NEW YORK CITY: The UN Security Council must reform to “reflect the realities of the modern world” and so it is equipped to deal with current and future challenges, Kuwait’s crown prince told the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also said it is vital that the international community maintain the UN’s effectiveness, especially amid current escalating global crises.
He stressed that global challenges such as conflicts, inequality and financial instability require “innovative and collective” solutions from key international institutions, including the UN.
Kuwait, he added, believes strongly in the importance of making the UNSC more representative and democratic.
Sheikh Sabah also reiterated Kuwait’s “unwavering” support for the Palestinian people and their struggle to establish an independent state based on the 1967 borders, and for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
“We condemn the illegal and inhumane actions of the Israeli occupation forces, including the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the forcible displacement of Palestinian citizens, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank,” he said.
“We call on the international community to assume its responsibilities and put an end to the violations and injustices suffered by the Palestinian people under the ongoing Israeli occupation.
“We also condemn Israel’s continued violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, including its repeated military incursions and violations of Lebanese airspace, which destabilize the region and disregard international law.”
Sheikh Sabah praised Saudi Arabia for its role in alleviating the humanitarian crises in regional countries such as Syria and Libya, and its support for the UN-recognized government in Yemen.
“We commend Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the political process in Yemen, and their leadership in supporting the legitimate government and promoting peace,” he said.
“We believe that the Saudi-led coalition’s efforts will pave the way for a political solution that ensures Yemen’s security and stability.”
The crown prince said Kuwait remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people, and it is working closely with international organizations to ensure the delivery of necessary assistance.
He called for urgent international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, and urged all parties to respect the country’s “sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
He urged Iran to respect international law and the sovereignty of its regional neighbors, adding that peaceful relations between countries in the Middle East are critical for stability.
“Kuwait fully supports the international community’s efforts to address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program,” he said.
“We urge Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and abide by international agreements to ensure the security and stability of the Gulf region.”
Sheikh Sabah congratulated Saudi Arabia on its successful bids to host the World Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup as a victory for the Kingdom and the region as a whole, which would highlight its “significant progress and its role on the international stage.”
