Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN at the UNSC briefing on Cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organizations (League of Arab States)
Thank you, Mr. President,
I would like to thank ASG Khiari and Secretary-General Gheit for their briefings and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Egypt in today’s meeting.
Guyana join the ASG in emphasizing the important role that regional and sub-regional organizations play in the maintenance of international peace and security. These organizations, such as the League of Arab States, have a unique advantage in conflict resolution given their understanding of the political, economic and social underpinnings of conflicts and threats within the region.
They are not only better placed to support the development and implementation of conflict prevention and early warning strategies, but more importantly, they also have a stake in the outcome of the dispute resolution.
In this respect we would like to underline the following points:
First, Guyana has long held the view that enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is vital in achieving a more stable world and the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda and New Agenda for Peace.
As we confront increasingly complex and multifaceted contemporary threats, it has become necessary to strengthen multilateral cooperation coordination and prioritize holistic solutions. It has also become increasingly evident that, as outlined in the New Agenda for Peace, robust regional frameworks and organizations that have strong partnerships with the United Nations and UN Security Council are better placed to effectively address the increasingly transnational nature of security threats.
In this context, and while reaffirming the Security Council’s primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, Guyana commends and supports the efforts of the League of Arab States in promoting conflict resolution in the region.
Second, we believe that there is a need to pursue a more strategic approach in strengthening the cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States.
The region today faces a range of complex challenges including military conflicts, economic instability, humanitarian crises, and climate change which all require more holistic and comprehensive solutions and strategic partnerships. They also require engaging and empowering women and young people so that their voices, needs, and perspectives are heard and considered, leading to more sustainable and equitable solutions.
Third, and final, we wish to emphasize the importance of ensuring greater synergy in the interactions between the UN and the League of Arab States and between the League and other regional and sub-regional organizations.
Excellencies, Guyana is aware that the UN and the LAS engage in joint efforts to promote sustainable development in the region.
The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a shared priority cannot go unmentioned. We note the complementarity of LAS’s regional initiatives with the UN’s global framework which ensures that the unique challenges and opportunities of the Arab world are addressed in a way that is inclusive and effective.
With this in mind, we encourage greater collaboration at all levels, including between the UN, LAS, and African Union - maximizing their complementarities - to address the proliferation of conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.
In particular, we look forward to closer engagement between the UN and the League of Arab States toward achieving a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian question and reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the Two-States with two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
In closing, Mr. President, Guyana stresses that the collaboration between the UN and League of Arab States is not only essential for addressing the specific needs of the Arab region but also for advancing global peace and stability.
It is through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation that we can confront the challenges of today and build a more prosperous and peaceful future for all. We affirm our support for a more robust partnership between the two organisations, with the aim of building a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous Arab world for all its people.
I thank you.