Remarks to the Security Council by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on threats to international peace and security.
—
Madam President,
I would like to make a small introduction and then my two colleagues will brief the Council.
Excellencies,
Two days ago, in this very chamber, I made a direct appeal: Give peace a chance.
That call was not heeded.
Instead, the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.
From the outset of the crisis, I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East.
The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction.
And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation.
To avoid it, diplomacy must prevail. Civilians must be protected. Safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed.
We must act – immediately and decisively – to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear programme.
We need a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution – one that restores trust – including with full access to inspectors of the IAEA, as the United Nations technical authority in this field.
The Non-Proliferation Treaty is a cornerstone of international peace and security.
Iran must fully respect it.
And all Member States must act in accordance with their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law, including international humanitarian law.
The United Nations stands ready to support any and all efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
But peace cannot be imposed – it must be chosen.
Madam President,
We face a stark choice.
One path leads to wider war, deeper human suffering, and serious damage to the international order.
The other leads to de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue.
We know which path is right.
I urge this Council – and all Member States – to act with reason, restraint, and urgency.
For the first time since 2011, the original UN Charter is back on display at United Nations Headquarters in New York, This historic document, signed in 1945, is the foundation of the United Nations and a symbol of international cooperation.
Now showcased as part of a special exhibit marking the 80th anniversary of the San Francisco Conference, this rare display honors the moment when 50 nations came together to shape a new era of peace after World War II.
Held from April to June 1945, the San Francisco Conference brought together delegates from around the world to draft and adopt the UN Charter, setting the principles of diplomacy, human rights, and global collaboration that still guide the UN today.
0:15 5 nations leading energy transition – The World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index 2025 ranks countries by how well they are progressing towards secure, equitable, and sustainable energy systems.
3:51 Start-ups upcycle carbon waste – Three innovative start-ups are proving that carbon emissions don’t have to be waste—they can be resources. These UpLink Top Innovators are transforming CO2 into materials used in daily life.
6:25 UK kids project boots fitness – Around the world, most kids don’t get enough exercise. But one initiative in Bradford, UK, shows this can be changed with the right approach.
8:05 Why the ocean is getting darker – Over the past 20 years, more than 20% of the world’s ocean has grown darker. This trend is shrinking the photic zone—the sunlit layer that supports nearly all marine life.
____________________________________________
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa in a tête-à-tête with Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia during her visit to the Republic of South Africa at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s Official Residence in Pretoria.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa receiving Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, on a courtesy visit at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s Official Residence in Pretoria.
This week, here are some impressions from the G7 Summit – from the one that took place 45 years ago. Want to discover more? Dive further with us into the European Commission’s audiovisual archives and discover important anniversaries with our new weekly AV history teaser!
Upcoming anniversaries in the teaser:
· 1980: Western Economic (G7) Summit in Venice
· 1994: Signature ceremony of the accession treaties of Austria, Sweden, and Finland to the EU during the European Council in Corfu, Greece
· 2000: Signing of the Cotonou Agreement to foster to the partnership between African, Caribbean and Pacific (APC) States and the EU in Benin
· 2010: Inauguration of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)
Get the complete material from our archive:
https://europa.eu/!twCTP9
https://europa.eu/!xRFhTP
https://europa.eu/!pBbCWq
https://europa.eu/!Cr7VWG
https://europa.eu/!HPn8FW
Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission
On 20 June, President Ursula von der Leyen co-chairs “The Mattei plan for Africa and Global Gateway: A common effort with the African Continent” event, together with Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, in Rome.
Following the opening of the event, European Commission President von der Leyen, Prime Minister Meloni and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairman of the African Union Commission, convene for a press conference.
👉 Follow live events and access media content here:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/
🐦 Stay updated — follow us on X: https://x.com/EC_AVService
Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission
