# Zealand Envoy Slams UN Veto Abuse, Backs Ukraine and Gaza Peace at UNGA **URL:** \ **Category:** News and Updates\ **Tags:** news\ **Created:** [October 1, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://justice.compclassnotes.com/t/zealand-envoy-slams-un-veto-abuse-backs-ukraine-and-gaza-peace-at-unga/890 "2026-10-01T14:02:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FreeFormer](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex006/user_avatar/justice.compclassnotes.com/freeformer/32/10_2.png) [@FreeFormer](https://justice.compclassnotes.com/u/FreeFormer)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://justice.compclassnotes.com/t/zealand-envoy-slams-un-veto-abuse-backs-ukraine-and-gaza-peace-at-unga/890/1 "2026-10-01T14:02:42Z")
**Sep 28, 2026** New Zealand’s UN Ambassador Victoria Hallum addressed the 81st UN General Assembly, warning that conflict, humanitarian crises and geopolitical competition are straining the international system. She called for stronger UN leadership, criticized misuse of the Security Council veto, backed Ukraine’s sovereignty and a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and urged deeper UN reform and nuclear disarmament. 4 minutes, 33 seconds The Secretary General should never have to ask permission or forgiveness for acting to prevent or resolve conflict. 4 minutes, 41 seconds As a custodian of the UN Charter, you have the right and the obligation to speak up when its core norms are breached. 4 minutes, 50 seconds We expect you to do so in an objective, impartial, and consistent manner. 4 minutes, 56 seconds We will support you when you do. [![](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex006/uploads/justice_node/original/2X/8/83a0565b16540039ecf84a765a90c161a79212c5.jpeg "FULL SPEECH: New Zealand Envoy Slams UN Veto Abuse, Backs Ukraine and Gaza Peace at UNGA | AC1G") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZdL-LHOKpY) ---
**Author:** ![FreeFormer](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex006/user_avatar/justice.compclassnotes.com/freeformer/32/10_2.png) [@FreeFormer](https://justice.compclassnotes.com/u/FreeFormer)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://justice.compclassnotes.com/t/zealand-envoy-slams-un-veto-abuse-backs-ukraine-and-gaza-peace-at-unga/890/2 "2026-10-01T14:03:34Z")
# Transcript ### Chapter 1: Global challenges and the UN 0:00 0 seconds They have spoken of different priorities and concerns. Yet, they have also revealed how much we have in common. We 0:09 9 seconds have been reminded that the biggest challenges we face do not respect national borders. And no country, 0:17 17 seconds however large or powerful, can address them alone. 0:22 22 seconds It is clear we live in a more contested, fragmented, and volatile world. 0:29 29 seconds The number of active conflicts in the world has doubled in the past 20 years. 0:35 35 seconds The number of conflict related deaths has reached levels not seen in decades. 0:41 41 seconds Fundamental norms governing state behavior are being violated with increasing impunity contravening the UN 0:49 49 seconds charter and other universally applicable rules of international law. 0:55 55 seconds Core human rights that protect the well-being and dignity of our citizens are increasingly being ignored. 1:02 1 minute, 2 seconds Humanitarian needs are growing faster than our collective ability to meet them. 1:09 1 minute, 9 seconds After decades of progress, hard one development gains have slowed and it’s clear we will fail to meet most of the 1:17 1 minute, 17 seconds sustainable development goals by their 2030 target. 1:22 1 minute, 22 seconds Biodiversity loss and pollution are impacting key natural resources in our oceans. 1:29 1 minute, 29 seconds Natural disasters and the glowing imp growing impacts of our changing climate are becoming more severe and more 1:37 1 minute, 37 seconds visible in our region. These pressures are already affecting the lives, livelihoods, and long-term development prospects. 1:50 1 minute, 50 seconds All of this is of grave concern to New Zealand whose sovereignty, security and prosperity depends on a functioning 1:59 1 minute, 59 seconds inclusive multilateral system grounded in agreed rules and norms with the UN charter at its center. 2:08 2 minutes, 8 seconds We regard the UN charter with its core principles of sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity, the 2:17 2 minutes, 17 seconds prohibition of the use of force and respect for human rights as irreplaceable. 2:24 2 minutes, 24 seconds We continue therefore to invest in the United Nations and agreed international rules as an exercise of our sovereignty 2:33 2 minutes, 33 seconds because we believe it is essential to our interests and indeed the interests of all 2:42 2 minutes, 42 seconds in the face of rising volatility. We need the UN stabilizing influence and global solutions more than ever. ### Chapter 2: Peace, security, and the SG 2:53 2 minutes, 53 seconds President, over recent years, New Zealand has spoken of the importance of leadership. 