The Security Council’s programme of work for July features an open debate on the importance of good governance of natural resources as a foundation for peace, security and prosperity, the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the organ’s President for the month, told correspondents at a Headquarters press conference today.
“Our aim is to facilitate substantive discussions in the Council and ensure concrete outcomes contributing to maintaining international peace and security in line with the United Nations Charter,” said Ambassador Zenon Ngay Mukongo.
He added that presiding over the 15-member organ is “both a profound honour and lofty responsibility”, and expressed his determination to lead the Council’s work with “impartiality, transparency and respect for the UN Charter”.
Having previously served on the Council from 1982-1983 and 1990-1991, the Democratic Republic of the Congo made its return after more than three decades.
The Council’s programme includes briefings, consultations, open debates and possible adoptions of resolutions.
On 2 July, the Council will hold an emergency meeting on Iran requested by Bahrain. On 7 July, it will receive a briefing on the situation in Sudan from the International Criminal Court, followed on 8 July by a high-level open debate on women, peace and security, chaired by Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
In mid-month, his country will convene a high-level Arria-formula informal meeting on 13 July focused on gaps in international law relating to natural resources and peace.
The Council has also set aside time for a possible decision on a resolution concerning the Red Sea, followed by discussions on the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Colombia, Lebanon and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
In the fourth week, the Council will hold meetings on Haiti and Syria. On 22 July, it will convene its signature high-level open debate on natural-resource governance, chaired by Congolese President Felix Tshikedi. This will be followed on 23 July by an open debate on the peaceful settlement of disputes.
In the final week, the Council will hold an open debate on the Middle East, consider a possible sanctions resolution and discuss the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
He also noted that the Council is expected to begin the informal straw-poll phase of the Secretary-General selection process during July. These confidential, indicative votes help Council members assess support for candidates ahead of a formal recommendation to the General Assembly. The next Secretary-General’s term will begin on 1 January 2027.
Responding to questions from correspondents, Mr. Mukongo said the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s signature event on natural-resource governance reflects its view that poor management of natural resources is one of the root causes of conflict. While such resources should benefit the countries and populations where they are found, they are often exploited illicitly by armed groups, fueling violence and instability. He stressed that natural resources should instead contribute to the sustainable development of the countries in which they are located.
He said the high-level Arria-formula meeting scheduled for 13 July will explore what the Democratic Republic of the Congo sees as a gap in the international legal framework governing natural resources in conflict situations. Discussions will focus on possible ways of establishing international standards and principles to ensure that natural resources support development rather than armed groups. The meeting is intended to lay the groundwork for a future Security Council resolution dedicated to natural resource governance, an issue that has thus far been addressed only in a fragmented manner across various Council resolutions.
Turning to Lebanon, he noted that the Council will discuss the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) during consultations on 16 July.
On the selection of the next Secretary-General, he said that hearings with candidates are under way and that Council members will continue their discussions in informal meetings. He added that the first straw poll of the selection process is expected to take place during the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s presidency.
For the full programme of work, please see: main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/programme-work .
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