UNGA Disarmament Index 2024: S-Z

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

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Mr. Terrance Micheal Drew, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War: “Seventy-nine years ago, in the wake of war’s devastation, visionaries sought to build a world where diplomacy and dialogue could triumph over destructive intolerance. Yet, today, we stand on the precipice of a perilous return to a world where peace is kept at gunpoint, where weapons are romanticized, and violence is exalted in the pursuit of absolute power. We need more than diplomatic platitudes. We need a humanity steeped in decency, justice, equity and inclusivity. We must rise from these chambers, not resigned to the idea that the children of Haiti, Congo, Sudan, and Palestine are less deserving of the rights and freedoms that we enjoy. We are all one people, one world. We cannot have peace without justice, nor justice without true, solid equality.”

Guns: “When the guns flood our communities, tearing children from their mothers’ arms, it is a collective cry for action. When the Global South starves while food wastage continues unabated, we must be shaken from our complacency. The harsh truth is that the world is becoming mortally insecure. We stand on disappearing shores. We are besieged by storms natural and man-made. Corporate greed, colonial arrogance, and unchecked consumerism have torn apart our social contract with each other. We are no longer at peace with Nature.”

Conflict: “The greatest delusion we feed ourselves is that security and sustainability are separate endeavours. They are, in fact, intertwined. We cannot build secure nations while allowing the climate crisis to rob future generations of their birthright. Security is more than an absence of conflict; it is the presence of dignity, of justice, and hope.”

Saint Lucia
Mr. Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs
27 September 2024

War: “TCaribbean economies have, over the past two decades, been plagued by a number of inter-related and inter-locking factors including persistent fiscal deficits and high debt, stubborn and persistent structural rigidities. These inter-related factors, Mr. President, have been significantly exacerbated by external shocks, including frequent and major fluctuations in energy prices, financial crises, and more recently, the Covid Pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war; not to mention the planet’s greatest existential threat; climate change.”

War, ceasefire: “Mr. President, Saint Lucia therefore reiterates the call it made at the 78th session of the UNGA, that the UN should become seized of the question of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and slavery in the western hemisphere. This is why, in part, our Caribbean civilization resents the current carnage in Gaza and the West Bank. Because in Gaza, Mr. President, for the last year, over 41,000 persons- the majority being women and children - have been killed by an Israeli army in the name of self-defence occasioned by a terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 in which about 1200 persons were killed. Saint Lucia condemns terrorism in all its forms, by whomever and whatever commits it.

“But, humanitarianism has been lost in the carnage. Since October last year, 289 aid workers, including 207 UNWRA team members, have been killed in Gaza. In addition, more than 110 journalists have been killed. Mr. President, this war in Palestine, what some have referred to as genocide, whatever it is called, must be brought to an end today, for the world has no future with it. Mr. President, year-in year-out, since its independence, Saint Lucia has been calling for the recognition and establishment of a Palestinian State. However, to date there continues to be needless impediments to this accomplishment. Mr. President, I respectfully submit that this unnecessary undermining of Palestinian statehood is, to a large extent, the root cause of the current Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

“Mr. President Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live side-by-side in peace. However, peace for Israel must not come at the expense of the Palestinian people; nor can a permanent ceasefire be based on the whims and fancies of Israel. Mr. President it must be predicated upon meaningful and honest negotiations – utilizing the tools of diplomacy. Hence, no state should become material accomplices to aggression against the Israeli and Palestinian people; because the solution is not far- fetched or unreachable. The Palestinians must be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination, to have their own state and full membership of the United Nations alongside the State of Israel, in accordance with UN Resolutions that go back to 181 of 1947 and include Resolution 3236 of 1974 which reaffirmed the unassailable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty, and the right of the Palestinians to return to their homes and property. Mr. President, the only way to secure a just and peaceful future in the Middle East and for Israel to have secure borders is for the Palestinian people to live in their own internationally recognised homeland. The right to self-determination is a universal right. And the Palestinians are no exception! The people of Palestine cannot wait!”

War: “It is this same right which says that the people of Ukraine must be allowed to choose their own destiny and that Russia must end this unwarranted war against Ukraine and restore and respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

War: “The time to end the conflicts, the genocides, the wars is now!”

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Guns, weapons: “Despite a quarter century of analysis, advocacy, and prescriptions set forth by the leaders of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and international institutions charged with advancing the interest of SIDS, our travails are enduring in a global community largely disinterested in our well-being and that of small states generally. We in SIDS remain unequally yoked in a global community motivated by the baser instincts of the untrammeled power of money, ideology, guns, lethal weaponry, territorial and global dominance.”

Armed conflict, war: “Your Excellencies, the war in Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza, the conflicts in the Yemen, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the threats across the Taiwan Strait, an empire’s designs on revolutionary Cuba and Venezuela, the violence and more in Haiti, and such like disruptions of the peace globally, all have specific origins and contexts. But they are all reflective, too, of a failure of multilateralism, a hamstrung United Nations framework, and a derogation from the fundamental precepts of the Charter of the United Nations. Large, powerful nations, singly, or in allied combinations, have a propensity to seek dominance. In this milieu, opportunistic or servile alliances emerge or persist as the particular circumstances admit. It all degenerates into a Manichean politics of the mad-house; hypocrisy, disinformation, and folly reign supreme.”

Guns, ammunition: “Your Excellencies, in our Caribbean there is a growing challenge of violent crime involving the combustible mix of imported guns and bullets, illegally exported marijuana, and the trafficking of cocaine from South America. It is evident that this challenge demands much closer operational cooperation between all the countries concerned in the Caribbean, North America, South America and Europe.”

War: “In the Middle East, the collective punishment meted against the Palestinians in Gaza and the continued illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, including in the West Bank, amidst accompanying state terror, by an Israeli regime, in total defiance of international law, is utterly unacceptable. Surely, despite the complexities of the problems-at-hand, this United Nations, especially the Security Council, ought to summon the courage and the will to stop the carnage and facilitate a lasting peace and security.”

Samoa
Ms. Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War, weapons: “Samoa remains a peaceful country, committed to justice and the protection of human rights. We remain concerned that the wars in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza and surrounding areas are still ongoing with no resolution in sight. The terrible loss of civilian lives, displacement of people as well as the destruction of infrastructure and the environment is something we do not condone. The provision of arms to these conflicts needs to cease. Arms and weapons only fuel more death and destruction.”

San Marino
Mr. Luca Beccari, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

War: “Furthermore, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda has been slowed down by an international context of uncertainty, a combined planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, aggravated by the shocks of war, destabilisation and increased fragility.”

Cyber: “We would also like to underline the paramount role played by digital technologies in the achievement of the 17 SDGs, however we want to emphasize the importance of global cooperation in order to leave no one behind and in order to build a cyberspace that reflects global standards for peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.”

Militarism: “In these times of widespread violations, it is crucial to recommit to the UN Charter and its values in order to maintaining international peace and security, taking effective collective measures for the prevention of conflict and for the suppression of acts of aggression.”

Armed conflict: “San Marino is deeply concern about the number and the scale of armed conflicts across the globe, which cause immense suffering to millions of civilians.”

Military spending: “The unprecedented rise in global military expenditure is alarming, too.”

Nuclear weapons: “We are also very concerned about the upsetting increase of dangerous nuclear rhetoric and by the specter of nuclear escalation. The Republic of San Marino firmly condemns any use or threat of use of nuclear weapons and considers such threats irresponsible and unjustifiable. Any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic and unspeakable consequences for humanity.”

Nuclear weapons, disarmament, cyber, military use of AI: “Unfortunately, today, due to increasing tensions, due to the deterioration of the disarmament architecture, to the use of new emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and due to the possibilities of cyberattacks, the risk of nuclear weapons use, either deliberately or by accident, is higher than at any time since the cold war.”

Nuclear weapons: “We commend the Secretary General of this Organization for having emphasized the need to eliminate nuclear weapons as a necessary action in the New Agenda for Peace. San Marino reaffirms its commitment for a world free of nuclear weapons and attaches great importance to the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons, whose ratifications are constantly increasing.”

War, militarism: “The war of aggression against Ukraine brought dramatic consequences for the civilian population, including civilian death, the destruction of vital infrastructures, and massive displacement. We reiterate our resolute condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, and reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s political independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “The Republic San Marino has firmly and repeatedly condemned the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7th. San Marino calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, condemns the torture and sexual violence perpetrated against them, and recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself within humanitarian and international law. At the same time, we cannot remain silent in front of the death of more than 40,000 civilians, most of them children and women; more than 90.000 Palestinians have been reported injured, while the majority of houses and hospitals have been damaged, raided or emptied. The level of destruction and of suffering in Gaza is unprecedented.

“The civilian suffering, the civilian death toll and the ongoing captivity of hostages are heartbreaking and unacceptable. We urge all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law, preserving the life, dignity and humanity of all people affected by armed conflict. Furthermore, the tragic death of UNRWA staff members, and of other humanitarian workers and of journalists cannot be tolerated. San Marino has joined several initiatives in order to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation of civilians in Gaza and has made financial contributions to UNRWA, UNICEF and OCHA in order to support the work of these agencies, that have been operating in highly challenging conditions.

“The international community must break this terrible cycle of violence and recommit to a lasting peace, restoring hope and security to Israelis and Palestinians through a renewed peace Process. San Marino remains committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-States solution, in which Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and security and mutual recognition.

“San Marino reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue to address the legitimate concerns of the State of Israel and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. A lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-States solution is the only long-term option for peace and, for this reason, we believe that the admission of Palestine to the UN, as full member, would facilitate the achievement of this solution. San Marino welcomes the resolution adopted in May 2024 at the Tenth Emergency Special Session, which upgrades Palestine’s rights at the United Nations as an observer State, urging the Security Council to favorably consider its full membership.

“The spiral of death and devastation has already extended to Lebanon. This represents a threatening escalation of the conflict that is further destabilizing the entire region. We therefore stress the need for restraint.”