3:00 3 minutes New Zealand thanks Secretary General Antonio Guterres for his service over the past 10 years. 3:08 3 minutes, 8 seconds We thank you for your visits to the Blue Pacific and for your attention to the unique situation of Pacific Island 3:15 3 minutes, 15 seconds countries and other small island developing states. 3:21 3 minutes, 21 seconds We thank you also for starting the process of essential reform to put this vital organization on a stronger and 3:29 3 minutes, 29 seconds more sustainable footing to deal with the challenges of the next 80 years. 3:36 3 minutes, 36 seconds Your assignment has not been easy. 3:41 3 minutes, 41 seconds As we prepare to appoint the next secretary general to lead the UN into the next phase, we should be clear about what this moment requires. 3:53 3 minutes, 53 seconds First and foremost, we call on the new secretary general to be a courageous guardian of the UN charter and to assert 4:00 4 minutes the UN’s vital role on peace and security. 4:07 4 minutes, 7 seconds The United Nations was created to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. 4:13 4 minutes, 13 seconds It is ultimately the responsibility of member states to prevent and resolve conflicts. We cannot outsource that responsibility. 4:23 4 minutes, 23 seconds But at the same time, we need a secretary general who is active in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacemaking. 4:33 4 minutes, 33 seconds The Secretary General should never have to ask permission or forgiveness for acting to prevent or resolve conflict. 4:41 4 minutes, 41 seconds As a custodian of the UN Charter, you have the right and the obligation to speak up when its core norms are breached. 4:50 4 minutes, 50 seconds We expect you to do so in an objective, impartial, and consistent manner. 4:56 4 minutes, 56 seconds We will support you when you do. 5:02 5 minutes, 2 seconds So we ask you to be active in seeking an end to the horrific conflict in Sudan. 5:09 5 minutes, 9 seconds You must be bold in pressing for a sustainable and just end to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, 5:17 5 minutes, 17 seconds one that is consistent with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the core principles of the charter. 5:27 5 minutes, 27 seconds You must be determined in your efforts to help alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. 5:34 5 minutes, 34 seconds We ask that you use your influence to progress a fragile ceasefire into a sustainable, durable peace. 5:43 5 minutes, 43 seconds And you must be resolute in preserving conditions for a two-state solution. 5:48 5 minutes, 48 seconds You must take the initiative despite the challenges and entrenched views to achieve a just and lasting resolution 5:56 5 minutes, 56 seconds where Israel and Palestine can live side by side within secure and clearly defined borders. 6:05 6 minutes, 5 seconds We urge you to use your good offices to secure a lasting end to hostilities in the Persian Gulf and restore freedom of 6:13 6 minutes, 13 seconds navigation through the Strait of Hummus, which is a right guaranteed under international law. 6:22 6 minutes, 22 seconds Of course, you cannot do this alone. For our part as member states, we must provide you with the tools, the 6:30 6 minutes, 30 seconds resources, and above all, the political support to ensure you can play this role effectively. ### Chapter 3: UN security and disarmament 6:38 6 minutes, 38 seconds Parties to conflicts must engage with you constructively and in good faith, while global and regional partners with 6:45 6 minutes, 45 seconds influence must provide the necessary incentive for the parties to do so. 6:52 6 minutes, 52 seconds The UN Security Council needs to fill fulfill its responsibilities. 6:58 6 minutes, 58 seconds Permanent members in particular must act in a manner consistent with their special responsibilities under the charter. 7:07 7 minutes, 7 seconds Too frequently has the veto or the threat of the veto been abused to block the council from fulfilling its responsibilities 7:16 7 minutes, 16 seconds to the frustration and sometimes despair of the global community. 7:23 7 minutes, 23 seconds Inevitably the costs of this fa failure are borne by those caught in conflict. 7:30 7 minutes, 30 seconds This assembly also has a legitimate and necessary role to play in maintaining peace and security 7:37 7 minutes, 37 seconds and we have been pleased to see it step up on occasions when the security council has been stymied from acting. 