Latest news with #TareqAl-Bannai
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Gulf Group tables landmark resolution to deepen GCC–UN partnership
Draft aims to strengthen cooperation on peacebuilding, conflict prevention and regional security NEW YORK: The Gulf Group at the United Nations has introduced a groundbreaking draft resolution to the UN General Assembly, aimed at formalizing and deepening cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The move marks the first resolution of its kind and reflects the growing relevance of the GCC as a regional partner in promoting peace and stability. The resolution, formally titled 'Cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council,' was submitted under agenda item 125 during the 79th session of the General Assembly. It was co-sponsored by GCC countries in addition to others including Jordan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Philippines, and Singapore, among others. In a speech delivered on behalf of the Gulf Group on Monday evening, Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, emphasized that 'this draft resolution not only commends the existing cooperation but also seeks to build a sustainable and systematic strategic partnership grounded in the shared principles between the UN and the GCC.' What the resolution seeks The draft resolution aims to establish a structured and long-term partnership between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council by enhancing coordination in areas critical to regional and international peace and security. It seeks to strengthen the GCC's capacity in conflict prevention, mediation, early warning, crisis management, and post-conflict peacebuilding through joint training programs, technical assistance, and institutional support. The resolution also promotes regular high-level consultations and expert-level meetings between the two bodies to improve information-sharing, develop coordinated responses to emerging threats, and foster dialogue-driven solutions to regional crises. By formalizing these mechanisms, the resolution aspires to turn shared values into practical collaboration and to position the GCC as a proactive partner in the UN's broader peace and development agenda. The resolution requested that the UN Secretary-General submit a report at its 80th session on the implementation of the resolution—a move described by Al-Bannai as one that 'reflects the seriousness and practicality of advancing this institutional partnership.' Why it matters The draft resolution builds on long-standing principles in the UN Charter and previous Security Council Resolutions (1631 and 2167), which highlight the essential role of regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. It aligns with recent global policy frameworks which reaffirm the need for stronger regional-global partnerships to address complex, cross-border challenges. Ambassador Al-Bannai highlighted that this year marks the 44th anniversary of the GCC's founding, and said it has proven to be 'a cornerstone for stability and prosperity in our region,' as well as 'a voice of wisdom and moderation, and a beacon of constructive dialogue in a region full of challenges and rapid transformations.' Over the past 15 years, the GCC has evolved into a credible and capable force in international mediation, with its member states playing key roles in resolving some of the world's most intractable conflicts. From facilitating the 2011 Darfur Peace Agreement and the 2020 US-Taliban deal to mediating ceasefires between Hamas and the Zionist entity and negotiating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, Gulf states have proven their effectiveness as neutral intermediaries. What sets their approach apart is a combination of diplomatic flexibility, strategic neutrality, and economic leverage. Kuwait's successful mediation of the 2017–2021 Gulf Crisis further cemented its role as a trusted regional broker. Countries like Qatar have maintained open channels with actors ranging from the Taleban to Western governments, allowing them to mediate where others cannot. Oman's quiet diplomacy helped pave the way for talks on the Iran nuclear deal. These consistent efforts across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond have positioned the GCC as a growing diplomatic force—one that the UN can now engage through a more structured, institutional partnership as outlined in the draft resolution. With a focus on building long-term peace infrastructure, the resolution marks a shift from ad hoc coordination to institutionalized, forward-looking partnership. It acknowledges the GCC's growing role in conflict prevention and resolution in the region, while offering UN agencies and bodies a framework for engaging more systematically with Gulf states. 'The project reflects a new chapter of joint cooperation,' Al-Bannai noted, pointing to shared values and aligned priorities between the two institutions. The Gulf Group expressed hope that the draft will be adopted by consensus, sending a unified message about the international community's commitment to regional partnerships. As Al-Bannai concluded, the group remains committed to doing 'all that is necessary to enhance strategic cooperation with regional and international organizations and to realize the noble objectives we all aspire to.' — Agencies
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait envoy pushes for Arab voice on UN Security Council
