Below are excerpts from some of the speeches given at the UN General Assembly, which took place in New York between September 20 and 26, 2022, calling for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. From all the speeches made at the meeting, we have culled statements by the leaders and representatives of 66 countries who used part of their time to urgently call for peace in Ukraine. Most of these countries are in the Global South, and they represent a majority of the world’s population, including many of those most vulnerable to poverty, hunger and famine as a result of the escalating war in Ukraine and Western sanctions.
Some are quite eloquent, such as the words that the Congolese Foreign Minister addressed directly to his “dear Russian and Ukrainian friends”:
Too much blood has been spilled - the sacred blood of your sweet children. It’s time to stop this mass destruction. The entire world is watching you. It is time to fight for life, the same way that you courageously and selflessly fought together against the Nazis during World War Two, in particular in Leningrad, Stalingrad, Kursk and Berlin.
Think about the youth of your two countries. Think about the fate of your future generations. The time has come to fight for peace, to fight for them. Please give peace a real chance, today, before it is too late for us all. I humbly ask this of you.
Here are their statements, in alphabetical order by country, ending with the acknowledgment by the president of the General Assembly that ending the war in Ukraine was one of the main messages “reverberating through the Hall” at this year’s General Assembly.
[Compiled by Nicolas S. J. Davies and Medea Benjamin]
Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda:
The world is dominated now, not by a conflict in the developing world, but very much in the developed world, and in an expression of the underlying suspicions that have continued to exist between the nations of East and the West.
The effects of the conflict, exposed by the war on Ukraine, have reached every nation.
Therefore, we have a legitimate interest in it, and a right to call on all the parties - Russia on the one hand and NATO and European Union countries on the other - to employ their diplomatic resources and skills to end this globally debilitating war.
Alberto Fernandez, President of Argentina:
To tackle persistent challenges like war, hunger and inflation, all hostilities now raging must cease, dialogue must prevail and peace must be restored following the Russian Federation’s military advance on Ukraine’s territory. Further, the international community must abandon the economic and financial practices that the developed world has forced on the developing one, which only increase poverty and marginalization.
I want to call attention to the use of unilateral coercive measures. According to the UN Charter, the only legitimate sanctions are those imposed by the Security Council to enforce decisions taken to maintain international peace and security.
Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain:
These threats impose the inevitability of international partnership and joint coordination, at the bilateral and multilateral levels, to end wars and conflicts and to resolve them through dialogue and peaceful means, as well as constructive cooperation between great powers to achieve international peace and security, combat extremism and terrorism from its financial, organizational and ideological foundations, and address any political, economic or social problems that may fuel conflicts, disputes or hatred.
…The Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, and the support of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, is continuing its reform and diplomatic approach that supports international partnership in consolidating the values of peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, rejecting extremism, hatred and terrorism, promoting and protecting human rights and supporting sustainable development and service to humanity, calling on the permanent members of the UN Security Council to de-escalate and to work on resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means.
Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh:
As the world begins to recover from the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic over the past two and a half years, the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict has plunged the world further into a grave uncertainty.
… We believe that antagonism like war or economic sanctions, counter-sanctions can never bring good to any nation. Mutual dialogue is the best way to resolve crises and disputes.
In this context, I thank the United Nations Secretary General for setting up the Global Crisis Response Group. As a champion of this group, I am working with other world leaders to determine a global solution commensurate with the gravity and depth of the current situation.
… We believe without addressing root causes of conflict, we cannot sustain peace. As the current Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, we are doing our part by creating a platform for multi-stakeholder engagements in support of the conflict affected countries.
… We want the end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Due to sanctions, and counter-sanctions, not a single country, rather the entire mankind including women and children is punished. Its impact does not remain confined to one country, rather puts the lives and livelihoods of the people of all nations in greater risk, and infringes their human rights. People are deprived of food, shelter, healthcare and education. Children suffer the most in particular. Their future sinks into darkness.
My urge to the conscience of the world - stop the arms race, stop the war and sanctions. Ensure food, education, healthcare and security of the children. Establish peace.
We want to see a peaceful world with enhanced cooperation and solidarity, shared prosperity and collective actions. We share one planet, and we owe it to our future generations to leave it in a better shape.
Vladimir Makei, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus:
For Belarus, which itself went through the genocide of the Belarusian people during the Second World War, it is unbearably painful to see the chaos in the neighboring country and the suffering of ordinary Ukrainians.
Ever since 2014, we have been making every possible effort to bring peace to Ukraine. It was Belarus that became associated with peace in Donbas when the Minsk agreements were adopted in 2014-2015.
Right after the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine last February, it was the President of Belarus who managed to get the parties to the conflict to sit down at a negotiating table, once again on Belarus’ soil. Belarus hosted three successful rounds of Ukrainian-Russian negotiations, which opened up real prospects for bringing the conflict to an end. Unfortunately, this process has since stalled.
We remain deeply convinced that both a ceasefire agreement and a comprehensive strategic peace settlement around Ukraine in a broad context of regional and global security can be achieved only through negotiation. There is no alternative to talks!
Patrice Talon, President of Benin:
On the subject of peace and security, the first pillar of action by the United Nations and in the global framework, an action on our part, on the advice of my delegation and in conformity with the position clearly expressed by the African Union, calls “ for the binding respect for international law, the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Ukraine.” Also, we earnestly urge the parties to the conflict to immediately declare a ceasefire and the opening without delay of political negotiations to save the world from the consequences of a worldwide conflict.
Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, Constitutional President of Bolivia:
The UN should work tirelessly to achieve a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and stop NATO’s expansionist plans.
The lack of dialogue and preventive diplomacy have taken us into an era of great tensions and global instability. We live in times where a small group of counties control a great number of weapons of mass destruction, and they have refused to eliminate them because of their geopolitical interests, endangering the peace and security of our planet. Nine countries control 12,705 nuclear warheads, 9,440 of them are in a state of combat readiness, ready to be used. Given this dramatic reality facing the world, we must replace military expenditures to build weapons of mass destruction for the just economic compensation that the central capitalist countries owe, morally and historically, to the countries in the periphery and to the poor of the world.
