(Bandar Seri Begawan, 29th) Brunei has called on the international community to restore faith in multilateralism, jointly address global challenges, and strongly urged for reforms of the UN Security Council, while advocating justice for the Palestinian people.
At the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Brunei's Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Erywan, delivered a speech reflecting on the accomplishments of the United Nations over its eighty years in peace, development, and human rights, while warning that division and inaction now threaten the UN’s credibility.
He conveyed greetings from His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei to the Assembly, congratulated Germany's Annalena Baerbock on her inauguration as President of the Assembly, and praised Secretary-General Guterres for his achievements in leading the United Nations during turbulent times. Erywan noted that the UN's 80th anniversary is not only a commemoration, but also "a solemn opportunity for reflection and renewal."
The Minister emphasized that the United Nations has played an important role in conflict prevention, promoting global health, leading development goals, and shaping international law.
“For small countries like Brunei, joining the United Nations not only affirms our sovereignty, but also our equality and dignity, as well as our sense of belonging within the international family.”
“For small countries like Brunei, joining the United Nations not only affirms our sovereignty, but also our equality and dignity, as well as our sense of belonging within the international family.”
He mentioned Brunei’s participation in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in Aceh, Mindanao, Cambodia-Thailand, and Lebanon, and also emphasized ASEAN’s role in promoting regional peace and prosperity. He reiterated Brunei's commitment to advancing the environmental agenda through the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change.
Erywan stated bluntly that the United Nations must not overlook its shortcomings, singling out the Security Council for being “paralyzed by veto deadlocks and divided interests,” remaining silent in the face of grave injustice—“Palestine being the most obvious example.”
He stressed: “Recognizing the State of Palestine and supporting its full membership to the United Nations is not a reward, but an inherent right. This is a matter of principle, justice, and humanity.” Brunei also supports efforts to limit and ultimately abolish the veto power, as well as the New York Declaration on Palestine.
Under the theme of the Assembly "Bridging Cultures, Building a Better Future Together," the minister reiterated that small nations depend on multilateralism for survival, calling on all countries to unite in addressing climate change, pandemics, and inequality. He quoted His Majesty the Sultan calling on all countries to uphold the UN Charter and international law “without bias or discrimination.”
In conclusion, the minister emphasized: “The 80th anniversary of the United Nations is not just about history, but about commitment—a commitment to move forward together and never repeat the mistakes of the past. Because the world is watching, and the future is listening.”