7:47 7 minutes, 47 seconds For our part, New Zealand will continue to press for a more effective, credible, transparent and representative Security Council. 7:57 7 minutes, 57 seconds As a demonstration of our continued commitment to collective security and the UN charter, New Zealand is seeking a 8:04 8 minutes, 4 seconds seat on the UN Security Council for 2039 to 40. 8:11 8 minutes, 11 seconds We ask the next secretary general to work with us to preserve the integrity of the global disarmament framework, particularly on weapons of mass destruction. 8:21 8 minutes, 21 seconds The grave dangers of deterioration of the global non-prololiferation regime should alarm us all. 8:29 8 minutes, 29 seconds New Zealand was deeply disappointed at the failure to reach consensus at this year’s nuclear non-prololiferation review conference. 8:39 8 minutes, 39 seconds After three consecutive review conference failures, we must do all we can to preserve the health of the NPT and indeed strengthen it. 8:49 8 minutes, 49 seconds This means tackling persistent violations and cases of non-compliance. 8:56 8 minutes, 56 seconds Iran is not in compliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations. 9:00 9 minutes The DPRK’s nuclear weapons and missile programs continue to threaten its region and beyond. 9:09 9 minutes, 9 seconds Halting the NPT’s deterioration also in requires concrete action from nuclear 9:15 9 minutes, 15 seconds weapon states to at long last chart a path towards total verifiable and irreversible nuclear disarmament. 9:27 9 minutes, 27 seconds We also call on you to safeguard the UN convention on the law of the sea, the constitution for the oceans, which 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds provides the framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. 9:41 9 minutes, 41 seconds Compliance with these universally applicable rules is essential not only for maintaining peace and security but 9:48 9 minutes, 48 seconds also for protecting prosperity and food security given the ocean’s vital role in supporting trade. ### Chapter 4: Development and human rights 10:00 10 minutes Second, we call on the next Secretary General to provide strong leadership across the UN’s development and human rights pillars. 10:09 10 minutes, 9 seconds The authors of the UN charter understood that peace and security cannot be sustained without creating the conditions for member states to provide 10:18 10 minutes, 18 seconds their citizens with prosperity and the full enjoyment of human rights. 10:25 10 minutes, 25 seconds With significant changes in the global development cooperation landscape, we ask you to ensure that the UN is clear 10:32 10 minutes, 32 seconds about where its comparative advantage lies alongside the role of governments, regional organizations, and international financial institutions. 10:44 10 minutes, 44 seconds Citizens and donors expect the UN to operate as one with agencies working together through a strengthened resident coordinator system. 10:55 10 minutes, 55 seconds We will work with you to ensure the UN is more coordinated and focused on strengthening local capacity and partnerships to address a country’s development needs. 11:07 11 minutes, 7 seconds The UN development system must remain relevant, responsive, and accessible to all member states based on need rather than size, income level, or location. 11:18 11 minutes, 18 seconds We welcome progress in advancing the UN’s multi-dimensional vulnerability index and want to see further work to 11:26 11 minutes, 26 seconds ensure its practical application across the multilateral development system. 11:33 11 minutes, 33 seconds In the face of contracting development finance flows and increasing debt levels, we need to ensure our ambitions 11:40 11 minutes, 40 seconds are matched by more sustainable and predictable financing. 11:46 11 minutes, 46 seconds This will inevitably involve moving beyond exclusive reliance on traditional sources and approaches. 11:55 11 minutes, 55 seconds President, as Pacific Island Forum leaders recently reaffirmed in Palao, climate change remains the single 12:03 12 minutes, 3 seconds greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of Pacific peoples. 12:10 12 minutes, 10 seconds While New Zealand will play its part, our efforts will mean little in the absence of determined action by the world’s major admitters. 12:20 12 minutes, 20 seconds Rising sea levels continue to threaten the viability of many communities and pose a threat to low-lying island 12:28 12 minutes, 28 seconds states, including some of our Pacific neighbors. 12:32 12 minutes, 32 seconds The political declaration on sea level rise endorsed this week is a potent demonstration of the UN’s ability to 12:41 12 minutes, 41 seconds address contemporary challenges affecting its members. 