The United Nations Day is celebrated in mid-autumn, more precisely on 24 October. It was on this day in 1945 that the UN Charter came into force. Today, the organization marks its 80th anniversary, and this is another reason to look back and reflect not so much on what has been done, but on what still remains to be done. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed the UN in New York during what were perhaps the most challenging periods for the global community. Every time, the head of state preferred not to gloss over the problems but to openly and honestly express his views, even if they were unpopular with some. Let us recall what Aleksandr Lukashenko warned about from the world's main podium and which statements by the Belarusian president remain relevant even after 30 years.
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1995. ‘THE MAIN THING IS TO PREVENT A NEW SPLIT’
The UN General Assembly session in October 1995 was particularly solemn. The organization was celebrating its half-century anniversary while simultaneously standing at a crossroads: to be or not to be. Belarus, having become an independent state just four years prior and yet being one of the founding countries of the UN, had not a single doubt: the decision to establish the United Nations was a historic one.
On role of the United Nations and problems of humanity
“The idea of creating an organization capable of ensuring the security of all peoples was forged in the crucible of the Second World War. After half a century has passed, we can say without any doubt that the establishment of the United Nations was a truly historic decision. The prevention of a nuclear catastrophe, the collapse of the colonial system, the elimination of apartheid, the unprecedented rise of human genius in science and technology… All this was achieved largely thanks to the organization whose 50th anniversary we are celebrating today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
However, the Belarusian president noted with regret that on the threshold of the third millennium, the world is still burdened by problems characteristic of the past. Wars and armed conflicts in various regions, terrorism and other types of crime, environmental disasters, poverty and hunger, and much more threaten the future of humanity.
"Only the United Nations - a universal organization that takes into account the interests of all the peoples of the Earth - is capable of uniting the efforts of the community of states in solving these problems. We cannot agree with those who question the role of the United Nations in the future world. My people do not accept the very thought of the possible demise of the United Nations, which was discussed here today. If we were to allow this, it would be a crime on the part of our generation of leaders towards those who, 50 years ago, defeated fascism and created this unique mechanism for ensuring peace,” the head of state emphasized.
Aleksandr Lukashenko was convinced that for humanity, which had made so many great discoveries, the question of how to make the UN more effective and how to find the money for it was not an insurmountable task. The organization had proven its viability during the Cold War and the era of bloc confrontation. “Now it must confirm the effectiveness of its activities in a multipolar world. The main thing is to prevent a new split in the world,” the Belarusian leader urged.
On unpredictable consequences
Even back then, 30 years ago, the Belarusian president warned: NATO expansion was fraught with unpredictable consequences for the future of Europe.
“I am firmly convinced that on the threshold of the third millennium, we should not be thinking about expanding military-political alliances, deploying nuclear weapons, or increasing military arsenals. On the contrary, we must strive to eliminate the very possibility of wars breaking out, and to reduce or even eliminate stockpiles of nuclear weapons,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
Belarus had the right to speak about this with a full voice. The Republic became the first state in history to voluntarily and unconditionally renounce nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the country found itself in a paradoxical situation where its commitment to the ideals of disarmament created serious economic difficulties for it. Belarus was forced to divert funds allocated for social programs to destroy the weapons that had accumulated on its territory during the era of bloc confrontation.
Time has shown that the words of the Belarusian leader were, in a certain sense, prophetic. No one, after all, expected the things that are happening on the European continent today. Perhaps, back in the 1990s, the North Atlantic Alliance (created to protect Europe from a potential Soviet expansion) should not only have abandoned its plans for eastward expansion (as if it itself was preparing to occupy the post-Soviet space), but should have proudly faded into history, grandly declaring the successful completion of its mission?
On new integration in among post-Soviet countries
Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded that the new threats facing humanity at the end of the 20th century cannot be prevented by its peoples if they do not renounce national egoism. Large states, he said, should think not in terms of diktat, not of subordinating other countries to their influence, but of leadership in solving the problems facing humanity. And the best instrument for harmonizing the interests of all peoples, declared the Belarusian leader, remains - even if someone doesn't like it - the United Nations.
