‘Just peace’ can’t be found by joining organisations that charge fees: UNGA President defends UN system
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock stated that 'just peace' cannot be achieved through organizations that require a membership fee, referencing concerns about the U.S.-led Board of Peace for Gaza. She emphasized the importance of the UN's inclusive, multilateral system and warned against unilateral military actions. Baerbock urged member states to use established UN mechanisms, such as the Security Council, to address serious international violations like genocide. She highlighted rising geopolitical tensions and growing challenges to the UN’s core pillars: peace, development, and human rights.
- ▪UNGA President Annalena Baerbock stressed that equitable peace cannot be bought through fee-based international memberships.
- ▪She criticized the idea of a 'Board of Peace for Gaza' launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
- ▪Baerbock advocated for using the UN Security Council to address allegations of genocide instead of unilateral actions.
- ▪She underscored that all UN member states, regardless of size or power, have equal standing in the General Assembly.
- ▪Growing geopolitical fragmentation and pressure on the UN’s core functions were cited as major global concerns.
- ▪The remarks were made during a press interaction in New Delhi on April 28, 2026.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
‘Just peace’ cannot be achieved by seeking membership in organisations that charge a joining ‘fee’, said Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) in response to a question on the Board of Peace for Gaza Strip started by U.S. President Donald Trump in January. Speaking to journalists in New Delhi, Ms. Baerbock cautioned against ‘unilateral use of force’ while arguing that member states of the UN can mobilise themselves for an institutional action against a state that is accused of genocide by bringing the matter to the UN Security Council.“Because every country, no matter how big or small, how powerful or rich has a seat at the table, because you will not find just peace for anybody in the world if you have to pay the fee to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu.
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