UNSC Open Debate:Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for lasting Peace
Statement by Ms. Briony Daley Whitworth, Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
10 June 2026
This debate comes as tensions across the Middle East escalate – deepening humanitarian suffering, and eroding confidence in our collective capacity to resolve conflict.
Australia is clear: there is no substitute for political solutions.
First, we must empower effective and inclusive mediation.
This requires unified political support for the Secretary-General’s good offices.
We must equip mediators with the mandate and resources they need, and ensure women, youth, and civil society are fully included.
It also means supporting complementary efforts beyond the UN, including regional actors.
We acknowledge Pakistan, Qatar and others’ efforts to mediate a ceasefire to the Iran conflict, Washington’s mediation between Israel and Lebanon, and international efforts towards the two-state solution.
Regardless of the table at which agreements are reached, the UN remains indispensable to implementation – providing credibility, verification, sustained monitoring, transitional governance, and accountability mechanisms.
Second, mediation and dialogue must not delay or preclude urgent humanitarian responses.
Australia remains deeply concerned by humanitarian situations in Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader region.
Civilians must be protected, and aid must reach those in need without obstruction.
Respect for international humanitarian law is non-negotiable.
Threats to aid workers demand urgent action.
The Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel – endorsed by 112 states – reaffirms adherence to International Humanitarian Law and offers practical pathways to improve humanitarian access, strengthen risk management and safety, and protect aid workers as they do their vital work. We urge all states to join as signatories.
Third, we must protect global stability.
The United Nations system has a vital role in managing wider consequences: safeguarding freedom of navigation, supply chain resilience, and food security.
These effects are global – and particularly acute in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia supports the Pacific Island Forum’s Regional Response Mechanism, reaffirms support for the International Maritime Organisation, and notes ongoing efforts by the Secretary-General’s Task Force, OCHA, and UNOPS.
Greater coordination across UN system and regional efforts is essential.
President,
Today I reiterate Australia’s calls for peace and stability in the Middle East.
We want to see a permanent end to the Iran conflict, the immediate re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and assurance Iran can never develop a nuclear weapon.
We want to see an end to the devastating situation in Gaza, an end to settler violence in the West Bank, and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty alongside Hizballah’s disarmament.
We are also realistic – peace processes are lengthy and mediation will not always succeed. But that cannot deter sustained commitment now.
Ultimately, mediation is about building trust – step by step.
Australia remains committed to mediation and dialogue to build durable peace in the Middle East.
Thank you.