2000. ‘OUR BORDERS ARE THE BORDERS OF PEACE AND COOPERATION’
The UN General Assembly meeting in 2000 went down in history as the Millennium Summit. Had the world situation changed after five years? Yes, and unfortunately, not for the better. Therefore, despite the wide range of goals facing humanity, the UN's primary purpose remained ensuring international peace and security.
On military conflicts and attempts to impose one's will
“Unfortunately, the United Nations has not yet fully succeeded in preventing aggression and armed conflicts. Cases of using armed force, bypassing the United Nations Security Council, have not resolved a single issue and have only exacerbated existing problems. Belarus believes that in the 21st century, armed force cannot be a legitimate instrument of international politics,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said speaking from the UN podium.
The central issue of the Millennium Summit was the problem of human rights and the development of democracy. The significance of these values and high standards enshrined in United Nations documents is beyond dispute. However, the problem, as noted by the Belarusian president , is that human rights and democracy are increasingly being used by some states as a pretext to punish non-compliant countries and nations.
Both then and now, Belarus could not agree with attempts to dictate how it should live and with whom it should be friends. The head of state quite reasonably noted that a country which sacrificed the lives of a third of its citizens on the altar of victory over Nazism in the Second World War is capable of determining its own destiny. For the same reason, Belarusians cannot remain indifferent to attempts to dismantle the emerging stable world order, disrupt the geopolitical balance in the world, and return to a time when states were divided into first and second-class countries.
On division of nations and an ‘exclusive club’
1995. ‘THE MAIN THING IS TO PREVENT A NEW SPLIT’
The UN General Assembly session in October 1995 was particularly solemn. The organization was celebrating its half-century anniversary while simultaneously standing at a crossroads: to be or not to be. Belarus, having become an independent state just four years prior and yet being one of the founding countries of the UN, had not a single doubt: the decision to establish the United Nations was a historic one.
On role of the United Nations and problems of humanity
“The idea of creating an organization capable of ensuring the security of all peoples was forged in the crucible of the Second World War. After half a century has passed, we can say without any doubt that the establishment of the United Nations was a truly historic decision. The prevention of a nuclear catastrophe, the collapse of the colonial system, the elimination of apartheid, the unprecedented rise of human genius in science and technology… All this was achieved largely thanks to the organization whose 50th anniversary we are celebrating today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
However, the Belarusian president noted with regret that on the threshold of the third millennium, the world is still burdened by problems characteristic of the past. Wars and armed conflicts in various regions, terrorism and other types of crime, environmental disasters, poverty and hunger, and much more threaten the future of humanity.
"Only the United Nations - a universal organization that takes into account the interests of all the peoples of the Earth - is capable of uniting the efforts of the community of states in solving these problems. We cannot agree with those who question the role of the United Nations in the future world. My people do not accept the very thought of the possible demise of the United Nations, which was discussed here today. If we were to allow this, it would be a crime on the part of our generation of leaders towards those who, 50 years ago, defeated fascism and created this unique mechanism for ensuring peace,” the head of state emphasized.
Aleksandr Lukashenko was convinced that for humanity, which had made so many great discoveries, the question of how to make the UN more effective and how to find the money for it was not an insurmountable task. The organization had proven its viability during the Cold War and the era of bloc confrontation. “Now it must confirm the effectiveness of its activities in a multipolar world. The main thing is to prevent a new split in the world,” the Belarusian leader urged.
On unpredictable consequences
Even back then, 30 years ago, the Belarusian president warned: NATO expansion was fraught with unpredictable consequences for the future of Europe.
“I am firmly convinced that on the threshold of the third millennium, we should not be thinking about expanding military-political alliances, deploying nuclear weapons, or increasing military arsenals. On the contrary, we must strive to eliminate the very possibility of wars breaking out, and to reduce or even eliminate stockpiles of nuclear weapons,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
Belarus had the right to speak about this with a full voice. The Republic became the first state in history to voluntarily and unconditionally renounce nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the country found itself in a paradoxical situation where its commitment to the ideals of disarmament created serious economic difficulties for it. Belarus was forced to divert funds allocated for social programs to destroy the weapons that had accumulated on its territory during the era of bloc confrontation.
