ANDRZEJ DUDA, President of Poland, recalled that 85 years ago, his country became the first victim of the Second World War when Nazi Germany attacked Poland, and was joined two weeks later by its ally, the Soviet Union, fulfilling the agreement between Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin.  The war crimes that followed left a mark on his nation's history forever, he said, adding:  “In my country, we know very well what war is.”  This is why Poland has always been a strong advocate of measures that prevent conflicts and ensure peace.  For the past two and half years, the Russian Federation's brutal aggression against neighbouring Ukraine has been destabilizing his region and posing a direct threat to global security, he said.  It is crucial to stop that war, not only to end the suffering of the people and punish the aggressor but also to prevent such heinous actions from becoming a model for others to follow, he added.

In the Middle East, where the conflict has escalated due to the brutal Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, he said, while Israel has the right to self-defense, these actions must follow international humanitarian law.  Voicing support for a two-State solution that will guarantee both Palestinians and Israelis the right to live in peace, he said the emergence of an independent Palestine will not contradict Israel's interests.  The right of Israel to exist cannot be questioned, he said, adding that “the two nations are united by space and time, which will remain their common destiny”.  He also expressed concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the struggle for control of the Red Sea.  The international community must do everything possible to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people and restore their country's stability.  Noting the many ongoing wars and terrorist actions in Africa undermining prosperity and safety, he said the world must stand with all those affected by insecurity.

“As President of Poland, I consistently repeat the phrase ‘peace through law’”, he said, adding that his country will always demand respect for human rights, regardless of geographic location.  Noting that it has decided to apply for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2029-2031, he said its candidacy is an expression of its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. “Poles perfectly understand the perspective of countries that experienced colonialism,” he said, adding that his country's history — from losing statehood in the nineteenth century to the Second World War to the fall of communism — has taught its people how precious freedom, sovereignty and human dignity are.  Therefore, Poland will not stop supporting African societies in building a safer and more prosperous future.  Africa has the potential to develop its own solutions to challenges, he said, while expressing concern that halfway through the deadline for the 2030 Agenda, progress in realizing its ambitions is insufficient.

Noting that Poland will serve as Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council this session, he said the motto of its mandate is “Developing in Solidarity”.  Further, Poland will begin its Presidency of the Council of the European Union starting on 1 January 2025, he said, adding that his country will seek to give new impetus to relations with developing partners.  Despite its imperfections, the UN remains the foundation of the world order, he said, adding that the Summit of the Future has provided an opportunity to reflect on the possibility of improving UN structures to make them more responsive to contemporary challenges.  His country is ready to discuss reforms to the Security Council, other key UN bodies as well as international financial institutions.  The world is changing, and the UN system must change as well, he said, adding that Poland will support all efforts for peace, human rights and sustainable development.