He also advocated strong support for the principles of the UN Charter and moving forward with proposed reforms to the treaty for the future. It should be noted that this MoU was accepted at the future summit last Sunday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told world leaders and senior ministers at a meeting in the Security Council chambers in New York that international law and the UN Charter were “repeatedly violated” in the face of divisions and growing mistrust among countries, with impunity on the rise.
“Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council works meaningfully to reduce global tensions and find solutions to conflicts that cause great suffering around the world,” he said.
Antonio Guterres said, “A Council speaking with one voice, that is, an undivided Council, can be very helpful for peace. “A divided council cannot.”
He said it was vital that member states leave no stone unturned in working together to find a common ground.
Success in peacekeeping
The UN Secretary-General said there were examples of effective concerted action despite the lack of action on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. These include examples ranging from 11 UN peacekeeping operations involving nearly 70,000 personnel to the passing of a historic resolution endorsing an African Union-led operation.
Antonio Guterres said these “prove that peace is possible”, and include Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.
“Our only hope for the advancement of peace rests on coordination and unity among Council members.”
The UN Secretary-General said, “Today I call on all Members to live up to their great responsibilities and commitments made in the Charter of the United Nations. Contribute to the success of this council – not its demise.”