Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Global Governance.

Rule of law is the hallmark of the progress of human civilizations. It provides an essential legal safeguard around which not only the societies are built, but also international order takes shape. Eighty-one years ago, the United Nations rose from the ruins of World War II,  embodying humanity’s shared hopes for peace and development. The UN Charter opens with a solemn determination “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind,” and “to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.”

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the Nuremberg Trial and the opening of the Tokyo Trial. Together, they helped establish fundamental principles of international justice for international crimes such as war crimes and aggression. They also strengthened the legal and moral foundations of the postwar international order.

More than eight decades on, the international order is once again confronted with turbulence and instability. Regional conflicts continue to flare up. Unilateralism and power politics are on the rise, while a global race is gathering momentum and posing growing risks. The rule of law at the international level is under serious strain, and risks undermining global peace and security. Against this backdrop, we wish to make the following proposals.

First, uphold the authority of the UN Charter and the international rule of law. The foundation of the international rule of law lies in faithful adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The confrontations and injustices we see in the world today are not because the Charter has become outdated, but because its purposes and principles have not been effectively upheld and implemented. All parties should defend the authority and integrity of international law and jointly uphold the international order based on international law.

Second, uphold sovereign equality and ensure the equal and uniform application of international rules. Sovereign equality is a cornerstone of modern international relations. The sovereignty and dignity of all countries, large or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, must be respected. Equal and uniform application of international rules is an essential requirement of sovereign equality. All States enjoy equal rights and bear equal obligations under international law. We firmly reject double standards and selective application. We also reaffirm, in this regard, that States should refrain from promulgating and applying unilateral economic, financial or trade measures that are inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter and that impede the full realization of the economic and social development, particularly in developing countries.

Third, uphold the peaceful settlement of disputes and oppose the use of force in international relations. States have the right to choose the means for settling their disputes. We call for the peaceful settlement of disputes, including border dispute, through peaceful means of their own choice as set out in Article 33 of the UN Charter and with full respect for the principle of consent of States, and oppose the threat or use of force in international relations. In this regard, we take note of Security Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2788 last year. We also note the establishment and operation of the International Organization for Mediation, which provides a new platform for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and support efforts by various actors in resolving disputes across regions through active mediation.

Fourth, strengthen governance in new frontiers to meet the needs of our time. A new round of technological revolution is advancing rapidly, and humanity is pushing into new frontiers. International law must keep pace and provide guidance for their governance. All parties should strengthen global governance in emerging areas such as cyberspace, outer space, the deep sea, the polar regions and artificial intelligence, with a view to preventing them from becoming yet another source for rivalry but rather promote cooperation in these new avenues.

Chair,

This year's subtopic is “Enhancing the rule of law by strengthening the cooperation between the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly and the International Law Commission.” We support closer interaction and exchanges between the Sixth Committee and the ILC, with a view to advancing the progressive development of international law and its codification.

We look to the ILC to remain focused on its mandate, listen carefully to Member States and give due weight to their views. Its work should better serve the practical needs of the international community. Particular attention should be given to the voices of the Global South and to the State practice of developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The ILC should maintain and consolidate its long-standing, formal consultative relationships with key regional legal committees. This will help ensure that the ILC's work reflects “the main forms of civilization and of the principal legal systems of the world.”

Chair,

The Group of Friends of Global Governance stands ready to work with all parties to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Together, we are committed to advancing the rule of law at both the national and international levels, promoting fairness and justice, and building a better world.

I Thank you, Chair.