Thank you, Mister President
And I would like to begin by thanking the Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Mrs Elizabeth Spehar and the Secretaries General of CSTO, CIS and SCO for their interventions.
Cooperation with regional organizations, in accordance with Chapter VIII of our Charter, is an essential element of international relations, which we fully support. And the maintenance of international peace and security is at the heart of the United Nations Charter. Full adherence to the principles of this Charter constitutes the common basis of all cooperation and the source of mutual trust, an essential element in our bilateral and multilateral relations. We therefore regret that one of the founding members of the organizations we are discussing today, Russia, is violating the Charter and international law by its aggression against Ukraine.
Fundamental respect for the Charter is essential to ensure good collaboration between the UN and regional organizations, whether based in Africa, Asia, Europe or elsewhere. The CSTO, CIS and SCO, founded in the wake of the great historic turning points of our generation, are important partners and must therefore continue to follow these principles.
In view of today's challenges, we urge joint action. One example is climate change, which exacerbates security risks and regional stability. Transboundary water management is becoming increasingly important, especially for Central Asian states. The UN is already committed to preventing water-related conflicts, notably through its regional center. Switzerland is active in this field. One example is the Geneva Water Hub, which contributes to peace and sustainable development in the region.
It is also crucial to ensure good communication between the UN and the various regional organizations. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)remains an indispensable partner for the UN and this Council as a platform for inclusive dialogue. The OSCE's strength lies in its holistic approach to security. Particularly in these tense times, the Helsinki Accords, the foundation of the OSCE, must remain our benchmark for the architecture of common peace and security in Europe. The basis for UN cooperation with the OSCE could serve as an example for the cooperation with any other regional organization.
Finally, exchanges on various topics with countries in the region are important. Switzerland welcomes the substantial exchanges on geopolitical, economic and financial issues made possible by the meeting of the voting group within the Bretton Woods institutions in Dushanbe earlier this month - attended by our Finance and Foreign Affairs Ministers. The recent mission by our ministers to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan illustrates the importance of close cooperation with this region, which continues to strengthen and develop.
Mister President
For the UN and this Council, regional organizations are absolutely essential partners. The summit of the future and the new agenda for peace will have to strengthen these partnerships to better face future challenges. We must all face these challenges together, respecting human rights and doing so in an inclusive manner - putting the Women, Peace and Security and Youth agendas at the heart of our collective commitment. And finally, compliance with the Charter and international law must guide us, at all times and in all circumstances.
I thank you.