UNSC Open Debate

“Peace through Dialogue: the Contribution of Regional, Subregional and Bilateral Arrangements to the Prevention and Peaceful Resolution of Disputes”

(20 October 2023; 1000 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important discussion today, and also warmly congratulate the Brazilian delegation on their Presidency of the Council.

The basic premise underlying the theme of our discussions today is the erosion of trust in multilateral institutions and the need for reforms. “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity” is also the theme for the 78^th UNGA. It is therefore a welcome coincidence that the two primary organs of the UN, the GA and UNSC are today focused on a singular and pressing issue.

Today when the world is confronted with multiple challenges, it is important for us to have an honest conversation on how to rebuild trust in multilateral institutions and, in this regard too, the discussion that Brazil has organized is timely.

I will make four brief points as suggestions in this context.

One, the UN Charter calls for resolution of any dispute through negotiations. Where there are bilateral agreements on ways to resolve any pending dispute between parties, the best way forward would be for the international community to recognize the existence of such means and encourage the same. We have seen several examples in the past where bilateral discussions, and regional and sub-regional mechanisms have been more effective in achieving mutually acceptable solutions to resolve disputes.

Two, with their deep knowledge of local factors and complexities, regional and sub-regional organizations, particularly in Africa are uniquely placed to finding better solutions to conflicts in their respective regions. We, therefore, support engagements between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations, in line with the UN Charter.

Three, and in the context of peacekeeping, these forces need to be reconfigured to actively liaise with regional forces. It is equally important to build capacities and capabilities of potential regional partners, as well as host states. We have done so on our part with several partners, especially in Africa. We also need to support African led Peace Operations with resources and well-defined mandates, that from their very inception also factor in exit strategies.

Four, none of this would matter if we did address the elephant in the room, that we are unable to peacefully resolve disputes through the UN, because its core body, this very UN Security Council has been rendered ineffective. Unless we undertake comprehensive reforms and get this house in order, we will continue to face a continuing crisis of credibility. The New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism, which we advocate, flows from the idea that there cannot be genuine solidarity without trust.

An overwhelming majority of countries from the Global South, Mr. President, share our conviction that a reform of the UN architecture is no more a question of why, but when and how soon. The opportunity provided by the Summit of the Future next year should drive us towards change in the direction of a reformed multilateralism, including through the expansion of the Security Council, in both categories of its membership.

Thank you.