Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, said that the international community must act collectively to prevent and end conflicts, fight poverty and advance human rights. “Isolationism leads to unpredictable instability, whereas unity fosters responsible resilience and shared progress.” The United Nations must adapt to a transformed world and remain effective in the face of environmental degradation, technological disruption and other emerging threats that no country can tackle alone.

The war in Ukraine must end now, he said, renewing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for an immediate ceasefire paving the way to sincere and courageous dialogue.  Reiterating the Holy See’s support for a two-State solution, he echoed the pontiff’s call for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and full respect for international humanitarian law.  Any unilateral decision or action that alters Jerusalem’s special status and the status quo is morally and legally unacceptable, he added.  On Syria, he stressed the importance of a peaceful and just transition, as well as the protection of the rights of Syrians of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, without discrimination.

More support must be given to diplomatic and political efforts to ensure that parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo fulfil their commitments, pending a stable and appropriate solution. He warned against actions in the Caribbean Sea that might destabilize coexistence among nations and undermine international law.  With international support, social and institutional conditions can, hopefully, be established towards peace and security in Haiti.  In Southeast Asia, concerted international efforts are needed to address transnational crime, including trafficking in persons.  On the future of the United Nations, the Holy See calls for a recommitment to the original principles enshrined in the Charter. “It is important to resist the temptation to replace those commitments with new ideas or programmes that risk diluting the UN’s mission,” he said, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between the promotion of human rights, international peace and security, sustainable development and upholding the rule of law.