Time has shown that the words of the Belarusian leader were, in a certain sense, prophetic. No one, after all, expected the things that are happening on the European continent today. Perhaps, back in the 1990s, the North Atlantic Alliance (created to protect Europe from a potential Soviet expansion) should not only have abandoned its plans for eastward expansion (as if it itself was preparing to occupy the post-Soviet space), but should have proudly faded into history, grandly declaring the successful completion of its mission?
On new integration in among post-Soviet countries
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in 1995, Aleksandr Lukashenko also addressed the deepening social and economic problems in various regions and the world's division into poor and rich countries. "An acute social and economic crisis has now engulfed the new independent states. The severance of age-old relations between peoples, cut as if from living flesh, has not and could not have benefited anyone. Therefore, there is no need to be surprised, let alone alarmed, by the integration processes now taking shape. The rapprochement of fraternal peoples is a unification of efforts to solve common problems, not a threat to anyone's security or interests," the Belarusian president said regarding the post-Soviet space.
Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded that the new threats facing humanity at the end of the 20th century cannot be prevented by its peoples if they do not renounce national egoism. Large states, he said, should think not in terms of diktat, not of subordinating other countries to their influence, but of leadership in solving the problems facing humanity. And the best instrument for harmonizing the interests of all peoples, declared the Belarusian leader, remains - even if someone doesn't like it - the United Nations.
2000. ‘OUR BORDERS ARE THE BORDERS OF PEACE AND COOPERATION’
The UN General Assembly meeting in 2000 went down in history as the Millennium Summit. Had the world situation changed after five years? Yes, and unfortunately, not for the better. Therefore, despite the wide range of goals facing humanity, the UN's primary purpose remained ensuring international peace and security.
On military conflicts and attempts to impose one's will
“Unfortunately, the United Nations has not yet fully succeeded in preventing aggression and armed conflicts. Cases of using armed force, bypassing the United Nations Security Council, have not resolved a single issue and have only exacerbated existing problems. Belarus believes that in the 21st century, armed force cannot be a legitimate instrument of international politics,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said speaking from the UN podium.
The central issue of the Millennium Summit was the problem of human rights and the development of democracy. The significance of these values and high standards enshrined in United Nations documents is beyond dispute. However, the problem, as noted by the Belarusian president , is that human rights and democracy are increasingly being used by some states as a pretext to punish non-compliant countries and nations.
Both then and now, Belarus could not agree with attempts to dictate how it should live and with whom it should be friends. The head of state quite reasonably noted that a country which sacrificed the lives of a third of its citizens on the altar of victory over Nazism in the Second World War is capable of determining its own destiny. For the same reason, Belarusians cannot remain indifferent to attempts to dismantle the emerging stable world order, disrupt the geopolitical balance in the world, and return to a time when states were divided into first and second-class countries.
On division of nations and an ‘exclusive club’
“Lately, there have been efforts to form a certain 'exclusive club,' which the majority of the world's states cannot join. This arrogant attempt to divide peoples into 'teachers' and 'students' does not and cannot yield anything positive for the genuine promotion of democracy and human rights,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted the importance of respecting the uniqueness, established way of life, and historical destiny of every nation. However, the head of state noted that in international relations, countries are increasingly facing attempts by the powers that be to force everyone into the same mold, denying any national and regional specificity that does not fit within the familiar framework of the “Western way of life”.
Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted the importance of respecting the uniqueness, established way of life, and historical destiny of every nation. However, the head of state noted that in international relations, countries are increasingly facing attempts by the powers that be to force everyone into the same mold, denying any national and regional specificity that does not fit within the familiar framework of the “Western way of life”.
“I doubt that the overwhelming majority of the United Nations would agree with such arrogance. Belarus is steadfastly pursuing the path of democratic development, but we do this – and will continue to do so – by relying on our own way of life and the national spiritual traditions that have evolved over centuries,” the Belarusian leader stated. “This is precisely why we are able to combine development, democracy, and stability. We have never had, nor do we have, interfaith or ethnic conflicts. Our borders are the borders of peace and cooperation. We are open to friendship and cooperation with all who respect our country and our people,” he concluded.
