KLAUS WERNER IOHANNIS, President of Romania, said that finding solutions to restore and safeguard peace remain the main challenge as “insecurity, violence, conflicts and even war” have taken “a firm grip on our walls”.  “When diplomacy is the most difficult tool to use, it is precisely then when we need to use it most,” he stressed.  Pointing out “the dark global consequences” of the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine — which “has unleashed the greatest security crisis in Europe in recent history” — he pledged his country’s strong multidimensional support for Kyiv.  More so, Romania will continue its unwavering support for the resilience of the Republic of Moldova — “the second most affected country by this war”.

“A long-term conflict is unacceptable,” he emphasized, highlighting the global impact of this war and calling for “the resolute support” of all UN Member States for Ukraine.  To this end, he announced full backing to the peace initiative of President Zelenskyy, describing it as “the only approach to ensure a just and lasting peace”.  Stressing the need for global unity in protecting civilians, he called for the implementation of the Security Council resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while expressing support for the two-State solution.

Turning to the growing security threat of climate change, he urged to enhance international cooperation to keep the “1.5°C target alive”.  Spotlighting the misuse of technology, disinformation and the rise of extremism, he stressed the need to strength global institutions, principles and values which serve to safeguard human dignity and rights.  “Technology is a global amplifier of trends, and it is up to us to decide whether it will contribute to more effective and accessible public services,” he stressed.

“There is no viable alternative to the United Nations,” he stressed, underscoring the need for the reform of the Organization to make it “fit to address current challenges and the ones looming”.  A more effective, efficient and representative United Nations is needed, he said, voicing support for “an extended Security Council, where transparency and accountability are the norm” and where youth and civil society can have a say on the matters affecting them.