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:

“The United Nations Organization: looking into the future”

24 October 2025

Mr. President,

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

On this day eighty years ago the Charter of the United Nations entered into force. This was an unprecedented achievement of collective will to save future generations from the scourge of war and build a peaceful and just world through cooperation and the rule of law.

As one author has noted, the Charter is not only the multilateral treaty which created the Organization and outlined the rights and obligations of its parties, it is also the constitution of the United Nations, which lays down its functions and prescribes its limitations.

The overarching purpose of the Organization 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.

Over the past eight decades, under the United Nations umbrella, dedicated common efforts have catalyzed decolonization, helped resolve conflicts, contributed to the development and codification of international law and supported countries in achieving sustainable development.

At the same time, successes have been accompanied by setbacks. At a time when the world is deeply divided and uncompromising, our tribute must therefore be also a call to action and a re-commitment to the Charter’s purposes and principles in the sense and meaning as they were developed and adopted.

It should be emphasized in this regard that these purposes and principles were not agreed upon to be interpreted arbitrarily as permitting, encouraging, or justifying aggression. Consequently, more efforts are needed to counter misinterpretations of the Charter and international law in general, reaffirm the absence of conflict between the commonly agreed norms and principles and recall the duty to implement international obligations in good faith.    

Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and non-interference in their internal affairs are critical to any progress in preventing and mitigating conflicts, maintaining international peace and security and promoting sustainable economic and social development.

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.

The challenges caused by ethno-nationalism and hatred, along with the incitement to fragmentation, violence and extremism, require constant attention and decisive counter-action.

The emphasis on the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes is equally important with a view to ensuring justice and protecting and promoting human rights and advancing reconciliation.

Through coordinated global action, we must strengthen the commitments and accountability of governments and other stakeholders for the spread of disinformation and misinformation.

Last but not least, stronger 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 steadfast commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations and its resolve to continue consistent efforts towards further promoting peace, security and stability in our region and beyond, developing international cooperation and ensuring that the multilateral system is more effective and better equipped to deliver on its promises.

Thank you.