12:46 12 minutes, 46 seconds We particularly welcome the declaration’s affirmation of the preservation of maritime zones and the 12:53 12 minutes, 53 seconds presumption of continued statethood notwithstanding sea level rise. 13:02 13 minutes, 2 seconds We also expect the new secretary general to defend international humanitarian law and international human rights law and its institutions. 13:13 13 minutes, 13 seconds The promotion and protection of universal and indivisible human rights is fundamental to the world we live in 13:20 13 minutes, 20 seconds today and to a collective vision of our future. 13:25 13 minutes, 25 seconds Societies in which citizens can enjoy their universal human rights have a better chance of avoiding the descent into 13:33 13 minutes, 33 seconds conflict that tragically impacts so many across the world today. 13:40 13 minutes, 40 seconds Over the past decade, these norms have often been under threat. Sometimes through neglect, sometimes through deliberate and sustained attacks. 13:51 13 minutes, 51 seconds The rise of attacks on protected individuals, including civilians and humanitarian and medical personnel, needs particular attention. 14:03 14 minutes, 3 seconds It is now 10 years since New Zealand co-led the adoption of Security Council resolution 2286 on healthcare and armed 14:11 14 minutes, 11 seconds conflict. Attacks on medical facilities and personnel in violation of international human humanitarian law 14:19 14 minutes, 19 seconds have grown exponentially worse since then. 14:23 14 minutes, 23 seconds Few have been held accountable for these flagrant violations of international humanitarian law. 14:33 14 minutes, 33 seconds We ask you to help us reverse these trends by drawing on the UN’s unique legitimacy to call out egregious and 14:41 14 minutes, 41 seconds systematic violations of these norms wherever they may occur and whoever may be perpetrating them and by providing 14:50 14 minutes, 50 seconds practical guidance and assistance to help member states meet their obligations. ### Chapter 5: Institutional reform 14:58 14 minutes, 58 seconds Third, we ask the new secretary general to maintain momentum and ambition on UN reform. 15:07 15 minutes, 7 seconds Confidence in this institution depends on its ability to deliver impact. 15:12 15 minutes, 12 seconds The next secretary general must work with member states to chart an ambitious vision for the next phase of reform 15:19 15 minutes, 19 seconds while ensuring implementation of the decisions already taken. 15:25 15 minutes, 25 seconds At a time of multiple and overlapping crises and growing constraints, we need a United Nations that is focused on its core tasks, disciplined and accountable. 15:37 15 minutes, 37 seconds One where every dollar delivers maximum impact. 15:42 15 minutes, 42 seconds One that measures success not by the number of mandates it creates or the meetings it holds, but by the difference it makes in people’s lives. 15:53 15 minutes, 53 seconds Meeting this challenge means exercising your powers to achieve the most impact from the resources available. It means 16:02 16 minutes, 2 seconds demanding a culture of continuous improvement, one that focuses on effective implementation and results. 16:11 16 minutes, 11 seconds It means setting the highest standards for performance within the secretariat and holding staff accountable for delivering. 16:20 16 minutes, 20 seconds In this regard, we ask you to demonstrate independence in your senior appointments. 16:26 16 minutes, 26 seconds New Zealand has never accepted the right of any country to assert ownership of UN positions by virtue of power or status. 16:36 16 minutes, 36 seconds We encourage Secretary General candidates to commit publicly to making senior appointments on the basis of merit. 16:46 16 minutes, 46 seconds Reform is a joint responsibility. We as member states must avoid the trap of regarding reform as something that 16:53 16 minutes, 53 seconds others will deliver for us and instead live up to our own responsibilities in building the organization we need. 17:03 17 minutes, 3 seconds We cannot expect the UN to continue to lurch on in a state of constant financial crisis. Member states must 17:11 17 minutes, 11 seconds meet their financial obligations in full, on time, and without conditions in accordance with their obligations under the charter. 17:23 17 minutes, 23 seconds We need to focus our attention on the issues that really matter and that can genuinely deliver benefits for our citizens. 17:33 17 minutes, 33 seconds Resolution 8251 equips member states to tackle the long-standing challenge of mandate accumulation and overload. 17:42 17 minutes, 42 seconds It commits us all to take a more disciplined approach to setting the organization’s priorities. 