Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on the Middle East [as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

Source: United Nations – English

onsieur le Président, Excellences,

Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 

Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

Mr. President,

Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

Mr. President,

The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

All while the world watches.

I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

Aid is non-negotiable. 

Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

And we need a permanent ceasefire.

It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

And the trampling of international law must end.

I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

There must be accountability across the board.

Mr. President,

Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.
I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

Mr. President,

In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

Mr. President,

At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

Thank you.

***
[all-English]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

I thank the French presidency for convening this ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

The region is undergoing fundamental shifts, marked by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential.

In Lebanon, the ceasefire and territorial integrity must be respected and all commitments implemented.

In Syria, we must keep working to support the country’s path towards a political transition that is inclusive of all segments of the Syrian population – one that ensures accountability, fosters national healing, and lays the foundation for Syria’s long-term recovery and further integration into the international community. 

This includes the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan — which remains precarious with significant violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces into the area of separation and their several strikes targeting locations across the ceasefire line.

Across the Middle East, people demand and deserve a better future, not endless conflict and suffering.

We must collectively work to ensure that this turbulent and transitional period meets those aspirations — and delivers justice, dignity, rights, security and lasting peace.

It starts by recognizing two fundamental facts: 

First, that the region is at a hinge-point in history. 

And, second, that truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question.

On a core issue that this Security Council has affirmed and re-affirmed decade after decade, year after year:  a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Mr. President,

Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

Mr. President,

The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

All while the world watches.

I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

Aid is non-negotiable. 

Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

And we need a permanent ceasefire.

It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

And the trampling of international law must end.

I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

There must be accountability across the board.

Mr. President,

Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

Mr. President,

In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

Mr. President,

At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

Thank you.

***
[all-French]

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 
Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

Monsieur le Président,

Aujourd’hui, la promesse de la solution des deux États court le risque de s’effilocher au point de disparaître.

L’engagement politique en faveur de cet objectif de longue date n’a jamais été aussi ténu.

De ce fait, les droits des Israéliens et des Palestiniens de vivre en paix et sécurité ont été mis à mal – et les aspirations nationales légitimes des Palestiniens ont été niées – alors qu’ils continuent de subir une présence israélienne que la Cour internationale de justice a jugée illicite.

Depuis les effroyables attaques terroristes perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, la situation s’est aggravée sur tous les fronts.

Premièrement, avec le conflit incessant et la dévastation que subit la bande de Gaza : les conditions de vie sont absolument inhumaines, les habitants sont la cible d’attaques à répétition et sont confinés dans des espaces de plus en plus réduits et privés d’une aide vitale.

S’appuyant sur le droit international, le Conseil de sécurité a rejeté toute tentative de changement démographique ou territorial dans la bande de Gaza, y compris tout acte visant à réduire le territoire.

Gaza fait partie intégrante d’un futur État palestinien et doit le rester.

Deuxièmement, en Cisjordanie occupée, y compris Jérusalem-Est, les opérations militaires israéliennes et l’emploi d’armes lourdes dans des zones résidentielles, les déplacements forcés, les démolitions, les restrictions de circulation et l’expansion des colonies transforment radicalement les réalités démographiques et géographiques.

Les Palestiniens sont cantonnés dans certains endroits et contraints d’en quitter d’autres. Ils sont cantonnés dans des zones où les opérations militaires se multiplient et où l’Autorité palestinienne est soumise à des pressions croissantes, et contraints de quitter les zones où les colons étendent leur emprise.

Troisièmement, la violence exercée par les colons se poursuit dans un climat d’impunité, parfois avec la complicité de soldats israéliens, et atteint des niveaux alarmants : des communautés palestiniennes tout entières sont agressées et victimes de destructions à répétition.

Les attaques menées par des Palestiniens contre des Israéliens en Israël et en Cisjordanie occupée se poursuivent également.

Monsieur le Président,

Le monde ne peut pas se permettre de voir la solution des deux États s’évanouir.

Les dirigeants politiques ont le choix : se taire, acquiescer ou agir.

Monsieur le Président,

À Gaza, rien ne laisse entrevoir la fin de la tuerie et des souffrances.

Le cessez-le-feu avait apporté une lueur d’espoir : la libération des otages, tant attendue, et l’acheminement d’une aide humanitaire vitale.
Hélas, cette lueur d’espoir s’est éteinte avec la rupture du cessez-le-feu le 18 mars.

Depuis, les frappes et les opérations militaires israéliennes ont fait près de 2000 morts parmi les Palestiniens dans la bande de Gaza, y compris des femmes, des enfants, des journalistes et du personnel humanitaire.

Le Hamas continue également de tirer des roquettes sur Israël sans discernement – tandis que les otages sont toujours détenus dans des conditions épouvantables.

Déjà mauvaise, la situation humanitaire dans la bande de Gaza n’a fait qu’empirer et dépasse aujourd’hui l’entendement.

Depuis près de deux mois, Israël bloque les livraisons de nourriture, de carburant, de médicaments et de marchandises, privant ainsi plus de deux millions de personnes d’une aide vitale.

Et ce, au vu et au su du monde entier.

