UN - General Assembly: Agenda Item 31(b) - Strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution

UN - General Assembly: Agenda Item 31(b) - Strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution

New York, 1 June 2026 - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States on the UN General Assembly Agenda item 31(b): Strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution, delivered by Mr. Quentin Weiler, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.

Check against delivery

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro*, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia, Andorra and San Marino, align themselves with this statement.

President,

Allow me from the outset to convey our appreciation for today's General Assembly debate on mediation, a topic which remains absolutely central to the work of the United Nations.

In the current geopolitical context, with the international rules-based order being challenged, the EU partnership with the UN is more important than ever. We face the highest number of state-based conflicts since the end of World War II. Conflicts are also becoming more complex, with 78 countries engaged in conflicts beyond their borders through proxy dynamics. We also see how armed groups interact with organised crime, with consequences for our own security.

No single actor can face these challenges on its own, and our shared values and approach to peace mediation make the UN and EU essential allies. Supporting the multilateral system and working together enables us to leverage our respective strengths to contribute to sustaining peace.

The current surge in international conflicts is met with increased interest-driven mediation and rushed peace agreements. In the EU, we know that only just and lasting peace works. The UN has a unique role to bring back best practices.

Let me mention a few useful examples:

First - we know that dialogue involving local communities, minorities and young people make peace stick. The EU supports insider mediation through a programme implemented by UNDP. We focus on how individuals from conflict affected communities can take the lead in facilitating dialogue, building trust, and paving the way for sustainable peace.

Second - we know that including women in peace processes vastly increases the chance of lasting peace. Data shows that women around the table make lasting peace more probable by 30%. In this regard, we thank the UN for the Secretary-General's Common Pledge for Women's Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes from 2024, and for which the EU has signed up. The Common Pledge provides us with a multilateral opportunity to advance the role of women mediators in conflict resolution.

Third - our main point today: we also know that involving multilateral structures - first and foremost the UN - helps bridge narrower national interests. In fact, the EU's most important partner in peace mediation is the UN, including by collaborating with and supporting the UN Mediation Standby team (SBT) since 2009.

President,

The EU is a global peace actor with a clear resolve to promote effective multilateralism and uphold the rules-based international order and the principles of the UN Charter.

This is why we believe mediation must also remain central to UN efforts. We would like to see UN leading mediation even more processes. UN mandate and capacities for peace mediation and dialogue should be strengthened. And the EU is ready to partner up.

We rarely engage in mediation as a sole actor. EU strong emphasis on partnerships and its effective collaboration with international and regional organisations is a strength.

Co-leading arrangements with the UN strengthens the multilateral dimension and facilitates coordination and coherence. Constellations that include regional organisations can bring significant local ownership, responsibility and partnership elements to the mediation process.

President,

Finally, in the lead up to the selection of the next UN Secretary-General and in light of the ongoing efforts under the UN80 Initiative, the EU will continue to advocate for UN engagement in peaceful conflict resolution. We want the UN to continue being the honest broker it has always been. With more conflicts than ever, a strong UN peace mediation role is essential.

Thank you.

1. ^

   North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.