Sefik Dzaferovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
I hope that there will be peace, as soon as possible, so that people in Ukraine can live normal lives and so that the displaced can return to their homes.
Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil:
It has been seven months since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. It is a source of great concern not only in Europe, but throughout the world.
We defend an immediate ceasefire… and the maintenance of all channels of dialogue between the parties in conflict. These are the first steps towards achieving a solution that is long-lasting and sustainable. We have been working in this sense. At the United Nations and elsewhere, we have tried to avoid the hampering of dialogue channels caused by the polarization around the conflict.
We support all efforts to reduce the economic impacts of this crisis. But we do not believe that the best way is to adopt unilateral and selective sanctions that are inconsistent with International Law. These measures have harmed the economic recovery and threatened human rights of vulnerable populations, including in European countries. The solution to the conflict in Ukraine will only be achieved through negotiation and dialogue. I make a plea to the parties, as well as to the entire international community: do not miss any opportunity to end the conflict and ensure peace. The stability, security and prosperity of humankind are at serious risk if the conflict continues or spreads.
Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cameroon:
The Cameroonian government is following with the greatest attention the situation confronting Ukraine and Russia. As you know, the peaceful settlement of differences between states has always been one of the fundamental principles of the foreign policy of my country.
With this consideration, Cameroon has, since the beginning of this crisis, reiterated its position calling on the two parties to open negotiations with a view to achieving an agreed solution, so that the ideals of peace, security and sustainable development that founded our organization will triumph.
Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of China:
We must address differences by peaceful means and resolve disputes by dialogue and consultation.
… As a responsible major country, China has explored workable Chinese approaches to solving hotspot issues, while adhering to principles of non-interference and respecting the will and needs of the countries concerned. China has endeavored to help settle hotspot issues in a constructive way. Our approach is to promote peace through talks, which is fair and pragmatic and aims to address the symptoms and root causes of hotspot issues.
China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis. The pressing priority is to address the legitimate security concerns of all parties and build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture. We call on all parties to keep the crisis from spilling over and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
Gustavo Petro Urrego, President of Colombia:
What is the use of war if what we need is to save the human species? What is the use of NATO and empires, if what is coming is the end of intelligence? From the lands of jungle and beauty, I invite you to stop wars and to stop the climate disaster.
Do not pressure us to align ourselves in the fields of war. It is time for PEACE. Let the Slavic peoples talk to each other, let the peoples of the world talk to each other. War is only a trap that brings the end of time closer in the great orgy of irrationality.
From Latin America, we call on Ukraine and Russia to make peace. Only in peace can we save life in this land of ours.
Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros:
And as if [the Covid pandemic] was not enough, another crisis, caused by the invasion of Ukraine, has shown again, and in dramatic fashion, the fragility of the multilateral system that nonetheless brings us together today.
We see the price of wheat and other food products rising, as the days go by, to levels never reached before, which imperils food security and multiplies the risks of poverty and famine.
That is why, with the greatest firmness, my country condemns this invasion, an act from another era, and urges the international community to convince Russia and Ukraine to return, without delay, to the path of dialogue and mutual respect, the only elements that can open the way to a cessation of hostilities.
I would also like to salute the Istanbul Accords of last July, led under the auspices of the Turkish president, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, aiming to allow the export of millions of tons of grain blockaded in Ukrainian ports.
These Accords, which deserve to be strengthened, are the proof that dialogue can and must always prevail to prevent the world plunging into chaos and misery.
Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Congo:
One needs only to think of the current war in Ukraine and these apocalyptic projections, which are not without reason, that are being made by strategists and other military experts about a possible tragic turn of events.
Because of the considerable risk of a nuclear disaster for the entire planet, not only those involved in this conflict but also those foreign powers who could influence events by calming them down, should all temper their zeal. They must stop fanning the flames and they must turn their backs on this type of vanity of the powerful which has so far closed the door to dialogue.
Under the auspices of the United Nations, we must all commit without delay to peace negotiations - just, sincere and equitable negotiations. After Waterloo, we know that since the Vienna Congress, all wars finish around the table of negotiation.
The world urgently needs these negotiations to prevent the current confrontations - which are already so devastating - to prevent them from going even further and pushing humanity into what could be an irredeemable cataclysm, a widespread nuclear war beyond the control of the great powers themselves - the war, about which Einstein, the great atomic theorist, said that it would be the last battle that humans would fight on Earth.
Nelson Mandela, a man of eternal forgiveness, said that peace is a long road, but it has no alternative, it has no price. In reality, the Russians and Ukrainians have no other choice but to take this path, the path of peace.
Moreover, we too should go with them, because we must throughout the world be legions working together in solidarity, and we must be able to impose the unconditional option of peace on the war lobbies.
(Next three paragraphs in Russian) Now I wish to be direct, and directly address my dear Russian and Ukrainian friends.
Too much blood has been spilled - the sacred blood of your sweet children. It’s time to stop this mass destruction. It’s time to stop this war. The entire world is watching you. It is time to fight for life, the same way that you courageously and selflessly fought together against the Nazis during World War Two, in particular in Leningrad, Stalingrad, Kursk and Berlin.
Think about the youth of your two countries. Think about the fate of your future generations. The time has come to fight for peace, to fight for them. Please give peace a real chance, today, before it is too late for us all. I humbly ask this of you.
Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
In the heart of Europe, the war between Russia and Ukraine is a gaping wound whose bleeding has even reached faraway Africa and is disturbing international commerce due to important collateral damages, especially in relation to the supply of cereal and energy products from Ukraine and Russia, which are needed to feed the populations as well as to fuel the economies of importing countries.
It is imperative that the United Nations intervene with diligence and firmness to put out this inferno, and with absolute respect for international law.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo subscribes to the position of the African Union and calls on all the parties to the conflict to follow the path of dialogue and law recommended by Africa, based on its experience of managing security crises provoked by armed groups in some of its states.
Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte D’Ivoire:
The war in Ukraine has reminded us that peace is a permanent quest that it is urgent to pursue without rest.
This confrontation, with the risk of a resort to nuclear weapons, continues to weaken world peace and to plunge humanity into multi-faceted crises. It is showing yet once again the limits of the military option in the settlement of conflicts.
That is why Cote d’Ivoire, which has never stopped advocating peaceful coexistence as well as the resort to dialogue in the quest for solutions to disagreements between nations, insists on renewing its call for the immediate and final cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.
Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba:
International relations are on a very dangerous path. The American offensive aimed at subjugating States through economic, military and political-diplomatic threat and coercion, to subject them to an order based on their capricious rules, together with the expansion of NATO and the development of an aggressive doctrine and the fifth-generation unconventional war, inevitably lead to a climate of tension and conflict, the consequences of which are unpredictable.
We reaffirm our rejection of the imposition of unilateral sanctions against the Russian Federation.
We advocate a serious, constructive and realistic diplomatic solution to the current war in Ukraine, by peaceful means and in accordance with the rules of international law, which guarantees the security and sovereignty of all.
Mohamed Siad Dialeh, Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the UN:
We express our serious concern with the deadlock in this conflict, more than 7 months after it broke out. We know this is not combat with wooden swords. The conflict has caused innumerable losses of life and destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. The escalation of the war effort, the risk of a quagmire and the threat of a resort to nuclear weapons overshadow the perspective of a peaceful settlement of differences.
We echo the call of the President of Senegal and the current President of the African Union, His Excellency Mr. Macky Sall, aiming for de-escalation and negotiations. A just and lasting peace must be our top priority!
Charles Angelo Savarin, President of Dominica:
The developments since 2014 which have led to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2021 are well known. Nevertheless, we in Dominica are of the view that this invasion and the ensuing war could have been avoided.
We hold firmly to the principle that international disputes should preferably be settled through negotiation and arbitration and not through war.
We hold, Mr. President, that might is not necessarily right. Whatever argument may be put forward, the terrible toll being inflicted on the people of Ukraine in terms of loss of life and destruction of their towns and cities is unacceptable.
The Commonwealth of Dominica therefore stands with the rest of the world in calling for an immediate cessation to the conflict which continues to rage in Ukraine.
The Commonwealth of Dominica welcomes the deal which was brokered between Ukraine and Russia, with the assistance of Turkey, ably supported by the UN Secretary General, to have significant quantities of grain shipped from Ukrainian ports to various destinations and thereby alleviate the emerging global food crisis.
For these reasons and in the interest of global peace, the Commonwealth of Dominica urges all parties to continue upholding their end of this agreement so that further relief can be felt globally as a result. We urge the United Nations (UN) to continue its efforts to broaden this opening and thereby usher in wider agreement between the parties and to bring this war to an end.
Recent years have been very difficult for humanity, from the COVID pandemic to the energy crisis and the resurgence of food insecurity, all made worse by the tense international situation we are currently experiencing with the war between Russia and Ukraine. This global situation is calling out to us to make use of innovative multinational cooperation focused on human solidarity. It is a decisive moment for leaders of the world to search for lasting, consensual, transformative and sustainable solutions to these interlocking challenges that are having an impact across the board on all continents.
We are living in a globalized world and we need to forge alliances of support, solidarity and multinational cooperation to resolve our differences. Equatorial Guinea today launches an appeal to the world community to give greater prominence to international multilateralism and cooperation that are so necessary to address these global challenges.
The maintenance of international peace and security must be an imperative for member states. The problems we see in today’s world can only be solved by seeking peace through inclusive negotiations and dialogue. We call on those countries that are immersed in the current conflicts and the government directly or indirectly involved in those conflicts because of geostrategic, economic or other interests to prioritize dialogue and inclusive negotiations in a realistic and pragmatic manner in order to solve them.
King Mswati III, Head of State of Eswatini:
Mr. President, it is unfortunate that even after COVID, when we were beginning to say that there is hope, we are now confronted with the conflicts that are taking place all over the world. Their consequences include, among other things, the loss of life.
These conflicts and tensions have also contributed significantly to the rise in food prices globally. They are not unique to a certain area, as they persist in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
We hope to see an end to these clashes through peaceful resolutions. We must applaud the United Nations for its efforts to prevent these conflicts from escalating. Hopefully, there will be long-lasting, fruitful results emerging from these United Nations interventions.
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji:
In a year of challenge, I am here to condemn not one but three great global conflicts.
The first is Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine –– a scourge that reflects a brutal mentality of conquest and empire. No matter their size, no matter their might, Fiji is unafraid to condemn any warring nation. We owe nothing less to the Fijian peacekeepers who have sacrificed and paid the ultimate price for peace’s sake around the world. We in the Pacific, who have lived the horror of nuclear fallout, wholly denounce Mr. Putin’s threatened use of nuclear weapons. And I appeal to him: Give diplomacy a chance to bring this war to a speedy close.
Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon:
Many countries face critical humanitarian crises, exacerbated by armed conflict. This is the case in Ukraine, where the war has led to a worsening of the situation of countries and regions already experiencing food shortages. This is why my country has clearly expressed its opposition not only to this bloody war, but to any form of war.
Gabon, which has never experienced armed conflict, will continue to advocate and favor dialogue and negotiation over confrontation.
Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia:
We implore Russia and Ukraine to heed the global plea for political dialogue and end the war. Africa is simply asking for global peace and friendly relations. Our survival and progress depend on global peace and stability.
Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada:
As we emerge from the crisis of the Covid 19 pandemic, and optimistically prepare to transform our economy, we cannot ignore the new crisis in the East, due to current geopolitical tensions and conflict, which has devastating and disruptive consequences for energy and food security.
Russia’s war with Ukraine has already threatened international peace and stability, and induced hardships upon nations unconnected with the conflict. Grenada associates itself with the call of many for Russia to end its war effort in Ukraine and for the parties to negotiate a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana:
The ongoing war in Ukraine is having terrible effects on the region and country, the impacts of which are disproportionately felt by women and children.
