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

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

 at the open debate of the Security Council on the theme “Leadership for Peace” under the agenda item “Maintenance of International Peace and Security”

15 December 2025

Mr. President,

I would like to begin by commending the delegation of Slovenia for convening this important meeting.

The concept note outlines as a context of today’s discussions a convergence of serious and interconnected crises confronting the international community and placing severe strain on the multilateral system.

With regard to the guiding questions posed for the purposes of this meeting, it is worth mentioning that, in its presidential statement adopted on the occasion of an open debate on the same title in September 2024, the Security Council, inter alia, underscored the importance of upholding multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations.

The presidential statement further placed an emphasis on commitments under international law and the universality of the purposes and principles of the Charter.

In this regard, more efforts are needed to counter misinterpretations of the Charter and international law and ensure that international obligations are implemented in the sense and meaning as they were developed and adopted.

Azerbaijan’s own painful experience is a vivid example that international law and the Charter purposes and principles must be applied equally, consistently and without selectivity and double standards.      

First and foremost, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and non-interference in their internal affairs are imperative for maintaining international peace and security and promoting development.

Furthermore, through inclusive multilateralism all States, large and small, in particular developing countries, must have the possibility to participate equally in global decision-making. The Security Council must be reformed to be more representative and effective.

Mr. President, Azerbaijan has consistently advanced the aspirations of multilateralism, as demonstrated by our hosting of the 29th Climate Change Conference last year, result-oriented chairmanships in the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and increasingly active role in other international platforms. Azerbaijan’s full-fledged membership in the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia will further strengthen our capacity to contribute to multilateralism. 

Azerbaijan reaffirms its resolve to continue efforts towards further promoting the peace agendas in our region and worldwide, and ensuring that the multilateral system is more effective and better equipped to deliver on its promises.

Thank you.