Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić, underscored that the United Nations remains “a compass for the future”, not a relic of the past.  The President stressed that the UN must not become “a stage where giants wrestle while smaller countries hold their breath”, but rather, “a round table where every seat counts”.  He emphasized that nations of the Global South are too often treated as chess pieces, even though they can be conveners and guarantors of cooperation.  Serbia’s engagement with partners is grounded in sovereignty, territorial integrity and respect for dialogue over division, affirming that cooperation must be reciprocal and rooted in equality.

Acknowledging the deep divisions within and between societies, Mr. Vučić warned of the dangers of eroded moral values, disinformation and politically motivated violence.  “Today, we are witnessing the unprecedented wonder, a sick expression of joy for the crime committed against an innocent person,” he said.  “The example of Charlie Kirk is the best confirmation of that; he was savagely assassinated just because his killer didn't like his ideas.”  The President condemned media manipulation that undermines democratic legitimacy, noting these trends weaken societies more profoundly than traditional conflicts.  

Turning to regional issues, he reaffirmed the inviolability of sovereignty and territorial integrity, declaring that Kosovo and Metohija remain “an inseparable part of Serbia” and a pillar of its identity and heritage.  He described daily discrimination and insecurity faced by Serbs in Kosovo, including restricted freedoms, attacks and shortages of basic goods, warning that this is part of a systematic effort to force demographic change.  He called for deeds and protection mechanisms, not compassion alone, while reiterating Serbia’s commitment to dialogue under European Union auspices.  He stressed that only genuine dialogue, grounded in international law, can lead to sustainable solutions.

On broader global challenges, President Vučić highlighted climate change, energy insecurity and economic inequality as pressing realities.  Partnerships must be based on commitment rather than hierarchy, he stressed, noting Serbia’s role as a bridge between East and West in projects spanning renewable energy, infrastructure and digital transformation.  He reaffirmed that UN Charter principles must apply equally to all States, large or small, warning against double standards.  The President argued that territorial integrity is not measured by power.  “It is the measure that restrains power,” he added.