Strengthening the mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes
Statement on behalf of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia (MIKTA)
Delivered by H.E. Ms. Beth Delaney, Chargé d'Affaires and Acting Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
23 July 2026
Thank you, President.
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of MIKTA—Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia.
We welcome Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025) and the Secretary-General's recommendations on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Peaceful settlement is a core obligation under the UN Charter and remains essential to maintaining international peace and security.
Today, we offer three practical steps that can strengthen the international architecture for preventing and resolving disputes.
First, make greater use of international law and existing dispute-settlement mechanisms.
The Charter provides states with a clear toolbox for resolving disputes peacefully, including negotiation mediation, arbitration and judicial settlement.
We encourage all States to make fuller use of available dispute settlement mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice and relevant treaty-based dispute settlement processes, where applicable and appropriate.
The international community does not need to create new tools. We need to use the tools we already have more consistently, effectively and in good faith.
Second, invest in prevention before crises emerge.
Preventive diplomacy remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient means of maintaining peace. States should strengthen support for the Secretary-General's good offices, mediation efforts, early-warning capacities and the UN's prevention architecture, while ensuring these efforts respect national ownership and are adequately resourced.
We can do this by making better use of the UN system's vast data and analytical capabilities—and, critically, by turning warning into action. Early warning without early action does not prevent conflict; it merely documents its escalation.
Acting early can prevent disputes from escalating into crises that are far more difficult—and costly—to resolve.
Third, strengthen partnerships and make peace processes more inclusive.
Regional and subregional organisations are often closest to emerging risks and can play a critical role in de-escalation, dialogue and confidence-building.
We should deepen cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations and ensure that women and young people participate meaningfully in conflict prevention and resolution efforts.
Inclusive processes create more sustainable and durable peace.
The foundations for peaceful settlement already exist: international law, preventive diplomacy, effective mediation and strong regional partnerships.
Our collective challenge is to make better use of these mechanisms before disputes escalate and lives are lost.
As MIKTA partners, we remain committed to strengthening multilateralism, preventing conflict and advancing peaceful solutions to disputes.