The representative of Benin said this year’s session is heavily overshadowed by multiple political and humanitarian crises, an increase in inequality and an erosion of trust in multilateral institutions.  “These challenges, which are unfolding on a global scale, profoundly challenge our collective capacity to preserve peace, promote shared prosperity and protect human dignity,” he said.  As a new geopolitical order emerges, Benin sees its place as an actor of stability and cooperation with a foreign policy based on respect for international law and the primacy of peaceful dispute resolution.  “Preventive diplomacy must again gain its rightful place in conflict resolution,” he said.  Benin reaffirms its support for the two-State solution as the only viable option for a final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in accordance with relevant Council resolutions.

He described the threats of terrorism and trans-border crime, stressing that Benin is addressing attacks in the northern region decisively, including through reinforced border security and assistance to internally displaced persons and refugees.  “Terrorism is a transnational threat and national efforts alone are insufficient,” he said.  “Peace can only be preserved if underpinned by justice.”  Noting that the global Goals remain off track, he said Benin has undertaken profound reforms and made investments to transform its economy. Today, more than 60 per cent of 49 targets are on track to be met.  He called for renewed multilateral action to implement the Seville Compact, adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.