Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution – General Assembly Plenary

Statement by Mr. Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor

1 June 2026

Madam President,

             I thank you for convening today’s Plenary session. Today’s discussions not only bring the focus on this important theme but also remind us of the foundational reason for the establishment of the United Nations. The UN was built on the ravages of the Second World War. It was a reflection of the world’s desire for lasting peace.

2. Legitimacy, credibility and efficacy of this organization are assessed primarily on the basis of its ability to purposefully intervene in conflict situations. Victims of the conflict need outcomes; they need peace and normalcy. UN’s interventions on this front in the recent past have not been sufficiently impactful. Raging conflicts in different parts of the world and the immeasurable human suffering bear testimony.  Against this backdrop, I would like to make the following points.

3. First, the UN Charter offers a repertoire of options to address disputes. None of these options have universal applicability. The context must be an important consideration in identifying the best approach .

4. Second, national ownership is a key parameter. External solutions must not be imposed. Actions must be governed by consensus.

5. Third, battlefields do not bring about peace. They have never done so; nor can they ever do so. Dialogue and diplomacy offer the best means to achieve lasting and sustained peace. These are powerful tools that could forge desirable and mutually acceptable outcomes in diverse settings.

6. Fourth, the international peace and security landscape is dynamic and ever-changing. There are growing complexities due to decelerating development, supply chain disruptions, rising terrorism, and increasing risks from emerging technologies. It is important in this context that the UN is agile and equipped to deal with contemporary and future challenges.

7. Finally, the UN must mirror today’s geo-political realities to be fit-for-purpose. As the principal organ with the onerous task of maintenance of international peace and security, UN Security Council’s eight-decade old architecture is clearly outdated and not designed to handle issues of the times we live in. Reform of the Security Council is not a choice any more. It is vital to UN’s continued relevance and its future.

Madam President,

8. In closing, I would like to underline that India, with unwavering faith in multilateralism, stands ready to contribute towards working for peace, security and prosperity for all.

  I thank you, Madam President.

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