We urge a speedy and peaceful resolution of the conflict and express support for the efforts of the United Nations’ Secretary-General in this regard.
Jean Victor Geneus, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti:
World peace and security are threatened. I call on the protagonists of all the conflicts that overwhelm the citizens of the world and make them suffer to ceasefire and find negotiated solutions to their differences. Too many victims, too much destruction, too many consequences for other countries, too much collateral damage. We must urgently return to respect for the common rules of international law and of living together.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See (Vatican):
The war in Ukraine has exacerbated already concerning global trends, including rising food and fuel prices and increased displacement. The conflict has also brought renewed attention to nuclear security and the risk of nuclear escalation, an issue that has remained largely outside the public consciousness for decades.
Furthermore, the war in Ukraine not only undermines the nuclear non- proliferation regime, but also presents us with the danger of nuclear devastation, either through escalation or accident. … To avoid a nuclear disaster, it is vital that there be serious engagement to find a peaceful outcome to the conflict.
Katalin Novak, President of Hungary:
Russia’s war against Ukraine is a constant threat and security risk not only for the Ukrainian citizens living in the war zone, but also for all of us. The threat of escalation is a reason for worry and action.
Hungary firmly condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which has destroyed peace in Europe, caused dramatic human suffering and destruction, and has serious repercussions on the world order.
Since the beginning of this conflict, Hungarians have stood with the victims. We have been providing economic, social and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and to the Ukrainian people fleeing the war. Hungary is currently implementing the largest humanitarian operation in her recent history. The Hungarian people, churches, civil organizations, local authorities and the government gave shelter to nearly one million refugees since the outbreak of the conflict.
We have learnt that war is evil and leads nowhere. A war only has victims, and the ones with the greatest losses are families: mothers and fathers who lose their children in the battlefield, wives who lose their husbands in the fighting, children who lose their brothers, sisters in the hell of war.
… What do we want in the UN? To win the war?
We should not stand for winning any war. We need to stand for restoring peace. If there is a will, there is a way.
Hungary is a member of several allied systems. Above all, the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, the Council of Europe, and I could go on.
These organizations were created by their founding fathers to pursue peace as their fundamental goal. I could say that they were created by the desire for peace, and I am convinced that the service of peace is the foundation of their identity.
… Hungary urges fellow member states to declare peace as the major priority in the present conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
It is by no means self-evident. Today, at the time of war, energy and food crises, the organizations set up to avoid war and preserve peace are focusing on ideological indoctrination.
This is not what is needed today. Instead, we must regain our ability to distinguish between the essential and the irrelevant, the important and the unimportant, reality and fiction.
… Let me conclude by quoting Winston Churchill from 1953:
“Those who can win a war well can rarely make a good peace, and those who could make a good peace would never have won the war.”
Let us make a good peace.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India:
As the Ukraine conflict continues to rage, we are often asked whose side we are on.
And our answer, each time, is straight and honest.
India is on the side of peace and will remain firmly there.
We are on the side that respects the UN Charter and its founding principles.
We are on the side that calls for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way out.
We are on the side of those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at escalating costs of food, fuel and fertilizers.
It is therefore in our collective interest to work constructively, both within the United Nations and outside, in finding an early resolution to this conflict.
Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia:
… the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.
These principles must always be upheld.
Meanwhile, a peaceful solution is the only option to settle any conflicts.
Habit of dialogue and cooperation would nurture strategic trust.
These are the rules of the game that we must maintain, if we truly want peace.
It is our responsibility to apply them consistently, not selectively, or only when we see fit.
My President conveyed these messages of peace in his visits to Kyiv and Moscow last June.
Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, Prime Minister of Iraq:
Like other countries in the world, Iraq considers that crises and regional wars have consequences for all the countries of the world, and that it is the ordinary people who always pay the price of these wars. They have an impact on all aspects of life, in particular on the energy supply, food and security.
Consequently, we emphasize the need to find peaceful and lasting solutions to regional and international crises through dialogue, and to avoid the resort to force, so as to maintain peace and international security, and to save the world economy and humanity from the repercussions of these wars.
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait:
The world is watching with great interest the accelerating developments in the situation in Ukraine, and its related complexities, whose effects and repercussions on security and stability have become tangible.
Here we affirm our principled and firm position of adhering to the principles of international law and of the United Nations Charter, which reject the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, or even waving such a threat to resolve conflicts between countries.
We emphasize the importance of adhering to the principles enshrined in the Charter, and in this regard, the State of Kuwait supports all UN endeavors and all other international efforts to de-escalate and cease-fire, in order to find a peaceful solution in this crisis, because the experiences of contemporary history have proven that peace, and its related mechanisms of mediation and dialogue, was and still is the optimum choice for resolving conflicts, no matter how long they last.
Moeketsi Majoro, Prime Minister of Lesotho:
… the ongoing war in Ukraine and other parts of the world inflicts a reputational carnage on our beloved Organization. Whereas peaceful settlement of disputes lies at the heart of the work of the UN, we have, however, not sufficiently utilized tools at our disposal, such as mediation for solving conflicts between and among our Member States. Some take sides and support conflicts in one form or another, while others remain in hibernation.
Lesotho, therefore, wishes to implore the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to live up to its Charter and be an honest and impartial mediator in conflicts. The resolution of international disputes based on dialogue, justice and the equality of all States must be at the heart of that strategy if it is to succeed. We must shun those who fan the flames of discord among us and indeed we must not allow ourselves to entertain any thoughts that through divisions there will be one side that will win. We will all perish and be on the precipice.
Andry Nirina Rajoelina, President of Madagascar:
The world was barely getting back on its feet from Covid 19, but new crises have emerged. No country has been spared by the consequences of the pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine has sowed further instability and heightened inequalities. This greatly complicates our efforts at recovery and revival post-covid. Like every country in the world, we are suffering the full inflationary impacts of this crisis.
