France Advocates for Holistic Strategy to Address Poverty and Conflict at UN

France calls for a comprehensive strategy linking poverty and conflict during UN Security Council meeting.

Key Points

  • • France emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to break the cycle of poverty and conflict at the UN Security Council.
  • • Bonnafont highlights the link between peace and sustainable development, warning of threats to the 2030 Agenda.
  • • The situation in Sudan and Syria illustrates the need for international support to prevent conflict and promote development.
  • • France reiterates its commitment to multilateral efforts for peace, justice, and development.

During the UN Security Council meeting on June 19, 2025, France's Permanent Representative, Jerome Bonnafont, presented a compelling argument for a comprehensive multilateral approach to tackle the interconnected challenges of poverty and conflict. He emphasized that the ongoing rise in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises poses serious threats to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was established to foster global peace and economic growth.

Bonnafont elaborated on the urgent need for the Council to engage in proactive peacebuilding measures that create conducive conditions for development, particularly in conflict-ridden areas. He pointed to Sudan as a prime example, where continuing violence severely limits potential development, and he called for international accountability for entities that perpetuate such conflicts. Furthermore, the plight of Syria was highlighted, showcasing the necessity for economic revitalization to prevent further violence and terrorism in the region.

Addressing the situation in Myanmar, Bonnafont advocated for enhanced support for ASEAN's initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive political dialogue and facilitating humanitarian access. He underscored the importance of adapting the Council's strategies to ensure that peace and sustainable development goals are aligned, incorporating principles of the rule of law and human rights.

France's commitment to multilateralism and international collaboration was a recurring theme in his address. Bonnafont announced forthcoming international conferences designed to foster prosperity and address environmental sustainability, reinforcing that countries should not have to choose between combating poverty and protecting the planet. He concluded by stressing the interconnectedness of development and peace, urging a unified global approach to address these pressing issues effectively.