Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, emphasized that conflicts must be resolved through mediation and that every human being deserves dignity and equal rights.  “Big problems can only be solved together,” she stressed, adding that everyone has the responsibility to act — not only in their own interest but for a better future for all.  For this generation, the future does not seem brighter than the present, she noted, with fundamental fears of war, conflict, climate change and division.  Yet, “we cannot close our eyes before the gap between aspiration and harsh reality” — for example, in Gaza, where devastation, starvation and despair have reached terrible proportions. 

She condemned the “beyond imaginable brutality” of Hamas’ attacks and called for all hostages in Gaza to be freed.  Concurrently, she stressed that nothing justifies the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza:  violations of international law, including humanitarian law, cannot be excused. “The actions and decisions of the Israeli Government break my heart,” she stated, adding that this war must end now, the hostages must be freed, and humanitarian aid must reach the suffering civilians in Gaza as soon as possible.  She outlined Austria’s vision:  a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, with Israel and Palestine living side by side within recognized borders.  She pledged that, once the right conditions are met, Austria will also recognize Palestine as a State. 

Turning to Ukraine, she denounced the Russian Federation’s continued strikes on cities, villages, schools, hospitals and kindergartens, despite Ukraine having “shown several times that they are ready for peace”. She expressed Austria’s support for the United States and all diplomatic efforts to end the war, calling for an immediate ceasefire.  She also warned that “growing nuclear arsenals or autonomous weapon systems will not make our world a safer one.”  Recalling the founding vision of the United Nations, she concluded:  “Our predecessors gave the world a Charter and a promise for a better future — let us renew that promise so that the future is better than the present.”