Delivered By His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
New York, 24 October 2025
Madam President,
I want to begin by thanking the Russian Federation for organizing this timely discussion and Secretary-General Guterres for his inspiring remarks this morning.
Madam President,
Since its creation eighty years ago, the United Nations has made important contributions to unlocking significant progress in development, human rights, and peace and security.
Yet, we must recognize that the Organization is under increasing scrutiny about its ability to deliver on the purposes set out in the UN Charter. This is particularly true of the peace and security pillar, which is where I will focus my remarks.
As we come together on this milestone anniversary, I would like to suggest three ways we can bolster this vital pillar.
First, to be effective, the membership of the Security Council must reflect the world of today, not that of 1945, nor 1965.
This requires expanding its membership, with adequate representation from the Global South.
We cannot continue to merely pay lip service to this idea; we must act with urgency, on the understanding that – like with so many issues in international affairs – it will seem impossible until it is done.
Reform of the Security Council should go hand in hand with adapting its working methods and addressing the misuse of the veto, which too often prevents the Council from fulfilling its responsibility to maintain peace and security.
Second, the UN must articulate a clear strategic vision for its engagement in conflict resolution.
This should be grounded in the Charter, while remaining responsive to the complex realities of our modern world.
This requires relevant mandates with well-defined goals that ensure missions have the flexibility to adjust to dynamics on the ground and deliver meaningful action.
Despite the geopolitical divisions in our midst, the UN’s strength lies in its convening power, legitimacy, and impartiality – as well as the Secretary General’s good offices – equipping it with the unique ability to secure lasting solutions to conflicts.
The UN should not underestimate its power in this regard.
This leads me to my final point: the ability to successfully implement that strategic vision depends in part on the capacity of the mediators dispatched to conflict zones.
Having the most qualified candidates is essential, but it is equally critical to equip them with strategic support, technical resources, and adequate funding from UN headquarters.
History has shown that when high caliber UN envoys are supported and empowered, they can deliver tangible results.
Madam President,
The future of the UN rests upon our collective will to pursue change.
We must seize the opportunities before us, including those presented by the UN80 Initiative, to shape the next chapter of this Organization – one that truly delivers on the promise of the UN Charter.
For the sake of future generations, we must not fail.
Thank you, Madam President.