In other words, even then, Aleksandr Lukashenko essentially predicted the emergence of new global alliances, such as the SCO and BRICS, which today stand on a foundation of justice and respect for the individuality of each nation.
On saber-rattling and international issues
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the president of Belarus also recalled NATO’s intervention in Yugoslavia, which claimed many lives and led to the collapse of that state.
“Along with the positive proposals of Kofi Annan [UN Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006], there are also many shortcomings. I have spoken about this. I spoke about wars that broke out on our planet either with the tacit encouragement of the United Nations or with the support of its leadership. As a result, we saw the situation worsen. Did things get better in Kosovo? No! Did things get better in Iraq, in the Middle East, after NATO’s intervention? No! This is what I meant above all when I said that resolving international problems and disputes through saber-rattling, the roar of fighter jets and tanks, is impossible today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko asserted.
2005. “ALL WE WANT FROM THE PLANET IS PEACE AND STABILITY.”
The organizers of the 60th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2005 billed it as a logical continuation of the “millennium meeting.” Before his address, Aleksandr Lukashenko gave an interview to UN Radio and, true to form, avoided diplomatic niceties in his assessment of the United Nations’ work.
On the effectiveness of the UN
“The world has changed a great deal. Unfortunately, not for the better, and I think hardly anyone would dispute this. One would expect the opposite to be true – that we would have become more civilized, that we would have learned from history. But, alas, this has not happened. There are more and more hot spots, and what is more, the entire world is on fire,” the president stated. “People are dying in their millions – not tens, not hundreds, but millions – from disease and from poverty. One could cite many examples, but, unfortunately, the world has not become more civilized; it has not become a world where people care for, look out for, and support one another.”
Yet, despite these mounting problems, the United Nations was increasingly focusing not on solutions, but on bureaucratic reforms. Aleksandr Lukashenko clarified that his criticism was not for its own sake. This organization, he insisted, must be strong, must truly unite nations, make decisions, and have those decisions respected by all.
“The structure of the United Nations can hardly be questioned. In my opinion, it is a normal, simple structure. The entire issue is one of effectiveness. If the Security Council decided there shouldn’t be a war in Iraq, then there shouldn’t be a war. If the Security Council decided on nuclear disarmament in a given country, then it should happen,” the Belarusian leader asserted. “AIDS has strangled Africa; poverty is crushing Asia and Africa, and other parts of the world. This is what we need to respond to. I don’t believe we need to restructure the United Nations today. But if it is ineffective, then, of course, perhaps we should not have such a huge bureaucratic apparatus. But you know, all this is secondary; it is a pittance compared to the negativity and shortcomings that plague our organization, which doesn’t make decisions or makes decisions that go unimplemented.”
The Belarusian president’s speech at the summit stood in radical contrast to the statements of politicians who used the UN podium to endorse the United States’ role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Aleksandr Lukashenko firmly stated Belarus’ position: the United Nations must not be used by individual states as a tool for political pressure.
The head of state emphasized the negative consequences of the emerging unipolar world order and called for an open dialogue. “An honest look at today’s world is the very reason the leaders of our planet have gathered here at the United Nations. We must together figure out the most important thing: are we leading our countries and humanity on the right path? Without this, we will not break the impasse,” the Belarusian leader stated.
On democracy and human rights
He noted that, emerging from the ruins of the Cold War, independent Belarus had become a knowledge-intensive, high-tech state with a highly educated and tolerant people. “Like everyone else, we want little from the planet: peace and stability. We will create the rest ourselves, through our own labor,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
He emphasized that Belarus is free of conflicts, it is a place where different nations and ethnic groups live together peacefully, each practicing their own religion and way of life. The Belarusian people create no problems for their neighbors, nor do they claim their territories or dispute their chosen paths. Furthermore, Belarus has built a strong and successful union with Russia. “Our nation is being built according to our own vision, firmly rooted in our traditions. But we see that this very choice of the Belarusian people is not to everyone’s liking. It is disliked by those who seek to govern a unipolar world. How do they govern? If there are no conflicts, they create them. If there are no pretexts for interference, they create ones,” the president emphasized.
