Delivered By: His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab Ambassador and Permanent Representative New York, 18 February 2025 

Mr. President,  

I would like to begin by commending China for its leadership of the Security Council this month, and by thanking Minister Wang for presiding over this important meeting this morning.  

I also thank Secretary-General Guterres for his contribution earlier today.  

Mr. President,  

Since its founding 80 years ago, the United Nations has been the cornerstone of multilateralism, fostering international cooperation, development, peace, and security. 

However, in those eight decades our world has changed dramatically and now faces a confluence of challenges – from rising geopolitical tensions and the climate crisis to widening inequality and cyber threats.  

And our current multilateral system, designed in a different era, struggles to keep up the pace.  

I would like to share three recommendations on how to best meet the demands of today and prepare for those of tomorrow.  

First, this Council must uphold its responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.  

It is crucial that States comply with their obligations under international law, which is the foundation of our international order. 

Nowhere is this more critical than in the Council’s effort to maintain international peace and security, particularly through the universal application of the rules that govern armed conflict.  

When humanitarian assistance is obstructed during armed conflict and in violation of international law, the Council must not hesitate in calling out those responsible and take further action.  

The responsibility to maintain international peace and security also requires limiting the misuse of the veto, which undermines the Council’s obligations under the UN Charter and paralyzes decision-making, especially in times of mass atrocities.  

Second, it is essential that we make serious progress on UN reform.  

One that will lead to a system that is more agile, more accountable, and more representative.  

The voices of the Global South and underrepresented groups in global institutions, including on this Council, must be represented and strengthened.  

Yet geographical inclusion is not enough.  

In the multilateral system, it is crucial that women, who make up 50% of the world’s population, are represented and participate fully, equally, and meaningfully.  

This includes electing the UN’s first ever Madam Secretary-General.  

Third, as today’s threats transcend national borders, so too must our solutions.  

Neither the next pandemic nor the ongoing climate crisis can be addressed through bilateral efforts alone. Equally, cyber threats and acts of terrorism know no borders.  

We need a strong and effective multilateral system, with the UN at its core, to address these challenges collectively.  

A system that leverages all tools available such as emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, as opportunities for peace, security and sustainable development.  

A system that can deliver landmark achievements like COP28’s UAE Consensus, reminding us of what we can accomplish with the right combination of perseverance and political will.   

Mr. President,  

Abandoning multilateralism in the pursuit of narrow interests will only exacerbate global challenges.  

As we look ahead to the next 80 years, let us renew our commitment to multilateralism, to the UN Charter, and to the principles upon which the UN was founded.  

This system remains our best tool for solving the threats ahead of us.  

And though these challenges may be great, our collective power is greater.   

 
Thank you, Mr. President.