Delivered By: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Mr. President, 

I would like to begin by thanking Sierra Leone for convening this timely open debate as well as Ambassador Lassen, Ms. Sievers, and Ms. Kandiah Thompson for their briefings. 

I also commend Denmark and Pakistan for their leadership of the Informal Working Group (IWG) and pay tribute to Japan as the previous chair. 

Mr. President, 

With the high number of active conflicts around the globe, it is critical that the Council fulfills its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. 

Refining the Council’s working methods can contribute to making it more effective and better able to meet the world’s expectations. 

In this context, I will share some reflections and proposals for the Council’s consideration.

First, the Council benefits when it draws on practical proposals on its working methods from the wider UN membership. 

One such proposal is that, where relevant, there should be a live list of co-sponsors for Security Council resolutions. This would improve transparency and add significant practical value. 

The United Arab Emirates also reiterates its support for the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of the Council’s work, and encourages formalizing this through a Presidential Note. 

In addition, as we approach the selection process for the next Secretary-General, we emphasize the importance of timely communication between the Council and the General Assembly, as well as full conformity with the UN Charter and relevant General Assembly resolutions.  

Second, the Council can bolster its effectiveness by flexibly selecting the most appropriate meeting formats and the most useful forms of participation. 

The Council should consider the full range of meeting formats, including those that are currently underutilized, with a view to facilitating clear-eyed deliberations and sound decisions.

Based on the UAE’s experience during our two Council Presidencies, we have found that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to Rule 37 participation. 

While guiding principles on its application could prove useful, we caution against being too prescriptive. Rather, we should aim for guidance that provides flexibility and envisages the full spectrum of scenarios. 

This leads me to my final point: the organization of the Council’s work requires thoughtful and prudent management. 

Given the steady increase in meetings, the Council should carefully consider the impact of this on its efficiency and effectiveness. 

Formal meetings can serve a purpose. However, a proliferation of meetings for their own sake should be avoided.  

Finally, to further increase efficiency, we encourage Council members who share common positions to consider delivering group statements, which can also serve the purpose of signaling consensus. The practice of the A3, and currently A3 Plus, serves as a positive example in this regard.

Mr. President, 

Many thoughtful proposals have been shared by today’s participants, and we trust that they will spur action to ensure a more efficient and effective Council.

Thank you, Mr. President.