For this purpose, he argued, a very convenient “banner” had been found–democracy and human rights. Not in the true sense of people’s power and human dignity, but as interpreted by the American leadership. “Unfortunately, the UN allows itself to be used as an instrument of such a policy. Does the Organization not see the real troubles and disasters behind these imaginary problems?” the head of state wondered.
Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that Afghanistan was torn apart under the pretext of fighting bin Laden. Yet, the “main terrorist” remained at large, and the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq had spawned hundreds of new international terrorists. Despite the deployment of foreign troops, he noted, drug production in Afghanistan had increased tens, even hundreds of times over.
On a unipolar world and diversity of development paths
“AIDS and other diseases are strangling Africa and Asia. Poverty and destitution have become real, not virtual, weapons of mass destruction – and racially selective at that. Human trafficking has become a thriving business. The sale of women and children into sexual slavery is now commonplace, almost a norm,” the Belarusian leader stated.
In the president’s view, this was the brief and disappointing balance sheet of the transition to a unipolar world order. But was this the purpose for which the United Nations was created?
“Perhaps it is time for the UN to put an end to internal corruption scandals and truly address the pain and woes of the world? In our view, the answer to this question is crystal clear. We cannot bury our heads in the sand like ostriches,” urged Aleksandr Lukashenko.
Addressing the summit participants, he emphasized: “The UN is us. It is we who must take the fate of the planet into our own hands and understand that a unipolar world is a one-dimensional one.”
Belarus firmly believes that only a diversity of paths to progress can ensure global stability. “Freedom to choose one’s development path is the main condition for a democratic world order. I hope the powers that be will also understand this, for a unipolar world will ultimately turn against them. If we agree on this fundamental point, then we will embody the principles of multipolarity, diversity, and freedom of choice both in real life and in the UN documents that guide us. We will protect the world from terrorism and women and children from slavery,” the Belarusian leader asserted.
Only then, Aleksandr Lukashenko added, would the UN become an organization of truly united nations. “This is the essence of UN reform, not an arithmetic increase in the number of Security Council members,” the president concluded.
On the fight against terrorism
In a concrete step to counter one of the greatest threats of our time, Belarus signed the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, having supported the development of this document from the outset.
“Belarus is extremely concerned about the spread of terrorism. It is a barbaric attack on life, peace, and tranquility on the planet. And decisive action is necessary,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated at the signing ceremony.
The head of state emphasized that the common fight against terrorism must be truly global, comprehensive, and consistent. At the same time, he drew attention to a critical caveat: this fight must not be used as a cover for individual states to achieve selfish goals. “It should under no circumstances be used as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states,” he firmly declared.
Summarizing his participation in the summit, Aleksandr Lukashenko told the media that his impressions of the current UN General Assembly meeting were the same as those from previous ones: “There has been no progress.”
“We came with the firm intention to say what we think. We cannot gloss over the situation. Because this is history. Sooner or later, people will hold everyone to account: ‘What was our stance? Where did we speak up?’” the president added.
2015. ‘WARS MUST NOT BE A MEANS OF SETTLING DISPUTES’
In 2015, New York hosted the UN Sustainable Development Summit. Aleksandr Lukashenko immediately emphasized that sustainable development was impossible for any country without peace and security. The president noted that the Belarusian people had learned this fundamental truth through their own experience, as in the last century Belarus was the site of the most brutal battles of two world wars.
“Therefore, we attach particular importance to preventing military conflicts and threats to human life. Having lost a third of its population in the war against fascism, Belarus rose from the ashes and sacredly preserves peace and harmony in society, striving to ensure the wellbeing of its people and the stable development of the state. Over the years of its sovereign existence, our country has honorably fulfilled those Millennium Goals related to the elimination of hunger and poverty, achieving 100% literacy, equality between men and women, social and political stability, and the prevention of discrimination on national or religious grounds. We have no maternal mortality, and our infant mortality rate is the lowest in the world. This is what true democracy is, not what our Western teachers are trying to impose on us,” the Belarusian leader said.
On the balance of power and global stability
Unfortunately, the head of state noted, the same cannot be said for the planet as a whole. The world came to the summit disunited, more divided than at any time in the past three decades. The planet is being shaken by numerous armed conflicts and terrorist attacks. It is also regrettable, according to the president, that the growth of global threats is not receiving an adequate response.
