STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR NADZIRAH OSMAN
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE
STRENGTHENING THE MECHANISMS FOR THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES: FOLLOW-UP TO SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2788 (2025)
NEW YORK, 23 JULY 2026
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Madam President,
Malaysia thanks the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this important debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing pursuant to resolution 2788, and for presenting his recommendations.
2. A year ago, this Council spoke with one voice. Under Pakistan’s Presidency, it unanimously adopted resolution 2788, reaffirming that peaceful settlement of dispute under Chapter VI, remains our first defence against conflict. Today, we must translate that shared commitment into action.
3. The urgency of this task is clear. Prolonged conflicts continue to devastate communities, weaken institutions, undermine economic growth and destabilise entire regions. The ongoing situation in the Middle East illustrates these far-reaching consequences. The conflict has disrupted energy supplies, threatened food security, deepened humanitarian suffering and caused widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. These consequences rarely remain confined within national borders.
Madam President,
4. Against this backdrop, we support the Secretary-General’s recommendations to strengthen the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. In this regard, we wish to highlight three priorities.
5. First, on prevention. Resolution 2788 rightly urged Member States to make full and effective use of the mechanisms under Article 33. These include negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement and recourse to regional agencies or arrangements. Crucially, these tools must be used early, consistently and in good faith, before disputes escalate into armed conflict.
6. Malaysia has consistently supported these mechanisms, including recourse to the International Court of Justice, as effective means of upholding international law and the rule of law. Our own experience demonstrates that complex transboundary and territorial disputes can be resolved peacefully through diplomacy, principled engagement and respect for international law.
7. Second, on cooperation with regional organisations. As recognised under Chapter VIII, regional organisations are indispensable partners in preventive diplomacy and dispute resolution. Within ASEAN, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia continues to anchor a regional order based on dialogue, restraint and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
8. Building on this principles and experience, Malaysia calls for deeper and more structured cooperation between the Council and regional as well as sub-regional organizations. Such cooperation should draw on regional knowledge, strengthen early engagement and support locally driven solutions.
9. Third, on the Council itself. The Security Council is entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It plays a critical role in advancing the peaceful settlement of disputes as a tool to prevent conflict, reduce tensions and promote sustainable peace.
10. Yet, growing polarisation and the pursuit of narrow political interests, including among its permanent members, have at times constrained the Council’s ability to act. This must change. We recall Action 16 of the Pact for the Future, in which Member States renewed their commitment to preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. This commitment must be reflected, first and foremost, in the conduct of this Council.
11. To conclude, Malaysia will continue to work closely with Member States, the UN, and regional partners to advance the implementation of resolution 2788, and to uphold the peaceful settlement of disputes as a fundamental principle of the UN Charter.
Thank you, Madam President.