Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
at the General Assembly Plenary Debate Under Agenda Item 63: Use of the Veto
23 April 2024
[As Delivered]
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we begin this important debate on the use of the veto, let me open with the perennial reminder.
That, although the Principal Organs of the United Nations – including the General Assembly and the Security Council – have distinct mandates under the Charter of the United Nations, they collectively form a unified whole.
These bodies are, therefore, expected to work in unison and dedicated to one overarching purpose: ‘saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war’.
In this regard, while the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the Security Council, this august Assembly also has an important residual role under the United Nations Charter.
A role that continues to attain more meaning – as the Security Council is in serious deadlock to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
To that end, the so called “veto initiative”, as approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 76/262, is a significant breakthrough to involve the entire membership on these issues.
It not only promotes greater transparency and accountability, but also reinforces collaboration between the Security Council and the General Assembly in their shared duty to promote global peace and security.
I take this opportunity to thank the cross-regional group of 39 Member States who requested this plenary debate – a platform which I encourage its continuation in future sessions.
Let us continue to utilize this initiative and its annual debate as a valuable accountability mechanism – and as part of ongoing review of progress, to design solutions that are effective enough in addressing the ever-pressing peace and security challenges.
Excellencies,
It is regrettable that since last year’s annual debate, a total of 8 resolutions and one amendment have been vetoed in the Security Council.
At this precarious time of heightened geopolitical tensions – and when ongoing and emerging crises demand our urgent and decisive action – it would be a derogation of our duty as the General Assembly if we stood idle and allowed the unrestrained use of the veto to paralyze, not only the Council itself, but the United Nation’s ability to respond efficiently to questions of peace and security.
Consider that the Council remains unable to collectively address critical peace and security situations in the Gaza Strip, in Ukraine, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Mali, and concerning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
There is clearly a pronounced contrast between the urgent need for decisive action and the prevailing inaction – which undermines both the work and credibility of the United Nations as an organization.
If we do nothing, questions on continued relevance of the United Nations will escalate, and public confidence in this institution will increasingly dwindle – with each veto cast perceived as our collective failure to act.
Perhaps, despite the situation being unacceptable, it is precisely for the reason of its state of paralysis that we must ramp up momentum for Security Council reform – reinvigorating the Council’s capacity to fulfill its responsibilities.
I thus strongly urge Member States – especially those also members of the Council – to seize this debate as an opportunity to bridge divisions among themselves and seek impactful solutions by involving more the General Assembly.
Furthermore – as we broadly evaluate the “veto initiative” in its third year – I also encourage you to approach today’s debate with a comprehensive perspective, conducive to generating transformative, reform-oriented solutions.
Reflect candidly on what you – as Member States – can and must do differently.
I invite you to engage with an open mind and a commitment to bring about meaningful change.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
As I close, I remain confident that among you all the 193 Member States, there is ample collective wisdom and creative potential necessary to achieve our common goals on peace and security.
Let us utilize the broad scope of the mandate of this Assembly – across all pillars and everything in between – to deepen closer cooperation among all the Principal Organs of the United Nations, including the Security Council.
To further that spirit of cooperation – just as the Council routinely sends special reports to the President of the General Assembly – I will continue the practice of transmitting a summary of today’s deliberations to both the President of the Security Council and all Member States, for further consideration.
Building on what has been achieved to date since adoption of resolution 76/262, I urge a productive discussion and the generation of innovative ideas for further enhancements to the “veto initiative”.
I thank you.
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