Delivered By: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
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Mr. President,
I would like to begin by commending Pakistan for its leadership of the Security Council this month and by thanking Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar for presiding over this morning’s meeting.
I also thank Secretary-General Guterres for his insightful contributions.
The United Arab Emirates welcomes the adoption of today’s resolution, put forward by Pakistan, on “Strengthening Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.”
Mr. President,0
The UN Charter was forged 80 years ago with a clear purpose: “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”
Yet, as we mark this milestone anniversary, the world is grappling with the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War.
Against this sobering backdrop, the UAE offers three recommendations to chart a path to a more peaceful world:
First, we must prioritize conflict prevention through proactive engagements, rather than only responding to its outbreak.
The Council must enhance its ability to address emerging threats by improving and integrating early warning mechanisms, including promoting closer coordination between local communities and the UN.
In this regard, the investigative authority granted under Article 34 of the Charter remains an underutilized tool which the Council can more effectively use to maintain peace and security.
Security Council Resolution 2686 on “Tolerance, Peace, and Security”, co-penned by the UAE and the United Kingdom, offers a valuable framework for strengthening the Council’s ability to take preventive action.
It mandates UN peacekeeping and special political missions to monitor and report to the Council on early indicators of volatile societal fractures, such as hate speech, racism, and acts of extremism.
This monitoring can equip the Council to identify and address the underlying drivers of conflict before they erupt.
Second, effective conflict prevention and resolution requires a whole-of-society approach.
Key stakeholders, such as women, youth, and community leaders, bring unique perspectives that can address the root causes of conflict and can build more resilient and tolerant communities.
They provide vital expertise for creating lasting solutions and are crucial in guiding reconciliation efforts in societies emerging from conflict.
An inclusive model that incorporates all of society is essential for peace, and the data behind this is not just compelling, it is conclusive. For example, when women participate in peace processes, resulting agreements are 35% more sustainable and likely to last.
Finally, the international community must ensure that parties to armed conflict adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Violations of it not only constitute international crimes, but they actively deepen mistrust, fuel grievances, and make reconciliation more difficult.
Therefore, compelling warring parties to respect international humanitarian law is not only a legal obligation, but it also keeps the door open for eventual peace.
Mediation efforts that include principled humanitarian gestures between parties to conflict, such as establishing humanitarian corridors or conducting prisoner exchanges, can build a foundation of trust and lay the groundwork for a peaceful settlement.
Mr. President,
We need to invest in preventative diplomacy so that the sparks of conflict do not ignite into flames.
With its potential to save both lives and resources, the dividends of such an investment in prevention can secure a more peaceful world for generations to come.
Thank you, Mr. President.