Je suis alarmé par les déclarations de représentants d’Israël concernant l’utilisation de l’aide humanitaire comme moyen de pression militaire.

L’aide humanitaire n’est pas négociable.

Israël est tenu de protéger les civils ; il doit accepter les programmes d’aide et en faciliter l’exécution.

Je rends hommage au personnel des Nations Unies, femmes et hommes, ainsi qu’à tous les autres agents humanitaires, en particulier à nos collègues palestiniens, qui continuent à travailler malgré les frappes et dans des conditions inouïes.

Et je pleure toutes les femmes et tous les hommes des Nations Unies qui ont été tués – y compris certains avec leurs familles.

L’acheminement de l’aide doit être rétabli immédiatement, la sécurité du personnel des Nations Unies et des partenaires humanitaires doit être garantie et les entités des Nations Unies doivent pouvoir travailler dans le plein respect des principes humanitaires : humanité, impartialité, neutralité et indépendance.

Il ne doit y avoir aucune entrave à l’aide humanitaire, notamment au travail vital que fait l’UNRWA.

Il faut que tous les otages soient libérés immédiatement et sans conditions.

Et il faut un cessez-le-feu permanent.

Il est temps de mettre un terme aux déplacements répétés de la population de Gaza, ainsi qu’à la question des déplacements forcés en dehors de Gaza.

Et il faut cesser de bafouer le droit international.

J’engage tous les États Membres à user de leur influence pour que le droit international soit respecté et que l’impunité ne l’emporte pas.

Je veux parler notamment de la frappe du 19 mars contre une résidence des Nations Unies, qui a fait un mort et six blessés parmi nos collègues et pour laquelle Israël a désormais reconnu sa responsabilité … de l’attaque du 23 mars, dans laquelle du personnel paramédical et d’autres secouristes ont trouvé la mort à Rafah … et de bien d’autres encore.

Aucun acte ne saurait rester impuni.

Monsieur le Président,

Une procédure consultative a été engagée à la Cour internationale de Justice sur les obligations d’Israël, Puissance occupante et membre de l’ONU, en ce qui concerne la présence et les activités des entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé et en lien avec celui-ci.

En février, la Conseillère juridique de l’ONU a soumis en mon nom une déclaration écrite à la Cour, et hier, elle a fait une déclaration orale devant la Cour, également en mon nom.

Cette déclaration reprend des points que j’ai soulevés à plusieurs reprises.

En particulier, le fait que toutes les parties au conflit sont tenues de s’acquitter des obligations que leur impose le droit international, y compris le droit international humanitaire et le droit international des droits humains.

Qu’Israël, Puissance occupante, est tenu d’assurer l’approvisionnement de la population en produits alimentaires et fournitures médicales.

Qu’il est tenu d’accepter les programmes d’aide et d’en faciliter l’exécution dans le Territoire palestinien occupé.

Que le personnel humanitaire et médical, ainsi que le personnel des Nations Unies, doit être respecté et protégé.

Je tiens à insister sur l’obligation faite en droit international de respecter les privilèges et immunités des Nations Unies et de leur personnel, y compris l’inviolabilité absolue des locaux, des biens et des avoirs des Nations Unies, ainsi que l’immunité de juridiction des Nations Unies.

Cette immunité s’applique à toutes les entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, y compris l’UNRWA, organe subsidiaire de l’Assemblée générale.

J’engage les États Membres à soutenir tous ces efforts.

Monsieur le Président,

En cette période de tourmente et de transition pour la région, les États Membres doivent énoncer clairement comment ils concrétiseront l’engagement qu’ils ont pris et la promesse qu’ils ont faite quant à la solution des deux États.

Ce n’est pas le moment d’exprimer rituellement son soutien, de cocher une case et de passer à autre chose.

Nous avons dépassé le stade des cases à cocher : le temps presse.

Pour la solution des deux États, le glas a presque sonné.

La communauté internationale a la responsabilité d’empêcher l’occupation et la violence perpétuelles.

L’appel que je leur lance est urgent et sans équivoque :

Prenez des mesures irréversibles pour concrétiser la solution des deux États.

Ne laissez pas les extrémistes de tout bord saper ce qu’il reste du processus de paix.

La Conférence de haut niveau qui se tiendra en juin, co-présidée par la France et le Royaume d’Arabie saoudite, est une véritable occasion de revitaliser le soutien international.

J’encourage les États membres à aller au-delà des affirmations et à réfléchir de manière créative aux mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable à deux États avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

J’encourage les États Membres à traduire les paroles en actes et à réfléchir de manière créative pour déterminer les mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable de deux États – avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

Parallèlement, l’Autorité palestinienne a besoin d’un soutien accru et durable, tant sur le plan politique que financièrement parlant. C’est une condition essentielle pour garantir la viabilité des institutions palestiniennes, asseoir les réformes engagées et permettre à l’Autorité palestinienne d’exercer de nouveau toutes ses responsabilités dans la bande de Gaza.

Monsieur le Président,

À ce moment charnière de l’histoire pour les peuples du Moyen-Orient – et vis-à-vis de cette question dont dépendent tant de choses – les dirigeants doivent concrétiser leur promesse.

