24.10.2025 Statement for open debate on The United Nations Organization

Checked Against Delivery 

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

Thank you, Secretary-General, for your powerful words.

 

Eighty years ago, representatives from around the globe came together in common cause to establish the United Nations.

 

The task was as momentous as it was visionary: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to uphold fundamental human rights, to maintain justice and respect for international law, and to promote social progress and better standards of life.

 

Denmark was part of that historic moment. Our commitment to this vision remains as firm as it was 80 years ago.

 

Since the United Nations’ inception, the world has made tremendous progress. Yet, in recent years, the purposes and principles of this organisation have been fundamentally challenged like never before.

 

We need look no further than Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine which continues in blatant violation of the Charter. The Ukrainian people and their cities are bearing the brunt of devastation beyond words. At the same time, the political and economic repercussions of this war echo across the world, with developing countries, far away from the European battlefield, paying an unjustifiably heavy price for this war.

 

However, we should not let this hypocrisy detract from this opportunity to reflect on and strengthen this organisation.

 

Mr. President,

 

The United Nations has never lacked in blueprints or in frameworks for action.

 

Throughout history, it has consistently adapted to changing realities.

 

Today’s context is no different.

 

We have the Sustainable Development Goals, a universal call to action to ensure peace and prosperity. We have the Pact for the Future, a bold and ambitious design to revitalise global governance. And we have the UN80 Reform initiative. A necessary and timely effort to ensure that we remain fit for purpose.

 

What is needed now, as ever, is implementation.

 

As a Council, we must also reflect on our ability to fulfil our mandate. To ask ourselves: where are we succeeding and, where and how are we failing? 

 

Too often, we have been unable to act to alleviate immense suffering due to the veto. We must ensure that the veto never stands in the way of action to prevent and to end atrocity crimes.

 

If the Security Council fails to act, the General Assembly must step up and take action.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

The killings, suffering, and injustices in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond are stains on our humanity.

 

Our collective inability to halt them, a damning indictment on our mandate.

 

However, we must remain undeterred.

 

We must work harder to sustain and strengthen the instruments and mechanism we have built over the  last80 years.

 

To Denmark, this includes upholding international law and ensuring that human rights underpin the work of the entire UN system, in line with the SG’s Call to Action for Human Rights. It also includes maintaining our unwavering support for the ICJ and the ICC as core international justice institutions. And listening to the voices of Civil Society.

 

 

Around this table, it means using the tools already at our disposal. 

 

Tools such as establishing investigation into disputes, the bold and forward leaning use of good offices and mediation, horizon scanning initiatives and early warning mechanisms.

 

Finally, Mr. President,

 

We should not lose sight of the fact that core to the United Nations mission is its people.

 

The humanitarians on the ground delivering aid to those in need. The peacekeepers protecting civilians in conflict.

 

Their work does not grab headlines. It is often behind the scenes. But it is crucial.

 

Equally crucial is the person who leads them.

 

The selection of the Secretary-General is much more than filling a position, it is perhaps the most consequential act this Council will make in the next year.

 

How we come to that decision is also important. It must be transparent and inclusive, building on the important progress made in 2015. After 80 years, it is long past time for a woman to be at the helm of this organisation.

 

In closing,

 

Let us recall that each of us have undertaken a solemn commitment to uphold the UN Charter. To promote and defend its principles, its purposes and its values.

 

On this eightieth anniversary, let us not only recommit to these principles and values today, but take concrete steps to implement them.

 

I thank you.