As we mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, we also recognize the constant need to adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.  Traditional instruments to address peace and security challenges are under immense strain.  That is why we are undertaking multiple reviews of peace operations, peacebuilding, and implementation of the women, peace and security agenda. 

Let me briefly highlight some common messages emerging from these efforts.

First, prevention and mediation must be at the forefront.  We have a number of diverse and essential conflict prevention tools, including political missions, regional offices, special envoys and rapidly deployable mediation expertise.  Peacekeeping missions also regularly contribute to conflict prevention and resolution. But to be truly effective, these mechanisms need the full backing of Member States.  I commend the OSCE for its support for efforts to advance conflict prevention.

Second, actions must take place within a political framework.  From prevention to peacebuilding to gender empowerment or development activities, our efforts need to reflect clear political objectives in pursuit of lasting peace.

Third, we must reinforce the linkage between sustainable development, peace and security, governance, human rights and the rule of law.  I welcome the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal 16 as part of the 2030 Agenda, which recognizes that peace, justice and strong institutions are critical to building a more sustainable and safer world.

Fourth and finally, no country or organization can face today’s multiplicity of challenges alone. Partnerships are critical for success.

Regional partners bring different, but complementary, skills to the table.  The United Nations supports efforts by all regional organizations to refine and expand their role in peace operations, in line with their comparative advantages and the evolving needs of the global peacekeeping architecture. 

UN-OSCE cooperation stretches from Central Asia and the South Caucasus, to South-Eastern Europe and elsewhere and covers many issues.  Our work together illustrates a commitment to Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter and our mutual and comprehensive understanding of human and collective security.

The United Nations looks forward to continuing discussions with the OSCE on its possible contribution to future peace operations, and in helping design a framework within which the two organizations, as well as others active in the same regional context, could draw on our respective strengths to ensure collective security.

Let us together reflect on the lessons of the past seven decades, and reaffirm our commitment to serve “we the peoples” and build lives of prosperity, security and dignity for all.

Thank you.