The very presence of Members States in the General Assembly today “is in itself a deep expression of our commitment to multilateralism”, said Oana-Silvia Țoiu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania.  Taking pride in her country’s membership in the Organization, as well as its history, mission and work, she noted that “we also have a duty to see what works, to see what does not and to act accordingly”.  She called on States to join the declaration on promoting universal jurisdiction of the ICJ launched by her country.  Turning to the “fully-fledged war of aggression against Ukraine started by Russia” and pointing to the latest violations of the sovereign airspace of Poland, Estonia, Denmark and Romania, she said that “provocations meant to destabilize our alliances” achieve the opposite.  A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is in everybody’s interest, she said, welcoming ongoing efforts in that respect.  “We urge for an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire,” she stated, calling for justice and accountability.

Looking at the global map, she voiced concern about the escalation of tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, underscoring the urgency of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and adequate humanitarian assistance. The Prime Minister also expressed concern about instability in Africa, emphasizing that “a continent with such a large young population needs to give them the right to hope and to build their future in peace”.  “We need to rebuild trust in the mandates of the UN peacekeeping and UN Political Special Missions,” she said, adding that adaptability, local ownership and partnerships, including with regional organizations, are key attributes for success.

She described reform of the UN Security Council as essential to improve its transparency, working methods and representation and to consolidate its credibility, while welcoming the Veto Initiative.  On climate change, Romania pledged to achieve climate neutrality by mid-century, she said, expressing support for keeping the 1.5°C target alive.  On human rights, she pressed for the meaningful participation of civil society actors and human rights defenders in all UN human rights processes.  Recalling that polling stations will open in neighbouing Moldova in 12 hours, she raised concerns about the “malign foreign interference and disinformation on an unprecedented scale” directed by the Russian Federation through proxies inside and outside Moldova.  “The intention is clear: to deny the Moldovan voters the legitimate right to freely decide the future of their own country,” she warned.