that the situation on the Korean peninsula was nearing to brink of a nuclear conflict. One year has passed since then. Now the security landscape of the Korean peninsula is quite different from that time and becoming much more acute.”

“Much more serious is the fact that the anti-DPRK nuclear war machine “nuclear consultative group” engineered by the U.S. and ROK last year is now in full operation and simulation nuclear war drills are conducted to put into practice an actual attempt to use nuclear weapons against the DPRK.”

“Then, who had developed and used nuclear weapons against humanity for the first time in history? Who has introduced nuclear weapons into the Korean peninsula in the last century and posed nuclear threat to the DPRK over the century? Who on earth is talking unhesitatingly about the “end of regime” of a sovereign state and maintaining first-use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK as its national policy? It is not that the DPRK’s possession of nuclear weapons makes the U.S. hostile towards us. The truth is that the U.S. hostility and nuclear threat to the DPRK for over 70 years compelled us to make a historic decision to possess nuclear weapons.”

“Our nuclear weapons were just made and exist to defend ourselves. As such, any talk about our “nuclear threat” only proves a conceived hostility toward the DPRK. The security environment of the Korean peninsula is bound to be intricately complicated through to the next generation as well, unless the U.S. and its followers change their confrontation and aggressive nature.”

NATO, War/armed conflict: “As for the Ukrainian situation dragged on for almost 3 years by the U.S. and western countries, they are shifting the responsibility on other countries even though it was the result of “eastward expansion” of NATO and provision of lethal equipment amounting to astronomical sum of money to their ally.”

War/armed conflict: The situation on the Korean peninsula has not entered into war even though it is fraught with extreme tension. It is totally attributable to our country’s powerful war deterrence which helps stave off threat of aggression and keep the balance of power in the region. Therefore, we continue to increase our war deterrence capabilities not only from our obligation to ensure national security but also from our mission to maintain peace and security in the region and beyond.

“Since October last year, the indiscriminate massacre by Israeli authorities has claimed more than 40 thousand Palestinian civilian lives in Gaza Strip including many children and women, and thus exposed a nation to complete extinction. The UN exists to prevent the recurrence of the scourge of war that had inflicted untold sufferings to mankind. It is really shameful and deplorable that such act against humanity has persisted for one year. It is hardly imaginable that one state is immune to any censure and sanction even after committing such a horrible massacre. This is entirely due to the patronage of the U.S., a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The U.S. has vetoed UNSC resolutions on bringing peace to the Middle East on as many as 5 occasions overriding the wishes of the international community to see the ethnic cleansing stopped by its ally. This is how the U.S. has discredited the authority of UN and incited crime against humanity.”

“The reason behind the U.S.’s abusive invectives about the normal development of relations between other countries is, in fact, to vindicate its unprincipled political and military support to its ally and justify the forming of military alliances on a global scale.”

“I also express deep condolences to the Palestinian victims of the Israeli genocide and their bereaved families and extend unchanged support and solidarity to the Syrian people in their struggle to regain the occupied Golan heights and safeguard territorial integrity.”

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President
25 September 2024

DDR (disarmament, demilitarisation, and reintegration): “The Democratic Republic of Congo reaffirms its firm commitment to guaranteeing lasting peace. Under my leadership, we are determined to pursue the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Rehabilitation and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS), key to our national strategy to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate combatants, offering them viable and sustainable economic prospects; while stabilizing conflict-affected areas. In ensuring a post-MONUSCO transition, we are also prioritizing the repatriation of foreign combatants. The P-DDRCS is a crucial lever for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I invite our partners and friends to support it.

War/armed conflict: “Indeed, we cannot ignore the alarming rise in bellicose rhetoric and the indecent restoration of practices of armed aggression and plundering of natural resources, affecting every continent. The Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which persists and continues to affect the region, is just one manifestation among many that threaten world peace. Yemen, Sudan, Syria and the terrible tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip are all cases in which multilateralism can play its part to the full.”

“The situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo is particularly worrying. The resurgence of the M23 terrorist group, backed by Rwanda, has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with almost 7 million internally displaced people. This aggression constitutes a major violation of our national sovereignty. We call on the international community to strongly condemn these acts and to impose targeted sanctions against Rwanda for its destabilizing role.”

“We demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops from our territory. While recent diplomatic initiatives, such as the Luanda talks, are encouraging, they should in no way overshadow the urgency of this essential action.”

“The Democratic Republic of Congo is actively committed to establishing lasting peace in the east of the country, and to promoting the economic development and social well-being of the communities ravaged by this armed conflict.”

“Terrorism, which is rife in the east of our country, is closely linked to the looting and illegal exploitation of our natural resources. These criminal activities fuel insecurity and finance armed groups, exacerbating conflicts in the Great Lakes region. It is therefore imperative that the United Nations consider tough sanctions against those responsible for these economic crimes, in order to break this vicious circle and foster peace, sustainable development and human dignity for future generations.”

“Growing awareness of the challenges posed by climate instability and the depletion of natural resources, often at the root of armed conflict, underlines the urgency of addressing these issues. It is therefore essential to recognize the link between climate change, environmental degradation and security, in order to encourage proactive actions that mitigate these risks through sustainable practices. In this respect, we call on the Security Council to establish international mechanisms that integrate climate security issues into their discussions.”

(Unofficial translation)

Denmark
Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Wars: “It is utterly unacceptable that a permanent member of the Security Council continues to violate the most basic principles of the UN Charter. Wars of aggression and altering borders is – and should remain – a thing of the past. An imperial practice that has no place in the 21st century. Denmark will persist to stand by Ukraine. And to support a just and lasting peace. The Summit on Peace, that was held in Switzerland in June, clearly showed that there is strong global support for peace based on the UN Charter. We must all use our influence to further the cause of peace. But it must be a peace that does not reward the aggressor for his brute use of force. Otherwise we set a very bad precedent. Otherwise we undermine the principles on which the UN was founded."