We are convinced that all wars end around a table. Dialogue is the only way to establish peace. That is why Madagascar reiterates its call for dialogue to resolve the conflict, since the consequences are planetary, they get heavier from day to day, and developing countries like ours are the main victims.
Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Prime Minister of Malaysia:
The UN Charter and international laws are there to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes between countries. The charter and the laws set the limits of a country in pursuing its own interests. Based on that principle, Malaysia opposes violations of international laws, including the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of any nation.
When a conflict erupts, all parties hold the responsibility of easing tension and giving priority to the safety and lives of civilians. At the same time, the conflicting parties need to return to the negotiating table to stop the conflict as soon as possible.
Malaysia does not agree with the isolation of a country from international organizations. Such a measure is against the principle of multilateralism and hinders dialogue.
The price to be paid for a war is high. This is proven by the situation experienced by Ukraine. The effects are felt not only by the people and the country but also by the world. This conflict has threatened peace, global security and the economy, and undermined food security.
Malaysia welcomes the creation of the sea route corridor that allows for the shipment of grain from Ukraine. This is a positive step in addressing the food security problem.
In this regard, Malaysia would like to reiterate its insistence that all countries, especially the major powers, refrain from creating isolation blocs that will only push the world towards a cold war. The world needs to realize that peace can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation.
Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta:
Thousands of civilians have been killed and millions are suffering devastating losses. Close to 12.8 million people are estimated to have been displaced in Ukraine, which is a third of the nation’s population. The largest human displacement crisis in the world today.
The international community cannot afford to lose sight of any of these situations.
Sustained support from the international community is urgently required to address these humanitarian needs and put an end to the devastation. To end the suffering of innocent civilians.
Let us not underestimate the effects of this war.
Failure to act will also mean that instability will spill-over to neighbouring regions, with all its negative consequences – mass migration - human trafficking - and terrorism.
…The pandemic has made a severe dent in the historically declining poverty rate. Food insecurity, and price hikes, will exacerbate the plight of millions of people around the world, as the effects of war in Ukraine could continue pushing the number of people falling below the at-risk-of- poverty line even more.
Solutions in the 21st century are not found through the use of force and weapons. We can only prevent further deterioration of this situation if we manage to resolve war through dialogue, and meaningful negotiating efforts.
The 21st century should not be an era of war.
The search for peace requires that all the players in this war put the best interests and priorities of all peoples first.
We all know what the best interests of the people are.
Our absolute priority should be to re-establish peace and order. To end war.
That is what our people are telling us. This is what they deserve. This is what we have to deliver to them, without further delays.
Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mauritania:
This meeting is being held under very different international conditions, including the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, terrorist threats, and natural disasters that are brought upon us by climate change. The unprecedented socioeconomic and humanitarian repercussions of these crises, particularly food insecurity, represent a challenge to all sectors of life and weigh more heavily on developing countries due to their vulnerability.
The war in Ukraine has occurred at a time when the world is still emerging from the repercussions of the pandemic. This war has led to gaps in the supply chain for both fuel and food, and the prices of these goods have been increasing. Without the significant efforts of the UN, Turkey and others to come to an agreement about grain and fertilizer exports, the world would have witnessed an even greater catastrophe. But the measures undertaken by the international community remain minimal. We call for ramped up efforts to find solutions that would guarantee peace, security, and dignity for all. We call on the international community to fulfill its duties to help poor countries with the challenges affecting their food security and to counter the negative effects of this crisis.
We want to express our concern about the continued war in Ukraine and we call on the parties involved to negotiate to bring an end to this war.
Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mexico:
Just when it seemed like the recovery from the pandemic was on the horizon, we saw the war in Ukraine with the risk of a nuclear incident and catastrophic potential consequences.
Mexico, as a country committed to the peaceful solution to conflicts, attends this assembly with a proposal of dialogue and peace for Ukraine.
The UN Security Council has been unable to fulfill its Charter responsibilities and implement measures to halt the armed aggression in Ukraine or launch a diplomatic process for a solution through dialogue or negotiations. It has also been unable to guarantee necessary humanitarian assistance, or to fully support the work of the Secretary General and other actors to manage access to grains and fertilizers produced by the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
The President of Mexico therefore proposes the creation of a diplomatic caucus of global leaders that would support the Secretary General’s mediation and promote trust-building measures between Russia and Ukraine. The president believes that the Secretary General should participate in this caucus, as well as the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and His Holiness Pope Francis. We hope that the creation of this caucus will have the support of the UN member states.
In these last few years, as an elected member of the Security Council, Mexico has sought to promote preventive diplomacy as a central element of peacekeeping.
Nuclear weapons are still the greatest threat to human survival. Mexico regrets the lack of political will, particularly on the part of the nuclear weapons states, to reach agreement on containing such weapons, even though the risks of nuclear proliferation grow every day. My country agrees with the Secretary General’s vision that a more secure and peaceful world must be based on international law, cooperation and solidarity and not on the incessant accumulation and modernization of nuclear and conventional arsenals.
We cannot close the door on political dialogue or diplomatic negotiations. Current international tensions are not going to be resolved by force. We must ensure political understanding and trust-building mechanisms. Yes, restoring trust is one of our biggest challenges today.
Hage Geingob, President of Namibia:
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is now in its 7th month, with serious consequences for food and energy supply chains. Namibia believes that dialogue is the condition sine qua non for the peaceful resolution of any conflict. Our United Nations was created for the maintenance of peace and security, and should lead a peaceful resolution in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Bharat Raj Paudyal, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal:
We are deeply concerned about the deaths and suffering of civilians in the war in Ukraine. We call for an urgent cessation of hostilities and violence and urge all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the path of dialogue.
Mohamed Al Hassan, Permanent Representative of Oman to the UN:
We call on the international community to redouble its diplomatic efforts to support peace and stability, so as to resolve the Russia-Ukraine crisis, through dialogue and negotiations, which are the most successful means of resolving differences, in accordance with the principles of International Law and common human values.