KUWAIT: Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform, says reforming the UN's most powerful body is not just inevitable—it is essential to restore trust among member states and their peoples, particularly in the Arab world. In a wide-ranging interview with UN News published on May 29, Al-Bannai acknowledged the growing sense of disillusionment among Arab populations over the Council's failure to address regional crises, especially the ongoing situation in Gaza. 'Honestly, that feeling is understandable—especially from an Arab perspective,' he said. 'We see our issues discussed but without solutions. We see resolutions passed, but not implemented—especially in our region. So, of course, there's frustration and despair.' '1945 is not 2025' Al-Bannai has chaired the IGN process for nearly three years, a role assigned to him by the President of the General Assembly. His term is set to conclude in September. As chair, he has worked to mediate longstanding divisions between member states over how to expand the council and reform its structure and working methods. Although the negotiations have yet to produce consensus, Al-Bannai remains optimistic. 'I assure you, and I can confidently say: everyone sees the importance of reforming our council,' he said. One of the core challenges, he explained, is that the current council reflects a post-World War II power structure that no longer matches today's geopolitical realities. '1945 is not 2025,' Al-Bannai said. 'We took a snapshot of the world in 1945 and expected that this image would remain prevailing and permanent until today. But everyone knows that politics is ever-changing, and so are international relations.' Arab voices left behind For many in the Arab world, the UN Security Council's perceived inaction on Palestine—and its inability to reach consensus due to the veto power held by the five permanent members—has called into question the credibility of the entire United Nations system. 'When we see the council failing to fulfill its tasks and responsibilities, as we've seen repeatedly in recent years—especially regarding Gaza—we see the image of the United Nations shaken in the eyes of these peoples. The UN's credibility vanishes,' he said. Al-Bannai argued that the frustration is not just political—it strikes at the heart of the UN's legitimacy. 'The United Nations is the shared home of the world's peoples. And if this house is flawed, we won't achieve the desired results,' he said. Despite the political deadlock, he remains committed to steering the IGN process forward. He said there is broad agreement that the council must become more representative of today's world—particularly of regions like Africa, Asia, and the Arab world, which remain underrepresented despite shouldering the majority of issues on the council's agenda. 'If we agree that there will be an expansion in the permanent membership with full rights—including the veto—then there must be an Arab country represented,' he stated. 'Arab states are divided between Asia and Africa. Especially since the Security Council's agenda is packed with Arab and African issues. Together, they represent about 70 percent of the council's agenda.' What's stalling progress? Expanding the Security Council has raised deeper questions about who qualifies for a permanent seat. Currently, the council consists of five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. But if new permanent seats are added, Ambassador Al-Bannai said the selection criteria would become another obstacle. 'the (UN) Charter currently sets criteria for elected members only—it does not set any standards for permanent members,' he said. 'This raises the question: If we expand the permanent category, what should the criteria be? Population size? Nuclear capability? Economic status? Military strength?' Beyond conventional measures like population, military power, or economic strength, Ambassador Al-Bannai emphasized that a broader set of values should guide any future expansion of the Security Council. 'We must also consider other criteria,' he said, 'such as a country's commitment to the UN Charter, its humanitarian contributions around the world, and its participation in international agreements—whether in human rights, disarmament, or other critical areas.' The debate goes hand-in-hand with ongoing negotiations about how many new seats the council should accommodate. 'Yes, there are countries calling for expansion in both categories,' he confirmed, referring to permanent and elected members. While most countries agree on increasing the total number of seats to between 21 and 27, there are strong and competing demands: African countries want two permanent seats, Arab states are asking for one, as are small island developing states and the Islamic group. 'We haven't yet found the best path forward,' he said. He stressed that any expansion must also preserve the council's effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Despite the repeated disappointments, Al-Bannai stressed the importance of holding on to the UN Charter and international legal frameworks. 'We must have hope,' he said. 'International law and the UN Charter are our safety valve. We—Arab countries and other developing nations—are mostly peaceful. Most of us are small states. Most of our populations are young. The future is ours.' He added: 'The best way to avoid descending into a world ruled by the law of the jungle is to uphold faith in international law, humanitarian law, and the UN Charter.'
