YouSaid · the spoken record

Ngyema Ndong

lines on the record: 186
first: 2022-01-17
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 37
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Gabon therefore welcomes the appointment by the Secretary-General of Ms. Sigrid Kaag as Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza. We also call for the implementation of all relevant provisions of resolutions 2720 (2023) and 2712 (2023). Furthermore, Gabon demands the unconditional release of all hostages. We will never stop repeating that the solution to the conflict must be political and diplomatic, through dialogue and negotiations undertaken in good faith and respect for the legitimate concerns of each party. We must intensify our efforts to find a just and lasting solution based on the two-State solution.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“The risk of the conflict spreading is very real, given the many reprisal attacks by Yemen’s Houthis against commercial vessels. My country strongly condemns such acts and calls on the Houthis to immediately cease all attacks, which constitute a violation of international law. Gabon has thus far supported every initiative aimed at restoring the hope of saving human lives and contributing to improving the fate of civilian populations and to de-escalation. Resolution 2720 (2023), on increasing and monitoring aid to Gaza, constitutes an opportunity for all parties, in particular to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the establishment in the Gaza Strip of a mechanism for monitoring all humanitarian relief deliveries is an important step.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank all of the briefers for their presentations. A week after the adoption of the resolution aimed at increasing and monitoring humanitarian aid to Gaza (resolution 2720 (2023)), the situation remains particularly alarming, not only in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank, with a renewed intensity in violence. The terrible toll of civilian deaths, destruction and forced displacement continues to grow. Gabon remains very concerned by the most recent developments on the ground, which not only jeopardize the viability of the two-State solution by moving further away from any prospect of constructive dialogue between Israel and Palestine, but also pose the risk of a conflagration of violence throughout the region.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“We are concerned about the attack by the Houthis from Yemen on a ship in the Red Sea, while the situation between Israel and Lebanon remains as volatile as ever. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. We also call for the implementation of resolution 2712 (2023), which has fostered so much hope with a view to saving human lives, particularly those of children and women. We will never stop reiterating that a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be political and diplomatic, through dialogue and negotiations in good faith, while ensuring respect for the legitimate concerns of each party. We must therefore intensify our efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict based on the two-State solution.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, the demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as the guarantee of humanitarian access. Fourthly, the demand for the supply of fuel to Gaza at levels that meet the required humanitarian needs. Gabon supports the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a mechanism to monitor humanitarian aid in Gaza. We also note the temporary opening of a crossing point at Kerem Shalom. The situation is grave. We cannot afford to remain in a state of impasse and inaction. Our term on the Security Council is coming to an end, but until then Gabon intends to spare no effort with regard to silencing the guns in the war between Israel and Hamas and avoiding a conflagration throughout the region — because the risk of a conflagration of the entire region is very real.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Unity within the Security Council is crucial in order to save lives and reconcile with obligations under international humanitarian law. Gabon has supported — and will support — any initiative aimed at restoring the hope of saving human lives and contributing to improving the fate of civilian populations and to de-escalation. The draft resolution on increasing and monitoring aid to Gaza, which we hope to see adopted today, offers an opportunity in particular for the following. First, the reaffirmation that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied in 1967 and that it must be part of the Palestinian State. Secondly, the call for an urgent and lasting cessation of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Likewise, Gabon demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages. As the situation deteriorates on an unprecedented scale on the ground, the divisions within the Council are incomprehensible on a human level. On 12 December, during its tenth emergency special session, the General Assembly adopted, by a vast majority, a resolution calling in particular for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza (General Assembly resolution ES- 10/22). Gabon voted in favour of that resolution. The cessation of hostilities is in fact a prerequisite for secure access to humanitarian aid by civilian populations in need. Likewise, the parties are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue to reactivate a peace process capable of achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): We are grateful to Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland and Major General Patrick Gauchat for their insightful briefings on the situation prevailing in Gaza and the region. Too many people have been killed or injured, too many lives have been wasted and too many destinies have been stolen in the name of a war that cannot be won through violence. The war that has been raging between Israel and Hamas since 7 October — a new phase in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict — appears to be the deadliest ever for both sides. The bloodbath must end. We call on the Israeli authorities to exercise the greatest restraint and responsibility in the conduct of their military operations, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“To conclude, Gabon notes that, despite their antagonisms, the parties remain keen to see the Plan implemented. That is a positive element on which we should continue to build in order to return to full implementation of the agreement.