“We have still not managed to restore the balance of power that was lost with the collapse of the Soviet Union. No balance of power means no peace and no stability. This is a systemic crisis. In any system, a force that stands alone and operates without oversight will inevitably seek only its own prosperity and solve its problems at the expense of others. The policy of hegemonism and national egoism leads to the widespread use of pressure, sanctions, restrictions, and military actions. As a result, we are losing trust in one another,” Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out.
He stated that an example of blatant political boorishness, lies, and crimes against humanity is plain to see, and he suggested recalling recent events. For instance, under the pretext of Iraq possessing nuclear weapons, certain well-known states decided to “democratize” Iraq.
“And where are those nuclear weapons? Where is the democracy in Iraq? Why did you kill the President of Iraq? Where is that country, and what future does the Iraqi people have? Did life get better for the people in that state? No,” the president remarked. “You, the guilty parties, will say you made a mistake, that you should have stopped. But again, you pressed on. You started with Tunisia and ended with Libya. The script was the same. You crucified President Gaddafi, destroying the state. Did things get better in Libya? No. And where is that Libya now as a unified state? Gentlemen, perhaps enough is enough? No. You plunged into Syria. One must ask: why? Why are you killing people? Why are you trying to overthrow the sitting President? What did he do to displease you? Moreover, with the slaughter in that country, you are erasing the very earliest traces of our shared civilization. Tell the international community what you want and what you are striving for. This is precisely the right moment from this UN General Assembly platform.”
On the Ukrainian crisis
The problems were not only in distant Africa or the East. In those years, Europe was shaken by the Ukrainian crisis. Aleksandr Lukashenko warned that if the bloodshed, the fratricidal slaughter is not stopped, and if this conflict is allowed to escalate, the entire civilized world will feel the heat. “Forgive me, but we will take another step towards a global conflict, and possibly a new world war, right in the center of the civilized and advanced world. Having entered the new millennium, have we really failed to understand just how fragile peace and human civilization are?” the Belarusian leader asked.
The president explained that he listed all these events to lead the world's powerful to a single thought: “Today, there is no force that can stop you. But aren't the heads of state who are committing these sacrileges all believers? Many even pray in public. But the Lord sees everything. And He is just. What if He becomes angered and punishes the guilty? You, and your peoples, who will suffer innocently for your adventures. I think we must stop. We must help people in poor countries to clothe themselves, to receive medical treatment, to get an education. Feed the hungry, save children from perishing, and you will be rewarded.”
According to the head of state, restoring balance is a long path towards a multipolar world, and countries will move closer to this goal if they act, rather than passively wait.
On the crisis of responsibility
“It is necessary to genuinely recognize that we are all different and that every people, every country has the right to choose its own path of development. It is in this diversity that the guarantee of our common progress and individual success lies. Such an approach would allow us to restore trust in our international life. But to do this, we must meet and engage in dialogue, negotiate, and find opportunities for constructive cooperation. Having reached an agreement, we must act. History teaches us that any state which claims sole leadership without regard for the interests of others is ultimately doomed to failure and ruin. Any advantage gained at someone else's expense is transient and flawed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president cited a folk wisdom: you cannot build your happiness on another's misfortune. He stated that the modern world is experiencing a crisis of responsibility because selfish interests and short-term gains dominate the decision-making process. That is, the actions of a number of states on the international stage often fail to consider the specific realities and particularities of other countries and societies.
“I am certain that had it been otherwise, there would not have been hundreds of thousands of human casualties in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and other countries, from which flows of refugees fleeing war have poured out. The emergence of the Islamic State would have been prevented. There would have been no outbreaks of terrorism in Europe and no civil war in Ukraine. The list of these ‘would not have beens’ could go on for a long time. It is important to speak of this today, because these nations, these peoples will not understand us when we talk, as we do today, about development. For millions and billions of people in the world today, development is not their concern; their concern is simply surviving from morning till night,” the Belarusian leader said.
But to solve the problems of those years, just as today, the world needs responsible politicians capable of thinking and acting globally and strategically, who are prepared to make decisions in the interests of the entire world community and to compromise for the common good. Where are they?