Faites preuve de courage et de volonté politiques, tenez vos engagements vis-à-vis de cette question centrale pour la paix : pour les Palestiniens, les Israéliens, la région et l’humanité tout entière.

Je vous remercie.

Secretary-General’s remarks at the 2025 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development [Bilingual, as delivered; see below for All-English and All-French versions]

Source: United Nations – English

r. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of ECOSOC,

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

This year’s ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time.

We are in the final stretch of preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.

And we face some harsh truths. 

The harsh truth of donors pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

The harsh truth of trade barriers being erected at a dizzying pace.

The harsh truth that the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track, exacerbated by an annual financing gap of an estimated $4 trillion.

And the harsh truth of prohibitively high borrowing costs that are draining away public investments in everything from education and health systems, to social protection, infrastructure and the energy transition.

But there’s another, much larger — and more dangerous — truth underlying all these challenges:  
The harsh truth that global collaboration is being actively questioned.

Look no further than trade wars. 

Trade — fair trade — is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation.

And trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development – as demonstrated in recent sharply lower forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, UNCTAD, the World Trade Organization and many others.

In a trade war, everybody loses — especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest.

Excellencies,

Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.

With just five years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to shift into overdrive.  

That includes making good on the commitments countries made in the Pact for the Future in September:

From an SDG stimulus to help countries invest in their people…

To vital and long-awaited reforms to the global financial architecture…

To the Pact’s clear commitments to open, fair and rules-based trade…

To its call for an analysis of the impact of military expenditures on the achievement of the SDGs, with a final report out by September…

To the Pact’s urging for an ambitious outcome to July’s Conference on Financing for Development.

As you continue negotiations on the draft outcome document for Sevilla, I push for action in three key areas.

First — on debt.

When applied smartly and fairly, debt can be an ally of development.

Instead, it has become a villain.

In many developing countries, gains are getting crushed under the weight of debt service, siphoning away investments in education, health and infrastructure.

And the problem is getting worse.

Debt service for developing economies has soared past $1.4 trillion a year.

Debt service now exceeds 10 per cent of government revenue in more than 50 developing countries — and more than 20 per cent in 17 countries — a clear warning sign of default.

The Sevilla Conference should emerge with a commitment by Member States to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.

This includes establishing a dedicated facility to help developing countries manage their liabilities and enhance liquidity in times of crisis.

The G20 must also continue its work to speed up the Common Framework for Debt Treatments and expand support for countries that are currently ineligible — including middle-income countries in difficulties.

And credit ratings agencies need to rethink ratings methodologies that drive up borrowing costs for developing countries.

At the same time, the IMF and World Bank should push forward on reforming debt assessments to account for sustainable development investments and climate risks.

These proposals and the many others contained in the draft outcome document provide an ambitious roadmap to help developing countries use debt in a constructive and sustainable way.

Second — we need to unlock the full potential of our international financial institutions.

If finance is the fuel of development, Multilateral Development Banks are its engine.

And this engine needs revving up. 

We will keep pushing to triple the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, as called for in the draft outcome document.

This includes recapitalization, stretching their balance sheets and substantially increasing their capacity to mobilize private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries.

We must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

And we need to see that developing countries are represented fairly — and have a voice — in the governance of these institutions they depend on.

Troisièmement, nous devons prendre des mesures concrètes pour augmenter tous les flux de financement.

Oui, les temps sont durs.

Mais c’est d’autant plus dans les périodes difficiles qu’un investissement responsable et durable s’impose.

Au niveau national, les gouvernements doivent mobiliser davantage de ressources internes et les diriger vers des systèmes essentiels tels que l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures…

Ils doivent collaborer avec des partenaires privés pour multiplier les options de financement mixte…

Et intensifier la lutte contre la corruption et les flux financiers illicites.

Au niveau mondial, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts en vue d’établir un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, et veiller à ce que les règles fiscales internationales soient effectivement et équitablement appliquées.

Les donateurs doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière d’aide publique au développement et s’assurer que ces précieuses ressources parviennent aux pays en développement.

Pour notre part, nous donnerons aux équipes de pays des Nations Unies tous les moyens pour collaborer avec les gouvernements hôtes, afin qu’un maximum de ressources soit affecté au développement durable aux niveaux national et régional.

Et nous saisirons toutes les occasions, y compris la COP30 au Brésil, pour demander aux dirigeants de trouver des sources innovantes de financement de l’action climatique dans les pays en développement – afin de mobiliser 1 300 milliards de dollars par an d’ici à 2035.

Tout cela exige des efforts particuliers en terme de sources innovantes de financement.

Excellences,

À bien des égards, l’avenir du système multilatéral dépend du financement du développement.

Il en va de notre conviction que le règlement des problèmes mondiaux – tels que la pauvreté, la faim et la crise climatique – demande des solutions mondiales.

Tirons le meilleur parti de ce moment charnière, alors que nous nous préparons pour la conférence de Séville.

Maintenons nos ambitions à la hauteur des enjeux, et agissons pour les populations et pour la planète.

Et je vous remercie.

***
[All-English]

Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of ECOSOC,

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

This year’s ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time.

We are in the final stretch of preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.

And we face some harsh truths. 

