“The United Nations is far from perfect, and this is why we support the UN80 reform agenda,” said Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of Belgium.  As the world confronts new forms of imperialism, emerging military threats and violent conflicts destabilizing entire regions, “those who wish for peace must be prepared to defend it”, he stressed.  Belgium is therefore assuming its responsibility by investing more in defence.  Alongside its European partners, it is working toward deeper integration of the armed forces and the defence industry while also strengthening ties with all countries committed to peace and stability.

On the rise of international organized crime, he warned:  “Criminals know no borders.”  Exploiting gaps between police forces and legal systems, criminal networks fuel terrorism, human trafficking and the illegal arms trade.  Still, “there is hope”, he said, noting a new willingness to deepen cooperation in Europe and Latin America, with many African and Asian countries facing similar challenges.  “Together, we can make our societies open for business but closed for crime,” he added, stressing that “the security of our citizens must always remain our first responsibility”.

Underscoring the importance of ensuring “as much prosperity as possible for as many people as possible”, he cautioned that today’s world is once again “gripped by protectionism”.  History, however, offers clear evidence:  for more than two centuries, free and fair trade has been the engine of progress, reducing extreme poverty, lengthening life expectancy and driving medical breakthroughs against once-devastating diseases. Defending free and fair trade is therefore essential.  “We must create prosperity that is globally shared,” he said, adding: “Let us prove that the destiny of humankind is not to dominate or to suffer, but to cooperate and to prosper.”