SAYYID BADR BIN HAMAD BIN HAMOOD ALBUSAIDI, Foreign Minister of Oman, underlining the use of legitimate and peaceful means to resolve conflicts, called for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon and the Red Sea region.  “We emphasize the need to address the root causes of these conflicts by ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and achieving justice for the Palestinian people, based on a two-State solution,” he stressed.  He went on to underscore the need to grant Palestine full membership in the United Nations and to end the genocidal policies carried out by Israeli occupational forces against Palestinian people.

Highlighting his country’s social protection programmes, he said they demonstrate the commitment to sustainable development and align with global best practices, while providing essential educational and health services.  More so, the country’s strong emphasis on empowering youth — “the cornerstone of the future and the key to sustainable development” — has enabled the Government to create opportunities that enable young people to apply their skills and contribute to building a brighter future.  Oman is also committed to tackling climate change by reducing emissions and investing in renewable energy projects, guided by its Net-Zero Carbon Strategy for 2050, which includes clean energy initiatives and nature-based solutions, he said.

Welcoming the adoption of the Pact for the Future, he commended global efforts toward enhancing international cooperation to address challenges.  “We urge all Member States to commit to implementing this charter and working towards its vision and goals through fruitful cooperation and knowledge exchange,” he said, describing the document as “as a path towards achieving a better, safer and more prosperous future for generations to come”.