Statement by Mr. Zhirayr Ananyan, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UN, at the UN Security Council Open Debate "Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security"

23 June, 2025

Madame President,

At the outset, I would like to extend gratitude to the Presidency of Guyana for convening the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on the topic of poverty, underdevelopment and conflict and their implications on the international peace and security. We thank H.E. Mr. Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, for his presence and valuable contribution, as well as other briefers for their sobering remarks, drawing attention to the importance of peace, security and development nexus.

The recent rising dynamics of conflicts around the globe, looming uncertainties and turbulence of international relations have a devastating impact on sustainable development of Member States, resilience of communities and realization of economic and social rights. The uncontrolled and unabated military buildup, including in our region diverts the financial resources from achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and implementing the pledge of "leaving no one behind". The shrinking ODA further exacerbates the socio-economic situation in developing countries, where poverty, underdevelopment, inequalities within and between societies can fuel tensions and conflicts.

In the Pact for the Future Member States have decided to comprehensively address the drivers and root causes of armed conflict, violence, and instability and their consequences by accelerating the investment in and the implementation of the SDGs, while stressing the interdependence between peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.

Madame President,

We strongly believe that sustainable development should be anchored on strong democratic institutions, upholding of fundamental human rights, justice and peace in the society and worldwide.

Armenia strives to achieve just and sustained peace in the region, including through initiatives aimed at unlocking its economic and trade potential. One such initiative is "The Crossroads of Peace" project of the Government of Armenia. Having the alignment of economic interests with long-awaited peace and stability at the heart of its concept, it aims to shift the paradigm of relationship in the region by building on common interests in various fields of development, such as trade and transport, and promoting people-to-people contacts.

Guided by the vision of comprehensiveness, inclusiveness and equitable use of regional infrastructure "The Crossroads of Peace" project aims at the development of communications between countries of the region and beyond with full respect for the state sovereignty, jurisdiction, territorial integrity and principles of equality and reciprocity.

Madame President,

Summing up, we would like to highlight that enhanced international cooperation is essential for matching words to deeds with regard to addressing the underlying causes of conflicts, such as poverty, exclusion, food insecurity, and lack of essential means of subsistence. The UN Security Council needs to mainstream peace and development nexus in its prevention efforts, including early warning measures and post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding with the focus on the most vulnerable.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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