Protection of civilians in armed conflict: “Protecting civilians from the devastating impact of wars must be our priority. Armed conflicts around the globe have dramatically impacted the

lives of millions of civilians. The protection of civilian infrastructure is essential to guarantee food security in time of conflict. Food production and distribution, water delivery, sanitation, energy provision, and health care can all be disrupted, when infrastructures and tools essential to the survival of civilians are damaged, or destroyed. We support Security Council Resolution 2573, which condemns attacks against critical civilian infrastructures, indispensable for their Survival. San Marino also calls on all parties to achieve the implementation of Security Council resolution 2417, which condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare as well as the unlawful denial of humanitarian access.”

Children in armed conflict: “San Marino is gravely concerned by the scale and scope of grave violations against children presented in the Secretary-General’s annual report. San Marino supports the work of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict and of her Office, UNICEF, the Department of Peace Operations, and all child protection actors from the UN and civil society. Armed conflicts continue to devastate children’s lives and to compromise their fundamental rights. We are witnessing an increase in attacks on schools and hospitals. This is unacceptable.

“To strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict, we call all parties to armed conflict to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, and with international norms and standards for the protection of children. Moreover, we call for full accountability for all grave violations through national and international justice mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court. We also call on all member States to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. We also encourage all parties to support other important tools, such as the Paris Principles and Commitments and the Vancouver Principles.”

São Tomé and Príncipe
Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President
26 September 2024

Armed conflicts, weapons of mass destruction: “Global peace and security face growing threats, from armed conflicts to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”

Armed conflicts: “The African continent continues to be the scene of protracted conflicts, resulting in deep and unacceptable suffering. These conflicts demonstrate the need for greater diplomatic intervention and african solutions to african problems.São Tomé and Príncipe calls on the international community to intensify efforts to mediate and support the peaceful resolution of conflicts in africa, while respecting the sovereignty of nations.”

Armed conflicts: “Unfortunately, we continue to witness the escalation of conflicts in various parts of the world, such as the recent worsening of the situation in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. São Tomé and Príncipe reaffirms its firm commitment to the principles of peace and human rights, and calls for respect for the sovereignty of states and the intensification of diplomatic efforts for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. There can be no development without peace, and peace is only possible with justice.”

Saudi Arabia
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Bombing: “The most recent crimes committed against civilians, defenceless civilians, is just one chapter in the story of suffering by this brotherly people, who have been suffering for decades now. These barbaric Israeli practices started last year's cost the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, in particular women and children. We are seeing bombing, murder and destruction. This is a real humanitarian catastrophe, and it is continuing to get worse. It is necessary to halt this aggression. For this reason, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the joint Arab Israeli summit in November 2023 we saw the participation of heads of state and government of member countries of the Arab League and the organization for Islamic Cooperation.”

War, ceasefire: “That is why we affirm the fact that it is necessary to preserve the stability of Lebanon and to respect its sovereignty in line with international law and in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We are aligning with international efforts to bring in an immediate ceasefire and to find a lasting diplomatic solution. We call upon all parties to show wisdom and to show restraint in order to avoid a true war from breaking out in the region.”

Nuclear weapons: “We hope that Iran will cooperate with the international community, in particular, vis a vis nuclear program and its ballistic missile program. We have also resumed relations with the Syrian Arab Republic to strengthen our cooperation on common issues, because we are convinced that finding a solution to this crisis will enable us to entrench peace and stability in our region.”

Armed conflict: “Furthermore, in Yemen, we are supporting all efforts to find a solution to this crisis and to appease the human suffering of the brother Yemeni people. It's essential to find political solutions, to reinstall peace and stability in the region.”

Military operations: “In Sudan, we reaffirm our staunch position to preserve peace and stability in Sudan and to strengthen the state and its institutions and avoid it breaking down he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hosted the Sudanese peace talks in Jeddah. To this end, we call to appease the situation, put an end to military operations and to provide humanitarian aid.”

Nuclear weapons: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is working to create a world free of nuclear weapons. For this reason, we call upon all states to preserve the Non-Proliferation regime while protecting the rights of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”

Senegal
Mr. Bassírou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President
25 September 2024

War: “If we want to ward off the spectre of war and work towards a better world, then it's time for a paradigm shift. It is time to put people back at the centre of the international agenda, as the theme of this session invites us to do.”

Ceasefire: “Senegal, as Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.”

Serbia
Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, President
24 September 2024

War: “I would not like to see the wise words of the former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy becoming the words of a prophet: “Mankind must put an end to war--or war will put an end to mankind.” Today, mankind relies more on technology than it relies on mankind.”

War/militarism: “This year, we are once again talking about tragic conflicts and destruction that bring suffering and enormous human losses, as well as about the numerous serious consequences that inevitably accompany armed conflicts. The Republic of Serbia and the Serbian people deeply sympathize and share the grief for all the lives lost in the conflicts happening around the world, including the tragic events in the Middle East and Ukraine. It is unforgivable that today, in the 21st century, we are talking about gruesome figures related to children who have died in conflicts.”

Nuclear weapons: “It seems absolutely incredible, but the world is on the verge of nuclear disaster and nuclear Holocaust. In a desire to win and destroy the other one, step by step we were getting closer to the verge of precipice and eventually we got there.”

War/militarism, military intervention, bombing: “Because even today we heard from many that by attacking Ukraine, Pandora’s box was opened; the undermining of international law took place; that it was the precedent not witnessed by Europe since the World War II. This is the utter untruth. Just to make things clear: Serbia supports the UN Charter, territorial integrity of Ukraine and we did not question it for a moment, nor shall we. However, when the big leaders speak vigorously and ardently here about the need for Ukrainian freedom, about the observance of the UN and its Charter, Resolutions, I ask myself why don’t they observe the UN Charter and Resolution 1244 when it comes to the territorial integrity of Serbia, which in the strike of their own power in moments when they thought that they would violate the norms of international law the way they wanted, to the extent they wanted and as long as they wanted, because they had finally won against all the opponents, so it was possible for them to spill the rage upon one small nation, and to relentlessly rush towards violation of all norms, not even trying to provide some explanation. That is why in 1999, here at the UN, they had tried to pass the decision on the attack and aggression against Serbia, and since the consent had not been reached, they had nevertheless taken the decision to attack, to bomb Serbia and commit aggression, because at that time they couldn’t care less about the UN Charter, its Resolutions and international law.”

Arms trade: “And those who committed the aggression against Serbia, who tried to separate a part of its territory, still try, convincing us that it is the only democratic and reasonable solution, to secede Kosovo and Metohija from Serbia, and they have been providing arms, on a daily basis to that what is today called the so-called Kosovo security forces, and what will already tomorrow become armed forces of Albanians in the territory of Serbia.”

Seychelles
Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, President
25 September 2024

Military spending: ” World military expenditure has increased for the tenth consecutive year, reaching 2.5 trillion dollars in 2023. This makes even the highest estimates of the funds - 100 billion dollars needed for loss and damage - seem modest and insignificant. This is a worrying reflection of the world’s priorities. It is unfair for SIDS to suffer the consequences of these choices. We simply do not have the means to cope with the disastrous effects of climate change.”

War/armed conflict: “Where we hoped that existing conflicts could be resolved, we find ourselves in a situation more tense and precarious. Flames stoked by competition and distrust threaten to engulf those who have no part in these conflicts - leaving us gripped by a fearful atmosphere of instability, exacerbated by the worry of expanded warfare.”

“The consequences of conflict are felt beyond the direct and intolerable suffering of victims in warzones and those displaced by fighting. In such an interconnected world, we are all subjected to inflationary pressures, elevated commodity and energy prices, and other disruptive effects. Widened and prolonged conflict risks affecting smaller states like Seychelles trying not to get caught in the crossfire. It is not our intention to lecture the world powers nor attempt to prescribe solutions to complex issues. We simply wish to remind you of your duty and be reassured that geopolitics will not supersede human rights and international law.”

Sierra Leone
Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President
24 September 2024

War: “More than 30 years ago, Sierra Leone was plunged into a decade-long brutal civil war. More than fifty thousand people were killed, and millions fled their homes as refugees and internally displaced persons. The situation in Sierra Leone at that time was not unique. Conflicts existed in other parts of West Africa, in Africa, and around the World. In Sierra Leone, however, we overcame our challenges with a common vision for peace through genuine dialogue, committed leadership and action. Notably, the hard-won peace we enjoy is not without its fragility, and we remain vigilant in safeguarding it.”

War/militarism: “Our commitment to these principles is even more imperative now than ever before, as we are confronted with conflicts of great magnitude in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.”

Ceasefire: “The need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the wider Middle East, as well as in Sudan, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine, is not just pressing but urgent. Immediate action is required to prevent further loss of precious lives and human suffering.”

War: “We need collective action to stop all conflicts and engage in meaningful dialogue so that the countries can move forward with their development agenda in peace, security, and stability. As a country that has experienced the devastating consequences of armed conflict, we acknowledge that peace cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires inclusive political processes, economic development, and respect for human rights.

“For the millions of civilians trapped in the ongoing armed conflicts, words of condemnation and empathy alone are not enough. It is imperative that we act together as the United Nations with a sustained commitment to end the cycle of violence and give innocent civilians the opportunity to enjoy lasting peace and prosperity.”

Militarism: “Addressing contemporary global security challenges requires the collective wisdom and cooperation of all nations, not just the privileged few or the most militarily or economically powerful.”

Singapore
Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Armed conflict: “The world is in an acutely dangerous phase. Civilians in multiple trouble spots are paying a horrendous price. The risks of miscalculation and escalation have sharply increased, most notably in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. The loss of so many innocent lives is heart-breaking and the lack of trust amongst the major powers and the resulting deficit of global leadership makes it very difficult to find effective, peaceful solutions to all these ongoing conflicts.”

War, militarism: “We cannot allow recent violations of international law to become normalised. The ongoing war in Ukraine exemplifies a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. The invasion of one country by another, under the pretext of historical errors and grievances, cannot be justified by any means. Article Two of the UN Charter is categorical: all members shall refrain from the threat or the use of force against territorial integrity. It is also worth recalling that is why the preamble of the Security Council resolution 242 passed in 1967 also contains or refers to the ‘inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war’. If we allow the notion that ‘might is right’ to prevail, the world will become a very dangerous place, especially for small states. That is why Singapore and other small states have to consistently stand for compliance with, by all member states with international law and the UN Charter.”