Mario Abdo Benitez, President of Paraguay:
We are concerned about the situation in Ukraine and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. We put out an energetic call for a ceasefire and the restart of negotiations. It’s fundamental that the UN and the international community in general participate intensely in this process.
Pedro Castillo Terrones, President of Peru:
The Russian intervention in Ukraine is illegitimate. All military interventions violate the UN Charter. At the same time, all types of sanctions other than those adopted by the Security Council are also illegitimate and run counter to international law.
It is the duty of the international community to work for ceasefires and peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomatic negotiations. We should not encourage conflicts. We must make a commitment to peace. That’s why Peru calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine, increased protection of civil society affected by the conflict, and the start of negotiations to find a peaceful solution that takes into consideration the interests of all parties. At the same time, it is crucial to ensure the continuity of the agreement that allows the export of grains from Ukraine, as well as arrangements to normalize Russian exports of fertilizers, since the scarcity of fertilizers is suffocating the poorest farmers of the developing world. We must stop economic sanctions from affecting food security.
Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal:
In Europe today we are confronted with the unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, in flagrant violation of international law, primarily of the United Nations Charter.
A war with devastating effects for the Ukrainian people, brutally affecting the civilian populations.
The gravity of the acts committed makes an independent, impartial and transparent investigation imperative so that the crimes committed do not go unpunished.
We cannot, therefore, fail to condemn once again the Russian aggression and here to reinforce Portugal's support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Russia must cease hostilities and allow for the creation of a serious and sustained ceasefire- and peace-oriented dialogue.
This is not the time for Russia to escalate the conflict or to make irresponsible threats to resort to nuclear weapons.
We welcome the efforts of the entire United Nations system, in particular its Secretary-General, to resolve this conflict and to mitigate its damaging effects, such as the food crisis.
Once again, it has been the most vulnerable who have felt the impact of the energy and food crisis the most, after being buffeted by almost three years of health crisis.
That is why we reiterate our solidarity with all those around the world - and particularly in Africa - who are suffering from the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
And that is also why it is important to make it clear and unequivocal that the necessary sanctions applied to Russia cannot affect, directly or indirectly, the production, transportation and payment of cereals and fertilizers.
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar:
We are fully aware of the complexities of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the international and global dimension to this crisis. However, we still call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful settlement, because this is ultimately what will happen regardless of how long this conflict will go on for. Perpetuating the crisis will not change this result. It will only increase the number of casualties, and it will increase the disastrous repercussions on Europe, Russia and the global economy.
Philip Joseph Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia:
Articles 2 and 33 of the UN Charter are unambiguous in binding Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and to negotiate and settle all international disputes by peaceful means.
In the Declaration on the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the UN, Heads of State and Government reaffirmed those principles, when they said: “We will promote peace and prevent conflict. We will abide by international law and ensure justice.”
Mr. President, the war in Ukraine has not only unleashed death and horrendous destruction, but has plunged the world into an economic crisis of runaway inflation, catastrophic shortages of food and energy supplies and worsened a global supply chain crisis that had been triggered by the COVID19 pandemic.
The world could have been spared this humanitarian and economic agony, if once again countries and their leaders had respected and adhered to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
We therefore call upon all parties involved to immediately end the conflict in Ukraine, by undertaking immediate negotiations to permanently settle all disputes in accordance with the principles of the United Nations.
The billions and billions of dollars being spent in Ukraine in wanton destruction and war could have transformed for the better, the economies, the livelihoods and the lives of millions and millions of people in the developing countries of the world, if spent on poverty reduction and economic transformation.
Luca Beccari, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of San Marino:
San Marino has decided to cooperate within the framework of international structures and mechanisms, at the top of which is the United Nations Organization, because it believes in the strength of dialogue, democracy and respect for others.
In line with our values, the Captains Regent of the Republic of San Marino, in their message at the opening of the session of the Parliament last July, called on all parties involved in the Ukraine conflict to renounce the use of force and to reopen the channels of dialogue and negotiation so that politics and diplomacy may prevail in the management of this crisis.
No one should remain indifferent to war, but rather we should all work responsibly to create the conditions for dialogue and peace with the full involvement of international institutions.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-furhan Al-Saud, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia:
With regard to the wars that we are seeing in the world, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stresses the need for the voice of reason and wisdom. Dialogue, negotiation and peaceful solutions are what is needed to silence the guns, protect civilians and provide prospects for development and peace.
We welcome all efforts that can bring about a political solution to put an end to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, in order to stop the fighting and preserve international and regional peace and security.
Macky Sall, President of Senegal and Chairman of the African Union:
We call for de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, as well as for a negotiated solution to avoid the catastrophic risk of a potentially global conflict.
… I have come to say that Africa has suffered enough of the burden of history; that it does not want to be the breeding ground of a new cold war, but rather a pole of stability and opportunity open to all its partners, on a mutually beneficial basis.
Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles:
The Ukraine-Russia conflict is of great concern to us. It poses a grave threat to global security and world peace, with serious ramifications for the entire community of nations.
My country’s stance on the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy is universally recognised.
In this regard, the Republic of Seychelles strongly supports the call of the Chair of the African Union and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission urging the parties concerned to establish an immediate ceasefire and to resume negotiations in order to preserve the world from the consequences of planetary conflict and to find a permanent and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.
We must find common ground for the sake of humanity and our planet.
Manasseh Sogavare, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands:
On the Ukraine conflict, Solomon Islands calls for maximum restraint by all parties and a de-escalation of the conflict. We continue to hear words of war in this Hall of Peace. We must be united in our resolve to seek peace and urge all parties to pursue a diplomatic solution to the conflict based on the spirit and purpose of our United Nations Charter.
Naledi Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa:
Building a better world requires peace and stability. South Africa continues to believe that conflict resolution must not come through fuelling conflicts, but through investing in efforts aimed at political dialogue. We should aspire to peace as a global public good. There have been no winners of the wars of the past seven decades. Instead, they engendered strife, distrust among nations, divisions, a perpetual misallocation of resources to weapons, increased poverty and underdevelopment.
