Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN at the UNSC Open Debate «Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-centered International System»

28 May, 2026

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to extend our gratitude to the Presidency of China in the UN Security Council, represented by His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the State Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, for convening today’s Open Debate, which provides a timely opportunity to reconfirm commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We also thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his comprehensive briefing.

More than 80 years after the founding of the United Nations and the adoption of the UN Charter, its purposes and principles remain the foundation of the international order and a shared commitment across generations. Yet the world continues to face devastating armed conflicts, use and threats of use of force against sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns. The illicit use of new technologies and Artificial Intelligence is a crisis multiplier.

At a time of growing geopolitical tensions and declining trust, it is essential to reaffirm the core principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including sovereign equality, respect for the territorial integrity and political independence of states, the non-use of force or threat of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, mediation and diplomacy.

In this context, preserving the credibility, effectiveness and central role of the United Nations as the principal and most universal forum for multilateral dialogue and collective action remains essential for addressing current and emerging global challenges, while ensuring that the Organization remains inclusive, responsive and reflective of the interests and concerns of all Member States.

Mr. President,

In the Pact for the Future, UN Member States reaffirmed commitment to act in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and its purposes and principles. In light of the credibility challenges and diffusion of responsibility, the peoples of the United Nations need a multilateral system capable of delivering effectively across the three pillars — peace and security, development and human rights, grounded in equal respect for international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter.

In this regard, the role of the Secretary-General as a guardian of the Charter and a voice for preventive diplomacy remains particularly important, especially at a time when the United Nations is called upon to adapt more effectively to evolving global challenges. We believe that the UN80 initiative, if pursued in an inclusive and transparent manner with the meaningful engagement of all Member States, can contribute to strengthening the effectiveness, coherence and responsiveness of the Organization in addressing current and emerging global challenges.

Mr. President,

With regard to efforts aimed at establishing conditions under which justice and respect for obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, we stress the importance of full and unconditional compliance by all UN Member States with international humanitarian law. The timely and efficient response of the Security Council is crucial to address the suffering of civilian populations caught in conflict.

The United Nations needs to invest more in prevention. To this end, we recognize the role of education for peace in promoting mutual understanding, respect, tolerance, global citizenship and human rights, while countering violence, xenophobia and hate. In this regard, Armenia has initiated the UN General Assembly resolution entitled “Education for Peace” with the view to consolidate global efforts to fully unlock the potential of education in advancing peace and non-violence and fostering peaceful, just and inclusive societies.

Armenia remains convinced that sustainable peace and stability can only be advanced through genuine dialogue, confidence-building and sustained commitment by all parties to address differences exclusively through peaceful means, in full respect of the Charter of the United Nations and through good-faith efforts aimed at building trust and advancing lasting peace.

Summing up, Armenia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. At a time of growing instability and fragmentation, the Security Council must continue to uphold its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security through preventive diplomacy, dialogue, mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes, acting in a consistent, credible and non-selective manner in accordance with international law.

Strengthening trust in multilateralism and the United Nations system remains essential for advancing peace, security, sustainable development and human rights for all and for preserving an international order based on cooperation, justice and the rule of law.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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