On the crisis of international institutions
In his address at the summit, Aleksandr Lukashenko also touched upon the crisis of international institutions. He stated that lately, their role has been reduced to serving as venues for disputes between states, and often as a means of pressuring individual countries that have fallen out of favor with the global powers.
This observation was a valid one. Just look at the vast number of resolutions adopted at the UN. Does the voting on them actually influence conflict resolution? Does it serve to consolidate the world community? Do these resolutions improve the lives of ordinary people?
“Let's be honest: ‘They do not!’. We vote and split into ‘us’ and ‘them’. The result is even more distrust and division. I am deeply convinced that the UN must not be used to demonstrate someone's strength. This weakens the organization, destroys trust in it, and runs counter to its very nature and purpose,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. “It is no wonder that traditional international structures play an insufficient role in both preventing and resolving conflicts. We must put an end to this vicious practice. The UN should be a forum for cooperation, not for confrontation between states. Only mutual understanding and responsibility, an awareness of the world community's diversity, and the restoration of trust will enable us all to unite, to ensure peace and security, and to find effective answers to global challenges and threats.”
On new geopolitical realities
The address by the president of Belarus at the General Debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly was also of fundamental importance. Aleksandr Lukashenko reported that the Sustainable Development Summit had approved an ambitious agenda for the UN's work for the next 15 years. The outcome document outlined five strategic areas: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. These did not emerge from a vacuum but became a logical continuation of the efforts to implement the Millennium Development Goals. Nevertheless, according to the Belarusian head of state, these efforts evoke conflicting feelings.
“Yes, there has been some progress in reducing global poverty, improving the protection and health of mothers and children, and increasing access to education. However, when it comes to achievements, we must admit that there has not been a qualitative breakthrough in human civilization. Furthermore, we see the modern world facing new challenges and exacerbation of old problems that affect not only one area, but all vital aspects of human activity,” the president said.
First and foremost, the world is facing entirely new geopolitical challenges and military conflicts. International relations are experiencing unprecedented tension, and threats that have no clear solutions are becoming more and more apparent. By focusing on minor disputes, the international community is ignoring the rise of aggressive global terrorist groups.
“ The entire system of international security is facing a serious crisis. The lack of trust among global actors, the unwillingness to compromise, and a return to elements of block confrontation have brought the world close to a new war. Attempts to impose specific models of development on other countries have not stopped. What has this led to? Due to external interference, the export of ‘color revolutions’, and the artificial change of regimes, once stable countries have plunged into chaos and anarchy as a result. All this is covered up by talk of democracy. Instead of the promised democracy and prosperity, people in these countries are experiencing terrible suffering and are forced to flee. Today, crowds of migrants are storming Europe. And this has become an acute international problem too. We are all increasingly dependent on one another, and the actions of one country directly affect the interests of many others. No country is immune to this anymore,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
In his view, it must be honestly acknowledged that there is currently no effective system of checks and balances in place. Countries aspiring to become global leaders, unfortunately, are unable to resist the temptation to use force and economic pressure to protect their own interests. This has led the world to dangerously approach a de facto rejection of the principles of international law as enshrined in the UN Charter.
“Therefore, I am deeply convinced that the organization needs a new, broad discussion on the principles of the future coexistence of states and peoples. I have spoken about this before, but I want to emphasize once again: the organization must not become a place for mutual accusations and confrontation among states. There is no alternative to dialogue! We must find collective solutions to our problems. New walls and dividing lines may be built, but that won't solve the problems,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
On global economic challenges
Secondly, global economic challenges pose a significant threat to global stability. Currency wars, sanctions, the reshaping of raw material market distribution, unfair competition and other negative trends are deepening the global economic crisis. At the same time, attempts by some leading countries to address their problems at the expense of others serve as a foundation for conflict and division.
“The only way out of this deadlock is comprehensive interaction between the economies of different countries and the search for optimal ways towards sustainable development for the whole world community, rather than just individual states. Support for poor and poorest countries is essential in this regard,” the president stressed. “Only through joint efforts can we develop a new formula for universal and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Belarusian side proposes that the foundation of this cooperation should be the idea of ‘integration of integrations’, as the most relevant trend in the modern world. We can see how many new integration associations have emerged in recent years. Today, we are discussing the prospects for cooperation between the European and Eurasian Economic Unions, the large‑scale Silk Road project, the establishment of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Free Trade Area, and many others.”
