Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah called on Monday for reforms at the United Nations following its inability to address the conflict in Gaza and Israel’s ongoing violations against the Palestinian people.
Speaking on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Summit of the Future during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he added: "The urgent need for radical reforms in international institutions is clearly demonstrated by their failure to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine and their inability to hold the Israeli occupation authorities accountable for their violations."
"The continued international failures to establish peace worldwide, specifically in resolving the conflict in the Middle East, will put the ‘Pact for the Future’ to the test. Security and stability are the solid foundation for any cooperation aimed at achieving development," he stressed.
He underlined the Kingdom's support for the vital role of the UN in establishing international rules and norms and promoting collective action. "To achieve our ambition for a better future, reforming the United Nations system has become an urgent need to enable it to carry out its roles in addressing threats to international peace and security and hindering development paths," Prince Faisal urged.
He emphasized the Kingdom's aspiration for the Pact to mark a qualitative shift in multilateral action. He noted its potential to contribute to establishing contemporary foundations for a fair, just, and responsive international system, one that stimulates the rapid achievement of sustainable development goals, addresses the needs of all countries—especially developing nations—encourages bridging the digital divide, and supports emerging economies in strengthening the global financial system.
On climate change, he highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing its challenges without neglecting the differences in national and regional circumstances and capabilities.
Energy transitions must be guided by three fundamental principles: energy security, economic prosperity, and addressing the effects of climate change without compromising any of these principles. This approach aligns with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, remarked Prince Faisal.
The Kingdom is continuing its efforts in this framework and looks forward to hosting the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification at the end of this year, which coincides with the (30) anniversary of the Convention, he went on to say.
He reiterated the Kingdom’s determination to continue efforts toward achieving the desired goals outlined in the Pact, in alignment with the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 and its approach to enhancing international cooperation and collective action.
The Kingdom's delegation included Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Public Diplomacy Deputyship Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the UN in New York Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, and Director-General of the Foreign Minister’s office Abdulrahman Aldawood.
