High level Meeting on Zones of Peace

Conflicts are spreading. 

The use of force is on the rise. 

The rule of law is under strain, and the multilateral system is facing mounting pressure. 

There is a clear need for a firm and coordinated response. 

One grounded in the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

International law provides the framework for our actions. 

It is up to us to return to diplomacy, invest in dialogue, and restore trust between States. 

In September 2024, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future. 

This marked a renewed commitment to preventive diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes. 

The Pact identified the need for concrete tools, and Member States pledged to develop mechanisms to that effect. 

Mechanisms that could advance early warning, confidence-building, crisis response, and sustained dialogue. 

These efforts are relevant across all levels—subregional, regional, and international. 

Establishing ‘zones of peace’ offer one such approach. 

As recognised in Resolution 79/5, adopted during the 79th session, these zones support cooperation and contribute to broader efforts to maintain peace and security. 

Several are already in place. 

They include the territories of the Central Asian countries, the South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. 

Latin America and the Caribbean have also been proclaimed as a zone of peace through regional consensus. 

These initiatives aim to lower tensions, prevent conflict, and create the space needed for dialogue to take root. 

The challenges we face today reinforce the value of preventive diplomacy and dialogue. 

These tools must remain at the heart of our work. 

I encourage Member States to consider how existing zones of peace can be strengthened. 

We should also explore new partnerships that extend beyond geographic boundaries and reinforce our shared objectives. 

Through cooperation and trust, we can fulfil our responsibility to protect future generations from the catastrophe of war. 

Let us take that responsibility seriously. 

Let us support a global culture of peace. 

Let us stand against violence and build lasting partnerships grounded in trust, mutual respect, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

Thank you.

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