Belarus pointed out that if countries can avoid unnecessary and dangerous competition between integration models and achieve compatibility and complementarity, they could ideally create a global integration structure that encompasses the entire planet. This would link different regions and continents, allowing for peaceful coexistence among nations united by a common goal of progress and prosperity.
Admittedly, from today’s perspective such a format of interaction still seems utopian. And looking at what is happening in the world today, we can only dream about it. But why shouldn't world leaders, at least for a moment, put aside short-term gains and try to take responsibility for the future? Instead, as we see, politicians prefer to line their own pockets by manipulating stock prices and extracting funds under the guise of addressing illusory problems.
On the divide between cultures
Thirdly, Aleksandr Lukashenko stated at the session that social, humanitarian, and environmental issues are cause for concern. He recalled that in recent times, amidst loud calls for maximum freedom, fundamental principles of human society (family, morality, and ethics) have been challenged in several countries.
“Irresponsible social ideas can lead to a new divide between different cultures and provoke harsh religious rejection. They can also spark interethnic conflicts. Do the so-called 'social innovators' ever consider the consequences of their words and actions? These same selfish approaches are evident when it comes to the environment as well. For many years, the international community has struggled to find a solution to the challenges posed by climate change. Some prefer to place the responsibility on others, on future generations. When reflecting on these problems, one can't help but come to the conclusion that the root cause of these crises and threats seems to be the excessive focus on individual rights and freedoms, at the expense of public interest. Under the guise of human rights, overthrowing governments, destroying states, and fighting over resources are all justified. Methods of chaos and anarchy are employed. A predatory attitude towards nature and the pursuit of profit is promoted. This leads to the degradation of human consciousness, as distorted desires are elevated to the norm,” the Belarusian president emphasized.
Such approaches, he noted, give the green light to the disintegration of society and the destruction of humanity’s moral foundations and ethical values. In fact, the boundary between good and evil disappears.
On international law and the law of the jungle
“Belarus does not have ready-made solutions to these problems, but we believe that the answers lie in the ideas proposed by the founders of the United Nations 70 years ago. Above all, there must be unconditional condemnation of violence, and wars must not be used as a tool to settle relations between states,” the Belarusian leader said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko quoted Einstein: “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” And, he added, there is no arguing with that.
“Only through self-restraint can the well-being and protection of everyone, both strong and weak, be ensured. This is the core principle of international law, which represents the only alternative to the law of the jungle,” the head of state said.
On the possibility of a major conflict
Over the past decades, Belarus has deliberately built a sovereign state with a socially oriented economy. The president stated that anarchy, lawlessness, and violence would never have a place in Belarus – under no slogans, including those associated with democracy.
“We are strong and confident enough not to allow them to come to us from the outside! A stable Belarus will continue to remain a donor of regional and international security. We intend to build equal, mutually beneficial, and respectful relations with all countries of the world. Good neighborliness and mutual assistance are of particular importance to us. That is why we are working towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ukraine and other hotspots of the planet today. Belarus will continue its active work to address common global challenges, primarily within international organizations,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
Reflecting on the national experience of development, the president of Belarus emphasized that only an alliance of strong, responsible, and effective states, united by a system of international law, is capable of adequately addressing modern global challenges and threats. However, he noted that there is a feeling that the world is threatened by the “specter” of another major conflict or even war.
“We must not allow this sinister specter to become a reality! Here we are gathered today to discuss a very important issue. We outlined the UN development agenda, but as I have already said: for very many, for millions of people on our planet, the phrase ‘sustainable development’ sounds blasphemous, because they are dying every day - children are dying, elderly are dying. Today, we should come together and make one decision: to put an end to wars and conflicts that are already flaring up and raging on our planet,” the Belarusian leader urged.
Are these words of Aleksandr Lukashenko still relevant a decade later? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. As they say, no further comment is needed. But we would like to believe that politicians, and ordinary people alike, will still find the strength and common sense to do their best to change the world for the better.
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