Prime Minister Frieden States UN Success Depends on ‘Every One of Us’

On Friday 26 September 2025, Luxembourg’s Ministry of State reported on Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s visit to New York (US) to take part in the high-level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Firstly, the ministry highlighted that a key moment from this week was the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 22 September of Luxembourg’s recognition of the State of Palestine, made in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel. An act they said is fully in line with Luxembourg’s historic and steadfast commitment to the two-state solution.

“Rarely has the prospect of a two-state solution seemed more distant than today, and yet never has the international will to achieve it been more united. When doubts grow, we must face them with the certainty of hope,” said the Prime Minister in his address. “That is why I solemnly declare that, from today, Luxembourg officially recognises the State of Palestine.”

In reference to the Prime Minister’s visit to New York, the ministry noted that eighty years after its creation, the United Nations faces major challenges arising from multiple global crises and a precarious financial situation. For Luxembourg, as a founding country, the commemoration of this anniversary was an opportunity to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the promise made eight decades ago: that of being a faithful partner, convinced by the founding vision of the United Nations, based on universal values and the principles of peace, freedom and justice.

According to the ministry, this was also the central message delivered during the bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and reaffirmed in his speech on behalf of Luxembourg in the General Debate of the General Assembly.

“In recent years we have witnessed an unprecedented erosion of international norms and serious violations of humanitarian law. The international order is on the brink of collapse. Too few defend it. Too many have lost faith in it. Yet the success of the UN depends on each and every one of us,” declared Prime Minister Frieden.

During the General Assembly, the Prime Minister also took part in several high-level events, including a special climate meeting organised by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and a meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference, a key moment in defending women’s rights internationally. This was a unique opportunity to reaffirm Luxembourg’s commitment to gender equality and diversity at all levels of society.

Prime Minister Frieden also reiterated Luxembourg’s staunch support for Ukraine in the face of the precarious situation caused by Russian aggression, which affects not only the country itself but also Europe and the wider world. This was expressed during an intervention at the United Nations Security Council on behalf of the Benelux, with a strong call for an immediate end to Russian aggression, as well as at a meeting of the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children and the fifth summit of the International Crimea Platform.

“Respect for the Charter of the United Nations is the very foundation of peace, prosperity and security. Russia’s actions demonstrate a flagrant disregard for international law and humanitarian principles. Borders cannot and must not be redrawn by force,” said the Prime Minister on behalf of Luxembourg.

The high-level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly also provided the Prime Minister with a platform to undertake a series of important bilateral meetings, including with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon, as well as the Prime Ministers of Barbados, Mia Mottley, of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, and of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew.

Moreover, the Prime Minister’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly also included a meeting with the Luxembourg community living in New York and the surrounding region, in the presence of Minister Bettel and Martine Deprez, Minister for Health and Social Security.