Remarks by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

at the high-level discussion on the “UN Charter at 80: Reimagining Conflict Prevention and Resolution”, organized by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations

and the Global Peace Chain

UNHQ, CR11, 16 January 2026

I would like to begin by commending the Permanent Mission of Pakistan and the Global Peace Chain for convening this high-level discussion and share briefly some thoughts as to the possible ways of ensuring effective response to peace and security challenges and strengthening preventive diplomacy and mediation.

As is known, the overarching purpose of the United Nations was defined as maintaining international peace and security and to that effect collective measures were envisaged for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace and suppression of acts of aggression and bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.

However, over the past eight decades, some successes have been accompanied by major setbacks.

It is noteworthy that, in most cases, if not all, the violators of international law seek to substantiate their claims and actions by misinterpreting the commonly agreed norms and principles and misusing the means of dispute or conflict settlement as a shield for consolidating military gains, prolonging impunity and delaying peace. In that sense, stronger cooperation and more efforts are needed to counter misinterpretations and disinformation.    

States have a free choice as to the mechanisms of settling their disputes or resolving conflicts to reach satisfactory terms for their termination by themselves. The 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law makes it clear that in seeking an early and just settlement, the parties are to agree upon such peaceful means as they see appropriate to the circumstances and nature of the dispute.

However, it should be clarified that the sole purpose of the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes is to prevent disputes from escalating, rather than to freeze the outcomes of armed hostilities. Otherwise, the prohibition on the use of force and the right of self-defence would have little value.

Azerbaijan’s own painful experience is a striking example of apparent deviation of the then-existing regional conflict settlement format from the universally accepted principles of effective mediation.

First and foremost, for the credibility and effectiveness of preventive diplomacy and mediation, selectivity and double standards should have no place in issues relating to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

Furthermore, mediation should not and cannot monopolize all dispute or conflict related issues and prevent international organizations from fulfilling their respective mandates.

As one of the non-binding means of settling international disputes, whether offered by the United Nations or regional or subregional organizations, mediation is a voluntary process excluding imposition and requiring consent of the parties in contention.

Last but not least, for the purposes of promoting and sustaining peace, greater solidarity is essential with countries that are overcoming the severe consequences of conflict, rebuilding devastated cities, rehabilitating the destroyed environment and biodiversity and helping forcibly displaced populations return to their homes in safety and dignity. Such solidarity is critical to my country and many States around the world.

Azerbaijan reaffirms its resolve to continue consistent efforts towards further consolidating peace, security and stability in our region and beyond and promoting and expanding international and regional partnership and cooperation to that effect.