María Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, called for expanding the concept of international peace and security to include the fight against transnational organized crime — a phenomenon that undermines governance, fuels corruption, and perpetuates violence.  She cited “international networks and logistics chains that move thousands of tons of drugs, exploit illegal mining, and traffic weapons, people, and even human organs”.  In response, the Ecuadorian Government recognized existence of “a non-international armed conflict in January 2024” and designated several of these groups as terrorists.  Ecuador, due to its proximity to the world’s leading cocaine producers, is on the front lines of the battle against transnational organized crime and is “waging an existential war against narcoterrorism”, she noted — with milestones including the seizure of 295 tons of illicit drugs in 2024.

Calling human mobility one of the “most complex challenges of our time”, she emphasized that Ecuador is a country of origin, transit, destination, and refuge for migrants — reaffirming a commitment to safe, orderly, and regular migration, as its proper management “can contribute to sustainable development”.  Turning to climate change and biodiversity loss, she cited Ecuador “as a megadiverse country”, advocating for more environmental financing, technology transfer, and international support for conservation of unique ecosystems — such as the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands, which are “the treasure of humanity”.  Further, the international financial architecture must respond to the needs of developing countries, particularly those classified as middle-high-income.  “The exclusive use of GDP per capita, which is limiting and limited”, does not reflect Ecuador’s reality or vulnerabilities.

“The time of youth has come” she declared — in a country where young people represent around 40 per cent of the population.  In the “New Ecuador”, the Government is focused on providing them with “opportunities that did not exist in the past”.  She pointed to several factors encouraging investment and business in Ecuador:  a wide range of natural resources, strategic location in South America, economic stability afforded by using the United States dollar, megadiversity and a rich cultural heritage.  Ecuador’s country risk indicator continues its downward trend, standing at 701 points, its lowest level in recent years; while despite the country’s challenges, its improving economy grew 3.9 per cent in the first half of 2025.