War: “We as a small state, have no interest in taking sides or getting embroiled in great power rivalry. We do not want to become an arena for proxy wars. We simply aim to defend our sovereignty, to exercise our autonomy, and to chart our own futures- our people deserve that. This is why small states like Singapore have always been ardent advocates for international law and the UN Charter. For small states, multilateralism and international law is not an option; it is in fact an existential necessity.”

Cyber: “The UN plays a critical role in formulating new rules, norms and principles governing the global commons. For example, the UN has made good progress in establishing a framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, a process that we in Singapore have always supported.”

Ceasefire: “Singapore remains a steadfast supporter of the UN’s humanitarian efforts. We are gravely concerned with the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the sheer scale of human suffering. The Singapore Government, along with our NGOs and our citizens, have contributed more than S$17 million in humanitarian aid and donations for Gaza, including through UNICEF and UNRWA. We have consistently emphasised the need for the safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire, and for the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of all hostages. Singapore will continue to provide more support for the civilians in Gaza.”

Slovakia
Mr. Peter Pellegrini, President
25 September 2024

War, militarism: “Our joint confidence in the existing system of international relations - with the UN as its key element - is what separates us from chaos and arbitrariness. In other words – from war and violence. There are countries and entities among us that believe that the absence of rules will be the breeding ground for their future success. They believe that the force is above the law. In reality - however - the collapse of a rules-based system would eventually get back at those who desire it the most today.”

War: “In Slovakia's immediate vicinity - in Ukraine - a war has been going on for almost 1,000 days already. As a result of Russia's aggression, which violated such basic principles of international law as sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is worth reminding that our neighbour - Ukraine - legitimately defends its country and its people according to international law - including the UN Charter. Every day, this war continues to destroy the lives, the infrastructure and the future of Ukrainian men and women. It is of no good to Russia's people either as they die too. The war has come to them as well. The escalation grows. It is high time to start looking for a peaceful, sustainable and just end to this conflict - based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter.”

War, militarism: “Looking at the world's geography, for parts of the globe, it might seem like a local - and by far not the only serious – conflict the world faces today. Let us recall the suffering of the people in Gaza after the horrific terrorist attack by Hames against Israel and the casualties on both sides. Or the state collapses in Haiti or Sudan - both followed by humanitarian disasters. However - from the international community's point of view – what we see here is an existential struggle for the nature and future of international law and adherence to agreed rules."

“None of us today can think that the UN can fully prevent all wars and conflicts. In Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa or elsewhere. The reason - however - isn't some kind of alleged dysfunction of the organization and its agencies. It is rather the lack of joint political will in its highest body - the Security Council. On the other hand - it's a fact that the UN was born with powerful and exclusive checks without effective balances.”

War, militarism: “It's often those who try to take apart not only the rules but also the meaning of words. In the flood of information and misinformation that we face today - we must not renounce the truth. The reverse is still the reverse, not the face. A lie is just a lie, not a fact of an alternate reality. Aggression is no defence. Occupation is no 'brotherly help', liberation or some mythical togetherness. Likewise, war remains war, no matter what euphemism they call it.”

Slovenia
Mr. Robert Golob, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Secretary-General, who enjoys our full support and enormous respect, has repeated on several occasions that last year – with the highest number of conflicts in decades - was also the deadliest one.”

Armed conflict: “Slovenia has been an elected Member of the Security Council since January. We have been observing gradual but steady erosion of power of rules. The Council is increasingly unable to respond in an effective way to major conflicts, such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. It is not much better with crisis management of many others, from Sahel to DR Congo, from Myanmar to Haiti.”

War: “What we are witnessing in Ukraine is aggression of a stronger and powerful neighbor into a smaller and weaker one. This is clearly a blatant violation of the UN Charter. If we are to let this aggression pass, we open doors to many similar wars across the globe.”

Ceasefire, war: “In Gaza, almost four months since the Council's resolution on ceasefire and hostages, deal is nowhere close. As the Secretary General said yesterday at the UNRWA Ministerial meeting, ‘people in Gaza are existing – not living, but existing – among lakes of sewage, piles of rubbish and mountains of rubble. The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse.’ In the West Bank and East Jerusalem violence and dehumanization of Palestinians is increasing and has reached a boiling point. All this is taking us further away from the two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Escalation of Gaza crisis into the region is now a reality. The region is at a brink of an abyss. De-escalation is urgently needed, starting with the ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.”

Armed conflict: “In Sudan we are witnessing a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with millions displaced and in desperate need of humanitarian aid. At the same time, we are seeing the atrocity happening again in Darfur.”

Armed conflict: “The Security Council also needs to exercise its power with higher ambition regarding the prevention of conflicts and play a stronger role in peace-building activities that involve all aspects of the UN system.”

Armed conflict, militarism: “We commend the work of nameless humanitarian workers who are on the ground, in armed conflicts, among the civilians representing the face of the United Nations. Erosion of respect of international humanitarian law is making their work so much more difficult. Gaza conflict was however a turning point. In Gaza, humanitarians are not just occasional collateral victims. They seem to have become a deliberate military target. There is no other explanation for the highest number of humanitarian workers being killed last year, of whom great majority in Gaza. The sense of impunity for crimes in Gaza is putting humanitarian organisations under stress elsewhere. This is undermining the essence of the UN and it is affecting the work of the humanitarian organisations and UN agencies like ICRC, UNRWA, WHO and WFP.”

Armed conflict, environmental impacts of war: “People suffering from armed conflicts do not have the luxury of high-tech solutions. More often than not, they are denied basic access to clean drinking water. Even more. We are increasingly seeing how access to water is becoming weaponized: in Yemen, Somalia, Gaza, and Sudan. Slovenia decided to take initiative and we launched the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflict together with a cross-regional group of countries. Such global partnerships are urgently needed to safeguard the human right to water for all.”

War, children in armed conflict: “In times of crisis, children are always the most vulnerable ones. Today's world is increasingly hostile to children's rights. More children than ever are experiencing violence in all settings, many have lost their lives, are forcibly displaced, exposed to most traumatic experiences, imprisoned, denied education and healthcare, and face extreme poverty and social exclusion.

“Gaza is an example of extreme suffering of the children. Slovenia is offering concrete help with the Foundation ‘Let them dream’, which is dealing with the rehabilitation of children from Gaza. It is an extremely noble and human project, which was launched years ago and has already helped hundreds of children from Gaza who came on rehabilitation in Slovenia and will continue to do so. Sadly, some of these kids, were the victims of recent aggression on Gaza.

“Let me finish with the story of the two young girls from Palestine. At the beginning of this week I attended an event on Missing futures in the Occupied Palestinian Territory organized by Save the children. At this event I heard from courageous Palestinian girls, Sara and Rand. They spoke about their challenges, feelings and the future. In spite of destruction, dehumanisation and fear, they were not angry nor hateful. They just had enormous wish for normal life. They want to study and dedicate their future to help their community. One by becoming a doctor. The other by becoming a humanitarian worker. Their plea was simple: help us achieve that.

“Today, I fulfill my promise to them and bring their story to the General Assembly. Only with our united call against the war and for peace we will make sure Sara and Rand are not among the thousands missing futures of Palestinian children under occupation.

“So let me send a clear message to the Prime Minister of Israel – stop the bloodshed, stop the war, stop the suffering, end the occupation of Palestine!”

Solomon Islands
Mr. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
27 September 2024

Militarisation, nuclear weapons, military spending: “The growing economic inequality between the haves and the haves not, pronouncement of climate emergencies around the world, poverty, hunger, disease, social injustices and racism, hegemonic interests, militarization and nuclear posturing is dividing the world and creating tensions and fear. The rich and powerful are spending some two point four trillion dollars on arms that should be best invested in the 2030 Agenda and fighting the biggest enemy of humanity, which is climate change.”

Armed conflict: “On the conflict in Palestine, Solomon Islands condemns all the violence and carnage from all parties including the terror attack on Israel by Hamas. The suffering and collective punishment on the Gaza population by Israel has claimed more than 41,000 Palestinian lives in less than a year. This is unacceptable. The disregard for international law and humanitarian law have seen the matter referred to the International Court of Justice. We hope those with influence do more for peace and not fan the flame of the expanding conflict into Lebanon. Solomon Islands reiterates its long-standing position on the Palestine conflict and support the global push for a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side with secured borders in a just, permanent and complete peace.”

Nuclear waste, nuclear weapons: “In response to the discharge of treated radio-active contaminated water into the ocean by Japan, the lack of national and regional scientific knowledge on understanding the intergenerational impact and the transboundary nature of the discharge continues to cause uneasiness and anxiety. UN specialized agencies including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must continue to build bridges of trust with states and support states capacity to read and understand IAEA’s report and monitor the discharge of treated radio-active contaminated water into the ocean. Our concern is connected to the sad history of our region being used to test, store and dump nuclear weapons and wastes.”

Nuclear weapons: “Solomon Islands remains a nuclear weapon free state under the 1985 Rarotonga Treaty. This week we signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). This is a message of peace to all our friends not to engage in military nuclear projects and to free the world of nuclear weapons.”

Somalia
Mr. Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Armed conflict: “In the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, we must confront the persistent and escalating conflicts that continue to cause immense human suffering and destabilize entire regions. Today, we are faced with crises that test our collective conscience and our commitment to peace.”

Armed conflict, protection of civilians: “In Sudan, the conflict has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions, and ravaging communities. Civilians endure indiscriminate violence and widespread gender-based assaults. Food insecurity is dire, with millions facing famine due to disrupted supply chains and limited access to aid. The situation is worsened by political fragmentation and failing governance, leaving many without essential services or support. We urgently call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and adherence to international humanitarian law. It's crucial to ensure safe, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid and to foster inclusive dialogue that respects the rights and aspirations of all Sudanese people.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “In Gaza, the situation has reached catastrophic levels, driven by the persistent blockade and relentless cycles of violence that have created one of the most severe humanitarian disasters of our time. Despite the senseless killing of tens of thousands of men, women and children since last October, over two million Palestinians are trapped in an open-air prison, where access to basic goods, services, and medical care is severely restricted. The blockade has systematically crippled Gaza’s economy, pushing the majority of its population into abject poverty and leaving them reliant on scarce humanitarian aid for survival. Children in Gaza have particularly suffered the most, with many enduring unimaginable trauma, malnutrition, and a lack of access to education and healthcare. They live under constant fear, as their homes, schools, and hospitals are repeatedly targeted and destroyed. The ongoing conflict has not only destroyed the physical infrastructure of Gaza but has also crushed the hopes of an entire generation. The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this gross injustice and the continuous violations of international law by the Israeli government. We call on the international community to take immediate and decisive action — to enforce an unconditional ceasefire, to lift the inhumane blockade, and to recommit to a political process that ensures a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, thereby restoring the rights, dignity, and future of the Palestinian people.”

