Prior to his departure for New York to participate in the General Debate of the 80^th Session of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today (22 September 2025) issued the following statement:

The UN Charter represents the hope that jointly agreed rules are stronger than arbitrary violence, that negotiations produce more sustainable solutions than the dominance of individuals, and that a life of dignity can be enjoyed by every human being. However, this promise, made by the world with the founding of the United Nations 80 years ago, is facing unprecedented pressure.

Today, it is swarms of drones, missile parades and nuclear threats that aim to shake our faith in the strength of the law. By waging his illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Putin is acting against everything the United Nations stands for. Iran has been massively enriching its uranium stockpiles for years, refusing full inspection of its nuclear programme by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and thereby adopting a course of action that the world cannot allow. In the Sudan, a civil war is raging that has triggered the worst humanitarian catastrophe of our time. In Haiti, armed gangs are overwhelming the population with violence. Rising sea levels are endangering the livelihoods of people worldwide, while millions continue to live in poverty and underdevelopment.

These days, the eyes of the international community are also focused particularly on the Middle East, where, two years after the Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023, there is still no end to the conflict in sight. What the region needs now is an immediate ceasefire, a substantial increase in humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza and the immediate, unconditional release of the hostages. The attack on Gaza City is absolutely the wrong path being taken. Any and all steps towards an illegal annexation of occupied territory also undermine the chances of resolving the conflict in a sustainable way. However distant it may seem at this moment, a negotiated two-state solution is the path that can enable both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity. Germany regards recognition of a Palestinian state as a step more at the end of the process. However, such a process must now begin.

As the world gathers in New York over the coming days, it will be wrestling with ways to resolve these many crises, conflicts and wars. The United Nations remains the sole – the indispensable – forum that brings the world together. To fulfil its role, it must be a powerful and effective organisation. This is one reason why Germany supports the UN80 initiative launched by the Secretary-General and is working for profound reforms. This includes our push for a Security Council that finally mirrors the realities of the 21^st century – thus giving African, Asian and Latin American countries the voice and weight they deserve.

Many rightly look to Germany with the expectation that we will work for a world where peace, human rights and development are not just distant promises. By standing as a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2027/28, we seek to assume greater responsibility once again. We support a rules-based international order with a strong United Nations at its heart in order to meet global challenges with truly global solutions. It is my firm conviction that this also provides the strongest foundation for our security, our freedom and our prosperity.