War, ceasefire: “The terrorism of Hamas sparked a downward spiral of human suffering and regional instability. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the human suffering unbearable. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced all over the region. There is a very real risk of an all-out regional war. Which would affect all of us. This must end now. A cease fire is urgently needed. All parties should exercise restraint and contribute to de-escalation.”

Armed conflict, war: “We often talk about Ukraine and Gaza in these halls. But sadly, people are dying and suffering from conflict in many other countries. I am deeply concerned with the continued fighting in Sudan. And the humanitarian consequences for the civilian population. More than 10 million people have been displaced. In Sudan there is an urgent need for political dialogue. And for putting a halt to the conflict. As there is in Yemen, Haiti, Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, The Democratic Republic of Congo. The list tragically goes on. And in the wake of our collective inability to stop the wars – the respect for international law, is slowly undermined.”

Djibouti
Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Permanent Representative
30 September 2024

Armed conflicts, ceasefire: “The world is going through a perilous period characterised by disorder and uncertainty. The crisis can be observed at several levels. Conflicts are proliferating and becoming increasingly violent. Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza continue to rage without our agreeing terms for a ceasefire agreement. Terrorism is on the rise in several parts of the world, including on the African continent, where its metastasis is a source of concern for us.”

War: “We are profoundly alarmed by the continued deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and Gaza, and the West Bank in particular. The violence continues unabated! We are profoundly saddened by the continued loss of lives, in particular children in Gaza, the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, the indiscriminate and continued bombings, and the unlawful occupation in the form of a total siege. The attack on Lebanon has accelerated the regional conflagration we all feared. We express hope that the parties would agree to the 21-day ceasefire called for by the US and France. We must avoid at all cost an all-out war.”

Armed conflict: “We are troubled by the continued deterioration of the situation in Sudan, the 3rd largest African country and a founding member of IGAD. We are saddened by the tragic loss of lives, the destruction of infrastructure and the devastating humanitarian catastrophe that it has caused. Djibouti, under the leadership of President Guelleh, current Chairman of IGAD, has held many meetings at Summit level to explore avenues for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

“We just recently held in Djibouti, in partnership with the United Nations, a retreat of mediators with the ultimate goal of harmonizing the various initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. We call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to honor the commitments made in Jeddah and subsequent negotiations and further urge them to guarantee full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access. We call on Sudanese leaders to have the Sudanese people’s best interest at heart. We call on external actors concerned by the conflict in Sudan and in a position to do so to use their influence and bring constructive pressure to bear on the parties so they commit to a mediation format with the ultimate objective of achieving a negotiated settlement of the conflict. We cannot, we must not give up on the prospects of peace in Sudan.”

Dominica
Ms. Sylvanie Burton, DAH, President
25 September 2024

War: “My delegation remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflicts particularly in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan among others. We recognize the crucial role of peace in human development. We are convinced that war is futile.

“It is this conviction that impels us to urge that the fullest support be given to those entities that are engaged in promoting peace and reconciliation in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan, just a few examples of locations where war is setting back the human development gains achieved over the years. The continuing loss of innocent lives, particularly the innocent lives of the most vulnerable amongst us, namely the innocent lives of women and children is of dire concern. There is no winner in these conflicts.

“And if history has taught us anything, it is that the cost to rebuild after such terrifying and inhumane conflicts is extremely prohibitive. To this end, as long as these conflicts persist, my delegation will not cease to echo the call for an urgent end to these conflicts which have decimated the lives of so many innocent ones.”

Dominican Republic
Mr. Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, President
25 September 2025

War: “These crucial issues require our full attention, yet the resurgence of war and rampant violence force us to focus on this unfortunate urgency.... Since its formation, the Dominican Republic has been a champion of peace and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The loss of thousands of innocent lives, children and the elderly, is intolerable, and for this reason we raise our voice to demand the effective protection of the civilian population in accordance with the norms of international humanitarian law.”

Ecuador
Mr. José Javier De La Gasca, Permanent Representative
30 September 2024

Arms control, protection of civilians, war/armed conflict: “Until the end of our mandate, we will continue to honor the commitment we made to this Assembly, which elected us with 190 votes, to promote:

Strengthening and maintaining peace,
Respect for the United Nations Charter, prioritizing the peaceful settlementof disputes, diplomacy and dialogue,
Protection of civilians as the best way to honor the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions,
The fight against transnational organized crime and terrorism,
Non-proliferation and combating illicit arms trafficking; and,
The Women, Peace and Security Agenda, to move towards the elimination of obstacles that prevent women from participating and making decisions throughout the cycle of prevention, construction and maintenance of sustainable peace.”

War/Armed conflict: “In December 2023, President Noboa, in the framework of Ecuador's presidency of the Security Council, alerted its members to a wave of transnational organizedcrime and narco-terrorism that threatens the rule of law, state control and border security.”

“In the case of Ukraine we are co-sponsors of the humanitarian dossier and on the situation in Palestine we have voted in favor of all resolutions adopted by the Security Council in order to stop hostilities, release hostages, allow an adequate flow of humanitarian aid and advocate respect for international humanitarian law.”

“I would like to emphasize that Ecuador has contributed permanently to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, with military personnel in various missions and with support for initiatives that strengthen them, such as the historic Resolution 2719 (2023), which was adopted during our presidency of the Security Council.”

