Closing of the High-Level General Debate

While we are meeting in New York, violent conflicts are raging in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine. This is unfortunately not an exhaustive list of the conflicts and crises affecting Member States of the United Nations.

In the last few days, the world has seen an extremely dramatic escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. That escalation risks causing war in the entire Middle East Region.

As we speak, peace in the Middle East is hanging delicately on a shoestring! There is pervasive tension and uncertainty in the region. Thousands of people have lost their lives. Many others have been displaced. Infrastructure has been destroyed.

This must stop. And it must stop now.

The world must not allow an all-out war to happen in this volatile region. 

We call on all parties -- Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire. And for all remaining hostages to be freed immediately and unharmed.

I also call on all those with influence on the parties to demand an immediate ceasefire and dialogue. I further call on all states supplying weapons to the region to desist from such actions and give peace a chance. For no sustainable peace will be achieved militarily.

Negotiations and diplomatic solutions must take precedence over brutal force. The Charter of the United Nations instructs that Member States settle their disputes peacefully, so as not to endanger international peace and security. 

As you heard me saying at the opening of the General Debate, only a two-state solution, based on relevant UN resolutions, can guarantee lasting peace and security for both the people of Israel and Palestine, and indeed for the rest of the Region. 

During the General Debate, we heard from 190 Member States, including contributions from 71 Heads of State, 42 Heads of Government, 6 Vice Presidents and Crown Princes, 8 Deputy Prime Ministers, 53 Ministers, 3 Vice Ministers and 7 Chairs of Delegations. Moreover, we heard from 3 Observers.

During the General Debate this September, it was disappointing -- and frankly unacceptable that only about 10% of the speakers were women. 

This glaring disparity speaks to a deeper issue that we cannot ignore. We must do far better on gender equality, and this cannot simply be a talking point. 

It must remain a priority on our agenda, demanding action, not just acknowledgment, as we move forward.

In my opening remarks of the General Debate, I emphasized that only by working together, despite our differences, can we confront and overcome the complex and discouraging challenges before us. 

Only through dialogue, listening, and collective action, can we find solutions that benefit all of us.

The theme I chose for the 79th Session “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for everyone, everywhere”-- is not just a guiding principle. It is a call to action. 

The theme reminds us that our strength lies in our diversity, and our ability to unite stakeholders around our common goals.

Let us all move forward together with this spirit of unity and shared responsibility. Let us continue our work, with the clear aim of building a peaceful, just, and dignified future for all.

Thank you.

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