The harsh truth of donors pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

The harsh truth of trade barriers being erected at a dizzying pace.

The harsh truth that the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track, exacerbated by an annual financing gap of an estimated $4 trillion.

And the harsh truth of prohibitively high borrowing costs that are draining away public investments in everything from education and health systems, to social protection, infrastructure and the energy transition.

But there’s another, much larger — and more dangerous — truth underlying all these challenges:

The harsh truth that global collaboration is being actively questioned.

Look no further than trade wars. 

Trade — fair trade — is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation.

And trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development – as demonstrated in recent sharply lower forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, UNCTAD, the World Trade Organization and many others.

In a trade war, everybody loses — especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest.

Excellencies,

Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.

With just five years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to shift into overdrive.  

That includes making good on the commitments countries made in the Pact for the Future in September:

From an SDG stimulus to help countries invest in their people…

To vital and long-awaited reforms to the global financial architecture…

To the Pact’s clear commitments to open, fair and rules-based trade…

To its call for an analysis of the impact of military expenditures on the achievement of the SDGs, with a final report out by September…

To the Pact’s urging for an ambitious outcome to July’s Conference on Financing for Development.

As you continue negotiations on the draft outcome document for Sevilla, I push for action in three key areas.

First — on debt.

When applied smartly and fairly, debt can be an ally of development.

Instead, it has become a villain.

In many developing countries, gains are getting crushed under the weight of debt service, siphoning away investments in education, health and infrastructure.

And the problem is getting worse.

Debt service for developing economies has soared past $1.4 trillion a year.

Debt service now exceeds 10 per cent of government revenue in more than 50 developing countries — and more than 20 per cent in 17 countries — a clear warning sign of default.

The Sevilla Conference should emerge with a commitment by Member States to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.

This includes establishing a dedicated facility to help developing countries manage their liabilities and enhance liquidity in times of crisis.

The G20 must also continue its work to speed up the Common Framework for Debt Treatments and expand support for countries that are currently ineligible — including middle-income countries in difficulties.

And credit ratings agencies need to rethink ratings methodologies that drive up borrowing costs for developing countries.

At the same time, the IMF and World Bank should push forward on reforming debt assessments to account for sustainable development investments and climate risks.

These proposals and the many others contained in the draft outcome document provide an ambitious roadmap to help developing countries use debt in a constructive and sustainable way.

Second — we need to unlock the full potential of our international financial institutions.

If finance is the fuel of development, Multilateral Development Banks are its engine.

And this engine needs revving up. 

We will keep pushing to triple the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, as called for in the draft outcome document.

This includes recapitalization, stretching their balance sheets and substantially increasing their capacity to mobilize private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries.

We must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

And we need to see that developing countries are represented fairly — and have a voice — in the governance of these institutions they depend on.

And third — we need concrete action to increase all streams of finance.

Yes, these are tough times.

But it is in difficult periods that the imperative for responsible, sustainable investment is even more critical. 

At the country level, governments need to strengthen the mobilization of domestic resources and channel them towards critical systems like education, health and infrastructure…

To work with private sector partners to increase blended finance options…

And to scale-up the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows.

At the global level, we must keep working to shape an inclusive and effective global tax regime, and ensure that international taxation rules are applied fairly and effectively.

Donors must keep their promises on official development assistance, and ensure those precious resources reach developing countries.  

For our part, we will fully deploy our UN Country Teams to work with host governments to channel the maximum amount of resources towards sustainable development at the national and regional levels.
 
And we will use every opportunity — including COP30 in Brazil — to call on leaders to identify innovative sources of climate finance for developing countries leading to the mobilization of $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. 

All this requires a focus on innovative sources of finance.  

Excellencies,

In many ways, financing for development is integral to the future of the multilateral system.

It’s about our conviction in the power of global solutions to global problems like poverty, hunger and the climate crisis.

Let’s make the most of this critical moment as we prepare for Sevilla.

Let’s keep our ambitions high and deliver for people and planet.

And I thank you.

***
[All-French]

Monsieur le Président de l’Assemblée générale, Monsieur le Président de l’ECOSOC,

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Le Forum du Conseil économique et social de cette année tombe à un moment charnière.

Les préparatifs de la quatrième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Séville, entrent dans leur dernière ligne droite.

Parallèlement, nous nous heurtons à de dures réalités :

Des donateurs qui reviennent sur leurs engagements et renoncent à verser l’aide promise à une vitesse et à une ampleur sans précédent ;

Des barrières commerciales qui sont érigées à un rythme effréné ;

Des objectifs de développement durable qui sont encore bien loin d’être atteints et qui pâtissent d’un déficit de financement annuel estimé à 4 000 milliards de dollars ;

Ou encore des coûts d’emprunt prohibitifs qui tarissent les investissements publics dans tous les domaines, de l’éducation et des systèmes de santé à la protection sociale, en passant par les infrastructures et la transition énergétique.

Mais il y a une autre réalité – bien plus importante et bien plus dangereuse – qui est à la base de tous ces problèmes.

Cette réalité, c’est la remise en question de la collaboration internationale.

Inutile de chercher un exemple bien loin : prenons les guerres commerciales.