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Fourthly, we must preserve the JCPOA as an important component for peace and security in the Middle East and in the world. Similarly, it is critical to work with the actors in the region at all levels to reduce tensions. My country remains convinced that this objective is complementary to that of making the Middle East a nuclear-weapon-free zone. I reiterate my country’s commitment to the objectives of the JCPOA, which are fully in line with the commitments entered into under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to which Gabon remains deeply committed. I urge the Security Council to do more to preserve the achievements of that historic agreement in order to avoid any setbacks, which would be detrimental to our collective security.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Secondly, it seems equally vital for the International Atomic Energy Agency to be restored to its full capacity in order to enable it to carry out its verification and monitoring missions, which means re-establishing the monitoring and control equipment, as provided for in the agreement, with Iran’s full cooperation, of course. Thirdly, I would like to take note of Iran’s expressed willingness to fulfil its obligations under the JCPOA and urge all parties to maintain the thread of negotiations, through the mechanisms provided for in the agreement, but also by any other means, including bilaterally and through informal channels. The parties must resume dialogue, without preconditions. Suspicions that the commitments contained in paragraph 4 of annex B are being violated can be removed only through frank cooperation by all parties.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Despite the challenges that continue to stand in the way of its full and complete implementation, the Plan of Action continues to constitute the preferred framework for reducing threats to international peace and security linked to nuclear development. In that respect, I would like to make several observations. First, the parties must make concessions. Iran must reverse the measures taken since 2019 and the United States of America must lift or waive the sanctions against the Republic of Iran, in accordance with the commitments under annex 2. From my country’s point of view, that is the best way of restoring the confidence needed to return to the pre-2018 situation.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, Olof Skoog, for their briefings on the state of implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Malta, Mrs. Vanessa Frazier, for her role as Facilitator. The sixteenth report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/975) on the implementation of the action plan of resolution 2231 (2015) reinforces our conviction that to date there is no better alternative to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“In order to achieve that, dialogue and negotiation are the indisputable channels, with a central role to played be the United Nations.”
2023-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9489 (2023) · source
“We will continue to reaffirm that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be political and diplomatic, based on dialogue and good-faith negotiations and ensuring respect for the legitimate concerns of both sides. Gabon reiterates its firm condemnation of all indiscriminate deadly violence and calls for the unconditional release of all hostages. We reiterate our call for unhindered, secure and sustainable access to the delivery and distribution of essential goods and services for the millions of people in need. In conclusion, I reaffirm Gabon’s commitment to the two-State solution, with both States coexisting peacefully on the basis of internationally recognized borders. More than ever, it is the time to translate that solution into concrete action.”
2023-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9489 (2023) · source
“We welcome the combined efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which made achieving the pause possible. The truce must be maintained so that we can once again ground ourselves in international humanitarian law among the ruins in Gaza and the suffering of its population. The deadly violence unleashed by Hamas’s barbaric attacks on 7 October took on unbearable proportions. The time has come to stop counting the dead by the tens of thousands. It is time to stop the flood of children killed by the thousands. The time has come to end the bloodbath in Gaza and the chaos reigning among its civilian population. Gabon once again calls on all parties to show restraint, uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure accountability for serious violations of international law.”
2023-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9489 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I commend China on taking the initiative to convene this open meeting and on its leadership throughout the month of November. I thank the Secretary-General for his update on the situation in the war between Israel and Hamas. We welcome the return to humanity, represented by the agreement that enabled the start of the truce on Friday and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. That emotional moment of respite must be used to save lives, provide assistance to those in need and create the conditions for a permanent cessation of hostilities. It is a window of hope to implement resolution 2712 (2023), adopted by the Security Council on 15 November, and the resolution adopted by the General Assembly (General Assembly resolution ES–10/21).”