(Unofficial translation)

Egypt
Mr. Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Aggression: “Israel's brutal aggression against Gaza underway for almost a year now, as well as the current attack on the West Bank, puts shame on the international community and its institutions which are unable to do the bare minimum to put an end to this aggression. The international community took months to start asking for an end to this brutal aggression, we staunchly condemn the Israeli escalation. It's dangerous, and it knows no limits. It is pushing the region to the brink of the abyss. Would categorically reject and strongly condemn Israel's current aggression vis a vis Lebanon, this is a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, its territorial integrity, its unity and its political independence.”

War: “We extend our condolences to the families of those martyred UNRWA personnel who fell during their duties, and others who fell owing to the Israeli occupation. We want to put an end to the war machine, to put an end to the destruction which is in violation of international law.”

Cyber, artificial intelligence: “The world needs the United Nations to address emerging challenges, such as challenges in the digital sphere, cybercrime, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence. These new challenges shouldn't detract from our key purposes. That is collective security. This is absolutely vital.”

Nuclear weapons: “The collective security system, including the disarmament and non-proliferation system, has been weakened direct or tacit threats of use of nuclear weapons is no longer a fantasy. It's a direct threat. We've seen this in the war in the Gaza Strip. We're seeing this day in day out, as states possessing nuclear weapons are modernizing their arsenals and indirectly threatening the use of nuclear weapons without any genuine serious efforts being made to create a world free of nuclear weapons, or areas free of nuclear weapons or other WMDs and acceding to the NPT. And this despite the NPT Review conferences conclusions, specifically the 1995 decision on the Middle East.”

El Salvador
Mr. Nayib Armando Bukele, President
24 September 2024

No relevant references.

Equatorial Guinea
Mr. Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Vice-President
26 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Mr. President, as the theme of this Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly states: ‘Leaving no one behind: Working together to promote peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations’. A theme that is in line with the current world situation, which involves enormous global challenges such as armed conflicts, the exacerbation of the existence of armed groups, terrorism, the crises generated by climate change, organised criminal gangs, the prospect of new health crises, discrimination, as well as the food crisis as a consequence of armed conflicts that provoke them or are likely to provoke famines in different countries.”

Armed conflict: “The proliferation of so many conflicts in all regions of the world is the greatest evidence of the obsolescence, incapacity and ineffectiveness that the United Nations Security Council has proved to be to date. What we see today in this decision-making body are the struggles for geostrategic interests that make it increasingly difficult to take unanimous decisions that would make it possible to resolve these conflict situations and alleviate the suffering of populations and the loss of innocent lives.”

Armed conflict: “In this context, there are also humanitarian rights, the systematic violation of which is observed in ongoing armed conflicts, depriving populations in conflict zones of necessary humanitarian aid in terms of food and health care.”

Eritrea
Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

War/armed conflict: “As it happened, this later phase ushered in a new, precarious, epoch of a “uni-polar” world order, which was, in essence, bereft of any new ideology. As a matter of fact, the new dispensation represented a retrograde relapse to, and revival of, centuries-old colonialism and slavery. Indeed, the resources and wealth of others were usurped to mollify the insatiable greed of the few through force and other tools of repression. The manifestations of this policy are myriad and include:

pronounced policies of “containment” by the architects and proponents of a uni-polar world order in the European theatre and especially reckless acts in Ukraine;
provocative “containment” policies against China pursued in Asia for analogous objectives and considerations;
trends that these policies portend to global peace.

In our neighborhood, the ramifications of this policy include:

The perilous war unleashed to stifle the Palestinian cause and evict them from their land; the commotion that it continues to engender and the wider regional conflagration that it may trigger;
Acts of subversion conducted and multiple crises fomented in several parts in Africa under various pretexts to preserve and maintain colonial slavery;
Overt interventions carried out in the same manner in Latin America to install surrogate regimes;
Various subterfuges conducted to stifle and roll-back burgeoning public protests in Europe and the US against the backdrop of fragmentation of traditional coalitions;

All these distressing developments and trends amplify the innate flaws and dysfunctionality of the reckless policies of the Uni-polar world order.”

“As it happened, the people of Eritrea were compelled to wage political and armed struggle of liberation for 50 long years. And even when they achieved their hard-won independence in 1991, they were denied respite and the opportunity to funnel their energies for nation- building. Indeed, the same “hegemonic” policy consideration and defunct ploys were ramped up to foment unremitting crises and instability by instigating “border conflicts” and other ruses. The suffering and economic damage that was inculcated, the opportunity loss incurred, have been enormous by any standards. Still, and in the face of unwarranted onslaught, the resilience of the Eritrean people was not dampened. And yet, the spiral of mindless hostility continued to intensify without let up.”

Estonia
Mr. Alar Karis, President
24 September 2024

Arms control: “In this very room, the global community has condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Russia has attacked international peace and security and the UN Charter. That’s a fact. Confirmed also by the General Assembly. We must also firmly condemn the actions of those who arm Russia in this aggression – Iran and North Korea.”

Cyber: “Dear ladies and gentlemen, positive change is possible. Estonia’s own story is a perfect illustration of that. We have built a digital, cyber-secure society where citizens feel that they themselves are the state. As it should be. We know from our own experience that freedom combined with proper technology and innovation oriented mindset are the best tools for finding long-term solutions. Yes, also free societies, might need some updates from time to time and the latest plug-ins for optimized user friendly performance. But if maintained properly, they are not crashing and freezing like autocracies tend to do.”