Also see South Africa’s report on President Ramaphosa’s meeting with U.S. President Biden in Washington on September 16 2022: “President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for an urgent end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasized the leadership role United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres can provide in leading a peace process.”
Hussein Abdelbagi Akol Agany, Vice-President of South Sudan:
The current war between Russia and Ukraine is very unfortunate and devastating to the lives and livelihood of the citizens of both countries and beyond. The war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis where millions are in dire need. This war has not only affected the two warring parties, but it has far-reaching effects on the global economy. From the moral point of view, the South Sudan Government is calling on Russia and Ukraine to cease all forms of hostilities and resolve the dispute through diplomatic and constructive dialogue to avert further consequences.
Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice-President of Tanzania:
In matters of peace and security, Tanzania has always believed in diplomacy as the best instrument for resolving conflicts. Experience has taught us that, in war, everyone loses, including the non-warring parties. It is therefore our plea that, in the work of the global conflicts, our focus should be that of safeguarding human lives, especially children and women, and the well-being of the people.
More so just recently, we have witnessed disruptive effects on global supply chains, dramatic increase in food and fuel prices, as well as food shortages and declining agricultural and industrial production around the world. All the more reasons that we must have a stake in pursuit of peaceful resolution of conflicts. As we do so, we must also leverage our abundant resources and human capabilities to address some of the impacts.
Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand:
A few days ago, a sentiment was expressed by the European Union foreign policy chief, when he said, “Don’t rule out the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine crisis.”
An oriental saying which could be relevant to this context pertains to the enjoyment of riding a tiger. Riding a tiger’s back could be fun and challenging, but no-one could enjoy riding its back with no end in sight. The question is how to dismount without killing the tiger. Certainly the question of “how to” is daunting.
Here we have a suggestion, which has taken all elements into account. A possible breakthrough could be apparent during the month of November, as the third week of that month offers a golden opportunity for all the super-stakeholders of the Ukraine crisis to assemble in South Asia as legitimate participants.
The three venues are: one in Phnom Penh for the ASEAN summit; another in Bali for the G20; and the third in Bangkok, Thailand, for the APEC leaders’ meeting.
They could, separately or in a series, serve as a most appropriate platform for talks to provide a possible off-ramp or exit to this high-tension global crisis in Ukraine. The UN, with all its relevant roles and mechanisms to help safeguard peace and stability, could certainly join in at any juncture to add value to these endeavors.
So, let’s hope that this golden opportunity is not passed up by all the superpowers and super-stakeholders with regard to the high-tension Ukraine crisis.
Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste:
Aid to poorer countries of the South should not be canceled out to be reallocated to address the refugee crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. In 2015, donor countries reallocated their ODA commitments to the North African, Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi refugee crisis flowing into Europe, causing an estimated 15 percent drop in total aid.
The potential for a diversion of aid is even greater now, after 349 billion dollars were estimated as needed for the reconstruction of Ukraine. We must ensure that the Ukrainians are supported, but not at the expense of unity with the many struggling people in other nations.
… But rarely are we able to inspire the rich to show the same level of compassion and wisdom towards the poorer South. I always believe that we are all part of the great Human Family. Yet some seem to feel that we are not really equal, we are not part of the same human family, since part of the world lives in dazzling citadels, while their billions of distant relatives live in poor global neighborhoods.
The WEOG countries started off on high moral ground in confronting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but may end up losing the support of the developing world which after all are 80% of the global population.
They should pause for a moment to reflect on the glaring contrast in their response to the wars elsewhere where women and children have died by the thousands from wars and starvation. The response to our beloved Secretary-General’s cries for help in these situations have not met with equal compassion. As countries in the Global South, we see double standards. Our public opinion does not see the Ukraine war the same way it is seen in the North.
… Abysmal leadership failures in Western and in developing countries in resolving tensions and differences have resulted in endless wars and deaths of innocent women and children. Human induced climate change and unprecedented natural catastrophes are destroying livelihoods of tens of millions across the globe. Globally, we missed an opportunity to resolve the COVID19 pandemic through vaccine justice and cooperation rather than vaccine nationalism and competition.
The people of Myanmar feel abandoned, betrayed, by the so-called international community. They ask, why the difference in treatment, prompt and extremely generous support for Ukrainian civilians and refugees, so much sophisticated military support for Ukraine resistance, and such a mute reaction to the war waged against the people of Myanmar? But they are still fighting on and dying.
The Myanmar conflict is impacting the security and stability of neighboring countries. It may escalate.
There has to be dialogue by all involved in the conflicts in Ukraine, in Myanmar and in other crises around the world. The Tatmadaw cannot claim it is defending itself from external aggression. In the Ukraine conflict, Russia and Ukraine should clear their ports and sea routes and allow normal resumption of permitted international shipping activities, following on the breakthrough in the grain and fertilizer agreements brokered by the Secretary General. This is the kind of action we need to see even more of from the UN, it strengthens its credibility with all our people.
As there are an extremely limited number of credible neutral global leaders, the UN Secretary-General and high Envoys of his choice should work hard day and night to reach a humanitarian ceasefire agreement, and provisional peace agreement. The ultimate goal will have to be a comprehensive, permanent peace agreement. What should be aimed for now is a temporary cessation of troop movements and military action, humanitarian air and land corridors and zones for unimpeded humanitarian assistance and resumption of export and import activities.
Russia, Ukraine and NATO countries have to swallow their pride, review their past policies that led to this mutual suicide, back away from each other borders, let Ukrainians rebuild their country and lives, let Russians retreat with security to their borders.
Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, Prime Minister of Tonga:
Earlier this year, Tonga co-sponsored several UN General Assembly Resolutions in support of the people of Ukraine.
We continue to urge a peaceful resolution of the conflict to save unnecessary loss of lives and minimize any further devastations.