2023-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9489 (2023) · source
“We will never stop repeating that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is political and that diplomacy, negotiation and dialogue are the only weapons available to the international community to ensure that the legitimate concerns of all parties, self- determination and the right to security are respected and that peace and security for the Palestinian and Israeli people are guaranteed.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“Unimpeded and sustained access, a cessation of orders for the forced displacement of the people of Gaza, the opening of humanitarian corridors and the unconditional release of hostages will undoubtedly contribute to the calm we all seek. At the same time, we reiterate our call for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted and for a cessation of hostilities that will put an end to the despair of men, women and children who are now confronting death. We support the Israeli victims. It is crucial that those responsible for the violence perpetrated by Hamas be brought to justice for their actions.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“We are aware that the texts presented do not take into account all legitimate concerns, but Gabon believes that the draft resolutions contain elements that can make a difference on the ground, in particular with regard to the humanitarian situation. The acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October triggered the resumption of large-scale hostilities on Israeli soil in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. All the indiscriminate bombardments that followed have led to an escalation of violence, with tragic consequences for the civilian populations and the stability of the region, and they demand a response from our Council. Once again, Gabon urges all parties to exercise restraint and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“Elements that will improve the fate of civilians and ensure de-escalation are set out in both the draft resolutions on which action was taken today, which Gabon supported, including the condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October; the need to respect international law, ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and protect humanitarian workers and goods; the importance of a continuous, adequate and unhindered supply of essential goods and services for civilians in Gaza; the need for the immediate release of all hostages, without conditions; the commitment to a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and the commitment to a two-State solution. We regret that the antagonism within the Council and the lack of unity prevented us from arriving at a consensus text.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): Gabon voted in favour of the draft resolutions submitted by the United States delegation (S/2023/792) and the Russian delegation (S/2023/795), respectively, to express our support for the Palestinian people and for the Israeli people and our commitment to peace. That commitment to peace and the protection of civilians also led us to vote in favour of the draft resolutions submitted by Russia (S/2023/772) and Brazil (S/2023/773), on 16 and 18 October, respectively. With today’s vote, my country reaffirms its support for any initiative that enables human lives to be saved.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“How does the Force Commander deal with that threat on the ground, especially in rural areas, in the context of building trust with local populations? My second questions is for the UNMISS Force Commander. Violence in the Sudan has forced refugees from South Sudan to return to their country, which is putting a strain on the security situation in a country that has already been weakened by its internal crises. How are his units adapting to that new reality, the influx of refugees, so that they can strengthen the protection of civilians, including in refugee camps?”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, United Nations-African Union cooperation is therefore a concrete solution in terms of conflict prevention and the management of new security challenges. We reiterate that sustainable financing of African Union-led peace support operations plays a major role in the maintenance of international peace and security. We must urgently build a partnership based on adequate and predictable funding, in line with the proposals made by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2023/303). In conclusion, as you wanted the nature of this meeting to be interactive, Sir, I would like to ask a few questions of the MONUSCO and UNMISS Force Commanders. MONUSCO is often a target of multifaceted attacks, of which some in particular are linked to disinformation.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“In Gabon’s view, more finely tuned mandates, combined with better preparation of military components during deployment — something that the MONUSCO Force Commander also just pointed out — will make it possible to improve missions’ efficiency and above all, their ability to meet needs related to the protection of civilians. Furthermore, we must also listen to host countries and their populations, who long only for stability and peace. We must also acknowledge that regional and subregional organizations are playing an increasingly crucial role. Africa’s willingness to participate in resolving the security crises that are negatively affecting the continent is clear and has been demonstrated many times.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“It is therefore more critical than ever for the mandates conferred on our Blue Helmets to be more innovative and ambitious and less ambiguous so that they can adapt to the realities and hostilities in their theatres of operation. Moreover, the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his New Agenda for Peace call for such action. The sudden departure of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali as the country continues to face major security challenges, as well as the continuing insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, should compel us to learn from past experience.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“Peacekeeping operations are a cornerstone of the United Nations protection-of-civilians strategy and crucial to fostering dialogue and reconciliation in countries in crisis situations. However, the complexity of new threats to international peace and security, such as those posed by climate change, the predatory exploitation of natural resources, disinformation, terrorism, violent extremism, the impact of pandemics, the use by armed groups of explosive devices and lethal autonomous weapon systems, cyberwar and drones — to which we can even add the malicious use of artificial intelligence — can contribute to weakening the efforts of peacekeeping operations, especially their military components.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and the Force Commanders of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for their informative briefings. I would also like to pay heartfelt tribute to the Blue Helmets deployed in the field. This meeting provides us with an opportunity to assess in clear terms the strengths and weaknesses of peacekeeping operations and to address them with concrete, adequate and specific solutions in order to respond effectively to new security threats and better ensure the protection of civilians.