Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah made an impassioned call for reform at the United Nations (UN), citing the institution’s failure to adequately address the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict and the broader issues facing the Palestinian people. Speaking on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, at the “Summit of the Future” during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Prince Faisal highlighted the growing frustration with international organizations’ inability to foster peace or hold Israel accountable for alleged violations of international law.
Prince Faisal’s speech, delivered before world leaders and diplomats in New York, was a pointed critique of the UN’s inability to address long-standing global conflicts, particularly the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. He underscored that the failure of international institutions like the UN to act decisively in preventing or resolving such crises has exposed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of their structures and mandates.
“The urgent need for radical reforms in international institutions is clearly demonstrated by their failure to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine and their inability to hold the Israeli occupation authorities accountable for their violations,” stated Prince Faisal.
His remarks came amid increasing tensions in the Middle East, where a recent surge in violence between Israel and Hamas has claimed thousands of lives, displaced countless civilians, and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The conflict has again put a spotlight on the UN’s limited ability to enforce resolutions or negotiate lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
Inaction and the ‘Pact for the Future’
Prince Faisal warned that the ongoing failure to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict could jeopardize the international community’s broader efforts toward creating a peaceful and secure world order. Referring to the UN’s “Pact for the Future,” a proposed blueprint to address global challenges by 2045, he cautioned that the UN’s credibility and effectiveness would be tested by how it handles the situation in Palestine.
“The continued international failures to establish peace worldwide, specifically in resolving the conflict in the Middle East, will put the ‘Pact for the Future’ to the test. Security and stability are the solid foundation for any cooperation aimed at achieving development,” Prince Faisal stressed.
The ‘Pact for the Future,’ which is currently under discussion at the UN, aims to address a range of global issues including poverty, inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. Saudi Arabia’s participation in this dialogue highlights its desire to reshape the future of multilateral diplomacy and ensure that reforms address not only emerging global challenges but also long-standing unresolved conflicts like the Israel-Palestine situation.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Multilateralism
Despite his criticisms, Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for the UN and its core mission of promoting peace and security. He emphasized that the Kingdom envisions a world where multilateral action is strengthened and adapted to contemporary challenges. However, he also underscored that achieving this vision requires urgent reforms to empower the UN to act more effectively in conflict resolution, development, and international law enforcement.
“To achieve our ambition for a better future, reforming the United Nations system has become an urgent need to enable it to carry out its roles in addressing threats to international peace and security and hindering development paths,” Prince Faisal urged.
The Kingdom is advocating for an international system that is more responsive to the needs of all countries, especially developing nations. Prince Faisal called for reforms that could help bridge the digital divide, strengthen the global financial system, and create a more inclusive environment for sustainable development. This vision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic goals and its ambitious domestic reform agenda, known as Vision 2030.
Vision 2030 and International Cooperation
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s transformative strategy aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy, reducing its dependency on oil, and promoting social and economic development. Prince Faisal linked the Kingdom’s domestic goals with its international aspirations, pointing out that the UN’s reform could complement Saudi Arabia’s push for a more cooperative and sustainable global environment.
“The Kingdom’s determination to continue efforts toward achieving the desired goals outlined in the Pact is in alignment with our ambitious Vision 2030 and our approach to enhancing international cooperation and collective action,” he explained.
Saudi Arabia, with its significant geopolitical influence and economic resources, has sought to position itself as a leader in both the Middle East and on the world stage. Its Vision 2030 initiative represents not only a blueprint for domestic transformation but also a roadmap for more active and diversified international engagement.
Focus on Climate Change and Energy Transition
Prince Faisal also addressed the pressing issue of climate change during his speech, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. He acknowledged that while the Kingdom is a leading producer of oil, it recognizes the need to transition toward a more sustainable energy model, as long as it is done in a balanced manner.
“Energy transitions must be guided by three fundamental principles: energy security, economic prosperity, and addressing the effects of climate change without compromising any of these principles,” said Prince Faisal, referencing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s approach to climate change would not neglect the differences in national and regional circumstances and capabilities. This stance reflects the Kingdom’s pragmatic approach to balancing the need for sustainable development with the realities of its economy and those of other developing nations that rely on energy-intensive industries.
In line with its climate commitments, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) later this year. This session marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and is expected to focus on combating desertification and promoting sustainable land management practices.
Saudi Arabia’s call for UN reform also comes in the context of its evolving role in the Middle East. The Kingdom has taken on a more assertive diplomatic posture in recent years, seeking to mediate regional conflicts and promote peace and stability in a volatile region. It has engaged in talks with Iran to ease tensions and played a central role in the peace talks in Yemen.
While advocating for Palestinian rights, Saudi Arabia has also been involved in discussions aimed at normalizing relations with Israel, as part of broader regional diplomacy that could reshape alliances in the Middle East. However, Prince Faisal’s speech made it clear that any normalization efforts must be contingent on meaningful progress toward a just resolution for the Palestinian people.
“The Kingdom remains committed to the Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. This is the only path to lasting peace,” Prince Faisal reiterated.
Saudi Arabia’s Delegation to the UN
Saudi Arabia’s presence at the 79th UN General Assembly was significant, with a high-level delegation accompanying Prince Faisal. The delegation included Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United States; Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha; Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim; Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi; and the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil.
Their involvement underscores the Kingdom’s strategic focus on integrating its national development objectives with global multilateral efforts. Whether through climate action, economic reform, or advocacy for peace and security, Saudi Arabia is signaling that it seeks to be at the forefront of shaping the future international order.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change and economic inequality to geopolitical instability—the future of global governance is at a crossroads. Prince Faisal’s call for reform at the UN is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s growing role in international affairs and its dissatisfaction with the current state of global institutions.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel serves as a stark reminder of the international community’s shortcomings in addressing long-standing disputes. For Saudi Arabia, the path forward lies in reforming the very structures that have failed to resolve such crises. By calling for a more just, responsive, and effective UN, Prince Faisal has put forth a vision for a new era of multilateral diplomacy—one that aligns with both Saudi Arabia’s domestic ambitions and the broader aspirations for global peace and development.