Militarism: “While drafting the UN resolutions we must consider the new mechanisms that are weaponized and used to undermine international peace and security. The world has changed. Information is rushing in various digital formats and we tend to live in fragmented bubbles. This can in turn be fertile ground for extremist terrorist groups or for neo-imperial expansionist ambitions. Similarly, refugees are sometimes used for destabilizing actions. Changing world poses new challenges. Let’s make sure that that UN methods, agencies and resolutions meet the requirements of 21st century.”

Protection of civilians in armed conflict: ”But its not our place in history that we have to worry about. Something else keeps us awake at night. It’s the children who are lost to conflicts. Who will be never old enough to see the high school diploma. Who will never have the chance to learn how to ride a bike. Who will never dance in the desert. Who will not be free, who will not be smiling... ...but, dear ladies and gentlemen, the happiness of a child is priceless. This image should set our moral compass right. Personal and global, strategic and tactical.”

“Restoring the credibility and reforming the UN should grant better and more efficient application of the Charter so that peace and security is maintained in everyone’s interest and everywhere in the world.”

“Ukrainian children are deported to camps far away from their homes and parents in order to teach how to think correctly. Unfortunately sending people in the so-called correction camps where they are taught “right” behavioral patterns are not precedent in today’s world. It makes me wonder in which century do we actually live in?”

Protection of civilians in armed conflict, War/armed conflict:” It has been becoming increasingly important not to lose the sight. We can not and we will not accept blurring the „realities on the ground“. Russia’s war against Ukraine is as clear as black and white. Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim. Russian violations against international law are brutal and widely documented. Russia has systematically killed civilians."

War/armed conflict: “Dear ladies and gentlemen, the pain of losing a close one is grave. It hurts us no matter where this happens. The life will never be the same after such a tragedy. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine causes inhumane suffering. As does the war in Gaza, or the worsening fighting in Sudan, or the tensions, instability, human rights violations in Sahel, the war in Syria, the unresolved Rohingya crisis, the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen or the suppression and torture of girls and women in Afghanistan.”

“Since the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel almost a year ago, there has been too much suffering in Gaza and the region. The destruction, loss of life and trauma is unimaginable. It only leads to a vicious cycle of violence and deepening hatred. We believe it is high time for an agreement that would establish a ceasefire and allow for the release of hostages.”

“Deplorably the smooth talk about dialogue and importance for Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct peace talks are only supporting Russian cause. Especially when those so-called peace proposals fail to recognize who is the one who has launched the aggression. And who is the one suffering. We are not going to call Russia for a coffee. Instead, we call them to accept President Zelenskyy’s 10 point peace formula which has wide international support. Russia has to end the aggression, withdraw its troops and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine. Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be restored. We demand Russia to stop cynically and shamelessly exploiting various conflicts to its own advantage. By fueling contradictions in Africa, Europe, America or elsewhere – Russia attacks the coherence of our societies and generates instability.”

Eswatini
Mr. Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Guns, armed conflict: “Mr President, peace is the foundation upon which sustainable development and human dignity rest. The Kingdom of Eswatini, guided by its long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence, continues to advocate for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. We condemn all forms of violence and support efforts aimed at silencing the guns across the world, particularly in Africa. We call upon the international community to support the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the AU Master Roadmap for Silencing the Guns. It is imperative that if we are not to leave anyone behind, we must address the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity, which drive instability and undermine development efforts.”

Ethiopia
Mr. Taye Atske-Selassie Amde, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2024

No relevant references.

European Union
Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council
26 September 2024

Armed conflict: “The use of force and unilateral acts are multiplying. And we are witnessing, with a feeling of powerlessness, three major conflicts that form an explosive cocktail.”

War: “In Ukraine, it is a permanent member of the Security Council that has launched an illegal and unprovoked war, an attempt to impose the law of force rather than the force of law. This war is therefore a threat to all of us. The European Union will support Ukraine for as long as necessary, and true to the promise of freedom and solidarity, we reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, which must be based on the Charter of the United Nations.”

War: “Freedom and solidarity. It is by virtue of these same principles that we condemn the despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas. Israel has the right to defend itself. In accordance with international law and the principle of proportionality. We want an immediate ceasefire. In accordance with the order of the International Court of Justice.Every civilian life counts.We therefore condemn the indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations.This is a tragedy inflicted on the Palestinian people.The EU is working for a lasting peace as part of a solution involving two states living side by side in freedom and security.The endless escalation must stop. It is irresponsible to drag Lebanon into this spiral.These appeals, including to the Israeli government, have so far been in vain.This cannot go on.We support the existence of a strong, democratic State of Israel, living in peace alongside the Palestinian people, who must have their own viable and stable State. But ensuring security while neglecting peace is an illusion. A world fuelled by revenge is a less secure world. The Palestinian people are entitled to their own state. Denying them this right will indefinitely fuel threats to the security of Israelis and Jews everywhere.It feeds polarisation throughout the world.And it undermines a multilateral system that cannot tolerate double standards.The policy pursued by Israel is a dead end and dangerous for everyone. It must change.”

War: “The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine cannot overshadow another major conflict: the civil war in Sudan. A gigantic humanitarian disaster. 20,000 deaths to date, 25 million people in emergency situations, including some 8 million displaced persons. External actors are involved in this war, particularly through the supply of arms. The EU will continue its efforts to put pressure on the belligerents and their supporters to respect humanitarian law and international law. The EU will continue its efforts to put pressure on the belligerents and their supporters to respect humanitarian law and international law, and to put an end to the conflict in order to implement a process of reconciliation and peace.”

Bombs: “The life of a child killed in a bombed school is precious. In Ukraine, Gaza or elsewhere... The dignity of a woman who has been raped is sacred. In times of war as in times of peace. In Sudan, Ukraine and elsewhere... Denying food to an entire population by blocking humanitarian aid is a war crime. In Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and elsewhere...”