Le commerce – un commerce équitable – illustre parfaitement les avantages de la coopération internationale.

Les barrières commerciales constituent un danger réel et immédiat pour l’économie mondiale et le développement durable – comme le montrent les récentes prévisions en forte baisse du Fonds monétaire international, de la CNUCED, de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce et de bien d’autres organismes.

L’Organisation mondiale du commerce prévoit déjà que le commerce international de marchandises se contractera de 0,2 % cette année – un revirement brutal par rapport à la hausse de 2,9 % enregistrée l’année dernière.

Dans une guerre commerciale, tout le monde est perdant, en particulier les pays et les populations les plus vulnérables, qui sont les plus durement touchés.

Excellences,

Dans ce contexte mouvementé, nous ne pouvons laisser s’envoler nos ambitions en matière de financement du développement.

Il ne reste que cinq ans pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable ; il nous faut donc passer à la vitesse supérieure.

Il faut notamment honorer les engagements pris par les pays dans le cadre du Pacte pour l’avenir en septembre :

Du plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, qui vise à aider les pays à investir dans leurs populations…

Aux réformes vitales et longuement attendues de l’architecture financière mondiale…

Aux engagements clairs pris dans le Pacte en faveur d’un commerce ouvert, équitable et régi par des règles…

À l’analyse qui y est préconisée de l’impact des dépenses militaires sur la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable, qui fera l’objet d’un rapport final publié d’ici à septembre…

Et au résultat ambitieux qui y est fixé pour la Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement de juillet.

Alors que les négociations sur le projet de document final de Séville se poursuivent, j’insiste pour que des mesures soient prises dans trois domaines clés.

Premièrement, la dette.

Lorsqu’elle est exploitée de manière intelligente et équitable, la dette peut être une alliée du développement.

Or, elle est devenue une ennemie.

Dans bon nombre de pays en développement, les acquis obtenus dans le domaine du développement croulent sous le poids du service de la dette, qui ponctionne les investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures.

Et le problème ne fait qu’empirer.

Le service de la dette des économies en développement s’est envolé à plus de 1 400 milliards de dollars par an.

Il dépasse aujourd’hui de 10 % les recettes publiques dans plus de 50 pays en développement – et plus de 20 % dans 17 pays – un signe évident de défaillance.

À l’issue de la conférence de Séville, les États Membres devraient s’engager à réduire le coût des emprunts, à mieux restructurer la dette et à empêcher les crises de perdurer.

Pour ce faire, il faudra notamment mettre en place un dispositif pour aider les pays en développement à gérer leurs dettes et à améliorer leur situation de trésorerie en temps de crise.

Le G20 doit également poursuivre ses travaux afin d’accélérer la mise en œuvre du Cadre commun pour le traitement de la dette et d’apporter un plus grand appui aux pays qui ne remplissent pas les conditions requises pour bénéficier de l’Initiative de suspension du service de la dette, notamment les pays à revenu intermédiaire.

En outre, les agences de notation doivent revoir leurs méthodes, qui font grimper les coûts d’emprunt pour les pays en développement.

Dans le même temps, le FMI et la Banque mondiale devraient faire avancer la réforme de l’évaluation de la dette de sorte que les investissements dans le développement durable et les risques climatiques soient pris en compte.

Ces propositions, comme les nombreuses autres propositions faites dans le projet de document final, constituent un plan d’action ambitieux devant aider les pays en développement à utiliser la dette de manière constructive et durable.

Deuxièmement, nos institutions financières internationales doivent pouvoir exploiter tout leur potentiel.

Si le financement est le carburant du développement, les banques multilatérales de développement en sont le moteur.

Et ce moteur doit être rendu plus performant.

Nous continuerons à faire pression pour tripler la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement, en les agrandissant et en les rendant plus audacieuses, comme le prévoit le projet de document final.

Il s’agit notamment d’augmenter leur capital, d’étendre leurs bilans et d’accroître considérablement leur capacité à mobiliser des financements privés à des coûts raisonnables pour les pays en développement.

Il faudra également veiller à ce que des financements à des conditions favorables soient accordés là où ils sont le plus nécessaires.

Et il faudra que les pays en développement soient représentés équitablement – et aient voix au chapitre – dans la gouvernance de ces institutions, dont ils dépendent.

Troisièmement, nous devons prendre des mesures concrètes pour augmenter tous les flux de financement.

Oui, les temps sont durs.

Mais c’est d’autant plus dans les périodes difficiles qu’un investissement responsable et durable s’impose.

Au niveau national, les gouvernements doivent mobiliser davantage de ressources internes et les diriger vers des systèmes essentiels tels que l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures…

Ils doivent collaborer avec des partenaires privés pour multiplier les options de financement mixte…

Et intensifier la lutte contre la corruption et les flux financiers illicites.

Au niveau mondial, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts en vue d’établir un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, et veiller à ce que les règles fiscales internationales soient effectivement et équitablement appliquées.
Les donateurs doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière d’aide publique au développement et s’assurer que ces précieuses ressources parviennent aux pays en développement.