17:49 17 minutes, 49 seconds It provides the framework we need to create a more focused, coherent, and impactful UN. 17:58 17 minutes, 58 seconds Yet its success will depend on whether we are willing to act differently. 18:03 18 minutes, 3 seconds If we aren’t prepared to make the necessary choices, we will be left with an ever go growing set of responsibilities 18:11 18 minutes, 11 seconds supported by an evershrinking pool of resources that will do nothing to strengthen confidence in the UN’s relevance and effectiveness. 18:24 18 minutes, 24 seconds Reform begins with us. It requires member states to make the decisions that only member states can make. 18:32 18 minutes, 32 seconds That is the only way we can truly achieve an organization that is fit to meet the challenges that lie before us and that our citizens need and expect. ### Chapter 6: Multilateralism’s future 18:45 18 minutes, 45 seconds Fourth, and finally, we urge the next Secretary General to ensure that the UN works for all states. 18:53 18 minutes, 53 seconds The sovereign equality of states is one of the most central principles of the UN charter. It must be central also to your approach. 19:03 19 minutes, 3 seconds The fundamental premise of the United Nations is that every state, regardless of size or circumstance, has a stake in shaping our shared future. 19:15 19 minutes, 15 seconds We also call on the president of the general assembly to remain a steadfast champion of the voices, prerogatives and 19:22 19 minutes, 22 seconds interests of the entire UN membership across all pillars of its work. 19:31 19 minutes, 31 seconds The next secretary general’s leadership in these areas will be essential, but we must also find it in ourselves to demonstrate leadership. 19:41 19 minutes, 41 seconds Ultimately, the health relevance and effectiveness of the United Nations depends primarily on its members, not its secretary general. 19:52 19 minutes, 52 seconds As member states, we must acknowledge our role in the financial and legitimacy crisis facing the UN. 20:00 20 minutes We must ask whether we have the collective will to change our behavior. 20:05 20 minutes, 5 seconds Do we have the discipline to focus our attention and resources on the issues that really matter to our citizens and deliver impact to their lives? 20:15 20 minutes, 15 seconds Do we have the honesty to admit what is working and what is not? 20:21 20 minutes, 21 seconds Do we have the will to invest in the multilateral system both politically and financially to enable it to deliver 20:28 20 minutes, 28 seconds results where we can truly make a difference? 20:33 20 minutes, 33 seconds coupled with the courage to make bold and consequent decisions on UN reform that can deliver a more effective organization. 20:44 20 minutes, 44 seconds Collective action has changed the course of global challenges before. These achievements were not inevitable. 20:53 20 minutes, 53 seconds They were the result of political leadership, persistence, and a willingness to work together despite differences to build understanding and compromise. 21:04 21 minutes, 4 seconds The most fundamental step we can all take to revive this organization is to unequivocally recommmit ourselves both 21:12 21 minutes, 12 seconds in words and deeds to the principles that the charter requires us to follow in our relations with other states. 21:21 21 minutes, 21 seconds respect for sovereignty, international law, the pursuit of dialogue and cooperation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. 21:32 21 minutes, 32 seconds At a time when conflict is rising, trust is eroding, and geopolitical competition is intensifying. 21:38 21 minutes, 38 seconds We should not conclude that multilateralism has failed. 21:43 21 minutes, 43 seconds We should conclude that it is needed more than ever. Thank you. 21:55 21 minutes, 55 seconds I thank the chair of delegation of New Zealand. I now give the floor to his excellency, chair of delegation of Turkmanistan. 22:25 22 minutes, 25 seconds Mr. Pre, Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and 22:33 22 minutes, 33 seconds gentlemen, first of all, I have the honor to convey on behalf of the president of Turk Menistan, his 22:40 22 minutes, 40 seconds excellency Mr. Serar Muhammedov, Greetings and wish ---
**Author:** ![FreeFormer](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex006/user_avatar/justice.compclassnotes.com/freeformer/32/10_2.png) [@FreeFormer](https://justice.compclassnotes.com/u/FreeFormer)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 2:18pm UTC](https://justice.compclassnotes.com/t/zealand-envoy-slams-un-veto-abuse-backs-ukraine-and-gaza-peace-at-unga/890/3 "2026-10-01T14:18:58Z")
# Branding ![Untitled - 01 October 2026 at 15.05.57](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex006/uploads/justice_node/original/2X/f/f4ca988ab9102f1c6fa541c8ae1870c927993596.jpeg)