Portugal reaffirms application to the UN Security Council, position on the Middle East, Portuguese

The Portuguese Prime Minister gave a speech at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, reaffirming Portugal’s commitment to multilateralism, peace and the UN Security Council’s reform.

In a speech set by upholding a fairer and more inclusive international order, the Portuguese Prime Minister stressed the need to reform the global system to face contemporary challenges, such as the climate crisis, armed conflicts, and socio-economic inequality.

Multilateralism

"Portugal is an uncompromising advocate of multilateralism as a method for cooperation and organising the international system," claimed the Prime Minister, stressing the importance of reforming the UN Security Council to ensure greater representativity and effectiveness. The Head of Government reaffirmed Portugal’s application to a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2027-2028. "We are guided by the willingness to work towards preventing conflicts, promoting a spirit of partnership, and protecting people from the traditional threats such as terrorism, as well as emerging threats, such as biosecurity", he said.

Reforming the UN Security Council

During his speech, Luís Montenegro underlined the urgent need to reform the UN Security Council to ensure greater representativity and effectiveness. "We uphold a reform process for the UN Security Council that will make it more representative, agile, and functional. Its composition is out of date and the absence of some regions hinders its functioning," the Prime Minister noted, adding that it is essential to adapt this body to contemporary geopolitical reality.

He also addressed the issue of using the power of veto in the Security Council, proposing a more rigorous and transparent approach. "We sustain the restriction and greater scrutiny in the power of veto. The power of veto, before being a power proper, is a responsibility. And that is how it should be exercised," the Prime Minister stated, advocating that the veto can no longer be used in a disproportionate manner by powers engaged in conflicts, choking important decisions for global peace and security.

According to the Head of Government, reforming the Security Council must also include expanding representativity, including countries such as Brazil and India as permanent members and strengthening the role of small and medium-sized countries, including small Island states.

Human rights and world peace

During his speech, Luís Montenegro underlined the United Nations’ central role in promoting human rights and world peace, reinforcing the importance of protecting those who are more vulnerable, fighting hunger, and facing up to the global humanitarian crises. "It is our collective responsibility to ensure respect, the protection and implementation of human rights, as well as the UN’s central role in this matter," he stated.

The Prime Minister expressed Portugal’s concern with the deteriorating humanitarian situation and dangerous rise in tensions in the region. "We are also deeply concerned with the humanitarian situation and the dangerous rise in violence in the Middle East. Given the events in Lebanon, we ask for the maximum containment of the parties to avoid a further rise", Luís Montenegro claimed, stressing the importance of peaceful solutions and diplomatic efforts in the context of multilateralism and international mediation.

Ocean protection and fighting climate change

As a nation with a large maritime area, Portugal has led the international efforts to protect the oceans and develop a new sustainable blue economy. The Prime Minister reiterated Portugal’s commitment to support a sustainable ocean governance and fighting climate change. "Portugal is a maritime country: 97% of our territory is ocean. We understand the vital role oceans play in the global economy and in fighting climate change," he noted.

Luís Montenegro also referred to the agreements to turn debt into climate investment signed with Cape Verde and São Tomé e Príncipe as examples of innovative mechanisms to support developing countries.

Global solidarity and including Portuguese language in the United Nations

On an international level, the Head of Government called for the need to have strengthened solidarity among the nations, underlining cooperation with Africa and Portugal’s role in the UN peace-keeping operations. "We must strengthen our investment in preventing conflicts, namely in Africa", he claimed noting the national troops’ participation in UN and EU missions in regions such as Mozambique, Somalia, Southern Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Prime Minister also defended including Portuguese as an official language in the United Nations, underlining its global relevance. "Besides being the fourth most spoken language in the world as mother tongue, uniting more than 260 million people on all continents, Portuguese is the official and working language of 33 international organisations," he said, stressing the legitimate ambition of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Country’s ambition to seeing Portugal recognised as an official language in the UN.

Portugal firm in upholding global values

During his speech, Luís Montenegro concluded that Portugal is determined to continue to contribute towards a fairer, more sustainable, and peaceful future. "The path we have ahead is hard and uncertain, yet the goals have been set. We will follow it with hope and confidence. The United Nations and the international community can count on Portugal on this path", he concluded.