UNITED NATIONS: Under Pakistan’s presidency, the United Nations Security Council on Thursday adopted a presidential statement reaffirming its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and urged the UN Secretary-General to continue to use mediation to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in close coordination with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“The Security Council recognizes the value of close cooperation, as appropriate, with regional and subregional organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, in order to enhance the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in a coherent, efficient and effective manner,” a Council’s presidential statement said at the end of a debate on promoting cooperation between the UN and OIC, convened by Pakistan.
The presidential statement, which was adopted by consensus, was read out by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who presided over the Security Council meeting on Pakistan’s signature event.
The Security Council reaffirmed its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security under the UN Charter, stressing the value of cooperation with regional and subregional organisations to enhance collective security.
“The Security Council recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirms its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security and in this regard, the Security Council reiterates that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, and consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, can improve collective security,” according to the press release issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It recalled past resolutions and presidential statements that highlight the need for effective partnerships between the UN and regional entities in accordance with their respective mandates.
“The Security Council recalls its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President, which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organisations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant statutes of the regional and subregional organisations,” the statement said.
The UN Security Council expressed appreciation for briefings by UN Assistant Secretary-General Khalid Khiari and OIC Assistant Secretary-General Yousef M. Al Dobeay.
“The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the briefings of the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Khalid Khiari, and the Assistant Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Yousef M. Al Dobeay.”
It took note of the 16th biennial meeting between the UN system and OIC institutions held in Astana, acknowledging its role in reviewing and enhancing cooperation in shared areas of interest.
“The Security Council takes note of the 16th biennial general meeting of the organizations and agencies of the United Nations system and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and its subsidiary organs and specialized and affiliated institutions, held in Astana from 22 to 24 July 2024 to review and appraise the level of cooperation between the two organizations and acknowledges the value of further strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest,” the statement read.
The Security Council recognised ongoing efforts by the UN and regional bodies, including the OIC, in promoting conflict resolution, while underscoring the importance of alignment with the UN Charter and relevant Council resolutions.
“The Security Council notes that the United Nations and the regional and subregional organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, work in promoting and facilitating the resolution of conflicts, and stressed the need for this work to be consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful dispute settlement, the Council highlighted the OIC’s potential in supporting dialogue, negotiation, and mediation among its member states.
“The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Chapter VI. The Security Council notes the interest of utilising the existing and potential capabilities of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in this regard, including through encouraging its member countries to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, reconciliation, consultation, negotiation, good offices, mediation, and judicial settlement of disputes,” the statement read.
It underlined the value of the Secretary-General’s good offices and urged continued mediation efforts in collaboration with the OIC where appropriate.
“The Security Council recognises the important role of the good offices of the Secretary-General and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to use mediation as often as possible to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in close coordination with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in that regard, as appropriate.”
The Council welcomed the OIC’s coordinated efforts with the UN in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, mediation, and post-conflict rehabilitation, emphasising the need for consistency with the UN Charter.
“The Security Council welcomes the efforts of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which have been undertaken in coordination with the United Nations, in strengthening its role in conflict prevention, confidence-building, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, mediation and preventive diplomacy, and stresses the need for this work to be consistent with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions of the Council,” the statement read.
It also acknowledged the importance of cooperation between the UN Peacebuilding Commission and the OIC to support nationally led peacebuilding initiatives.
“The Security Council recognises the importance of interaction and cooperation, where appropriate, between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in support of nationally owned and inclusive peacebuilding efforts.”
The Security Council commended OIC member states for their contributions to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including troop deployments in UN operations.
“The Council commends the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for their ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including through the contribution of troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.”
It reiterated the significance of close collaboration with regional organisations like the OIC to ensure effective implementation of Security Council resolutions.
“The Security Council recognises the value of close cooperation, as appropriate, with regional and subregional organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, in order to enhance the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in a coherent, efficient and effective manner,” the statement read.
The Council noted that enhanced information sharing between the UN and the OIC would support joint conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding objectives.
“The Security Council notes that sharing of information and analysis between the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is relevant for advancing their shared concerns on conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and encourages exploring further cooperation in this area.”
It praised the OIC’s commitment to strengthening its capacities in conflict prevention, mediation, and preventive diplomacy.
“The Security Council commends the commitment of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to building its capacity in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, mediation and preventive diplomacy,” the statement read.
The Council acknowledged the importance of deepening cooperation with the OIC in maintaining global peace and security and expressed its intent to hold regular briefings on the matter.
“The Security Council recognises the relevance of enhancing cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security and expresses its intention to hold regular Briefings of the Security Council, as appropriate, in this regard,” according to the press release.
The Security Council requested the UN Secretary-General to include recommendations for improving collaboration with the OIC in his next biannual report to the Council and the General Assembly.
“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to include in his next biannual report to the Security Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organisations, recommendations on ways to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.”