War, ceasefire, nuclear energy: “In Ukraine, the war, now in its third year, has inflicted a devastating toll on civilians, destroying homes and critical infrastructure and leaving millions without essential services. The legacy of trauma and displacement will affect generations. We urgently call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire, and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law, including avoiding attacks on civilians, critical infrastructure, and nuclear facilities. It is essential to open channels for dialogue and achieve a lasting political settlement. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further escalation and support efforts for peace.”

Arms embargo: “Additionally, Somalia's accession to the East African Community marks a new era of regional integration, trade, and cooperation. We have also made a historic stride in lifting the long-standing arms embargo, a step that will further enable us to safeguard our sovereignty and security.”

South Africa
Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President
24 September 2024

Ceasefire: “The ICJ’s orders make it clear that that there is a plausible case of genocide againstthe people of Gaza. They further make it clear that States must also act to prevent genocide by Israel - and ensure that they are not themselves in violation of the Genocide Convention by aiding or assisting in the commission of genocide. We reiterate our call for an immediate cease fire, and for the release of all hostages.”

War/armed conflict: “It has been eleven months since the Hamas attack that killed 1 200 people and where hostages were taken. As South Africa we have condemned this attack. In response, Israel embarked on collective punishment in its assault on Gaza. The torment of the people of Gaza continues unabated. More than 40 000 Palestinians have been killed.
Homes, hospitals and schools lie destroyed. Famine and disease stalk the streets.”

“The violence the Palestinian people are being subjected to is a grim continuation of more than half a century of apartheid. We South Africans know what apartheid looks like. We lived through it. We suffered and died under it. We will not remain silent and watch as apartheid is perpetrated against others. Through the United Nations and the instruments it wields, we must end this suffering. We are called uphold the principles of the UN Charter, and to uphold – consistently and in their entirety – the fundamental tenets of international law.”

“Our moral conscience further demands that we exert every effort to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo, to Sudan, to Yemen, to Ukraine and to the troubled Sahel region. We must realise the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination. Achieving and maintaining peace and security requires the collective will of the community of nations. It requires that the UN Security Council is representative and inclusive.“

“The African Union and its member states are engaged in mediation, dialogue, and diplomacy across the continent, to create conditions under which peace and development can take hold. There must be greater collaboration between the AU and the UN towards resolving these conflicts, and also in addressing their root causes.”

Spain
Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President
25 September 2024

War: “Actively working for peace - the first of these three aspirations - is today much more than a moral imperative. It is an existential necessity. For the first time in two decades, the number of conflicts is growing. The number of countries involved in wars outside their borders is growing, to levels unprecedented since 1945. The number of victims, wounded, maimed and displaced people is increasing. And so is the economic impact of violence: up to 13% of the world's GDP, according to some studies. That is, the equivalent of all the wealth created in one year by 180 countries combined. These figures not only give voice to a great collective failure. They are the confirmation of a global disease, which corrodes both the foundations of the multilateral system and those of an international order based on principles and rules. Principles that, until recently, seemed inviolable: respect for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of countries."

“It is happening in Ukraine at this hour, as we are here. It is 31 months since the beginning of an aggression that Putin's Russia is directing not only against the Ukrainian people, but against the entire international community. An aggression that should not be prolonged for another day. The recent Peace Conference in Ukraine, held in Switzerland, has laid the foundations for building a just and lasting peace, respectful of international law and the UN Charter, as proclaimed in President Zelenski's Peace Formula.”

Demining: “I invite all countries that have not yet done so to join this initiative, as well as to work on the next step: the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. This year, Spain will increase humanitarian and demining funding to 14 million euros, and in 2025 Spanish cooperation will incorporate a specific line of work on recovery and reconstruction, focusing on health, energy and water.”

War: “It is happening in Palestine where, for almost a year now, we have been witnessing an unbearable spiral of death and devastation that has already spread to Lebanon. This represents an escalation of the conflict of the utmost gravity. We roundly condemn the killing of innocent civilians and I would therefore like to call once again for de-escalation and de-escalation. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected."

“Only by ending the war in Gaza and addressing the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can we successfully resolve the other regional hotspots of instability. Everything we see on a daily basis in Gaza, and now in Lebanon, makes us reflect on the very validity of international humanitarian law, just as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.”

Ceasefire: “Spain will continue to put all its efforts into humanitarian aid to the population, with UNRWA as a key actor on the ground. However, all will be insufficient without a ceasefire. I call once again for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and humanitarian access.”

War: “In any case, the evidence is clear: we cannot go back to the status quo ante. It is imperative and urgent to implement the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. It is the only possible solution to a decades-long conflict that has claimed so many innocent lives. Moreover, the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, requested by this General Assembly, has established the illegality of the occupation of the Palestinian territories. An occupation that must end immediately."

“It is time to work on the stabilisation phase, which can only fall to the government of the Palestinian Authority, to which Spain is committed and determined to support and strengthen. Ladies and gentlemen, Spain took the decision to recognise the State of Palestine on 28 May. It is a decision shared by the vast majority of Spanish society, and its sole aim is to contribute to the search for peace in the region. It is a long-standing desire."

“In 1949, a Spaniard, Pablo de Azcárate, was the first representative of the United Nations mediator in Palestine. It is still moving today to read his notes on that mission, filled with bitterness at the catastrophe he sensed. Azcárate was an exile. A Spanish republican, prevented by a dictatorship from returning to his homeland. Perhaps that is why he empathised like no one else with the suffering of that land. His figure deserves to be vindicated in this House today, 75 years after those events.

“Before the end of this year, Spain and Palestine will hold the first Intergovernmental Meeting to broaden and deepen our bilateral relationship. I would also like to stress the importance of the recent meeting in Madrid of the Euro-Arab/Islamic Group to promote the peace process and to materialise the two-state solution. A peace conference with the parties and the international community, supported today by more than 90 countries, is urgently needed. A peace conference that brings us back to that spirit of dialogue that Madrid hosted in the early 1990s, when Israelis and Palestinians sat down at the same table to negotiate. In such a complex context as this, I would like to reaffirm Spain's unconditional commitment and contribution, as demonstrated by the almost 670 Spanish troops deployed in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon under the command of a Spanish general.”

(Unofficial translation)

Sri Lanka
Mr. Peter Mohan Maithri Pieris, Permanent Representative
30 September 2024

Autonomous weapons / killer robots, Nuclear weapons, Cyber, Outer-space: “We are spending more on weapons than ever before in the past and regrettably use of nuclear weapons is in mainstream discourse. New domains are being weaponized including outer-space and cyberspace, while the use of AI is challenging International Humanitarian Law in the battlefield.”

War/armed conflict: “Despite our consensus on the Pact of the Future, this year's UNGA takes place at a moment of profound global crises on multiple fronts. In the Middle East, we are closer to wider regional conflagration than when we convened last week and the humanitarian suffering in Gaza gets worse by the day.”

“Big power rivalries and geopolitical tensions have reignited and widened, and new rifts are appearing on North-South lines. Racism, intolerance, discrimination, and xenophobia against migrants are on the rise. Theatres of conflict and tension have opened up on land and in the oceans. The developments in the digital realm provides fertile ground for proliferation of disinformation and hate speech, with the potential for violence.”

“Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining global peace and security has been unwavering. We recognize that peacekeeping is one of the most effective tools available to the UN to help member states to manage the difficult phase of transitioning from conflict to peace. Sri Lanka has been contributing to UN Peacekeeping operations in some of its most hostile and demanding deployments. Over 23000 men and women from the Sri Lanka armed forces and Police have contributed to ensuring international peace and security under the UN banner over the past 6 decades and been commended for high caliber service.”

“As we look towards the future, we must also address one of the gravest injustices that this Assembly has inherited from the past. Sri Lanka has repeatedly voiced its concern over the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We reiterate our support for the recognition of the legitimate and inalienable right of the Palestine people to statehood and join the call for a two-state solution, based on the 1967 borders, in line with all UN resolutions.”

“As a country that has suffered separatist terrorism for decades, we condemn the terrorist attacks in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.”

Sudan
Mr. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereign Council
26 September 2024

War: “Sudan is facing very serious challenges, and in fact, a war is being waged. There's a conspiracy. A war has been waged by a group that has rebelled against the state for many years, it's receiving political and logistical support at the local and regional levels. You've all witnessed the crimes, the violations and the atrocities committed by these rebels targeting the Sudanese people and the Sudanese state. The war began with an attempt to seize power through force. With time, it's transformed into a total war against the Sudanese state and the Sudanese people. Countless crimes have been committed, ethnic cleansing, forced displacement and genocide. All of this has been committed by the rapid support forces the RSF, which should be considered a terrorist group, this militia is continuing to perpetrate crimes, and it is most unfortunate that it is receiving the support of some states in the region, states which are providing funding and mercenaries for their own political and economic benefit in flagrant violation of law and international will.”

Weapons: “This devastating aggression being waged by the RSF with the support of states in the region providing funding and mercenaries as well as weapons to the RSF, have resulted in deaths of dozens of 1000s of Sudanese and the displacement of many millions more. Sudanese people have been forced to leave their lands, their motherland, to evade these armed groups.”

War: “We are hoping to ensure that the conflict will not be resumed and the conflict will end. The path towards an end to this conflict is clear in our view, first and foremost, we need to put an end to the hostilities. The militias must withdraw from all of the areas they currently occupy and from which people have been displaced. They must lay down their weapons so that people can go back to their homes and so that assistance can be delivered. This will also facilitate their reopening of roads airports and the resumption of production. Second, this end to hostilities must be accompanied with the comprehensive political process, so that we can see through the political transition, avoiding the resumption of war and potential coup d'etat.”