Amery Browne, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago:
The violation of Ukraine’s internationally agreed borders constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and of international law. It is a clear threat to international peace and security, and the only credible solution is to end this aggression immediately.
Therefore, we call on the Russian Federation to immediately abandon its action and to resume negotiations with the Ukrainians in good faith, to find a peaceful and durable resolution.
Othman Jerandi, Minister for Foreign Affairs Migration of Tunisia:
Just when the world only started to overcome the challenges of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine has exacerbated everything. The world is facing an acute energy and food crisis due to upheavals in the supply chain. There is an unprecedented increase in the price of food and a decrease in purchasing power, as well as significant increases in interest rates and inflation.
This is a critical time in our history that requires the leaders of the world to find transformative and radical solutions to overcome the present circumstances. Our people are watching and wondering if the international community will be able to find these transformative solutions and whether we will find the political will required to overcome these crises. Today is a time for solutions.
The pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine have forced us to reevaluate our approaches. We must be able to bolster multilateralism and restore trust in our international institutions to build a world with security, humanity, prosperity and sustainability for people now as well as for the future generations.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey:
Since the first day of the conflict in Ukraine, which has now completed its seventh month, we have acted with the understanding that "war has no winners, a just peace has no losers".
Today, we still keep emphasizing the key role of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the current crisis.
Through the facilitating role we have assumed with this understanding, we brought the Parties together, first at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and then in Istanbul.
As a result of the intensive efforts we carried out together with the Secretary General, we made sure that the Ukrainian grain was able to reach the world through the Black Sea.
Now that almost two months have gone by after the Istanbul Memorandum of Understanding which enabled this achievement, we are pleased to note that these shipments gain momentum day by day.
This memorandum, which bears critical importance in ensuring the sustainability of grain supply, is one of the greatest achievements of the United Nations in recent years.
Trust in the United Nations by those around the world who seek help from the international community has been reinvigorated, thanks to this achievement.
The Istanbul Memorandum of Understanding has also proved that negotiations do yield results on issues which are of vital importance to the parties.
A similar approach can also be displayed regarding the crisis at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which concerns the safety of the entire humanity.
We will continue to increase our efforts to end the war, which has been reignited in recent days, based on the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.
I hereby call upon international organizations and all countries to provide genuine support to Türkiye's efforts towards establishing a lasting peace.
We need to find together a reasonable, just and viable diplomatic solution that will provide both sides the opportunity of an “honorable exit”.
Jessica Alupo, Vice-President of Uganda:
The world is currently facing many challenges that undermine peace and security. The Russia-Ukraine military conflict continues to cause more suffering, destruction and displacement of the civilian population, mostly women and children. The longer it persists, the more suffering, destruction and displacement we shall witness.
We are deeply concerned about the loss of lives and the serious humanitarian situation. Uganda supports dialogue with a view to reaching a peaceful resolution to the crisis. My President has said many times, "We think the best way is to negotiate. Everybody who wants peace in the world should support negotiations in order to get balanced peace that ensures safety for all".
Francisco Bustillo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay:
My country condemns the Russian Federation’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine — a clear violation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We call on Russia to withdraw from that territory of Ukraine and cease all hostilities immediately. The parties in this conflict should do everything possible to return to the negotiating table to resolve their dispute peacefully, in accordance with the UN Charter.
Carlos Rafael Faría Tortosa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela:
World peace and security is under severe threat. Regardless of ideological positions, we must agree on the need to prioritize reestablishing the diplomatic path of political dialogue over military confrontation. Humanity will not survive a world war; therefore, an escalation of the war in any part of the world is not in anyone's interest. For my country, a people that has never participated in an international armed conflict, there is no other path than peace, justice, trust and respect for international law. Thus, we endorse President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposal to create an international commission to facilitate sovereign dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, and we are at your disposal to facilitate its conditions.
We reject all military provocations and economic sanctions taken against Russia, and the campaign of hatred unleashed to the detriment of the Slavic people. These actions, far from contributing to peace, fuel the fire of war.
The northern part of the world must accept the indisputable emergence of new powers and new leaderships, such as China, Russia, India, Iran and Turkey. It must open itself to the possibility of being part of a multi-polar, pluricentric world free of hegemonies.
Let us have the good sense to recognize the end of this hegemonic global model and let us arm ourselves with the necessary enthusiasm to forge a new multi-centered, pluri-polar, intercultural and balanced world.
Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam:
… our actions, both individually and collectively, must be guided by and in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
Viet Nam firmly believes that respect for international law, especially vis-à-vis the respect for sovereign equality, political independence and territorial integrity of states, the peaceful settlement of disputes is the most effective and viable measure to prevent conflicts and promote sustainable peace and security.
Constructive dialogue and respect for the legitimate rights and interests of all parties, in accordance with international law, are key in resolving differences and reducing tensions.
Viet Nam calls for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, and stands ready to contribute to the diplomatic process, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Ukraine.
Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia:
Zambia joins other governments in expressing particular concern about the ongoing war in Ukraine. As we stand with all those affected both inside Ukraine and in the neighboring countries, we also take this opportunity to trace the far-reaching negative consequences of the war, particularly on the prices of food, fuel, fertilizer and other key commodities.
War in any part of the world has a damaging effect on economic activity, which derails our collective fight against poverty and hunger. A few months of war can erase decades of progress. I shall repeat this. A few months of war can erase decades of progress. I think we need to take note of this.
We therefore categorically condemn war anywhere and we continue to urge all parties involved to pursue diplomatic solutions to conflict resolution. Our UN, and I want to emphasize this, should continue with its peace efforts in this particular conflict, and your efforts, Mr. President [of the General Assembly], in our collective efforts, are well recognized.
Closing remarks by Csaba Korosi, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly:
[One of the main messages] I heard reverberating through the Hall is that the war in Ukraine should end. You also pointed out that its effect is being felt around the world.
You described the pain of shortages. Inflation. The impact of refugees, as far as South America and Africa.
Concerns about the safety of nuclear plants, and fears of a nuclear attack.
