PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION AMBASSADORIAL-LEVEL MEETING ON THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF BORDER DISPUTES IN CENTRAL ASIA
Statement by H.E Ms. Beth Delaney, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
15 December 2025
Chair, Excellencies, colleagues,
The mandate of the PBC - to build sustainable peace and address the root causes of violence at the community level - is deeply personal for Australia at this moment.
On Sunday 14 December, Australia suffered a devastating terrorist attack at a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
A targeted assault on Jewish Australians on the first day of Chanukah, at an iconic Australian location, where people from all over the world were congregating in peace.
Chanukah should be a celebration of peace and light vanquishing darkness.
Instead, all Australians are grieving today, as we extend our deepest condolences to everyone who lost someone they love.
There is no place for this vile antisemitism in Australia, or anywhere in the world.
Australia’s strength lies in our unity and our diversity.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I thank the Secretary-General and Member States for your messages of condolence and solidarity. Your support matters greatly.
Turning to today’s meeting, Australia welcomes this timely discussion and commends the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan for their historic achievements in peacefully resolving longstanding border disputes.
These efforts exemplify the principles of dialogue, compromise, and regional cooperation that underpin the UN Charter.
I would like to make three key points:
First, success in Central Asia underscores the value of preventive diplomacy and regional ownership.
Australia strongly supports approaches where states lead inclusive processes, backed by trusted regional mechanisms, to
build confidence among communities most affected by border tensions.
Second, peace agreements are most sustainable when they reflect the voices of those living along borders.
Australia encourages continued engagement with local communities, ensuring that peace dividends—such as improved connectivity, trade, and development—are tangible.
Finally, the Peacebuilding Commission has a unique role in sharing lessons and mobilising partnerships.
Australia sees value in leveraging these experiences to inform other regions facing similar challenges.
We also advocate for coordinated support from the UN system and international financial institutions to help countries translate agreements into development gains.
In conclusion, the achievements in Central Asia remind us that complex disputes can be resolved through diplomacy and cooperation.
We again express our gratitude for the international community’s support following the Bondi tragedy.
Australia rejects division and violence and stands firm in our commitment to harmony, inclusion and supporting dialogue-driven solutions that advance peace, security, and prosperity.
Thank you.