Weapons, war: “Thus, we are very much committed to facilitating the transition process moving towards a civilian government, we will continue pursuing peace, working with all groups who have laid down their weapons, as well as with groups who still carry weapons, but who are willing to respect the Juba Peace Agreement signed in 2020. Throughout this war, the Sudanese Armed Forces have done everything they possibly could, continuing to uphold international humanitarian law, as well as the Geneva Conventions and protocols there too, working to protect civilians and to facilitate their delivery of humanitarian assistance. We stand ready to partake in all initiatives that can help to put an end to this war.”

Suriname
Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President
25 September 2024

War: “Mr. President, this organization, was founded, after two, devastating world wars. Its original purpose, remains relevant today, to save current, and future generations, from the, disastrous consequences, of wars, and armed conflicts, and foster peace, and political stability, for sustained, prosperity for all. We, however, observe instead, that the world is marked, by a complex, political and security crisis, weakening, our global, multilateral framework, of collective solidarity; international law; and respect, for humanitarian law. The conflicts, that divide us, are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms, of deeper, systemic challenges; rising inequality; environmental degradation; and the breakdown, of global trust.”

Syria
Mr. Bassam Sabbagh, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
30 September 2024

Autonomous weapons / killer robots: “Instead of harnessing scientific advancements for the benefit and wellbeing of all people, we are witnessing disgraceful use of modern technologies as deadly tools to sow death and destruction.”

Militarism: “Syria calls for an end to the US military drills and exercises on the Korean peninsula, as they contribute to raising tensions in that region.”

Nuclear energy: “Syria expresses once again its full support to the Islamic Republic of Iran and its legitimate right to defend its national security, as guaranteed by the UN Charter, and its right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We commend Iran’s constructive and responsible approach in this regard.”

Nuclear weapons: “Syria reiterates its demand for a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, in line with the 1995 Middle East resolution. Israel must therefore be compelled to eliminate its arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, join relevant international treaties and conventions, and place its installations under the international monitoring.”

War/armed conflict, militarism: “The crimes and attacks of the Israeli occupying forces against Syria cannot be uncoupled from the subversive role played by certain Western countries, especially the United States, in my country Syria. These countries have continued to violate Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, by illegally deploying their military forces inside Syria’s territory, allowing their officials to sneak into Syria, and supporting separatist militias and terrorist groups.”

War/armed conflict: “As this session of the General Assembly is taking place, tensions internationally have reached a boiling point, and efforts to maintain international peace and security are confronted with real challenges and threats: clashes are intensifying, crises are multiplying, conflicts are escalating, chaos is spreading, terrorism is gaining ground, the global economy is faltering, poverty rates are rising, climate change is accelerating, and development indicators are lagging. These are the unfortunate results of eight decades of multilateral action that have followed the establishment of the United Nations.”

“While we previously sought to promote preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes, we are witnessing today more direct wars and proxy wars waged using terrorist tools.”

“The ongoing Israeli occupation of Arab territories since 1967, including the Syrian Arab Golan, and the genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity it commits, are a glaring example of the failure of this organization, and namely the Security Council, to end this expansionist and racist occupation and the ongoing aggression. It is damning proof that the United States has prevented the Council from fulfilling its responsibility to confront threats to international peace and security.”

“Since October 7th, the Israeli occupation has continued to commit bloody and terrorist crimes, adding another chapter to its seven-decade-long criminal record. Over the past months, the occupying forces and settler gangs have been carrying out a savage aggression on the Palestinian people and committing a genocide before the eyes of the whole world, which has claimed the lives of more than 42,000 Palestinians, most of whom are children and women.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic strongly condemns the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and renew its solidarity with its legitimate struggle to liberate their occupied land and establish their independent state on their entire national territory, with Jerusalem as its capital, while ensuring the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland in line with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. Syria also condemns all attempts to liquidate UNRWA and suspend the services it provides to Palestinians in their land and in neighboring countries. We stress the need to hold Israel accountable for the war crimes it is committing, including the deliberate targeting of more than 200 personnel working for UNRWA and other UN and humanitarian agencies.”

“In an attempt to cover the failure of its war against the Palestinians and to flee of its internal crisis implicate others in their internal crises and distract from their failed war against the Palestinians, Israeli authorities have chosen to drag the region into a serious escalation, while benefiting from the immunity, impunity, and unlimited support provided by certain countries, in particular the United States, in a clear case of hypocrisy and double standards. Israeli forces have scaled up their attacks on countries of the region, including my country Syria, targeting vital civilian facilities, residential buildings, and even diplomatic premises, resulting in the death of dozens of civilians, significant material damage, and hindering the delivery humanitarian aid to Syrians.”

“On 27 July 2024, Israeli occupying forces committed another heinous crime against our people in the occupied Syrian Golan, when they targeted the Syrian town of Majdal Shams claimed the lives of 12 Syrian children. The criminal Israeli forces went even further, blaming others for this tragedy and exploiting the death of innocent Syrians for propaganda purposes.”

“The open Israeli aggression has also extended to our brotherly Lebanon; two weeks ago, the Israeli occupation authorities committed an unprecedented crime against the Lebanese by using the means of communication as a tool to kill unarmed civilians. A few days ago, the Israeli occupation authorities targeted the southern suburb of Beirut with a treacherous and cowardly aggression, destroying an entire residential block, using tons of explosive bombs to assassinate Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who for more than three decades led an honorable Lebanese national resistance against the Israeli occupation.”

“This large-scale Israeli aggression, which is unfettered by any restrictions and limitations, is pushing the region to the brink of a dangerous escalation and confrontation whose consequences cannot be predicted, and causing disastrous effects on peace and security, not only in our region, but also beyond it.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic calls on all member states of the United Nations to work towards ending the Israeli aggression against Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, hold the occupation authorities accountable for their crimes, and prevent impunity.”

“Syria reiterates its support to the right of the Russian Federation to defend itself and to preserve its national security in response to the West’s hostile policies, and in rejection of the logic of hegemony, and unipolarity. Syria also condemns the attempts to confiscate Russian financial assets.”

Sweden
Ms. Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2024

Armed conflict, war: “We are gathered while we are witnessing an unprecedented number of armed conflicts. From Ukraine to Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gaza. We are gathered while we are failing at our collective goal of maintaining international peace and security, of saving future generations from the horrors of war and from the disastrous consequences of underdevelopment and climate change.”

War: “Since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in 2014, and with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has brutally invaded the territory of another UN Member State. This Assembly has strongly and repeatedly condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. If a member of the Security Council is allowed to reap the fruits of aggression, the harmful impact will not stop with Ukraine. Russia’s leadership will continue its attempts to impose its rule on neighbouring countries.”

Militarism, military alliance: “As a direct response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, Sweden and

Finland chose to join NATO. For Sweden’s part, this represents a truly historic change, ending 200 years of military non-alignment. This was our decision to take, because it is the right of each state to choose its own security policy path. Sweden’s NATO membership gives us a new, crucial platform to defend the fundamental values of our foreign and security policy. We will apply the same principled approach in NATO as we do in the UN, the EU, the OSCE and the Council of Europe. In other words, we will continue to defend international law, democracy, individual freedoms, human rights and gender equality.”

Ceasefire: “To take just one example, I am deeply concerned about the situation in Sudan. More than 10 million people have been displaced, which roughly corresponds to the entire population of my own country. Safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, an immediate ceasefire and negotiations ensuring a return to civilian rule are urgently required.”

War: “We are also faced with the threat of a regional war, the consequences of which no one can predict. My country’s longstanding commitment to peace efforts in the Middle East dates back to 1948 and the efforts of UN mediator Folke Bernadotte. Today, Sweden is one of the largest core donors to UN agencies and other organisations working to mitigate the immense suffering of the civilian population in Gaza. At the same time, Sweden stands up for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and demands that the hostages be released.”

Ceasefire: “Israel is being threatened by Iran and its allies simultaneously on several fronts. Hezbollah’s repeated attacks since October 8th has led to a dangerous military escalation. Sweden fully supports the efforts by the United States, France and others to reach a diplomatic solution. A ceasefire would provide space for reaching a diplomatic settlement consistent with UN Security Council resolution 1701 as well as the implementation of UN Security Council 2735 on a ceasefire in Gaza.”

Arms race, outer space: “Sweden is strongly committed to preventing an arms race in outer space and safeguarding the use of space for peaceful purposes. This includes all states’ full compliance with existing international law, including the Outer Space Treaty. We will continue to promote the development of norms and rules for responsible behaviour in space.”

Switzerland
Ms. Viola Amherd, President
24 September 2024

Militarism: “Unfortunately, we are witnessing increasing levels of grave human rights violations as well as a growing, blatant disregard for internationally recognised borders. Might risks taking precedence over right, and the threshold for resorting to military force has clearly fallen significantly.”

Protection of civilians: “The Geneva Conventions, the 75th anniversary of which we are celebrating this year, govern the legal basis of war as well as the protection of the civilian population. But the latest UN figures paint the international community in a poor light. Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not only inadequately protected, but in fact come under repeated attack.”

Ceasefire: “We are witnessing violations of international humanitarian law, from Myanmar to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Sudan. My country has been strongly committed to ensuring that the Security Council adopts ceasefire resolutions, particularly for Gaza and Sudan. It is urgent that these resolutions are now implemented and respected. Likewise, we urgently call for an immediate return to a total cessation of hostilities on both sides of the Blue Line.”

Protection of civilians: “The heavy toll paid by civilian populations in these current crises and conflicts strengthens Switzerland’s resolve to ensure that international humanitarian law remains an absolute priority. Pushing for greater compliance is at the heart of our work in the Security Council. Protecting the civilian population in conflicts is neither self-evident nor guaranteed. It must be afforded higher priority in conflict situations. Peace is and always will be the best way to protect civilian populations. To this end, Switzerland is also committed to civilian and military peacebuilding.”