Nuclear weapons: “A crime is a crime. Wherever, by whomever.And our indignation is only sincere if it is universal.The European Union defends international law and humanitarian law with the same vigour, everywhere and at all times.We condemn acts of destabilisation, whoever the perpetrators.I am thinking of Iran's support for its proxies who are ravaging and weakening the Middle East.And Iran's military support for Russia's war in Ukraine.One thing is clear. Iran and Russia use the same recipes: nuclear threat, imperialist ambition and support for lawless terrorist groups to destabilise their neighbours and beyond.”

Fiji
Mr. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President
26 September 2024

War: “From Gaza, to Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan and beyond – conflicts rage on, as humanitarian needs escalate.”

War, nuclear weapons: “Cultivating a culture of peace is now more urgent than ever. The Blue Pacific Continent knows the value of peace, having lived through the horrors of its absence. Our Oceans and its diverse and vibrant lands have been a theatre of the two World Wars, and a testing ground for the most dangerous weapons – the impacts of which are still felt today."

Missiles: “Yesterday, 25th September, there was a unilateral test firing of a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. We urge respect for our region and call for cessation of such action. Under Principle 4 of the Ocean of Peace as was endorsed by the Pacific Leaders in Tonga last month, our statements reinforce the Pacific’s peaceful example to uphold international law and urge others to refrain from actions that undermine peace and security in the Blue Pacific. Under Principle 12, the Ocean of Peace sets and champions rules of responsible, peaceful and deconflicting behaviour.”

Finland
Mr. Alexander Stubb, President
25 September 2024

War: “The number of on-going conflicts is the highest since the Cold War, and the number of states involved in them is on the rise. Especially in three hotspots: Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan. Human suffering has long since reached a point that should be unacceptable in this room.”

War: “When the UN was founded, the underlying idea was “never again”. Never again should anyone experience the horror that our predecessors went through in the first half of the 20th century. The founders of the United Nations promised to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. They – at least partly – succeeded. But, are we, the new generation, succeeding? The simple answer is no. Only this year and last year, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed; more than ten thousand children in Gaza. Child abduction is being used as a weapon of war in Ukraine. Millions of people worldwide have been forced to leave their homes. Malnutrition and disease are on the increase.

“Current wars highlight a glaring contradiction. Critical decisions about war and peace are made by a tiny number of people, often driven by a cynical need to hold on to power. The global majority, who have the interest in peace, do not have enough power in the international system to keep them in check. This is true in Ukraine and Palestine as well as in Sudan."

“In Ukraine, a just peace, based on President Zelenskyy’s ten-point peace plan, is clearly in the interests of the global majority. The war continues because Russian leaders are not willing to end it. While Russia is doing its best to blame others for its own aggression, we must systematically revert to the principles of international law and the UN Charter."

“Neither Russia nor any other country has a historical right to anyone else’s region or people. The core of the UN Charter is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Finland condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Finland equally condemns the attempts to manipulate the global information space to destroy the principles that have sustained world peace for decades. I call on President Putin to end this war and end it now."

“In Palestine, we must ask ourselves, whose interests are driving the war? Peace meets the interests of the global majority. A ceasefire, a two-state solution and regional security arrangements would ensure stability as well as economic and societal development across the region."

“International law holds the key to a solution that would keep both Palestinians and Israelis safe. After the most recent tragedies, there is no other direction but forward and we must find a solution. There are no more excuses."

“In Sudan, regardless of which of the groups who are fighting will finally win the war, the victims of that war will be the civilians and the transition to civilian rule built by them. The civilian rule behind which the entire international community has promised to stand and the civilians for whom we promised to seek a better future.”

War: “Ending wars would benefit most – if not all of us – but currently we do not have the mechanisms to drive the interest of the global majority. Many countries do not feel they have a say in global institutions. As a result, the institutions are losing their legitimacy.”

France
Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President
25 September 2024

Arms trade, Armed conflict: “It is therefore in our common interest, in the common interest of all nations, that Ukraine be restored to its legitimate rights as quickly as possible, and that a just and lasting peace be built. France will continue to do everything in its power to ensure that Ukraine stands firm, puts itself out of danger and obtains justice. It will continue to supply Ukraine with the equipment it needs to defend itself, and together with its closest allies and partners, France will support the remarkable resistance of the Ukrainian people and work to ensure that they achieve lasting security. Let us seek peace. France will join forces with all sincere partners to build a solid peace for Ukraine and for Europe.”

Protection of civilians in armed conflict: “The protection of civilians is an imperative standard and must remain our compass, even as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions this year.”

“I want to reiterate here how vital it is to protect civilians, all humanitarian workers and all those who work to uphold our shared values, in every one of these conflicts.”

War/armed conflict: “Secondly, we must find a common response to the major challenges posed by the two wars affecting Europe and the Middle East. In Ukraine, Russia is waging a war of territorial conquest in defiance of the most fundamental principles of international life. It is guilty of serious breaches of law, ethics and even honor. Nothing in what it is doing corresponds to the common interest of nations, or to the particular responsibilities it assumes in this organization. Ukraine's fate affects peace and security in Europe and the world. For who can still believe they are protected from their strongest, most violent and greediest neighbors, if we let Russia prevail as if nothing had happened? We won't.”