Pour notre part, nous donnerons aux équipes de pays des Nations Unies tous les moyens pour collaborer avec les gouvernements hôtes, afin qu’un maximum de ressources soit affecté au développement durable aux niveaux national et régional.

Et nous saisirons toutes les occasions, y compris la COP30 au Brésil, pour demander aux dirigeants de trouver des sources innovantes de financement de l’action climatique dans les pays en développement – afin de mobiliser 1 300 milliards de dollars par an d’ici à 2035.

Tout cela exige des efforts particuliers en terme de sources innovantes de financement.

Excellences,

À bien des égards, l’avenir du système multilatéral dépend du financement du développement.

Il en va de notre conviction que le règlement des problèmes mondiaux – tels que la pauvreté, la faim et la crise climatique – demande des solutions mondiales.

Tirons le meilleur parti de ce moment charnière, alors que nous nous préparons pour la conférence de Séville.

Maintenons nos ambitions à la hauteur des enjeux, et agissons pour les populations et pour la planète.

Et je vous remercie.
 

Secretary-General’s video message on the occasion of Spanish Language Day

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the video:
https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+3+April+25/3357800_MSG+SG+SPANISH+LANGUAGE+DAY+03+APR+25.mp4

Queridas amigas y queridos amigos:

Hoy celebramos la fuerza, la belleza y la riqueza del español.

Hablado por más de 600 millones de personas en todos los continentes, el español es mucho más que un idioma.

Es un puente entre culturas, generaciones y pueblos;

Un vehículo de educación y creatividad;

Y un instrumento de cooperación internacional.

Como lengua oficial de las Naciones Unidas, el español desempeña un papel importante en la diplomacia multilateral y en la promoción de la paz, de los derechos humanos y del desarrollo sostenible.

En este Día Internacional del Idioma Español, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con el multilingüismo – piedra angular de una ONU representativa, diversa e inclusiva.

Que el español siga iluminando caminos de diálogo, solidaridad y dignidad para todos.

Feliz Día del Idioma Español.

***
 

Secretary-General’s Message for International Mother Earth Day [scroll down for French]

Source: United Nations – English

other Earth is running a fever.  

Last year was the hottest ever recorded: 

The final blow in a decade of record heat.   

We know what’s causing this sickness: the greenhouse gas emissions humanity is pumping into the atmosphere – overwhelmingly from burning fossil fuels.    

We know the symptoms: devastating wildfires, floods and heat. Lives lost and livelihoods shattered.    

And we know the cure:  rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and turbocharging adaptation, to protect ourselves – and nature – from climate disasters.  

Getting on the road to recovery is a win-win.  

Renewable power is cheaper, healthier, and more secure than fossil fuel alternatives.  

And action on adaptation is critical to creating robust economies and safer communities, now and in the future.   

This year is critical.  

All countries must create new national climate action plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius – essential to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe.  

This is a vital chance to seize the benefits of clean power. I urge all countries to take it, with the G20 leading the way.  

We also need action to tackle pollution, slam the brakes on biodiversity loss, and deliver the finance countries need to protect our planet.  

Together, let’s get to work and make 2025 the year we restore good health to Mother Earth. 

*****
 

La Terre nourricière est prise de fièvre. 

L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée – le coup de grâce d’une décennie de chaleur record. 

Nous savons la cause de cette maladie : les émissions de gaz à effet de serre que l’humanité rejette dans l’atmosphère, et qui proviennent essentiellement des combustibles fossiles. 

Nous en connaissons les symptômes : les incendies de forêt, les inondations et les chaleurs, qui font des ravages. Des vies perdues et des moyens de subsistance anéantis. 

Et nous connaissons le remède : réduire rapidement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et accélérer l’adaptation pour nous protéger – et protéger la nature – des catastrophes climatiques. 

Tout le monde gagne à prendre le chemin de la guérison. 

Les énergies renouvelables sont moins chères, plus saines et plus sûres que les combustibles fossiles. 

Les mesures d’adaptation sont essentielles pour créer des économies solides et des sociétés plus sûres, aujourd’hui et demain. 

L’année 2025 est décisive. 

Tous les pays doivent établir de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat compatibles avec l’objectif de limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré Celsius, qui sera primordial pour éviter la pire des catastrophes climatiques. 

Il s’agit d’une occasion unique de profiter des avantages de l’énergie propre. J’invite tous les pays à la saisir, le G20 montrant la voie à suivre. 

Nous devons également agir pour lutter contre la pollution, freiner l’appauvrissement de la biodiversité et fournir les fonds dont les pays ont besoin pour protéger notre planète. 

Ensemble, mettons-nous à l’œuvre et faisons de 2025 l’année où nous remettrons d’aplomb la Terre nourricière. 

Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Source: United Nations – English

elcome to this twenty-fourth Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues – and thank you for bringing the voices, insights, aspirations, and concerns of Indigenous Peoples to this global stage.

The world’s Indigenous Peoples are magnificently diverse in cultures, languages, histories, and traditions…

But united by common features and common challenges. 

You are the pre-eminent stewards of the world’s biodiversity and of the environment.

Your knowledge and traditional practices are leading models of conservation and sustainable use – reflecting your commitment to living life in harmony with Mother Earth, and to the wellbeing and rights of future generations.

