23.01.2025 Statement by Denmark at the Security Council briefing on Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States
Checked against delivery
Thank you, Mr. President.
Chapter VIII of the UN Charter recognises the crucial role of regional organisations in the maintenance of peace and security.
Their knowledge is unparalleled, their approaches are tailored, their commitment is unwavering. Put simply, here in this Chamber, we have a lot to learn from them.
Minister Attaf, thank you for your presence.
I also wish to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Secretary General Aboul Gheit for their insightful remarks.
Secretary General,
The League of Arab States under your leadership continuously demonstrates its commitment to even closer dialogue within the Arab world and beyond.
Mr. President,
The Middle East region faces serious and interconnected challenges. From armed conflict to humanitarian emergencies, to the adverse impact of climate change, these are crises that transcend borders and frameworks, and demand our collective attention, and action.
Last week, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Lebanon. He left the region with a sense of cautious optimism for peace. A sense which has been confirmed by others here today.
The long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas offers a glimmer of hope. We sincerely hope that this will be the first step on the path to a durable and lasting peace and lay the foundation towards a two-state solution.
We learned this week of the release of the Galaxy Leader crew. The ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel is another positive development towards de-escalation in the region. Moreover, the new dawn in Syria opening for restoring hope and dignity for the long-oppressed Syrian people is also a window of opportunity not to miss. And finally, as mentioned by many here today, long-awaited positive developments in Lebanon are creating hope and optimism in a country plagued by bad news for so many years.
These developments and others require closer regional and international collaboration, which is why the League of Arab States, and its cooperation with the UN, is critical.
Mr. President,
There are multiple avenues to strengthen the collaboration between the UN and the League of Arab States. In particular, Denmark would like to highlight the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
In this regard, we welcome the joint initiative of UN Women and the League of Arab States to advance the WPS agenda in the Arab region. We hope that such efforts can help to fully implement the League’s Executive Action Plan on the “Protection of Arab Women: Peace and Security”.
Mr. President,
It is also vital that young people are involved in the decisions that shape the future of their region. A future that ultimately, they will inherit.
Denmark therefore commends the League of Arab States on the development of the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace and Security.
The young people in the Arab region are taking action. They are engaged and energised to reduce violence, to combat violent extremism, and to promote the disengagement and reintegration of former fighters. They deserve our support.
At a broader level, the League of Arab States is a trusted partner in the prevention of conflict.
We encourage the UN and the League of Arab States to continue the invaluable regular consultations to analyse early warning signs and develop appropriate preventive measures together.
Mr. President, to conclude,
Denmark is a firm advocate for bold regional leadership for peace and security. The League of Arab States exemplifies this.
Secretary General Aboul Gheit, as your region navigates immense challenges, and changes, you can count on Denmark’s close partnership.
We look forward to deepening the engagement of this Council with the League of Arab States for peace and security.
Thank you.
Shukran said El-Rais (Thank you Mr. President)
Checked against delivery