In a powerful speech at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, emphasized the need for comprehensive reform of international institutions to address growing geopolitical challenges. Reflecting on the creation of the UN after World War II, Prince Salman highlighted the organization’s role as a pillar of global stability. However, he warned that the world now faces more complex and unpredictable challenges, including environmental crises, health threats, and conflicts that undermine international peace and security.
Prince Salman called for immediate action on ongoing global conflicts, such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the conflict in Ukraine, and rising tensions in the South China Sea. He urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Expressing concern over the impact of technology on global divisions, Prince Salman called for a united global front to govern the development of artificial intelligence, to prevent it from exacerbating conflicts rather than promoting peace and prosperity.
The Crown Prince also called for wide-ranging reforms at the UN, including its Security Council, to better reflect the current geopolitical landscape. He reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to multilateralism, citing the recent security and prosperity agreement with the United States as a model for regional and global cooperation. Prince Salman stressed that partnerships based on mutual respect and shared goals are essential for promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, Bahrain continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence and regional harmony. The Kingdom recently launched the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence and has called for an international peace conference on the Middle East. Prince Salman concluded his speech by emphasizing the need for collective action and a renewed commitment to multilateralism in overcoming today’s challenges. He urged world leaders to uphold the international order and protect future generations, stating that the challenges ahead are not insurmountable if unity and determination prevail.
