New York: The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted Resolution 2788 (2025), aimed at enhancing the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. This significant move came during an open debate on promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution.
According to EMM, the resolution urges all Member States to effectively utilize mechanisms such as negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement, as outlined in Article 33 of the UN Charter. The Council also expressed its readiness to employ the investigative mechanism provided in Article 34 of the Charter. The resolution calls for support for the Secretary-General’s mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts, emphasizing the inclusion of women and youth in conflict prevention and resolution.
The UN Chief highlighted ongoing conflicts in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and the Sahel, where international law is being disregarded, leading to severe humanitarian crises. He emphasized the need for cooperation, highlighting initiatives like the Black Sea Initiative and the Cybercrime Treaty as examples of successful multilateral efforts. The Pact for the Future, adopted in 2024, was also noted as a recommitment to strengthening the UN’s collective security system.
Diplomacy, although not always successful, holds the potential to prevent conflicts, the UN Chief stated, stressing the importance of cooperation over competition for sustainable peace. Member States echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and reaffirming support for the UN’s mediation role.
Delegates underscored the urgency of Security Council reform, emphasizing the need for greater representation of African countries among the permanent members. The call for reform was coupled with a push for more inclusive and effective mechanisms for conflict resolution, reflecting current geopolitical realities.
The role of the International Court of Justice was highlighted as crucial in maintaining a rules-based international order. Several delegates stressed the importance of accepting the court’s jurisdiction to strengthen its role in peaceful dispute resolution.
Highlighting ongoing conflicts, Bulgaria’s Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in resolving complex disputes in the Middle East. The United States representative called for peaceful solutions to disputes, urging a ceasefire in Ukraine and condemning unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.
In response, China’s delegate called for the rejection of the “law of the jungle,” advocating for multilateralism as a stabilizing force. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister condemned aggression against his country, asserting that peace is achieved through diplomacy and respect for rights.
The resolution and ensuing discussions underscore the Security Council’s commitment to strengthening peaceful conflict resolution tools, reinforcing multilateral cooperation, and reforming its structure to address contemporary challenges effectively.