PETR PAVEL, President of the Czech Republic, underscored that the UN must deliver on shared global commitments, calling for comprehensive reform of the Security Council to better reflect today’s realities and strengthen the voice of underrepresented regions.  In the face of the Russian Federation’s unjust and unprovoked war against Ukraine, Security Council membership is not “a carte blanche”, he stressed, adding that “no one has the right to abuse power and bully other members of the international community without sanctions”.  Accordingly, he stressed the need to exercise more pressure on that country to end its unjust and brutal war.  The Peace Summit in Switzerland confirmed that peace in Ukraine must be based on international law and principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He warned that the cynical nature of Moscow’s policy and its disinterest in genuine peace talks have global consequences, including impairing nuclear safety, diminishing food and energy security and damaging the rules-based international order.  “Hesitation strengthens the aggressor,” he observed, stating:  “If you remain silent to injustice and aggression, soon there will be others waiting in line to see how far they can go in bending international rules as they please.”  And while some might perceive the conflict as a regional confrontation, there is no such thing as just a regional conflict, he cautioned, noting that conflicts in one part of the world cause food insecurity and create refugee wavers in others.

“With globalization, our security and prosperity start way beyond our borders,” he observed, reiterating his country’s commitment to security in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Prague will continue to engage with African countries and closely listen to their views and needs, he said, noting that despite political differences, “together, we can create mutually beneficial partnerships based on the principle of equality, mutual respect”.

Turning to cybersecurity, he said that with the world’s increasing reliance on advanced technology, the gravity of cyberthreats is increasing, and no borders are respected.  Cyberattacks against hospitals, media, infrastructure, national institutions and businesses aim to destabilize democratic systems and undermine their principles, he said, asserting: “We cannot allow cyberspace to become a lawless criminal world.”  Foreign interference and disinformation present a challenge, seriously impacting security and democracy, and emerging technology will have an undisputable influence on the nature of future conflicts, he said, concluding:  “The quality of our governance will be judged by our actions and whether we leave this world in a better condition for future generations.”