Statement, delivered by H.E. Nicola Clase, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the UN Security Council Open Debate on "Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance", 18 February 2025
Zhǔxí,
我感谢中国组织这次关于多边主义以及改革和完善全球治理的公开辩论。
Wǒ gǎnxiè zhōngguó zǔzhī zhècì guānyú duōbiān zhǔyì yǐjí gǎigé hé wánshàn quánqiú zhìlǐde gōngkāi biànlùn.
瑞典完全同意这一主题的重要性。
Ruìdiǎn wánquán tóngyì zhèyī zhǔtíde zhòngyào xìng.
(Mr. President,)
(I thank China for organizing this open debate on multilateralism and on reforming and improving global governance.)
(Sweden fully agrees on the importance of this topic.)
Mr. President,
This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
This is a moment for celebration – but also a time to reflect on the organization’s achievements as well as future challenges.
Throughout its history the UN has offered a unique platform for global dialogue.
Strengthening multilateral cooperation and international dialogue is in our common interest. Together we must ensure that our multilateral institutions operate in an efficient and responsible way and that they deliver results on the ground.
Today, we face a staggering array of global challenges. The incidence of armed conflicts is growing, against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions. Climate change is widely considered a threat to global security and livelihoods.
Terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime disrupt the lives of far too many people across the globe. Human rights and gender equality face a push-back in many countries. And, sadly the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals has fallen behind.
The challenges ahead of us are so complex that they cannot be tackled by countries alone.
In today’s world the UN is needed more.
Mr. President,
Allow me to make three points:
First, the Summit of the Future was a powerful illustration of what multilateral cooperation can and should be about. Its outcome, the Pact for the Future, is a blueprint for reform. The Global Digital Compact is the first comprehensive framework for digital issues including AI. Now it is time to put words into action and turbocharge the race to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Second, this Council – the body responsible for upholding international peace and security – must be more transparent, representative and accountable.
An integrated approach to peace and security is essential. Prevention and sustaining peace must take center stage. Unfortunately, we seldom respond to early warning signals to prevent emerging conflicts. Too often post-conflict countries fall back into violence and insecurity.
We must work across the three pillars of the UN – sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights – to deliver early and decisive action. We need to pay more focus on the connection between education and economic development.
This Council must also be ready to recognize the full range of threats to international peace and security.
Third, none of this can be achieved without respect for international law. This includes respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, as well as strengthening accountability and ending impunity.
We must resolutely act against attempts to undermine the UN Charter and its principles. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law.
We must reaffirm our support to the international justice system. We must guarantee the independence and fully respect the integrity of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
Gender equality is a core value of the United Nations. It is deeply embedded within its principles and reflected in its Charter making it a fundamental human right that the UN promotes globally. The current undermining of gender equality in many countries is deeply worrying.
Mr. President,
As we approach the 80th anniversary of our United Nations, we must reinvest in a multilateralism that delivers results.
The dilemma we constantly face in multilateral diplomacy is how to get everyone into the act and still get action.
The Pact for the Future showed that it can be done when we all make a serious effort.
Thank you, again, for convening this important debate.
Xièxiè.
(Thank you.)