“I know that, for many of you, the most important thing is elsewhere: in the all-too-long list of forgotten wars, unjust victories, poorly negotiated or sometimes never implemented resolutions. I haven't forgotten any of them, even if I can't mention them all here. President TSHISEKEDI preceded me to this rostrum a few moments ago, and the situation in the Great Lakes - I'll be coming back to this with him, and President KAGAME in a few days' time - is of great concern to us. And in Armenia, Prime Minister, where France stands firmly by its side in the face of pressure from Azerbaijan and the territories, the international community must be there to ensure that the peace negotiations succeed and the internationally recognized borders are preserved.”

“But I know that for many of you, the essential thing, beyond these wars, is also today, and it is for us too, in Gaza, where the fate of the Palestinian people is present, and weighs on each of our debates. On this complex subject, I would like to reiterate France's position with the utmost clarity from day one. We firmly condemn the terrible and unprecedented terrorist attack carried out by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Terrorism is unacceptable, whatever its causes, and we mourn the victims of the Hamas attack on October 7, including 48 French citizens. I send my thoughts of compassion and friendship to all the families who are living with the pain of having lost children, relatives and friends on October 7. We also solemnly call once again for the hostages to be released. Several of our French compatriots remain among them. And I would like to salute the efforts of the United States of America, Egypt and Qatar to achieve this. This remains a priority for us all.”

“Israel, faced with this terrorist attack, has the legitimate right to protect its own people and to deny Hamas the means to attack again. And none of us would have suffered the blows of October 7 without drawing consequences. For all that, Israel's war on Gaza has gone on far too long. The tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian victims have no justification, no explanation. Too many innocent people have died, and we too mourn their loss. And these deaths, too, are a scandal for humanity and a dangerous source of hatred and resentment that threatens and will threaten the security of everyone, including Israel tomorrow.”

“This war must therefore end, and a ceasefire must be implemented as soon as possible, at the same time as the hostages are freed and massive humanitarian aid arrives in Gaza. We have held this position since October 2023, pushing for resolutions with many of you holding the first humanitarian conference for Gaza in November in Paris. Today, it's a question of political will, given the destruction of Hamas's military capabilities. It is imperative that a new phase begins in Gaza, that the weapons fall silent, that humanitarians return and that civilian populations are finally protected. France will take part in any initiative that saves lives and ensures security for all. The deployment of an international mission must pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution. It is up to the United Nations Security Council to take a decision in this regard, and the necessary steps must also be taken without further delay to preserve the link between Gaza and the West Bank, to restore the Palestinian Authority to its functions, and to ensure the reconstruction of the territory and make life possible once again, quite simply.”

“France will do everything in its power to ensure that the Palestinians finally have a state living side by side with Israel. The conditions for a just and lasting peace are known. All that remains is to pave the way. It must be as short as possible. France will therefore draw the consequences of its commitment to the two-state solution and renew its action to ensure that it finally comes to fruition for the benefit of the peoples, to meet their legitimate aspirations, to bring about a Palestinian state, to give Israel all the necessary guarantees for its security, to build reciprocal recognition and common security guarantees for all in the region. We will be working on this over the coming weeks with Israelis and Palestinians, and with all our regional and international partners.”

“For the time being, as we speak, the main risk is that of escalation. My fraternal thoughts are with Lebanon and the Lebanese people. For too long, Hezbollah has been taking the unbearable risk of dragging Lebanon into war. Israel, for its part, cannot extend its operations into Lebanon without consequences. France demands that everyone respect their obligations along the Blue Line. We will therefore act to bring about a diplomatic solution, which is essential to spare the civilian population and prevent a regional explosion. There must not and cannot be a war in Lebanon. This is why we strongly call on Israel to stop escalating in Lebanon, and on Hezbollah to stop firing into Israel. We strongly call on all those who provide them with the means to do so to cease doing so. We have asked for the Security Council to meet today for this purpose, and I welcome this. And the French Minister will be visiting Lebanon this weekend."

"France has done a great deal for the African continent in recent years, it has done a great deal in recent decades, but particularly in the Sahel, where French armies have successfully fought terrorism side by side with their regional and international partners. However, military coups in the region have led us to draw legitimate conclusions. But Europe and Africa share a common destiny, which calls for a broad partnership. A partnership for peace and security, which means renewing the terms: more training, more equipment, more mutual respect. A partnership also based on the economy, energy, sport, culture and remembrance.”

(Unofficial translation)

Gabon
Mr. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Transition
26 September 2024

No relevant references.

Gambia (Republic of the)
Mr. Adama Barrow, President
26 September 2024

War: “The ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Sudan, the Sahel, Ukraine and Russia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, and other conflict zones demand the international community’s immediate intervention. We must explore all diplomatic means to restore lasting peace worldwide and free all innocent people, particularly women and children, from the calamities of war.

“We call on the international community to prioritise support for the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza and the improvement of economic conditions in the West Bank. Even though the situation in that region is extremely serious, the intense destruction of lives and property continues.

“The Israeli occupation, expansion of settlements, blockade of Gaza, and restrictions in the West Bank, together with the threat of intensifying the war to a regional conflict, continue to worsen the ongoing tensions in the Middle East."

“Accordingly, I call on the United Nations, the international community, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States to join forces and urgently bring about permanent peace in Palestine. Through recognised structures, I am, as Chair of the OIC, committed to stepping up efforts and exploring every possible diplomatic and peaceful channel to resolve the Middle East crisis. The OIC has been very active and, under my leadership, will continue to promote and pursue peace in that region. Our common objective is to create a situation wherein Israel and Palestine coexist in peace and security under a two-state arrangement and within the recognised pre-1967 borders.”

Georgia
Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister
25 September 2024

War: “The last couple of years have been difficult for our region. While we should be concentrating on global challenges, such as development and problem-solving, the ongoing war in Ukraine has caused an unprecedented level of uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis. I would like to underline once again: Georgia’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders remains firm and unwavering.”