The world has much to learn from your wisdom, insights and approaches, which prioritise the health of ecosystems over short-term economic gains…

As we tackle the many challenges that we face – building sustainable food systems, moving to sustainable ways of livings, and more, we must recognize that the world does not always value you as it should.

Dear Friends,

The difficulties facing Indigenous Peoples around the world are an affront to dignity and justice. And a source of deep sorrow for me personally.

Indigenous women face particular challenges – including barriers to political participation, economic opportunities, and essential services.

On a trip to Suriname three years ago, I had the honour of visiting the Kaliña Peoples. 

I witnessed how climate change is devastating their lands, and destroying their way of life.

And I heard how mercury from illegal mining is harming Indigenous Peoples in the region, as in many others, namely, including Brazil – poisoning their water and food supplies. 

Everywhere, Indigenous Peoples are on the frontline of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – despite having done nothing to create these crises and everything to try to stop them.

Eviction and illegal exploitation continue to harm your people and grossly violate your rights.

You face marginalisation, discrimination, unemployment, economic disadvantage and horrendous violence – particularly as you seek to defend our common home.  

And too often you are excluded from decisions that directly impact your land and territories – threatening your ways of life and food security.

Meanwhile, a looming threat grows – the race for minerals critical to the global energy transition – a large proportion of which are located on or close to Indigenous Peoples’ territories.

As demand soars, too often we see dispossession; exclusion and marginalisation in decision-making; the rights of Indigenous Peoples trampled and health jeopardised, all as you are denied the benefits you deserve.

Dear Friends,

We know how to right these wrongs.

Eighteen years ago, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples laid out a blueprint for securing the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

The Declaration has been used by courts, parliaments and communities, to secure rights and galvanise political action. 

And multilateralism has delivered progress. In the past year, countries have made important new commitments:

In the Global Digital Compact – to build digital skills and capacities, including among Indigenous Peoples…

In the Pact for the Future’s call to “recognize, respect, promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, their territories, lands and ecosystems, while safeguarding their traditions, spiritual beliefs and ancestral knowledge” – and to help do so by ensuring a seat at decision-making tables…

And at COP16 on biodiversity. Countries committed to create a permanent new subsidiary body – a space for Indigenous Peoples and others to participate in decision-making on biodiversity. 

And they agreed on sharing the benefits of digital genetic information – with a portion of the new Cali Fund supporting Indigenous Peoples. 

Indigenous Peoples – particularly members of this Forum – also contributed to the work of the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

The Panel’s principles and recommendations are grounded in human rights, including the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Yet, we know there is much further to go.

And I hear your calls for greater and more meaningful participation in the United Nations.

The focus of this year’s session is implementing the Declaration within Member States and within the United Nations system. 

This is an urgent call to action.

And I would point to four specific areas.

First, strengthening the Permanent Forum.

We need Member States to ensure high-level representation.

And we need to fortify the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues – broadening the donor-base and increasing contributions.

This is vital to enabling the Forum to deliver its work, including through participation and representation at international meetings. 

Second, I urge governments and institutions to ensure that the leadership, rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples are recognized and acted upon across the board.

In a world in flux, it is particularly important that Governments are alert to the impacts on Indigenous Peoples. 

Governments must honour their obligations in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – without delay.

And bring Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, into all forms of decision-making, and support political participation.

Third, international finance providers should make Indigenous Peoples a key consideration – so that finance flows to their self-determined priorities and projects are including interactions.

And fourth, I urge countries, companies and more, to work with us to deliver on all the recommendations of the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

We will soon launch the High-Level Expert Advisory Group to accelerate action on benefit sharing, value addition, and fair trade – and the needs and input of Indigenous communities will be key.

Let’s be clear:  The clean energy era must power progress on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Distinguished Members of the Forum,

Upholding the dignity and worth of every person is central to the work and mission of the United Nations.

It is our essence.

And because it is at our core, we say loudly and clearly: 

The individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples are non-negotiable.

Now and forever, we stand with you all in making those rights a reality for Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

Thank you.
 

Secretary-General’s statement – on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

Source: United Nations – English

join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity. 

Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.

Pope Francis was a man of faith for all faiths — working with people of all beliefs and backgrounds to light a path forward. 

Through the years, the United Nations was greatly inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organization — a message I conveyed in my meetings with him as Secretary-General. 

In his historic 2015 visit to United Nations headquarters, he spoke of the organization’s ideal of a “united human family.”

Pope Francis also understood that protecting our common home is, at heart, a deeply moral mission and responsibility that belongs to every person. His Papal Encyclical — Laudato Si — was a major contribution to the global mobilization that resulted in the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change. 

Pope Francis once said: “The future of humankind isn’t exclusively in the hands of politicians, of great leaders, of big companies…[it] is, most of all, in the hands of those people who recognize the other as a ‘you’ and themselves as part of an ‘us.’”

Our divided and discordant world will be a much better place if we follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.  

I offer my deepest condolences to Catholics and all those around the world inspired by the extraordinary life and example of Pope Francis. 