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our call for funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the World Food Programme, whose stabilizing action, in addition to being a humanitarian response, no longer needs to be demonstrated. In conclusion, Gabon reiterates its call for restraint, a cessation of hostilities and dialogue. We urge the parties to respect the resolutions of the Security Council, in particular resolution 2334 (2016), and to implement the commitments made in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh. We call for greater involvement of the States that exert influence on the parties in order to achieve a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is polarizing tensions throughout the region.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Much remains to be done to alleviate the humanitarian situation and improve the economy. We are aware that only lasting political solutions will restore hope to the long-suffering population of Gaza. We also note the lack of progress in implementing the Algiers declaration signed on 13 October 2022 by the various Palestinian factions, in particular the holding of elections within a period not exceeding one year. We also encourage the Palestinians to engage in dialogue and combine their efforts to ensure the reunification of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, under a single democratic national Government.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“In view of the harmful practice of detaining the bodies of those killed, we call for the return of remains to their respective Palestinian and Israeli families, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Furthermore, with a view to the peaceful coexistence of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, Gabon calls for respect for the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and it reiterates its attachment to the crucial role played by the Kingdom of Jordan as official custodian. We note that the situation in Gaza remains fragile, even if the latest ceasefire has been relatively respected. Despite some easing of restrictions on access to Gaza, the private sector, as well as United Nations agencies and partners, continue to face significant challenges.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“We are concerned by the deteriorating security situation on the ground, and civilians on both sides continue to bear the brunt, women and children in particular. We condemn all attacks against civilians. Similarly, the detention of children under any pretext whatsoever is unacceptable. Escalating violence benefits neither side. On the contrary, it deprives the Palestinian and Israeli peoples of any hope of peace, and it distances the prospect of a two-State solution. Another source of concern is the continuing expansion of settlements, demolitions and expulsions, particularly in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This is in clear violation of international law, all the more so as it stands in the way of building a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his enlightening briefing this morning. I welcome the participation of the representatives of Palestine and Israel at today’s meeting. On Tuesday, 25 July, three Palestinians were killed by the Israel Defense Forces in the city of Nablus, in the occupied West Bank. For the Israeli army, this was retaliation fire against armed terrorists who had opened fire on its soldiers from a vehicle. These events are part of the upsurge in violence seen in recent months, marked by the Israeli army’s massive military operation in the Jenin camp on 3 July, following which the Security Council met in closed consultations.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“For its part, the Security Council must support and coordinate the various diplomatic initiatives to promote a negotiated settlement. Even if the prospects for peace seem remote and the sound of cannon fire persists, we remain hopeful that dialogue and peace will eventually triumph.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“Despite calls for de-escalation, the violence persists, and attacks and reprisals continue unabated. We call on the parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and not to target essential infrastructure and civilian populations. The already heavy toll should be a wake-up call to the warring parties to invest in a diplomatic and political solution. At a time when the global food supply is in danger of being deprived of one third of the world’s cereals, the bombing of the port of Odesa is likely to damage the existing structures used for transporting those cereals and raises fears of a true food crisis in several countries around the world. With that in mind, Gabon reiterates its appeal to the Secretary-General to continue to use his good offices to promote the opening of talks between all parties.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, civilian infrastructure has been regularly targeted by attacks causing extensive and sometimes irreversible damage, as well as much loss of life and countless injuries among the civilian population. The events of the past few weeks confirm that trend and provide evidence of an intensification of violence against civilians. The strategies used by the parties to the conflict to target residential areas with the aim of destabilizing the adversary constitute actions against international peace and security that deserve to be firmly condemned. The trajectory of the conflict increases our concerns.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“The Church must remain faithful to its vocation and its message must remain one of unity and love for all peoples and all nations. Gabon would like to recall that freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as by the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. The parties are obliged to respect the relevant provisions of international instruments. The international community must do its utmost to ensure that the Orthodox Church retains its universal role and sacred character. It must not be the object of threats or reprisals, let alone targeted attacks.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank the briefers for their insights. While the international community continues to appeal wholeheartedly for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, clashes on various fronts continue to escalate. One of the most profound and significant of them is the Orthodox Church, which has continued to pay a heavy price. In the now all-out war being waged by the parties to the conflict, the clergy are also being affected, with churches faced with choices that go beyond religion and belief. More and more civilian infrastructure continues to be ruined — the number of places of worship destroyed now stands at well over 100 — and religious representatives are no longer safe. It is the responsibility of all parties to the conflict to refrain from turning places of worship into battlefields.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“However, in the absence of reliable regulations and effective control and management tools, AI can pose a genuine threat to international peace and security. Our enthusiasm for those increasingly sophisticated technologies must therefore be tempered with caution and restraint.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“Information-sharing and the establishment of ethical standards will also help to prevent abuse and preserve international peace and security. Gabon remains committed to promoting the peaceful and responsible use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. With that in mind, it is important to encourage the sharing of best practices in the areas of security and control, encourage States to adopt national regulatory policies and start awareness-raising programmes right now, especially for young people, on the issues and challenges of artificial intelligence. In conclusion, artificial intelligence clearly offers a whole range of opportunities. It supports sustainable development initiatives and helps to prevent humanitarian and security crises and combat climate change and its negative effects.