Tajikistan
Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President
24 September 2024

War, armed conflicts: “The controversial geopolitical processes, rapid weaponization, escalation of the “cold war”, armed conflicts, aftermath of climate change and other global jeopardies and threats will undoubtedly give rise to the long-term negative consequences. In this context, it is critical more than ever that we consolidate joint efforts of the international community to protect security, maintain stability and ensure sustainable development.”

Cyber, illegal arms trade: “We reckon that the international community must take joint and effective actions to withstand the threats of terrorism and extremism, radicalism, cybercrime, trafficking in narcotics and weapons smuggling, and other manifestations of transnational crime.”

Ceasefire: “On security matters, I would like to emphasize that the Palestinian crisis remains a matter of deep concern to our country. Today's tragic situation in that region once again proves that there is no military solution to the Palestinian case. Tajikistan believes, that an ultimate and tangible solution to this conflict is possible only through the implementation of the United Nations resolutions on recognition of an Independent State of Palestine based on 1967 borders. We hope, that conflicting parties will take actions for a ceasefire deal and arrange the peace negotiations, and the international community will take effective steps to restore the lasting stability in Palestine.”

Tanzania (United Republico of)
Mr. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War: “Global humanitarian crises due to war, conflict and natural disaster requires unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, fair treatment of victims, accountability to atrocities, and the United Nations’ commitment to upholding human dignity for a peaceful world. Tanzania believes that every individual deserves to live in dignity, freedom, and security, to reach their full potential. The United Nations must not remain indifferent in these situations, as doing so would only undermine its legitimacy.”

Thailand
Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Disarmament and non-proliferation: “Thailand believes that in order for the United Nations to truly sustain and strengthen international peace and security, Member States must uphold their disarmament and non-proliferation obligations to rebuild trust and ensure a safe and secure world.”

Armed conflicts: “Moreover, various flashpoints around the globe continue to challenge the credibility of the United Nations to resolve conflicts. We are deeply concerned about increasing armed conflicts in Ukraine and different parts of the world, as well as the escalating violence and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. These situations have far-reaching implications on any smaller nation. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to find peaceful solutions that respect the United Nations Charter and human rights.”

“In our own neighborhood, Thailand faces challenges from the situation in Myanmar. As Thailand shares the longest land border with Myanmar, we are directly affected by the spill-over effect of the situation in the country. We wish to see a peaceful and prosperous Myanmar, which will also bode well for peace and prosperity in the region at large. We believe that a peaceful political solution in Myanmar must be Myanmar-led and Myanmarowned. That is why we are engaging with all sides. And we will continue to work closely with ASEAN and the international community to facilitate dialogue among different parties to drive forward the 5-Point Consensus.”

Timor-Leste
Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Military spending: “In a world where global military spending exceeds $2.4 trillion, more than 800 million people suffer from extreme hunger. Some countries report alarming levels of hunger, while others endure severe hunger in regions devastated by decades of conflict and instability.”

War: “It is with sadness that I stand before you in a world ravaged by international conflicts and wars. A world that, if not entirely at war, is threatened by war. We possess the instruments of international law, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation to resolve disputes peacefully, but these instruments are not applied consistently and are often ignored. We call for the peaceful resolution of international disputes and conflicts, whether related to borders, sovereignty, or cooperation.”

Ceasefire: “I call for an immediate ceasefire between the Polisario Front and Morocco, to pave the way for an exhaustive dialogue based on goodwill between the parties for a negotiated peaceful solution, acceptable to both sides, but which respects the will of the Saharawi people.”

War: “War cannot be an instrument of domination. It is a scourge that destroys lives, communities, and nations, and it must not – and indeed does not – remain confined within borders. We must ensure that international law is respected by all, not just by some. Timor-Leste expresses its deepest concern and full support for a peaceful solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine and calls for an immediate end to the genocide, and also calls for an end to the war in Ukraine. I call for the principles of the “United Nations Charter” to be applied, with courage and leadership.”

Nuclear weapons: “We are encouraged by the calls of the United Nations Secretary-General to eliminate nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction before they eliminate us. Timor-Leste has ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and calls on everyone to contribute to ensuring our common future, including the ratification of the Treaty by Pacific Island nations.”

Togo
Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President
25 September 2024

No relevant references.

Tonga
Mr. Siaosi 'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Conflicts: “We convene at this 79th session with the theme of ‘Leaving no one behind’. My delegation pledges our unwavering support to this noble goal. At a time of escalating conflicts, near-conflict situations on the horizon, all too often triggered by political instability, economic disparities, social tensions and the security threats posed by climate change, we must rally around this goal. If we fail to do so, we will further erode world peace and fail peoples’ lives far and wide.”

Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Amery Browne, Minister for Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
28 September 2024

War: “Trinidad and Tobago is deeply troubled by the escalation of conflict and tensions in the Middle East. We remain distressed by the ongoing war on Gaza and by the chilling flashpoints of expansion that are being deployed. Only someone absolutely bereft of humanity would think that it is lawful and just, and even godly to respond to atrocities committed on one awful day of terror, by in turn committing atrocities after atrocities. How else are we to describe the killing of over two-hundred UN staff members-the highest death toll in United Nations history, and the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children. And this is not being done in secret- the entire world is watching, and the Global South in particular is….appalled.”

“The question remains: if innocent civilians including women, children and United Nations staff were being killed at this record rate in the developed world, how would the world’s big powers have reacted. Not likely with euphemisms and platitudes. The double standards and continued resourcing of these ongoing violations of international law send a chilling message to the Global South, and that message is this: There are some powerful people in this world who are of the view that a Palestinian child is less worthy of defence, protection, food, water, and life, than another child. I am not of that view. The people of my country are not of that view. CARICOM is not of that view. And decent people all over the world, including in Israel are not of that view. International law is not a tool of mere convenience to be muted for friends and trumpeted against enemies. Mr. President, International law is not a tool of mere convenience to be muted for our friends and trumpeted against our enemies.”

Ceasefire: “In this regard, Trinidad and Tobago has joined in the call for an immediate, full, and complete ceasefire, and for the unconditional release of every single hostage. The truth is there is no military solution to this conflict, as peace will only be achieved through negotiations in good faith, and constructive dialogue among all concerned parties. Trinidad and Tobago has consistently expressed our support for a two-state solution where Israelis can live without the daily threat of terror and Palestinians can live without the daily weight of occupation, co-existing side by side as responsible members of the international community. We firmly believe that this is the only credible pathway to end this cycle of violence – culminating in the establishment of a sovereign and peaceful State of Palestine alongside a sovereign and peaceful State of Israel within secure borders.”

Small arms and light weapons: “We are very mindful that the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons in our own region poses an intolerable threat to national security and the lives of our citizens. The proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition has contributed to unacceptable increases in the levels of gun-related violence and fatalities in our small society and across CARICOM. In addition to our own efforts domestically, we continue to work with regional and international partners, to free our citizens from the horrific human cost associated with the easy access to small arms and light weapons, and their vicious use against citizens and families. Following the hosting by Trinidad and Tobago of our first regional symposium on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Safety Issue in 2023, CARICOM Heads met in Guyana earlier this year, to further elaborate innovative strategies on this matter of grave regional concern. Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the renewed efforts of our partners including the United States of America in particular, to work with us to help solve this deadly challenge which respects no borders.”

Tunisia
Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2024

War, ceasefire: “We call upon the international community to take immediate, effective and responsible steps to save what can still be saved, stop the bloodshed and end the genocide and starvation of Gaza this war has targeted schools, hospitals and civilian infrastructure and facilities, killing more than 40,000 people. We also call upon the Security Council to break its stalemate and play its natural role, namely the maintenance of international peace and security by holding the occupation authorities accountable for the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, imposing an immediate ceasefire, stopping the blatant and abhorrent attacks on innocent Palestinians and preventing forced displacement settlements and the violation of sacred places. The war on Gaza caused the deep rift in humanity and jeopardized people's trust in the UN system and main organs to implement their resolutions.”

War: “Tunisia calls upon Sudanese parties to stop the fighting and opt for dialogue and peaceful settlements to overcome the current crisis and restore security and stability to the Sudan in order to end the scourge of war and displacement causing suffering to its people.”

Türkiye
Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President
24 September 2024

Bombs: “As a result of the Israeli attacks, Gaza has become the largest cemetery for children and women in the world. More than 17 thousand children have been the targets of Israeli bullets and bombs. Hind Rajab was only 6 years old. Their vehicle was hit by Israeli forces while she was searching for a safe place with her relatives. Her uncle, aunt-in-law, and cousins all died, only she survived. For 12 days she waited desperately to be rescued. She waited for a helping hand to reach out to her for 12 days, saying, ‘Will you come to pick me up? I am scared!’ Despite the level of development which our world has reached, despite the technology at our disposal; despite our organisations with huge budgets employing thousands of personnel under their roofs, unfortunately, as humanity of 8 billion, we have not been able to save a 6-year-old girl, an injured sparrow fluttering in front of our eyes.”

Ammunition, bombs, ceasefire: “The only reason for Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people is the unconditional support of a handful of countries to Israel. The countries that have an influence over Israel are openly becoming accomplices of this massacre with the policy of ‘run with the hare, hunt with the hounds’. Those who are supposedly working for a ceasefire in the limelight continue to send weapons and ammunition to Israel behind the stage, so that it can continue its massacres. This is inconsistency and insincerity.”

Militarism: “In an environment where United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 is not being implemented, coercive measures against Israel should be put on the agenda. Israel's attitude has once again shown that it is essential for the international community to develop a protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians. Just as Hitler was stopped by the alliance of humanity 70 years ago, Netanyahu and his murder network must be stopped by the ‘alliance of humanity’. We believe that the power of the General Assembly to make recommendations on the use of force, as it exists in the ‘Uniting for Peace Resolution dated 1950’, should definitely be considered in this process. An immediate and permanent ceasefire should be achieved, a hostage-prisoner exchange should be carried out, and humanitarian aid should be delivered to Gaza in an unhindered and uninterrupted way.”

JCPOA: “We believe that taking steps towards reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with our other neighbour Iran will contribute to the establishment of the environment of trust and stability in the region.”

