Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mauritania, said the session is an opportunity to objectively diagnose the shortcomings that have characterized the UN’s journey over the past eight decades.  The world consists of two contrasting worlds – one advancing towards the fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence, and another that remains hostage to poverty and marginalization.  This is an ever-widening gap, presenting a difficult test to humanity and requiring nations to unite their efforts to devise solutions.  The global context is extremely complex, with conflicts that are escalating, and the exacerbating threats of terrorism and natural disasters from climate change.  Human suffering is increasing.  This exposes international peace and stability to increasing risks and reinforces the need for a more effective role of the UN.  The genocidal war waged against the people of Gaza is a true litmus test of human conscience and the credibility of the international system.

Mauritania condemns this genocidal war, he said, stressing that violence cannot bring lasting peace and security.  He commended those countries recognizing the State of Palestine and expressed hope that others will follow suit in upholding the principles of truth and justice until Palestine becomes a full Member of the UN.  Mauritania strongly condemns Israel’s recent attack against Qatar, which violated its sovereignty.  There should be peaceful solutions in Libya, Sudan, Yemen, and Syria.  Mauritania supports all international efforts on Western Sahara and calls for a negotiated end to the Russian Federation and Ukraine war. He commended the peace agreements between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and between India and Pakistan, more broadly underscoring the urgent need for more just and effective international political, economic, and health governance that prioritizes human life and dignity.  This can only be achieved through balanced reform, restoring confidence in the UN.

He called on the international community to support developing countries in addressing the challenges of food security, climate change, and debt, and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  He noted that Mauritania has launched major energy transition and sustainable development projects, including a hybrid renewable energy plant.  It is aiming to combat desertification and preserve biodiversity.  It looks forward to participating in the thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) and advancing international commitments to reduce emissions and finance climate change adaptation.  Mauritania is committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation and reforming the international political and governance system in a manner that enhances the collective ability to achieve sustainable development.