Delivered By: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
I want to begin by thanking Foreign Minister Lavrov and the Russian Presidency for the invitation to participate in this Open Debate on multilateral cooperation.
Mr. President,
We need to respond to global challenges with more international cooperation and collective action, not less.
The multilateral system was founded to ensure respect for the sovereignty of all nations, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the fostering of sustainable development.
There is no doubt that the world is a better place thanks to the multiple examples of successful multilateral cooperation. Yet the truth is that multilateralism is under severe strain, and it is appropriate that we examine how to revitalize it.
Our multilateral system often fails to facilitate decisive action, due to political polarization and competing interests. This is evident in this Council’s deliberations on Gaza and Ukraine.
The failure of the Security Council to act decisively, and the misuse of the veto combined with unimplemented resolutions have undermined the Council’s ability to protect civilians and allowed the death and suffering of thousands and the displacement of millions to continue unabated. It serves as a case study for why reform is so urgently needed.
The selective application of international law undermines the credibility of the UN and erodes trust between Member States. It fosters impunity by allowing some States to evade accountability for their actions, setting a dangerous precedent for others to follow. It weakens the rule of law by undermining universal applicability of norms and principles that are meant to govern State behaviour, ultimately leading to a more unpredictable and unstable global environment.
We should not meekly accept this status quo. We must strive to restore the effectiveness of the multilateral system and make it fit for purpose.
To strengthen the multilateral system, all Member States must consistently uphold international law and the UN Charter. These frameworks are essential for fostering peaceful cooperation and resolving disputes between Member States.
We must also address the longstanding need for more balanced representation in global multilateral institutions. The Security Council, the IMF and the World Bank need comprehensive reforms to reflect current geopolitical and economic realities, as well as the voices of diverse Member States, including from the Global South.
A reinvigorated multilateral system must also incorporate a range of stakeholders. At COP28, the United Arab Emirates convened the most diverse and representative climate negotiations in history, with the participation of women, youth, indigenous people, scientists and the private sector. All were respected, all were heard. Using that approach, we were able to deliver the ambitious UAE Consensus.
The UAE Consensus is proof that despite the divisions in the world; by combining strong leadership, mutual respect, and an ability to envisage a brighter future, we can overcome our differences and build a better world for future generations.
Mr. President,
While voting on resolutions has unfortunately become commonplace, we remain confident that Member States can still achieve consensus on critical issues facing our world.
The recent adoption by consensus of two resolutions on artificial intelligence in the General Assembly, one penned by the United States and the other by China, exemplifies the positive outcomes achievable through cooperation.
The UAE therefore strongly supports the work of Secretary-General Guterres including under Our Common Agenda, and the upcoming Summit of the Future offers us a unique opportunity to strength global governance for both present and future generations.
With a combination of hard work and political will, these agendas for change should enable us to bring about a more sustainable, inclusive, and just international order, and to advance the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Thank you, Mr. President.