War, arms race: “As the third year of the war in Ukraine comes to an end, we are still far from reaching a just and lasting peace. As the armament race accelerates, the field of diplomacy is gradually narrowing. We will further increase our support to the efforts to end the war through diplomacy and dialogue, on the basis of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. In this process, we will continue to meticulously implement the Montreux Convention.”

Artificial intelligence, cyber: “We believe that all nations should benefit equally from the transformative power of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence… The United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries that we host is a concrete manifestation of our efforts in this direction. The ‘cyber terrorist attacks’ perpetrated against Lebanon last week demonstrated how these technologies can at the same time turn into a fatal weapon.”

Turkmenistan
Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2024

No relevant references.

Tuvalu
Mr. Feleti Teo, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Nuclear weapons: “Tuvalu commends the commemoration and promotion of the international day of the total elimination of nuclear weapons this year. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the catastrophic consequences nuclear testing and warfare, as well as the ongoing threat posed by these weapons. By observing this event annually, as agreed to in Resolution 78/27, reinforces our commitment to nuclear disarmament. Tuvalu is a party the Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapon.”

Weapons of mass destruction, biological weapons: “I am, also, please to announce that in June of this year, Tuvalu became one of the few remaining states to accede to the Biological Weapons Convention, further solidifying our steadfast commitment to creating a world safe from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.”

Uganda
Mr. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Today, the negative consequences of disunity have given rise to conflicts, global instability, inter-state rivalry, and has worsened the already existing problems of poverty, hunger, and disease in many parts of the world.”

Militarism, war: “We should fully commit ourselves to upholding the dignity and worth of human person for peaceful coexistence and tolerance regardless of our differences in values, cultures, race, ideologies, and religions, without political-military threats or dominion by war.”

Armed conflict: “We are all aware that most conflict drivers begin as unresolved local or regional tensions or problems, which become increasingly complex sometimes involving multiple actors. Regional conflicts must be addressed comprehensively beyond security with the need for broad and strong political commitments by the regional governments. Uganda believes in the peaceful resolution of conflicts wherever they occur.”

Armed conflict: “We call on increased collaboration by the international community to eliminate or reduce the incidence of conflicts caused by factors such as inequality, climate change, pandemics, new technologies, trans-national organized crime and terrorism.”

Militarism: “We reject the increasing competition and confrontation between major powers, which undermines the collective international responses to security, peace, stability and social economic development.”

Ukraine
Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President
25 September 2024

Nuclear power: “On the night of March 4th, 2022, I received one of the most terrifying reports since the beginning of a full-scale Russian invasion against our Nation. The report was about Russian tanks firing directly at the buildings of our Ukrainian nuclear power plant. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The largest one in Europe. Six nuclear reactors. The Russian army stormed this facility just as brutally as any other during this war. Without thinking about the consequences. Possibly disastrous. This was one of the most horrifying moments of the war, when no one could know how Russian strikes on the nuclear facility would end, and everyone in Ukraine was reminded of what Chernobyl means.

“Now, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains occupied by Russian forces. Unfortunately. And it’s at risk of a nuclear incident. This is the major source of radiation danger in Europe, possibly in the world. That’s why, in the Peace Formula I presented, the first point is about nuclear safety.

“In Ukraine, we know exactly WHAT we’re dealing with. And I want to thank you – the General Assembly members – for adopting a resolution in July this year on the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. Most in the world understand – what’s at stake. The General Assembly demanded that Russia return control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Ukraine. Only then real nuclear security will return to Europe and the world.”

Nuclear power, missiles, drones: “Now, Putin does seem to be planning attacks on our nuclear power plants and their infrastructure, aiming to disconnect the plants from the power grid. With the help of satellites – by the way, satellites of other countries, – Russia is getting images and detailed information about the infrastructure of our nuclear power plants. But WHAT does this really threaten? Any missile or drone strike, any critical incident in the energy system, could lead to a nuclear disaster. A day like that must NEVER come. And Moscow needs to understand this. And this depends, in part, on YOUR determination to put pressure on the aggressor. These are nuclear power plants! They must be safe.”

War, nuclear power: “War always poses a threat to many. You all see in the media and read in reports what is happening in Ukraine because of Russia’s war – it’s something, many are imagining happening to themselves. And, yes, the smoke from fires in war-torn cities can reach other countries. And if, God forbid, Russia causes a nuclear disaster at one of our nuclear power plants, radiation won’t respect state borders, and unfortunately, various nations could feel the devastating effects. Many are concerned, but the deepest understanding of war is always found in the home it destroys.”

War, artillery, drones: “It is the Ukrainian people who feel the full pain of this war. It’s Ukrainian children who are learning to distinguish the sounds of different types of artillery and drones because of Russia’s war. It’s our people who are Forcefully separated by occupation because Putin decided he could do whatever he wants. It’s our heroic soldiers who are giving their lives to defend our country from invaders trying to steal our land. That’s why we say, rightfully so – there can be NO just peace without Ukraine.”

Nuclear power, environmental impacts of war: “We must restore nuclear safety. Energy must stop being used as a weapon. We must ensure food security. We need to bring home all our captured soldiers and civilians forcibly deported to Russia. We must uphold the UN Charter and guarantee our right – Ukraine’s right – to territorial integrity and sovereignty, just as we do for any other nation. We need to withdraw the Russian occupying forces, which will bring an end to the hostilities in Ukraine. We must hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. We need to prevent ecocide and stop the destruction of nature caused by the war. We must not allow a second or third phase of this Russian invasion. And we need to make it clear – the war is over. This is the Peace Formula.”

United Arab Emirates
Mr. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al-Nahyan, Minister of State
30 September 2024

War: “Returning to these basic principles has become more urgent than ever, particularly with the serious violations committed in conflicts raging in our region and around the world. These violations have deepened human suffering, erased decades of progress, and caused widespread displacement, creating massive refugee crises. This has also increased the burdens on concerned and neighbouring countries, particularly with the ongoing bloody war on the Gaza Strip, the wars in Sudan and Ukraine, and the crises taking place in Yemen, Syria, Libya, Sahel, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti and other countries.”

“It must be recalled here that even wars have rules. Parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law.”

Ceasefire: “In Gaza, an immediate and lasting ceasefire must be reached, rapid, full and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at large-scale must be allowed, and the hostages and detainees must be released. The relevant Security Council resolutions must also be implemented.”

War: “We must act wisely in response to the rapid developments threatening our region. It is evident that what we have warned about is now unfolding beyond our control. We regret to see the war spread to Lebanon, at a time when we were hoping for an announcement about reaching a deal to end the war on Gaza.”

“It is unacceptable to ignore the decisions and advisory opinions issued by the highest judicial body of the United Nations - the International Court of Justice. This includes the provisional measures issued by the Court regarding the war on Gaza.”

War: “In Sudan, the warring parties must stop the fighting immediately and permanently, and allow unhindered and sustainable access to humanitarian assistance across borders and conflict lines.”

“We express our complete rejection for the warring parties continued targeting of civilians and obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid.”

War: “In Ukraine, the impacts of the ongoing war have transcended seas and continents. Therefore, it is imperative to find a peaceful solution to end this conflict, which has escalated global polarization, created refugee and prisoners’ crises, and impacted global food security.”

Conflict: “Speaking of resolving long-standing crises, we must reiterate here our full support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara region, as well as for the Autonomy Initiative, to maintain the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco.”

War: “We also maintained our support to UNRWA, which plays a vital role in Gaza. We welcome its recent launch of preparatory programs to resume its educational services in the Strip. We applaud the humanitarian workers for all their efforts, who provide a ray of hope in the dark shadow of war.”

United Kingdom
Mr. Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
26 September 2024

War: “Conflict touches more countries now than at any time in the history of this Assembly. Around the world, more fires are breaking out and burning with ever greater intensity. Exacting a terrible toll in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, and beyond. The vast majority of humanitarian need in the world today is driven by conflict. After 20 years of gains in tackling poverty, disease and ill-health, war is one of the major reasons that progress has now stalled. This is a catastrophe made by human hands. It has weakened the cause of cooperation, sowed political division between north and south, and turned the geopolitical dial away from the rule of law towards brute force and aggression. This matters to us all. It matters to the British people.”

War, ceasefire: “This starts with addressing the rising tide of conflict and preventing a regional war in the Middle East. I call on Israel and Hizballah: Stop the violence. Step back from the brink. We need to see an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement and we are working with all partners to that end. Because further escalation serves no one. It offers nothing but more suffering for innocent people on all sides and the prospect of a wider war that no one can control and with consequences that none of us can foresee. This is intimately linked with the situation in Gaza where, again, we need to see an immediate ceasefire. It shames us all that the suffering in Gaza continues to grow. The answer is diplomacy, the release of all the hostages, and the unfettered flow of aid to those in need. That is the only way to break this devastating cycle of violence and begin the journey towards a political solution for the long term which delivers the long-promised Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”

Arms control: “We must also work together to make the world less dangerous. And so we have to face some hard truths. The institutions of peace are struggling, underfunded, under pressure and over politicised. The entire framework of arms control and counter-proliferation painstakingly constructed over decades has begun to fall away.”

Nuclear weapons: “Iran continues to expand its nuclear activity in violation of its international commitments.”

Militarism/artificial intelligence: “Incredible new technologies like AI are being deployed for military use without agreed rules.”

United States
Mr. Joseph R. Biden, President
24 September 2024

War, nuclear threats: “I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history. I was first elected to office in the United States of America as a U.S. senator in 1972. Now, I know I look like I’m only 40. I know that. (Laughter.) I was 29 years old. Back then, we were living through an inflection point, a moment of tension and uncertainty. The world was divided by the Cold War. The Middle East was headed toward war. America was at war in Vietnam, and at that point, the longest war in America’s history. Our country was divided and angry, and there were questions about our staying power and our future. But even then, I entered public life not out of despair but out of optimism. The United States and the world got through that moment. It wasn’t easy or simple or without significant setbacks. But we would go on to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons throughout the — through arms control and then go on to bring the Cold War itself to an end. Israel and Egypt went to war but then forged a historic peace. We ended the war in Vietnam.”

War: “At home, I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act to end the scourge of violence against women and girls not only in America but across the world, as many of you have as well. But we have so much more to do, especially against rape and sexual violence as weapons of war and terror.”

