Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Madam President,
Thank you to Slovenia for your leadership in organising today’s debate, and to the distinguished briefers.
Armed conflict is on the rise across the globe. Geostrategic competition and deep distrust are hindering our collective ability to solve a myriad of crises.
This is especially true for the Security Council, the primary organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
New Zealand last sat in this Chamber as a Council member almost ten years ago. Since then, the Council’s ability to address urgent global conflicts has been marred by contentious negotiations and a far greater willingness by some Permanent Members to exercise their veto.
New Zealand supports the General Assembly pushing for a more accountable Security Council. This includes examining the motives behind the use of the veto where it obstructs meaningful action.
Since the Charter was written eight decades ago, we have advocated for a Council that is effective, results-driven, transparent, and inclusive.
As a small state, New Zealand has a strong interest in effective multilateral peace and security arrangements. How then, do UN Member States, including the Council, ‘lead for peace’?
First and foremost, any action must start with active defence of the UN Charter and its core principles. After all, the international rule of law and the UN Charter form the foundations of the rules-based international system that underpins our collective security and prosperity.
We must also be resolute in our commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes. All states must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or sovereignty of any state. Members of the Security Council are no exception.
As a founding member, New Zealand remains resolute in our defence of the Charter and in support of the international judicial institutions that uphold the Charter and international rules.
A second core pillar of our efforts must be respect for international humanitarian law and the basic standards of humanity that it protects.
We must be steadfast in bringing to account those who refuse to comply with these most fundamental limits on how war is waged.
Thirdly, leading for peace requires investment in not only humanitarian action, but also peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The UN and its agencies play critical roles in conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, and humanitarian support. But the UN system cannot succeed without the committed backing of Member States in leading for peace.
Finally, we must also recommit to diplomacy as the very building block of better relations between states. We must engage in good faith to find solutions to seemingly intractable problems.
We look forward to working alongside you all in pursuit of these goals, and a more peaceful world.
Thank you, Madam President.