Director-General's remarks at the "War, Peace and Neutrality Forum "

"War, Peace and Neutrality Forum "
Friday, 10 October 2025, at 9.30 am
Room XVI, Palais des Nations

Dr. Mahathir [Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chairman of Non-Alignment Movement], 
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the Palais des Nations and to address this important forum on war, peace and neutrality. Let me begin by thanking the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan, the Center for Neutrality, and the Greater Caspian Association for bringing us together to reflect on these timeless and timely themes.

Neutrality is a fundamental principle in international relations. Yet, it is often misunderstood. Neutrality is not indifference. Nor does it mean inaction. In the United Nations, neutrality has a precise meaning as endorsed by the General Assembly: it requires humanitarian actors not to take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. This principle is essential for the UN – and for many other actors – to carry out their mandates independently, credibly and effectively, and to meet the needs of those we serve, especially in politically-charged situations.

In today’s world, where tensions are rising and divides are deepening, neutrality matters more than ever for an organization such as the United Nations. It creates the space for preventive diplomacy, mediation, good offices, fact-finding, and peacebuilding. Neutrality helps preserve the channels of communication that are vital to preventing crises from escalating, facilitating humanitarian access, and protecting civilians when they are most vulnerable.

Neutrality is critical to the daily work of the United Nations. It allows us to earn and sustain the confidence of all parties so that we may fulfill our mandate - whether supporting peace negotiations, delivering food and healthcare, facilitating education, or assisting communities to recover from human-made and natural disasters.

The importance of neutrality was reaffirmed by General Assembly resolution 71/275, adopted in February 2017 at the initiative of Turkmenistan, which proclaimed 12 December the International Day of Neutrality. Each year, we mark this day by raising awareness of the value of neutrality in international relations and highlighting its powerful role in fostering dialogue and preventing conflict.

That same resolution recognized that national policies of neutrality can strengthen international peace and security and help developing mutually beneficial relations among States. In this context, Turkmenistan’s status as a permanently neutral state, recognized by the General Assembly resolution 50/80 adopted in December 1995, remains a notable example. A number of other Member States maintain national policies of neutrality, including our Host Country, Switzerland.

Neutrality is also enshrined in the Pact for the Future, adopted by world leaders last year to transform global governance and create a safer, more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for future generations. In the Pact, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality – principles that are vital for enabling safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in armed conflicts.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In the face of war and conflict, neutrality is not weakness. It is the commitment to uphold principles even when it is difficult. Neutrality does not mean standing still. It means standing firm, on the side of peace, the rules of international law, including those governing human rights and conflict, and humanity.

Nor is neutrality an abstraction. History shows us that neutrality can strengthen peace and security, both regionally and globally. It contributes to building platforms for negotiation and reconciliation. It enables countries to forge peaceful, friendly and mutually beneficial relations. It is also a practical tool that allows the international community, including the United Nations, to deliver aid and protection in moments of crisis, conflict, and disaster.

Neutrality also comes with responsibility. For those serving under the UN flag, it entails a commitment to uphold this principle in all circumstances. This is a responsibility we take very seriously. We join the United Nations because we want to help make the world a better place, and we recognize that neutrality is one of the key tools to achieve that goal.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we reflect on war and peace today, let us also reaffirm our commitment to neutrality as a proactive force for protecting lives, upholding dignity, and laying the foundations for lasting peace. I wish you all a day of productive and inspiring discussions.

Thank you.