Source: Government of the Netherlands
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. What topics are going to be discussed at this General Assembly? And what is the Netherlands’ position on them?
What is the United Nations General Assembly?
The United Nations (UN) is a group of 193 countries that make decisions together to create a safer and better world. Representatives from these countries hold a meeting called a General Assembly to discuss the biggest global challenges. They consult with each other and make decisions, which are called resolutions. Each country has a single vote on a resolution.
A member of the UN: the Kingdom of the Netherlands
All the countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are a member of the UN together. That means that the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten usually all attend the General Assembly together. The Kingdom’s delegation includes the prime ministers of each of those countries.
Global problems need global solutions.
What does the Kingdom of the Netherlands hope to achieve at the General Assembly?
In a world where problems don’t stop at national borders, the United Nations plays a crucial role. It’s an organisation that unites as many countries as possible to face these challenges together. Because together we are stronger. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to international cooperation, which also helps protect our own prosperity and security.
Peace, security and international agreements
Conflicts and tensions show why we need the UN. It is the place where countries meet, talk and look for solutions. The Kingdom of the Netherlands wants the UN to stay focused on peace and security, based on clear rules and agreements. At the start of the week, Foreign Minister Van Weel will attend a conference on the two-state solution. The Kingdom is also organising meetings on upholding the UN Charter, including an annual event in support of the International Criminal Court and a session on accountability for Sudan and Ukraine. In this way, we underline that cooperation must weigh more than the law of the strongest.
Tackling poverty and inequality
Poverty and inequality remain global challenges. The Kingdom of the Netherlands wants the UN to keep working for sustainable development, so that everyone has access to education, healthcare and clean water. To achieve this, we also seek cooperation with less traditional partners, because broad coalitions are needed to reduce inequality and avoid new tensions.
Climate change and vulnerable countries
Climate change affects us all, but small islands like Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten feel the impact most. Rising sea levels and extreme weather put them at risk. The Kingdom believes multilateral cooperation is essential to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS), tackling both climate change and financial vulnerability. We want the UN to help find solutions, so that no one is left behind.
Reforming the UN
The UN must keep pace with a changing world. The Kingdom supports reforms that make the organisation stronger and more efficient. With the UN-80 initiative, the Secretary-General is working towards a UN that is more financially resilient and focused on its core tasks: peace, security, human rights and development. Support for the most vulnerable must remain at the heart of this.
Protecting human rights
Human rights and democracy are under pressure worldwide. The Kingdom of the Netherlands sees it as its duty to stand up for justice together with others. During the UNGA, we are co-hosting an event with Chile to defend and strengthen the human rights pillar of the UN Charter.