Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Directing All States to use Peaceful Means in Settling International Disputes
By R Anil Kumar
New York/Bengaluru, Nov 5, 2026. Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Directing All States to Use Peaceful Means in Settling International Disputes.
Reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, the Security Council on Thursday reiterated that all States shall use peaceful means — dialogue, diplomatic engagement and cooperation — to settle their international disputes so international peace and security and justice are not endangered.
Adopting a presidential statement (to be issued as document S/PRST/2026/5), the Council reaffirmed its active support to conform with the Charter, particularly Chapter VI and Article 33 and engage throughout all stages of a conflict to peacefully settle disputes. The statement recalls its previous resolution 2788 (2025) and presidential statements S/PRST/2008/36 and S/PRST/2009/8 on mediation and settlement of disputes.
The 15-member organ recognized that significant ways to prevent the escalation of disputes include, timely diplomatic efforts, mediation, confidence-building and facilitation of dialogue at the international, regional and subregional levels. The Council emphasized that diplomatic engagement, in accordance with the Charter, remains important when active hostilities have commenced. This diplomatic engagement can be used to contain and reverse escalation, ensure protection of civilians, reduce the risk of the conflict widening, facilitate cessations of hostilities and ceasefires, facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and create conditions conducive to a peaceful settlement.
The Council emphasized the appropriate use of good offices and maintaining direct as well as indirect communication channels between parties to armed conflict. This can enable a stop of hostilities and de-escalation, reduce the risk of miscalculation, and create opportunities for dialogue and sustained political engagement. It stressed that the principal responsibility for peacefully settling disputes rests with the parties to the conflict. In line with the Charter’s provisions, these parties’ full participation and genuine commitment to resolve the conflict, including its underlying causes, will help achieve and sustain peace.
Recalling and recognizing important contributions to be made by Member States, the Council encouraged their continued efforts in accordance with international law. The organ also recalled regional and subregional organizations’ important contribution and welcomed their efforts to enhance their mediation role, consistent with the Charter. The Council encouraged strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and these regional and subregional organizations.
Emphasizing the important role the Secretary-General, his representatives, envoys and United Nations mediators can play to promote mediation and peacefully settle disputes, the Council encouraged their continued support of timely diplomatick efforts to de-escalate and peacefully resolve armed conflicts.
The Council stressed that diplomatic efforts towards de-escalation, mediation, cessation of hostilities and peaceful settlement need to be undertaken in accordance with the Charter and relevant Council resolutions and statements. It further recognized the important role of relevant United Nations organs, in accordance with their mandates. It emphasized the International Court of Justice’s important role to adjudicate disputes with the consent of the States to its jurisdiction. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining international peace and security in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and relevant Charter provisions.
Finally, the Council requested the Secretary-General to continue, in accordance with the Charter, to promote and support dialogue, diplomacy, de-escalation, mediation and the pacific settlement of disputes — before and during armed conflict — and support sustainable political solutions, including through his good offices and relevant United Nations capacities. It requested the Secretary-General to keep the Council appropriately informed of his efforts.