Germany
Ms. Annalena Baerbock, Foreign Minister
26 September 2024

War: “I come from a country where this logic – “us against them” – was taken to the worst extremes that humankind has ever seen. A murderous world war that killed millions.”

War: “We can see that with regard to the war in the Middle East. In its ruthless attack of 7 October last year, Hamas maimed and killed some 1200 men, women and children. To this day, the terrorists are holding more than 100 men, women and children hostage. Including German citizens, including children. At the same time, in Gaza, hungry, traumatised children are wandering the ruins of what used to be their homes, desperately searching for their parents under the rubble. When we’re seeing all this with hearts on fire, I guess it’s only human that sometimes we are tempted to fall for simple slogans, to only see one side. Each of us is looking at this conflict from our own perspective and history. We need to respect that. But we must not stop there. Instead, we need to ask ourselves: ‘What if this was me? If these were my children?’”

Ceasefire: “Universal humanity means that the rights of Israelis and Palestinians do not cancel each other out. And this is why my country stands by its commitment to the security of the State of Israel. And why, at the same time, we are working every day to end the hell for the children of Gaza. Because lasting security for Israelis will only be possible if there is lasting security for Palestinians. And the opposite is also true: lasting security for Palestinians will only be possible if there is lasting security for Israelis. This is why we will not rest until the hostages are home. This is why we are working so hard for a ceasefire. For the Biden plan, which was endorsed by the Security Council. And why at the same time, together with our partners, we are working hard to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Germany alone has provided more than €360 million for humanitarian aid for Gaza since last October. This is why I've been in the region 11 times since October. This is also why yesterday we came together with a group of countries to call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Blue Line. Because a broader regional escalation would not create lasting security for anyone. And frustrating, to be frank, as the lack of progress sometimes is, we are not giving up on seeking a political vision to enable Israelis and Palestinians to live peacefully, side by side, in two states.”

War: “I remember how two and a half years ago I called many colleagues here in this room and around the world to ask for your support in standing up against Russia's imperial war in Ukraine.”

Nuclear weapons: “Ukraine is an independent state that gave up its nuclear arsenal in the 1990s because it believed in the principles and guarantees of this Charter.”

Weapons, arms trade, bombing, war: “Russia's war against Ukraine has been destroying Ukrainian cities, schools and hospitals for almost 1000 days now. And it is ravaging the security order of my continent, Europe. Its ripple effects have been felt by so many around the world. Many of you are feeling the consequences of this war in your own countries, also when it comes to food prices. So I understand that some of you are asking, also in the Security Council two days ago, ‘wouldn't the war be over if you Europeans just stopped providing Ukraine with weapons?’ There's nothing wrong with asking that. Because we all yearn for peace. But the idea that if there were no defensive weapons, there would be no fighting and no dying in Ukraine is as simple as it is wrong. We have seen what happened in June when Ukraine invited Russia to an international peace summit. Instead of stopping his attack and coming to the negotiating table, Putin sent his response by bombing a children's hospital. As long as Putin is not willing to come to the negotiating table, stopping our support for self-defence would simply mean leaving the children's hospitals in Ukraine defenceless. It would mean more war crimes, not less. Possibly in other countries, too.”

Missiles: “Two weeks ago, Russia fired a missile against a civilian grain ship in Romanian territorial waters.”

War: “If Russia stops attacking, the war is over. If Ukraine stops defending itself, Ukraine is over.”

Ghana
Mr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President
25 September 2024

War/armed conflict: “Mr. President, it is impossible to address the challenges of today without speaking of the contradictions that exist within this global institution. We gather here to discuss peace, but wars continue to ravage nations. We speak of justice, yet injustice endures. Take the Russian invasion of Ukraine, for instance. Millions of lives have been uprooted, thousands have lost their lives, and, yet, the Security Council has struggled to respond decisively, just as it is struggling to make a decisive intervention in the tragic, ongoing war in Gaza. The structure of the Council reflects a world that no longer exists, and its failure to act in times of crisis raises a difficult question: what is the purpose of the Security Council if it cannot intervene when the world needs it most?”

“We must also recognise that the fight for peace goes beyond government actions. It is a fight for humanity itself. In Africa, we have often borne the brunt of conflicts, sending our troops to peacekeeping missions with limited support from the global community. While I am pleased to see the UN taking steps to finance peacekeeping in Africa, an outcome of Ghana’s presidency of the UN Security Council, we must go further. Peacekeeping alone is not enough. We must address the potential causes of conflict—poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity. True peace comes from investing in education, healthcare and economic development.”

“Mr. President, as I speak today, ongoing developments in West Africa are deeply troubling. Military coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger threaten the democratic progress we have worked so hard to achieve within the ECOWAS Community. These coups are stark reminders that democracy is, indeed, fragile and must be continually nurtured.”

Greece
Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
26 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Three words of Greek origin, but of universal meaning, will guide Greece’s upcoming tenure on the Security Council: Dialogue, Diplomacy, and Democracy. Six core priorities underpin those guiding principles: the peaceful settlement of disputes; respect for International Law and the rules and principles of the UN Charter; women, peace and security; climate, peace and security; children in armed conflict; and of course, as a seafaring nation, maritime security.”

War, ceasefire: “A year ago, we did not know that on October 7 a horrific terrorist attack would leave 1.200 innocent civilians, men, women and children massacred, around 250 people would be taken as hostages or that in the war that ensued and over 42.000 people would perish, so far. The ongoing violence in the Middle East is grave and civilians’ horrendous suffering in Gaza is continuing. Escalation threatens to trigger a full-scale war in the region. Greece calls on all parties – including Iran and those it has influence over – to back away from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively in the pursuit of meaningful de-escalation.

