New York, (GNP): Bahrain has thrown its support behind calls for comprehensive reforms at the United Nations to ensure the institution reflects “current geopolitical realities.”
During his address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa stressed the need for “holistic” and “consensus-driven” reforms, including changes to the Security Council.
“The very systems designed to uphold the international order are under strain,” he warned, adding that as global threats and challenges evolve, the UN must also adapt to remain effective.
He urged the global community to “recommit to peace” amid an international climate where governments increasingly pursue self-interest and resort to “questionably legal force” to resolve disputes.
He pointed to a rise in radicalism, extremism, and rogue non-state actors as significant sources of instability and discord.
Highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the crown prince lamented the unprecedented suffering of Palestinians, with over 40,000 killed, many of whom were women and children.
He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a renewed commitment to establishing a viable, independent Palestinian state.
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The ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as rising tensions in the South China Sea, “undermine growth, stifle opportunity, and endanger the hopes we hold for our children,” he added.
He reflected on the fragility of today’s world, comparing it to the one that emerged from the aftermath of World War II.
Global Challenges Extend Beyond Geopolitics
Prince Salman further emphasized that global challenges extend beyond geopolitics, citing the environmental toll of unsustainable development and the widespread disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He argued that these crises are interconnected and represent a systemic threat to humanity, requiring a coordinated global response.
He called for like-minded countries to unite in addressing these challenges through wide-ranging reforms across multilateral organizations like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Health Organization.
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The crown prince also highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to pluralism and multilateralism, referencing the country’s 2023 Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement with the US.
He described it not as a purely bilateral agreement, but as a foundation for a broader multilateral framework aimed at promoting stability and prosperity.
