New York: Peace is a choice, and the world expects the Security Council to help countries make that choice, said the United Nations chief during an open debate on promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes. The 15-member organ unanimously adopted draft resolution 2788 (2025), aimed at strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
According to EMM, the resolution urges all Member States to effectively utilize the mechanisms for the pacific settlement of disputes, as outlined in Article 33 of the UN Charter. This includes negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice. The Council also expressed its readiness to utilize the investigative mechanism provided in Article 34 of the UN Charter.
The resolution further calls on Member States to support the Secretary-General’s mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts, which should involve well-trained, impartial, and geographically and linguistically diverse mediation experts. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive participation of women and youth in conflict prevention and dispute resolution efforts.
From Gaza to Ukraine, from the Sahel to Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar, conflicts are raging, international law is being trampled, and hunger and displacement are at record levels, the UN chief continued. He highlighted that terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crime remain persistent challenges.
While divisions and escalatory discourse obstruct the Council’s ability to act effectively, there have been inspiring examples of forging solutions to global problems. Notable achievements include the Black Sea Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation, as well as the Pact for the Future adopted in 2024, which emphasizes preventive diplomacy and mediation.
The UN chief underscored the need for the Council to reflect the world of today and be more representative of current geopolitical realities. Member States must honor their international law obligations, with the International Court of Justice playing a critical role.
Diplomacy, while not always successful in preventing conflicts, holds the power to stop them, he emphasized. Cooperation anchored in shared interests and the greater good is the sustainable pathway to peace.
In the ensuing discussion, Member States highlighted the importance of refocusing on Chapter VI’s peaceful dispute resolution tools, emphasizing prevention over crisis response and reaffirming support for the UN’s mediation role.
As the UN approaches its eightieth anniversary, the international community must encourage all parties to conflict to settle disputes using the comprehensive options under Article 33 of the Charter. Guyana’s delegate noted her country’s application to the International Court of Justice regarding an unlawful territorial claim.
Multilateralism, with the UN at its core, must be strengthened and adapted to a more complex global landscape, several delegates emphasized. The Council’s authority to maintain international peace and security is a moral duty, and multilateralism remains the best tool to meet shared challenges.
The discussion also underscored the importance of cooperation with regional organizations. Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister stressed the value of these organizations in addressing local dynamics. Thailand’s Foreign Minister highlighted ASEAN’s role in complementing UN efforts.
Council reform emerged as an urgent topic, with delegates calling for greater African representation among the permanent members and addressing outdated structures. The International Court of Justice received strong support as a crucial institution for safeguarding a rules-based international order.
Addressing ongoing conflicts, Bulgaria’s Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized diplomacy’s role in resolving complex disputes. The United States representative highlighted recent de-escalations achieved through mediation, calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine and condemning China’s maritime claims.
In response, China’s delegate urged the international community to reject the law of the jungle and emphasized the value of multilateralism. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister condemned aggression against his country, asserting that peace is achieved through respect for rights, justice, and diplomacy.