War, militarism: “We needed to end the era of war that began on 9/11. As vice president to President Obama, he asked me to work to wind down the military operations in Iraq. And we did, painful as it was. When I came to office as president, Afghanistan had replaced Vietnam as America’s longest war. I was determined to end it, and I did. It was a hard decision but the right decision.”

War, artificial inligence: “I recognize the challenges from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan and beyond: war, hunger, terrorism, brutality, record displacement of people, a climate crisis, democracy at risk, strains within our societies, the promise of artificial intelligence and its significant risks. The list goes on. But maybe because of all I’ve seen and all we have done together over the decades, I have hope. I know there is a wa- — a way forward. “

Militarism: “To start, each of us in this body has made a commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter, to stand up against aggression. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we could have stood by and merely protested. But Vice President Harris and I understood that that was an assault on everything this institution is supposed to stand for. And so, at my direction, America stepped into the breach, providing massive security and economic and humanitarian assistance. Our NATO Allies and partners in 50-plus nations stood up as well. But most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up. And I ask the people of this chamber to stand up for them. The good news is Putin’s war has failed in his — at his core aim. He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free. He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, and more united than ever before with two new members, Finland and Sweden. But we cannot let up. The world now has another choice to make: Will we sustain our support to help Ukraine win this war and preserve its freedom or walk away and let aggression be renewed and a nation be destroyed? I know my answer. We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away. And we will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins a just and durable peace [based] on the U.N. Charter.”

Militarism: “On matters of conviction, the United States is unabashed, pushing back against unfair economic competition and against military coercion of other nations in — in the South China Sea, in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, in protecting our most advanced technologies so they cannot be used against us or any of our partners.

War, ceasefire: “Thousands of armed Hamas terrorists invaded a sovereign state, slaughtering and massacring more than 1,200 people, including 46 Americans, in their homes and at a music festival; despis- — despicable acts of sexual violence; 250 innocents taken hostage. I’ve met with the families of those hostages. I’ve grieved with them. They’re going through hell. Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowding into tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation. They didn’t ask for this war that Hamas started. I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a ceasefire and hostage deal. It’s been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council. Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home, en- — secure security for Israel, and Gaza free of Ha- — of Hamas’ grip, ease the suffering in Gaza, and end this war.”

“Since October 7, we have also been determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region. Hezbollah, unprovoked, joined the October 7th attack launching rockets into Israel. Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanon border remain displaced. Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest. Even as the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible. In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely. And that’s what working — that’s what we’re working tirelessly to achieve. As we look ahead, we must also address the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank and set the conditions for a better future, including a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalized relations with all its neighbors, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own.”

Nuclear weapons: “Progress toward peace will put us in a stronger position to deal with the ongoing threat posed by Iran. Together, we must deny oxygen to terrorists — to its terrorist proxies, which have called for more October 7ths, and ensure that Iran will never, ever obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Conflict, war, guns: “Gaza is not the only conflict that deserves our outrage. In Sudan, a bloody civil war unleashed one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises: eight million — eight million on the brink of famine, hundreds of thousands already there, atrocities in Darfur and elsewhere. The United States has led the world in providing humanitarian aid to Sudan. And with our partners, we have led diplomatic talks to try to silence the guns and avort — and avert a wider famine. The world needs to stop arming the generals, to speak with one voice and tell them: Stop tearing your country apart. Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people. End this war now.”

Artificial intelligence, war, biological weapons: “Artificial intelligence is going to change our ways of life, our ways of work, and our ways of war. It could usher in scientific progress at a pace never seen before. And much of it could make our lives better. But AI also brings profound risks, from deepfakes to disinformation to novel pathogens to bioweapons. We have worked at home and abroad to define the new norms and standards. This year, we achieved the first-ever General Assembly resolution on AI to start developing global rules — global rules of the road. We also announced a Declaration of — on the Responsible — Responsible Use of AI, joined by 60 countries in this chamber.”

“But let’s be honest. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we need to do to manage this new technology. Nothing is certain about how AI will evolve or how it will be deployed. No one knows all the answers. But my fellow leaders, it’s with humility I offer two questions. First: How do we as an international community govern AI? As countries and companies race to uncertain frontiers, we need an equally urgent effort to ensure AI’s safety, security, and trustworthiness. As AI grows more powerful, it must grow also — it also must grow more responsive to our collective needs and values. The benefits of all must be shared equitably. It should be harnessed to narrow, not deepen, digital divides. Second: Will we ensure that AI supports, rather than undermines, the core principles that human life has value and all humans deserve dignity? We must make certain that the awesome capabilities of AI will be used to uplift and empower everyday people, not to give dictators more powerful shackles on human — on the human spirit. In the years ahead, there wa- — they may be — may well be no greater test of our leadership than how we deal with AI.”

Uruguay
Mr. Luis Lacalle Pou, President
26 September 2024

No relevant references.

Uzbekistan
Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2024

War: “Our debates are taking place at a time of escalating global challenges. Wars and conflicts, triple planetary climate crisis, worsening of the world economy and technological gap are affecting all countries without exception.”

Vanuatu
Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Nuclear weapons: “We are deeply concerned over the greatest threat to international peace and security posed by the continued existence of nuclear weapons. With the current heightened global geopolitical tensions, we call for a renewed and strengthened effort to resolve the current impasse in achieving nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation in all its aspects. We further call for the respect of the UN Charter.”

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Mr. Yvan Gil Pinto, Minister of the People's Power for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2024

War, use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “As we speak in this Assembly, bombs are being dropped on Gaza, where Israel has murdered tens of thousands of innocent girls, boys, women and men, with the complicity of the governments of the United States of America and the European Union. The greatest crime of extermination and genocide since the one committed by Hitler in the Second World War is currently being perpetrated. Today, they intend to export their hatred and destruction to an entire region, bombing and murdering innocent people in Lebanon and Syria, as they try to destabilize the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is a real threat to both humanity and world peace."

“A new form of terrorism has been applied to Lebanon, with the complicity of private companies that manage the supply chains of mass consumer technologies. It sets a severe precedent, putting global security at risk. They also bomb civilian infrastructure in that brotherly country, killing innocent people, just as they do in Gaza. Israel has truly become a death machine that must be stopped immediately.”

War, militarism, military bases, military alliances, NATO: “Instead of stopping the massacre and bringing those responsible to justice, those most powerful insist on expanding the war to Europe and other parts of the world, through military blocs such as NATO. After the defeat of Ukraine in their Nazi adventure, they now intend to bring war and terrorism to Great Russia, which, as history has taught us, will always be victorious. NATO's expansion also threatens peace in South America with the installation of military bases, with the complicity of the lackey governments of Argentina and Ecuador.”

Cyberwar: “In addition to this, there are cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, including vital utilities, banking, oil, and electoral systems, as happened in my country on 28 July.”

Viet Nam
Mr. To Lam, General Secretary, President
24 September 2024

Arms race: “The world is undergoing transformative changes of historic significance. Although peace, cooperation and development remain the dominant trends, they are facing new and more serious challenges. Strategic competition among major powers is becoming broader, fiercer and more confrontational. Political disputes, conflicts and security environment intensify. Survival and development space narrows. Risks of conflict, new hot spots, arm race, tension, confrontation and direct clashes increase.”

War, militarism, nuclear weapons: “The rise of power politics and egoistic nationalism are challenging international law and eroding multilateral institutions and diminishing faith in global cooperation. The vicious cycle of conflict and violence escalates in various regions, causing immense suffering to millions of innocent civilians. The risk of nuclear war, or even a third world war, has not been ruled out.”

Yemen
Mr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council
26 October 2024

War: “there's an urgent need for a collective approach to support the Government of Yemen and to reinforce its institutional capabilities, to protect its territorial waters and to secure all of its national territory. Without addressing these needs and without implementing the relevant international resolutions prohibiting the flow of Iranian weapons and drawing up the funding sources, these militias will not engage in any efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace, and they will not refrain from blackmailing the regional and international communities. History teaches us that leniency with the enemies of peace leads to the most heinous wars, to the most complex and costly ones. Despite the truce approved by the Government of Yemen in April 2022, these militias persisted in their military breaches and in their grave violations of human rights and of national and international laws.”

Missiles, drones: “Today, they are reinforcing their position as the first rebel group in history, having used ballistic missiles and drones against civilian commercial vessels. Late last month, Houthi militias hit the Sonian tanker, which was carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil, causing fires which could have led to one of the worst oil spills in history, before the vessel was salvaged by the international coalition.”

War, armed conflict: “The outcome of this battle between the forces of peace and the axis of evil will determine who will survive, develop and develop on this part of the world. It will determine whether the region will be dragged into more chaos, civil wars, hegemony, weapons, oppression and under development. The route to peace goes through the forces of moderation in the region led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has been defending the international resolutions and which extended a helping hand by hosting millions of those fleeing wars and armed conflicts. Therefore, we are grateful for these countries, and the world should depend on them to lay the foundations of peace and stability and to maximize our benefits from their economic and social development.”

Weapons: “Ee should end the false rhetorics concerning the issue of Yemen, especially those minimizing the role of Iran and of their weapons and proxies in destabilizing Yemen the region and the world.”

War: “The brutal Israeli war on the Palestinian people should seize immediately. This is the first step to achieve peace and to eliminate Iran's proxies, which are escalating the situation in the region.”

Zambia
Mr. Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
28 September 2024

Armed conflicts: “The impact of conflict in some parts of the world has been felt across Africa through disruptions, soaring prices of key commodities such as energy and other inputs of trade and production, resulting in increased cost of living. Zambia like many other developing countries which are predominantly import-dependent, has not been spared. It is therefore, crucial that we address the root causes and structural drivers of conflict and promote peacebuilding efforts.”

Zimbabwe
Mr. Frederick Makamure Shava, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade
25 September 2024

Protection of civilians: “The international community cannot continue to turn a blind eye or be numb to the systematic injustices and suffering of the Palestinian people. We call upon the Security Council to fulfil its mandate by implementing robust measures that ensure the protection of civilians, the upholding of international law, and the facilitation of a just and lasting peace.”