UN SECURITY COUNCIL HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE: MULTILATERAL COOPERATION IN THE INTEREST OF A MORE JUST, DEMOCRATIC AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD ORDER
16 July 2024
Statement delivered by Chargé, H.E. Ambassador Rebecca Bryant, Australian Mission to the United Nations
Australia has always pursued a world where no one is left behind, and where differences and disputes are settled through institutions, agreed rules and norms, and not by power and size.
These principles are at the heart of the UN Charter.
We created the United Nations, the bedrock of the multilateral system, recognising that while countries’ interests may differ, we can only solve our biggest problems by working together.
And yet today, that system is under threat.
We are struck by the number of devastating crises and conflicts that our multilateral system is struggling to respond to.
And we are deeply disappointed that some are deliberately undermining our ability to achieve international peace and security.
Russia has convened us here today to discuss how multilateral cooperation can avoid a global conflict.
And yet, with its special responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia mocks the UN and the principles to which we all agreed.
It does this every day as it continues its unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine in flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
When a member puts their own interests above the UN Charter, above international law, it undermines multilateral cooperation – and trust in the multilateral system.
It is up to us – the UN Member States – to act to restore that trust.
We need to start with the UN Charter.
All Member States should recommit to upholding the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
And there is space for us to further develop rules, norms, and standards, including on technology, artificial intelligence, and climate change.
This is essential for the multilateral system to be fit for purpose and respond to global challenges.
All members need to implement the Security Council resolutions, and Permanent Members must ensure the effectiveness and credibility of the Council is not undermined by self-interest.
We urge Russia to work constructively with the Council to restore the mandate of the 1718 Panel of Experts.
We continue to press for UN Security Council reforms, to make it more representative and effective, more accountable, and transparent.
We call for progress on negotiations.
We remain optimistic that we can reinvigorate the multilateral system. One avenue is the Summit of the Future, which include many of these proposed reforms.
I note that we are gathering on the eve of the ten-year commemoration of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
We mourn the 298 innocent people, including the 38 people who called Australia home, who died as a result.
Australia will continue to pursue truth, justice, and accountability, including through multilateral institutions – where we settle disputes guided by rules and norms.
We must all work together to fulfil the promise of the UN Charter and shape the multilateral system for the better.
Thank you.