Secretary-General’s statement on the second anniversary of the Sudanese conflict

Source: United Nations – English

wo years into a devastating war, Sudan remains in a crisis of staggering proportions, with civilians paying the highest price.
 
Indiscriminate shelling and air strikes continue to kill and maim. Markets, hospitals, schools, places of worship and displacement sites are being attacked. Sexual violence is rampant, with women and girls subjected to horrific acts. Civilians suffer from gross violations and abuses from all warring parties.
 
Almost 12 million people have fled their homes, in what has become the world’s largest displacement crisis. More than 3.8 million of these have crossed into neighbouring countries.
 
More than 30 million people require humanitarian support. Half of the population – some 25 million people – are acutely hungry. As the lean season looms, famine has been identified in at least five locations and is projected to spread further.
 
Aid workers have been targeted: at least 90 have lost their lives since the fighting began.
 
Basic services have been decimated, with millions of children deprived of education, and less than one-quarter of health facilities are functional in the hardest hit areas. Attacks on infrastructure have left people without electricity and access to safe water.
 
Last year, the United Nations and its partners reached more than 15.6 million people with at least one form of assistance. But the needs remain overwhelming. Conflict and insecurity, coupled with bureaucratic impediments and drastic funding cuts, have kept humanitarians from increasing their presence in many areas where assistance is needed most.
 
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the parties’ disregard for human life. In addition to their obligations under international humanitarian and international human rights law, the warring parties have made commitments to protect civilians, including in the Jeddah Declaration of May 2023. Such commitments must be translated into concrete action. Independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all reports of violations and abuses are also crucial.
 
The only way to ensure the protection of civilians is to end this senseless conflict.
 
I am deeply concerned that weapons and fighters continue to flow into Sudan, allowing the conflict to persist and spread across the country. The external support and flow of weapons must end. Those with greatest influence on the parties must use it to better the lives of people in Sudan – not to perpetuate this disaster.
 
Comprehensive, revitalised and well-coordinated political efforts are urgently needed to prevent Sudan’s further fragmentation. As an international community, we must find ways to help the Sudanese people bring this unspeakable catastrophe to an end and establish acceptable transitional arrangements.
 
Sudan remains a highest priority for the United Nations. I will continue to engage with regional leaders on means to enhance our collective efforts for peace.
 
This will complement the ongoing work of my Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, who will seek to ensure international mediation efforts are mutually reinforcing.
 
He will also continue to explore with the parties ways to bring them closer to a peaceful solution and support and empower civilians as they work towards a common vision for Sudan’s future.
 
We must renew our focus on finding an end to this brutal war. The world must not forget the people of Sudan.  
 

Secretary-General’s remarks to the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent [as delivered]

Source: United Nations – English

e meet at a time of profound challenges – both old and new.

When current divides are growing.

And the legacies of colonialism and enslavement continue to poison our world.

We still bear witness to the scourge of racism, which blights lives and stains societies.

People of African descent continue to face injustice, exclusion, systemic discrimination and violence.

And even artificial intelligence, which holds such promise for humanity, too often mirrors and amplifies the same inequalities and racial biases that have plagued us for centuries.

Power is concentrated in the hands of the few.

And too many people, countries and communities remain unable to benefit from all that these technologies have to offer.

The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent was established to challenge these injustices.

To amplify the voices of people of African descent.

And to accelerate progress towards a world of dignity, justice and equality. 

To accomplish this goal, we must push for action at every level:

A critical objective is the need for reparatory justice frameworks grounded in international human rights law.

Developed with the inclusive and meaningful participation of affected communities.

That acknowledges the terrible harms and injustices caused, and their continued manifestations and ramifications.

And that redresses past wrongs.

We need to eliminate bias from artificial intelligence, and to ensure that these technologies advance equality, inclusion and digital justice.

Including by delivering on the commitments in the Global Digital Compact agreed last year.

And by investing in capacity development to ensure people of African descent can shape, build and govern AI technologies.

And we must continue to address racism in all its forms – particularly where it is embedded in laws, policies and institutions.

All of us have a responsibility to play our part – international organizations, governments, businesses, and individuals.

And to drive action across this Second International Decade for People of African Descent.

In particular, I urge all countries to deliver on their commitments in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action – the blueprint for combatting racism, racial discrimination and intolerance.

Together, with courage and with determination – let us forge ahead toward a world where the human rights of people of African descent are fully respected, protected, and fulfilled.

I wish you a productive session.

Thank you.
 

Secretary-General’s video message for the UN Pavillion Welcome Message at Expo2025

Source: United Nations – English

ownload the video here:
https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/vi…

As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I welcome you to the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2025.  

This Pavilion is a window into our work around the world — from our founding in 1945, right through today.

As you continue exploring, you will discover how the United Nations plays a key role in people’s lives today — including here in Japan.   

This Pavilion also symbolizes an important truth — building a better, more peaceful future requires all countries, and all people, working as one. 

You are about to enter an immersive theatre providing a glimpse of one possible future.

A world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.  

A world we can only create together by achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and boosting climate action. 

But this future is not automatic.

It requires all of us — and all of you — working to achieve it.

The future that you are about to see is possible.

Let’s unite and work together to make it a reality.   

Thank you. Arigatou gozaimasu.