Statement delivered by Ambassador George Talbot, during UN Security Council Open Debate on "Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order"

Mr. President

I thank the Russian Federation for convening today’s open debate and welcome this opportunity for a collective introspection and frank assessment of Multilateral Cooperation, in the interest of a more just, democratic, and sustainable world order.  

In Guyana’s view, such an order is exactly what was envisaged when the United Nations Charter was crafted. The critical ingredients can be found in the Preamble of the Charter -

• A world free from the scourge of war;
• One where there is respect for fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of the human person;
• where men and women and nations large and small enjoy equal rights;
• where there is justice and respect for international law and the obligations flowing therefrom; and 
• A world that fosters for all peoples better standards of life in larger freedom

The United Nations Charter, embodying as it does the fundamental principles of the multilateral ethos, has served as a framework and guide for the achievement of these objectives. It enjoins a sense of common purpose, a spirit of solidarity, and of inclusion. No country or people is to be left behind. As sovereign equals, every State deserves a seat at the table of global discourse. Each voice needs to be heard and respected and each contribution valued.

In the words of Guyana’s most celebrated poet, Martin Carter, “all are involved, all are consumed”.

Small developing states such as my own attach the highest value to an effective, democratic, responsive and inclusive multilateral system, and to the primacy of the rule of International Law. Our security, our very survival, depends on this.

In working to adapt the global architecture to the demands of the 21st century, the enduring relevance and validity of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter cannot be overstated. However, too often are they honoured in the breach.  

It is incumbent on the Security Council, charged with the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and by extension its members, to be exemplary in their adherence to the Charter and to eschew any conduct that is inimical to the Council’s mandate. But no State is exempt in this regard.

States must therefore hold themselves and each other to the highest standards of performance and accountability in observance of the provisions of the Charter and International Law.

Mr. President,

As we have seen in the cases of Ukraine and Gaza, breaches of the peace can have consequences well beyond the immediate theatre of operations. The Security Council must take active cognizance of these realities and, in concert with the broader international community and regional organisations, be more proactive in addressing the drivers of conflict.

Greater attention to prevention and to the pacific settlements of disputes, as provided in Chapter 6 of the Charter, is imperative.  Parties to disputes must be persuaded to seek solutions utilizing the means outlined in Article 33 including negotiation, mediation, arbitration and judicial settlement.

Too often is there recourse to the threat or use of force. The result is an increasing number of armed conflicts in our world today that continue to destroy lives daily and threaten the future of States. This is compounded by a lack of respect for international humanitarian law.

In reaffirming the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, we cannot turn a blind eye to egregious violations

Members of the Security Council should not be among those undermining the judicial institutions of the United Nations so crucial to ensuring respect for the rule of law and promoting accountability.

Mr. President

The thrust towards a more a more just, democratic, and sustainable world order will of necessity entail institutional reform, not least of the Security Council, arguably the least representative of global institutions. The Council must be made more representative, democratic and accountable. For Guyana, no reform would be complete without enhanced participation of small states, who, for the most part, are a force for peace and principle.

Moreover, the multidimensional and interlocking threats and challenges of today require greater cooperation, complementarity and coherence of effort across UN organs, international machinery, and Member States.  We must broaden our frame of reference and expand our toolkit to deal with the new threats that have evolved, such as climate change, cyberattacks, AI, disease, among others.

Likewise in the use of available resources to better address interlinked pursuits such as between prevention and peacebuilding and development and poverty eradication. Just a fraction of vast resources dedicated to implements of war and destruction would more than suffice for the fight against poverty or hunger or disease, or the combat of climate change. Indeed, for the promotion of sustainable peace!

Finally, on the question of trust – among Member Staes, within the Security Council. This question is not new. Neither is the answer. Trust is ultimately based on performance – the honouring of commitments, the assumption of responsibilities, the discharge of obligations. It is fostered by promoting real understanding and dialogue.  Across the multitude of commitments, undertakings and obligations, whether in the UN Charter, the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, or in the many other instruments, resolutions, and declarations adopted by these United Nations or beyond, a credibility gap exists that must be closed.

I end as the Charter begins, “We the peoples…” Their trust, their hopes, their aspirations, their expectations, are ultimately what matters most. It must be acknowledged that the adversarial nature of contemporary politics makes it impossible to fulfill our global commitments and meet the expectations of our people. States must demonstrate by their actions that they are reliable and trustworthy partners who are committed to working together for the greater good of all.

I thank you.