2024-09-26
"Mrs. President,
Dear Colleagues,
It is a pleasure to be here with you all. I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Slovenia for initiating this very timely debate.
At the first Session in 1946, the founders promised to unite to maintain global peace and security. As a responsible member of the international community, Georgia actively contributes to global peace. For more than two decades, we have made substantial contributions to NATO and EU-led missions worldwide, making Georgia one of the largest per capita contributors to the NATO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. 32 brave Georgian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, while hundreds of others suffered injuries in the pursuit of freedom and peace.
As we strive for peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all, it is disheartening to witness the ongoing war in Ukraine. We understand the challenges Ukraine currently faces and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We have sponsored, joined, and supported more than 600 resolutions, statements, joint statements, and other initiatives by major international organizations and institutions to support Ukraine. The Government of Georgia has also been providing substantial humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the war, both in the country and to those currently residing in Georgia.
Recognizing the value of peace we have led the effort to transform our immediate South Caucasus from a conflict zone into one of opportunity, wholeheartedly welcoming the peaceful settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and providing a platform for regional cooperation to foster trust and unity for a shared future.
It has been nearly 8 decades since the creation of this Organization and we still struggle to achieve peace. Regrettably, in the world rife with conflicts, rules-based international order is persistently challenged posing growing risks to peace and stability.
Peace and security, along with human rights and development, are the main pillars of the UN's work. Respect for international law and rules-based international order are the foundations for the peaceful, prosperous and just world, while efficient, more fit for purpose global institutions, with the UN at its core, are crucial to ensure stability, security, respect for human rights and development globally.
Our meeting today should offer a promise for a better future that is very much needed in the current turbulent world.
Dear Colleagues,
Once again I would like to emphasize the importance of the Peace Formula Initiative and our support to it.
Finally, let me emphasize that only by upholding the principles of the UN Charter and international law, we will be able to fulfil our promise - to maintain peace and security, to pave the way for the realization of human rights and sustainable development. Today, more than ever, there is a critical need for a stronger commitment to international principles, effective multilateralism and accountability.
Thank you!"