UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the United Nations’ active role in mediating conflicts worldwide during a recent press conference. Guterres outlined the organization’s involvement in various conflict zones, including Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite facing resistance from some parties, the UN remains engaged in multiple scenarios to promote peace and security.
Responding to concerns about the UN’s future role in global peacekeeping, Guterres acknowledged that there are instances where the organization cannot mediate due to the reluctance of conflicting parties. He cited examples like Israel, which has rejected UN mediation based on the organization’s Charter values. Guterres underscored the UN’s proactive stance in crisis prevention, particularly in South Sudan, the DRC, Myanmar, and Western Sahara, through mediation and peacebuilding efforts.
Highlighting the limitations faced by the UN, Guterres noted the absence of coercive power to compel parties to engage in negotiations. Despite this constraint, he emphasized the organization’s continuous efforts in mediating conflicts, fostering dialogue, and facilitating peace processes globally.
