Interview: UNGA president urges diplomatic solutions amid escalating global conflicts

by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Shi Chun
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 11 (Xinhua)– Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), has expressed deep concern about the ongoing violent conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine and stressed negotiation and diplomacy must take precedence over the use of force.
“This is not an exhaustive list. Unfortunately, there are many other conflicts around the world which deserve our attention,” Yang told Xinhua in a recent interview, lamenting the continued violations of international law, UN resolutions, and the UN Charter.
“Impunity has become the norm endangering the lives of millions of civilians across the world. These conflicts not only take their lives but are a major setback to the sustainable development of many countries suffering the devastating effects of war,” he said.
Reiterating his earlier statements at the close of this year’s UNGA General Debate, Yang said that “negotiations and diplomatic solutions must take precedence over force.”
“The Charter of the United Nations mandates Member States to settle their disputes peacefully,” he said, urging nations to prioritize diplomacy at every opportunity. “It is best to avoid war and come to the negotiating table instead to solve matters of concern.”
Yang also stressed the prevention of nuclear war amid all these conflicts.
“We need concrete measures to prevent a nuclear war or any use of nuclear weapons — but nuclear-weapon States must take the lead. We rely on Member States like China to discourage irresponsible rhetoric. A nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought,” he said.
“We also rely on all States to uphold existing norms and instruments to regulate conventional weapons and to adhere to their commitment to humanitarian disarmament in order to duly protect civilians,” said Yang.
Addressing the role of the United Nations in the face of such challenges, Yang underscored that “multilateralism and dialogue, based on international law and the UN Charter, remain critical and the only way forward to achieve lasting peace and security for everyone.”
“As President of the General Assembly, I am encouraged that the General Assembly has stepped in when the UN Security Council has been at a deadlock. This demonstrates that the UN General Assembly also has a role to play in maintaining international peace and security. Nonetheless, I also expect the UN Security Council to assume its primary responsibility,” he said. ■