General Secretariat - City of Alpbach

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stressed that the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the ongoing violations in Gaza are the root causes of the escalating crises in the region, calling on the international community with all its states and organisations to take a serious stand to confront this occupation and hold it accountable for its ongoing violations, and to support the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders.

This came during his Excellency's speech at the "Alpbach Forum 2024" event, which is organised by the Austria's Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs as part of the United Nations-Austria initiative on "Multilateral Partnerships: Strengthening Cooperation". The event is taking place from August 24 to 26, 2024 in the city of Alpbach, Austria.

His Excellency reiterated during his speech the call of the GCC to convene an international conference with the participation of all concerned parties to discuss ways to end the Israeli occupation and establish the independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Moreover, His Excellency called for the reform and support of the role of the United Nations and its agencies in maintaining international peace and security, as well as ensuring that they are not marginalised in an era witnessing an unprecedented global instability. He affirmed that the Cooperation Council believes that collective support for the United Nations is essential to overcome these difficult times and adhere to the principles of global governance.

Besides, he warned of the new threats facing regional and international security, noting that the use of armed proxies by states, the increased risk of the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the developments of artificial intelligence in information wars, are all factors that increase the intensity of tensions. His Excellency emphasised the importance of diplomatic solutions to prevent conflicts.

Additionally, His Excellency reviewed the Cooperation Council's vision for regional security, which was adopted in 2023, explaining that diplomacy and international cooperation are the cornerstone of the strategy in maintaining regional and international stability, as well as ensuring sustainable peace and security.

In conclusion, His Excellency indicated that the member states of the Council continue to support peaceful solutions to conflicts, and that the Council's recent initiatives work to enhance the appropriate conditions for negotiations, affirm international law, and adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also stressed that the Cooperation Council will continue to provide humanitarian assistance, recognising the severe impact of these conflicts on food security and the well-being of civilians in the affected areas, highlighting the Council's efforts in Yemen, Sudan, and other crisis areas, which affirm its commitment to alleviating humanitarian suffering.