This Debate was convened by Pakistan as one of the signature events of its July presidency and was presided over by H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
UN Secretary-General H.E. António Guterres provided a holistic and timely briefing.
The Debate was preceded by the Council’s adoption of a resolution 2788/2025 proposed by Pakistan on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Resolution 2788 reiterates “that all States shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means through dialogue, diplomatic engagement and cooperation in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered,”
Read Full Resolution 2788 here: https://slmissionun.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/250721-Res-on-Strengthening-mechanisms-blue-E.pdf
Sierra Leone’s Charge D’affaires a.i, Deputy Permanent Representative H.E Ambassador Kalilu Totangi, delivered the national statement.
Sierra Leone used its past history to testify to the promise of the UN Charter, “that with political will and international solidarity, peace is possible, sustainable, and transformative.”
Sierra Leone highlighted four points:
First, “the Security Council must move from rhetoric to action.”
In this, Sierra Leone reaffirmed
the importance of the International Court of Justice … “As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations,..
providing ” a peaceful and legally binding mechanism for resolving inter-State disputes and upholding international law.”
Second, “the Security Council must improve its follow-up and implementation of adopted resolutions.”
Third, “the Secretary-General should be fully empowered to act early and decisively. We support the use of Article 99 in instances where emerging crises threaten international peace and security.”
Fourth, “we must shift from reactive crisis management to proactive conflict prevention”.
“Preventive diplomacy should be institutionalized through consent driven horizon scanning, early warning briefings, and partnerships with regional organizations and civil society.”
Read Full Statement here: https://slmissionun.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sierra-Leone-Statement-at-the-UNSC-H-L-Open-Debate-on-Promoting-Int.-Peace-Security-through-Multilateralism-Peaceful-Settlement-of-Disputes-22-May-2025.pdf