Delivered By: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Madam President,
I would like to begin by commending Guyana for organizing this open debate, and Minister Todd for presiding over the discussion this morning.
I also thank Secretary-General Guterres for his valuable insights, as well as Chairperson Youssouf and Ms. Wignaraja for their contributions to the meeting.
Madam President,
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the international community faces the compounded challenges of persistent poverty, systemic underdevelopment, and escalating conflict. Fragile States, often grappling with deep-seated socio-economic disparities, are disproportionately affected by violent conflict which destroys critical infrastructure and halts economic progress, thus creating a vicious cycle that undermines human dignity and hinders sustainable development. These conflicts are also increasingly linked to the spread of hate speech, disinformation and extremist narratives, both offline and online, which inflame social divisions and erode trust in institutions.
This grim reality is a sobering reminder of the interconnected nature of today’s crises. We cannot ignore the economic and social drivers of instability, and we must recognize that sustainable development is unattainable in the absence of peace.
In this context, the UAE would like to offer three recommendations for addressing these challenges.
First, the international community must invest in inclusive development in order to address conflict and sustain peace. Comprehensive, human-centric development focused on quality education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion directly addresses the underlying grievances and structural inequalities that so often fuel instability and violent conflict. It is essential that these efforts reflect a whole-of-society approach that fully includes, in every stage of development and peacebuilding, those who are often most acutely impacted by conflict – particularly women and youth.
Second, institutional capacity at the national level must be strengthened to break the cycle of poverty and conflict. This includes the development of national capabilities for early warning, conflict analysis, and effective mediation, including by leveraging Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, to anticipate and address threats before they escalate into full-blown crises. Within its mandate, the Security Council can encourage national ownership and capacity-building initiatives that bolster the ability of States to attain self-reliance and stability.
Third, to deliver comprehensive responses, the United Nations must ensure coherence across its efforts and cultivate more effective partnerships. Addressing the complex interlinkages between poverty, underdevelopment, and conflict demands coordinated action throughout the UN system, in close cooperation with local, national, and regional actors. At a moment when reform is more urgent than ever, the UN must operate with coherence and efficiency to sustain its credibility, safeguard its legitimacy, and deliver on its core purposes.
Mr. President,
The UAE believes that our collective commitment to peace must be accompanied by a commitment to sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. Understanding the economic realities that can fuel conflict will allow the Security Councilto be more effective in its actions. By recognizing the impact that poverty and underdevelopment has on security, and by working with UN organs within their mandates, we can help build the foundations for durable peace.
Thank you, Madam President.