Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov at UN General Assembly: In a world of divisions and conflicts, it is more pressing than ever that we together uphold the principle “Unity makes[...]

Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov at UN General Assembly: In a world of divisions and conflicts, it is more pressing than ever that we together uphold the principle "Unity makes strength"

24.10.2025

The truth that unity makes strength is the core of our identity in Bulgaria. Today, in a world shaken by divisions and conflicts, this principle is felt to be more pressing than ever. The challenges that we face require an agreed response. The Bulgarian credo is the message that we send to the world: hope is to be sought in unity and not in isolation. This was the introductory part of the national statement of Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov within the framework of the 80^th Session of the UN General Assembly. Rossen Jeliazkov reiterated Bulgaria's commitment to effective multilateralism and to the rules-based international order with the UN at its core as a platform for dialog and peace. The Prime Minister emphasized that ever since Bulgaria became a member 70 years ago, it has been adhering to the ideals of the United Nations Organization and contributing to the maintenance of peace, promotion of sustainable development and protection of human rights.

Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov expressed Bulgaria's full support for the initiative of the UN Secretary-General for reforms, UN80. In the Prime Minister's opinion, the Security Council needs to be reformed in addition to a fairer balance in membership with an additional non-permanent seat to be provided to the East European Group. Restrictions on the abuse of veto are likewise needed. The General Assembly must continue to be the core of the UNO - our common forum of dialog and decision-making, Rossen Jeliazkov said further.

The Prime Minister defined Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine as an existential challenge to international order. In Mr. Jeliazkov's view, it is absolutely unacceptable that a founding member of the United Nations Organization and a permanent member of the UN Security Council should wage war while it ignores international law and human rights. Rossen Jeliazkov was firm that the only path to peace is for Ukraine's sovereignty to be respected and its territorial integrity to be fully recovered. A full, instant and unconditional ceasefire is likewise essential.

Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov noted that in recent weeks Russia had been committing gross violations of the sovereign airspace of EU member states and NATO allies with drones and aircraft. These actions indicate that it is Russia that is undermining the peace prospects. Such actions are not to be tolerated and receive our strong, collective and resolute response, Rossen Jeliazkov said.

The Prime Minister pointed out, inter alia, the need for urgent action in the Middle East. He recalled that the brutal Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent devastating conflict are the cause of enormous human suffering. Bulgaria mourns for any lost innocent life - both Israeli and Palestinian, Rossen Jeliazkov said. Further the Prime Minister noted that in Gaza tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, neighbourhoods have been devastated and an innumerable number of inhabitants have been displaced. We must not let this tragedy leave a lasting mark on the conscience of humankind, the Prime Minister said firmly.

In his speech Rossen Jeliazkov said that the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament and arms control continue to be of fundamental importance for collective security.

Regarding the Western Balkans, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov emphasized Bulgaria's support for their European merit-based integration as a path to peace, stability and prosperity. At the same time, the Black Sea region continues to be strategically important for European security and energy sufficiency, and Bulgaria works to transform it into an area of stability and sustainable development. Rossen Jeliazkov pointed out that in July 2025, Bulgaria took over the chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) organization and thus strengthens its leadership in the promotion of regional security, stability and resilience.

In addition, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in 2024-2026, Bulgaria is committed to the protection of human rights by dialog and cooperation. Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov specifically underscored the importance of the UN Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Also, he emphasized the need to empower young people and children, ensuring their meaningful involvement in decision-making, including decisions on actions related to climate and the conservation of cultural heritage.

Further, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov emphasized Bulgaria's commitment to the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 including 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Prime Minister gave prominence to the National Development Program Bulgaria 2030 and to the country's development cooperation policy. Through them Bulgaria implements projects and builds sound partnerships for a more just and balanced world, with special attention to education, healthcare and development of sustainable societies.

Digital governance and new technologies were another focus in the national statement of Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov at the UN General Assembly meeting. Bulgaria supports inclusive, multilateral approaches to global digital governance, Artificial Intelligence and space technologies, Rossen Jeliazkov said as he added that all of them should contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further, he noted the need for an open and safe Internet, human rights protection and digital inclusion.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved without pressing action in the field of climate, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov said firmly. As he put it, extreme climate-related phenomena will become increasingly frequent and severe globally. Bulgaria is not an exception and is among the countries that are victims of dry spells of weather, wild fires and inundations, the Prime Minister said further. Rossen Jeliazkov expressed Bulgaria's support for the Paris Climate Agreement and called for an ambitious contribution by the COP30 in the context of international cooperation in ocean conservation, sustainable management of marine resources and ensured long-term environmental, economic and social sustainability.

Let us recommit to work hand in hand, to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and to guarantee that peace, dignity and opportunity become a reality for every individual on the globe, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov said in conclusion.