Commitment of Our Kingdom at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA)

In the United Nations, 193 countries come together to make agreements for a better and safer world. At one place, the biggest challenges in the world are discussed: the General Assembly of the United Nations (in Dutch: Algemene Vergadering van de Verenigde Naties). In the UNGA, countries consult each other and make decisions together, also known as resolutions. Each country has 1 vote on such decisions.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a member of the United Nations (UN) as a whole. Therefore, the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten usually go to the UNGA together on behalf of the Kingdom. The delegation of the Kingdom consists of the prime ministers of the countries, among others. Read more about the program of the Kingdom delegation at the UNGA.

In a world with problems that transcend national borders, the UN is of great importance. An organization where we can tackle these challenges with as many countries as possible. Because together we are stronger. Therefore, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to international cooperation. This also helps to protect our own prosperity and security.

Conflicts and tensions in the world require an organization where countries come together to discuss and seek solutions. The Kingdom wants the UN to continue focusing on peace and security, based on clear agreements and rules. At the beginning of the week, Minister Van Weel will attend a conference on the two-state solution. The Kingdom also organizes meetings that oversee compliance with the UN Charter, such as the annual meeting in support of the International Criminal Court and an event on accountability for Sudan and Ukraine. This way, we ensure that cooperation remains more important than the right of the strongest.

Poverty and inequality remain major challenges affecting countries worldwide. The Kingdom wants the UN to continue to commit to sustainable development, so that everyone has access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and clean drinking water. In this context, the Kingdom also seeks cooperation with less traditional partners, as broad coalitions are needed to reduce inequality and prevent new tensions.

Climate change affects us all, especially small and vulnerable countries, such as Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Our islands are facing rising sea levels and extreme weather. Therefore, multilateral cooperation is crucial to address the challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including climate change and financial vulnerability. The Kingdom wants the UN to help find solutions and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.

The UN must continue to adapt to a changing world. The Kingdom is committed to reforms that make the organization more effective and efficient. With the UN-80 initiative, the Secretary-General is working towards a financially resilient UN that focuses better on its core tasks: peace, security, human rights, and development. It is important that assistance to the most vulnerable remains a priority.

Globally, human rights and democracy are under pressure. The Kingdom sees it as its responsibility to stand up for justice together with other countries. Thus, during the UNGA, we are organizing an event with Chile to protect and reform the human rights pillar of the UN Charter.