“A full-scale war in Southern Lebanon must be avoided at all cost. People on both sides of the border have a right to live peacefully without the threat of rockets or bombs shattering their lives. Greece fully supports the proposal for an immediate 21 day ceasefire. In the wake of the October 7th attacks, Greece has always and will always support Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself. But how it does so matters. We must see the immediate return of all remaining hostages.

“There must be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The humanitarian catastrophe there cannot go on. The killing must stop. Safe access to food, water, shelter, clothing and medicines throughout the territory must be ensured. International humanitarian law must be respected. However remote, however impossible it may seem today, Israelis and Palestinians must be given the chance to live side by side in peace and security.

“There is no other way than to make the two-state solution a reality. There is an absolute need to give Palestinians hope for the future. This is a sine qua non for peace, stability and security in the region, including the long-term security of Israel. Building a fully functioning and sovereign Palestinian state will take concerted efforts by the sides involved, the actors in the wider region and the international community as a whole. But there is no other option to bring about lasting peace in this turbulent region.”

War: “A year ago, we were already in the second year of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Since February 2022, Russia has brought violence, misery and destruction back to the European continent. Tens of thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced from their homes. The impact on civilian infrastructure and peoples’ lives and livelihoods is colossal. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are fighting for their freedom and independence, and for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of their country. Respect for the territorial integrity of all states is the fundamental pillar of International Law and the cornerstone of the UN Charter. In June, at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, Greece stood shoulder to shoulder with many other UN member states, calling for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

“From the first hours of the Russian aggression the European Union and its member states rose to the occasion, providing every possible support to Ukrainians. And we are committed to continue to do so. Why? A simple answer: the war in Ukraine is not simply another 'local' European conflict. It is a brutal challenge to international stability and the international rules-based order that the UN stands for. As such it concerns the entire global community. Needless to also recall the very concrete impact this war has had on International Food security, affecting economies and basic needs of populations around the world, and especially in Africa.”

Grenada
Mr. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister
28 September 2024

No relevant references.

Guatemala
Mr. César Bernardo Arévalo de León, President
24 September 2024

War/militarism: “War, the horror that prompted the opening of this world forum, has once again captured our attention. It has been a permanent reality, but it has taken on an unexpected intensity in the last two years. We must not tolerate it. We must not ignore international conflicts that affect the peace and security of all. We must not give up hope for a world without war, for a future in peace.

“Guatemala reiterates its solidarity with the nations that are suffering from armed conflicts and unjustified wars. We call on the members of this assembly to redouble regional and international efforts to find peaceful solutions to disputes based on respect for international law and international humanitarian law and the fundamental principle of human dignity. We cannot accept any violation of the United Nations Charter and Security Council resolutions by any member state of this organisation: not in Ukraine, not in Gaza, not in Sudan, not in any other part of the world.”

Guinea
Mr. Amadou Oury Bah, Prime Minister
28 September 2024

Armed conflict: “This is why we also need to rethink our approach to resolving the persistent conflicts in the Sahel region. It is time to move beyond exclusively military and lethal responses, and to promote an integrated strategy that combines economic development, institution-building and enhanced regional cooperation."

Armed conflict: “Faced with the multiple crises shaking our world, it is clear that our responses must be collective, humanitarian and in empathy with the suffering of people in conflict zones. Everywhere, people are suffering the ravages of war: families separated, communities displaced, lives lost and vital infrastructure destroyed. Whether in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict in Europe, in the Middle East, between Israel and Palestine, in Africa, particularly in Sudan, or in other regions of the world, the suffering of people is immense and knows no borders or nationalities.”

Guinea-Bissau
Mr. Úmaro Sissoco Embaló, President
25 September 2024

War: “We witness devastating wars, the intensification of regional tensions, and other grave threats to international peace and security.”

War: “I would like to reaffirm our determination to continue to contribute to strengthening the friendship among countries and peoples, to promote international cooperation, multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the end to wars and suffering of innocent populations, toward peace in the world.”

Guyana
Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President
25 September 2024

War and environment: “To effectively address food insecurity, we must take more concerted action to address its root causes: reducing conflict, mitigating climate change, and enhancing food production and trade in food commodities. By prioritizing peace and climate action, we can create environments where food systems, crops and livelihoods are not threatened by conflict and weather extremes.”

War: “In Ukraine, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a nation are being violated. Yet, decisive action by the United Nations Security Council remains fettered by the veto. Justice demands that we defend the territorial integrity of all States – large, small, powerful and weak.

“Equally concerning is the conflict in Sudan which rages on with devastating consequences for the people of that country, including famine and mass displacement. This conflict will continue to undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.”

War, ceasefire: “Peace, stability and safety are no more imperilled than in Gaza. Guyana reiterates its strong condemnation of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. However, the collective punishment of an entire population, including the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, most of whom are women and children, has long gone beyond the realm of self-defence.

“As the world watches on helplessly, Israel continues to flout its international obligations, including the orders of the ICJ and successive Security Council resolutions. Instead, the right of self-defence is being used as a weapon of mass extermination, stoking legitimate fears of genocide. No State, large or small, should feel comfortable and safe when such atrocities are allowed to continue with impunity.

“The war in Gaza must end now. We reiterate our demand for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and Palestinians illegally detained. For more than 75 years the Palestinian people have been denied their inalienable right to self-determination. We must advance the two-State solution as this remains the only viable option for a future where Palestinians and Israelis live in peace and security.”