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“Terrorist and criminal groups can take advantage of the many opportunities offered by AI to pursue their illicit activities. In recent years, hacker networks have stepped up their cyberattacks, disinformation and theft of sensitive data. The threats posed by the malicious use of AI should be a wake-up call for the international community and the starting point for greater control over the development of new technologies. That means strengthening transparency and international governance, with the United Nations as a guarantor, but also and above all, accountability. The United Nations must bolster international cooperation to develop a regulatory framework with appropriate control mechanisms and robust security systems.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“However, in order to make the most of the benefits of AI for peace and security, in particular when deploying peacekeeping operations, it is essential that local communities appropriate and absorb those new technologies, so as to perpetuate their beneficial effects after the withdrawal of international forces. If they are not anchored at the local level, the benefits of AI are likely to disappear and crises to re-emerge. States, national and international organizations and local populations must be educated in the manufacturing and distribution processes, in order to strengthen trust in and the legitimacy of the AI systems being used. AI certainly contributes to strengthening international peace and security, but it also poses many risks which we must understand now.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“Indeed, the use of drones, night vision and geolocation systems, for example, makes it possible to detect the activities of armed and terrorist groups, to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid in hard- to-reach areas and to improve ceasefire monitoring and mine-detection missions on the ground. It also strengthens the implementation of very complex peacekeeping mandates, in particular the protection of civilians. AI also plays a major role in peacebuilding processes, contributing to the reconstruction efforts of States in post-conflict situations, and encourages the implementation of quick-impact projects, while offering employment opportunities to young people and reintegration possibilities for former combatants.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“For years, the maintenance of international peace and security has relied on a robust technological ecosystem that not only enhances crisis management and prevention capabilities, but also promotes greater understanding of situations on the ground, while improving the protection of civilians, especially in complex environments. Artificial intelligence is making its own specific contribution by multiplying the analysis capabilities of early warning systems. It is now faster and easier to detect emerging threats by analysing vast quantities of data from a variety of sources in a very short period of time. Thanks to AI, the operational systems of the United Nations peace missions are becoming ever more effective.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the United Kingdom for organizing this debate on artificial intelligence (AI) at a time when technological innovations are constantly increasing and revolutionizing our societies and having an impact on international security. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres, Professor Yi Zeng and Mr. Jack Clark for their briefings. Artificial intelligence is as fascinating as it is bewildering. In recent years, it has revolutionized our ways of life, modes of production and ways of thinking and has expanded the boundaries of our reality. Thanks to their precision and ability to solve complex problems, AI systems stand out from more conventional information technology mechanisms and offer numerous opportunities for maintaining international peace and security.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“The humanitarian situation is taking on increasingly critical proportions. As we have said, we reiterate the need for unhindered access to humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable populations, which are often those living in areas where security risks are highest. In conclusion, Gabon reiterates its call for de-escalation and good-faith negotiations to put an end to the conflict.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“It is essential for the international community to support and coordinate the various diplomatic initiatives in order to promote a negotiated settlement. Today, 17 July 2023, we see the end of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a vital agreement for many countries, and we remain hopeful that a solution will be found to enable this important initiative to be renewed as soon as possible. The permanent threat posed by the risk of nuclearization of this war is also a potential danger that must be avoided. My country reiterates its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and opposes any politicization, intimidation or trivialization of the nuclear issue. Nuclear power plants are civilian infrastructure protected by international humanitarian law. They must not be used for military purposes.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“The damage that has been done in 17 months is immense and extremely alarming. The latest reports of the Secretary-General note hundreds of attacks on hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure and a rapid increase in the numbers of non-military victims, particularly children. The Council must strive to find a peaceful solution in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We call on countries with any influence on the main parties to take action so that a real dialogue can be initiated, with a view to reaching a lasting peace agreement. In that regard, my country encourages the Secretary-General to continue to use his good offices to promote the start of talks between all the parties.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Ngyema Ndong (Gabon) (spoke in French): I welcome your participation in this meeting, Mr. President, as well as the presence of the other high-level participants in our discussions today. I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. As the months go by, the war in Ukraine is becoming the most-discussed issue within the Security Council, whether in terms of security and humanitarian issues or nuclear risks. But the violence continues, and the war is still challenging international peace and stability and contributing to food insecurity in many parts of the world. The offensives and counter-offensives on both sides have led to fears of an escalation of violence, greater loss of life and property and an even greater displacement of people, diminishing the prospects for negotiations for a lasting peace.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“By tending to the invisible wounds of war and armed conflict and providing victims with access to the mental health services and psychosocial support they need, we will move decisively towards realizing our shared aspiration of a world of peace for present and future generations.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source