Statement delivered at the UNSC debate on Cooperation between the UN and Regional and Subregional Organisations: CSTO, CIS and SCO

Thank you, Mr. President. I also thank ASG Spehar and the Secretaries-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation for their briefings.

Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter sets out the imperative of collaboration with regional organisations, as it is accepted that peace, development and security cannot be achieved in silos. Cooperation between organisations at the national, regional and international levels is particularly critical in our rapidly changing and complex global environment. The transborder nature of security challenges, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and security threats posed by climate change such as displacement, makes such cooperation imperative. We must therefore seek out opportunities for collaboration in pursuit of our common objectives to achieve peace and security, development and a strong human rights culture.

Allow me to make two points on the impact of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organisations in maintaining peace and security.

First, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation, within their respective mandates and areas of cooperation, have the advantage of a firsthand understanding of the political, economic and social underpinnings of conflicts and threats to peace within their region. They should therefore be well placed to support countries within the region in developing and implementing conflict prevention and early warning strategies tailored to their situations and with due attention to sovereignty.

Further, the relevant programmes and policies must be crafted in line with the United Nations Charter and applicable international law. Collaboration with the United Nations will bolster global conflict prevention efforts and bring additional global legitimacy to them. Guyana therefore notes the continued collaboration between the United Nations and the CSTO, CIS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The partnership with these organizations and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) and Counter-Terrorism Committee and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, are especially critical for promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.

Second, and specifically on the situation in Afghanistan, we note that the threats emanating from the country are still a major concern despite the ongoing efforts of regional organizations and the international community. Afghanistan continues to contend with multifaceted challenges, including security challenges occasioned by terrorism, illegal migration and drug trafficking.

Guyana is of the view that increased support for political dialogue among all actors in Afghanistan, including women and youth, as well as for capacity-building in security institutions is a crucial step in effectively addressing these challenges. At the regional and international levels, we encourage continued cooperation between the UNRCCA, UNAMA and the CSTO, CIS and SCO. This collaboration can promote security and stability in Afghanistan which are important conditions for development and economic growth to thrive. Guyana therefore underscores the importance of international commitments and efforts to this end.

Mr. President, as the world faces evolving threats, partnerships built to address them must be effectively strengthened. A holistic approach is essential where peace, human security, and development are at the forefront of national, regional and international efforts. Strong partnerships between the UN and regional organizations present an opportunity to truly operationalize the humanitarian-development-peace nexus on the ground and dismantle any silos that exist. As the number of emergencies increases and concomitantly the humanitarian needs, we must ensure that while we address these immediate needs, we also address the root causes of conflict.

In this regard, investment in development must be scaled up, as this is the vector for promoting peace and preventing conflicts. It is also important to ensure an enhanced role for youth in conflict prevention and deradicalization efforts.

Finally, cooperation among States through regional and subregional organisations, and with the United Nations, remains relevant for finding common solutions and promoting dialogue for the maintenance of international peace and security. Guyana reiterates its support for all such efforts.

Thank you.