Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Good morning and thank you for joining this important discussion.

I would like to extend a special thanks to H.E. Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of Albania and President of the Security Council for the month of June 2022, for presenting the Security Council’s Annual Report for 2021.

I would also like to commend France for their leading role in the drafting process of the Report’s Introduction.

It is encouraging to see that, for the second time, the Report is being presented ahead of time, consistent with the decision taken in 2019.

I am also glad to have witnessed the gradual reopening of the Security Council to its wider membership throughout 2021.

Indeed, this last year saw an increase in high-level meetings at the UN compared to pre-pandemic times, epitomizing the value of in-person diplomacy.

With this, it is important to remind ourselves how essential inclusivity is to our organization.

I would like to particularly highlight and salute the fact that the number of women present in Security Council meetings over the 2021 year increased compared to 2019 – an achievement which, I hope, will only continue.

Distinguished delegates,

As you know, the world has been overburdened with a string of crises – from climate change, to terrorism, to desertification, cyber-threats and nuclear proliferation.

The conflict in Ukraine is yet another crisis – and is one that threatens to shake the foundations of our increasingly fragile multilateral system.

Indeed, this conflict has had major ripple effects on our global economy, as well as disrupted both our food and energy supply chains.

It is those most vulnerable who are bearing – and will continue to bear – the burden of this disastrous knock-on-effect.

Colleagues,

The primary purpose of the United Nations is to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to maintain international peace and security.

This is our shared responsibility.

The Security Council was created precisely to maintain peace, and its role is, under article 24 of the UN charter, to “act on behalf” of Member States.

The General Assembly, as specified by the Charter, has a key role in relation to the Council. Specifically, the Assembly has a responsibility to discuss issues relating to peace and security, and to make recommendations to states or to the Security Council.

This Report and today’s discussion is an opportunity for membership to exercise its right to assess the work the Security Council executes on our behalf.

As with any UN organ, the Security Council must be held to account for its actions, or for its lack thereof.

It is my firm belief that an ever-stronger, more effective, transparent, and accountable United Nations is the foundation upon which we can build a better world.

There is always room for reflection and growth.

Revitalizing our organization and strengthening the cooperation between the General Assembly and other UN organs, including the Security Council, must always be a priority. Only when we are at our best, working together, in cohesion and mutually accountable, can we best serve our 8 billion constituents.

I welcome the yesterday’s debate on the resolution 76/262 – mandating a meeting of the General Assembly whenever a veto is cast in the Security Council. It is with good reason that it has been coined as ‘revolutionary’ by several world leaders I have recently met.

By mandating discussion, and by encouraging reflection on every veto cast, it fosters further accountability of this great organization.

Friends,

Colleagues,

I am committed to the idea that it is in our common interest to enhance our cooperation, coordination, and collaboration.

I look forward to hearing your views on this year’s Annual Report as well as your suggestions for improving the interaction between the different organs of the United Nations.

I thank you.