Statement of Republic of Mauritius (80th Session UNGA) Debate

Statement by The Honourable D. Ramful
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade
Republic of Mauritius
80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Friday 26 September 2025

Your Excellency, the President of the General Assembly,
Your Excellency, the Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,

Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of the atrocities and horrors of the deadliest conflict in human history, the UN Charter was signed as a promise that:

• future generations would be spared from the scourge of war;
• States would pursue global peace;
• international cooperation would be the cornerstone of our shared prosperity and progress; and
• human rights would be protected.

The theme of this session – “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights” – resonates deeply with these founding ideals of our Organisation. Indeed, there can be no peace without development, no development without peace, and neither peace nor development are sustainable without respect for human rights.

The UN has stood as a beacon of hope by, amongst others:

• Catalyzing decolonization;
• Adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
• Deploying over 70 peacekeeping operations;
• Leading global efforts in times of pandemics;
• Providing food aid to millions of people; and
• Working in over 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and build resilience.

These are not just statistics – they are testimonies of what we can achieve by working together in good faith with a common purpose. Yet, behind them also lies the continued suffering of hundreds of millions of people in conflict zones, denied their human rights, and for whom basic needs remain only a dream.

Conflicts are flaring across almost all continents, marked by blatant violations of international law. Each is a failure of humanity, of diplomacy, and of our collective duty to uphold international law.

Multilateralism and Reform

Madam President,

Relations between States should not be a zero-sum game. For the past 80 years, the UN has been the forum for coordination and harmonization in pursuit of common goals. To remain relevant, however, multilateral decision-making must restore its legitimacy and respond to the needs of all – especially the Global South.

We welcome this year’s global conferences – in Nice for the Ocean Conference, in Sevilla for the Conference on Financing for Development, later this year in Doha for the World Social Summit, and in Belem for COP30.

It is unfortunate, however, that the opportunity was missed to conclude a binding treaty on plastic pollution. Ultimately, what matters is not meetings but the translation of decisions into concrete action.

Today, the world faces what can be described as a poly-crisis: persistent conflicts, climate emergencies, environmental degradation, widening inequalities, cyber-criminality, and risks exacerbated by artificial intelligence.

This begs the question: Is the UN, in its current structure, equipped to face these challenges?

Mauritius welcomes the Secretary-General’s UN 80 Initiative – a chance to reimagine the future of multilateral cooperation and create a system that meets today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow.

We strongly support the long-overdue reform of the Security Council and revitalisation of the General Assembly.

• Africa, with nearly 30% of UN membership, remains unrepresented in the permanent category of the Security Council. At least two permanent seats for Africa are overdue and justified.
• India, as a major global player, also deserves a permanent seat commensurate with its constructive role in world affairs.
• Mauritius supports the G4 and L69 in promoting a more representative and equitable Council.

Mauritius’ Commitment to Development and Climate Action

Madam President,

Mauritius enjoys a robust and viable democratic system. The new Government, elected in November last, has been entrusted with the duty of making Mauritius better and bringing our people together – echoing this session’s theme.

We place people at the centre of our development, focusing especially on women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Prosperity, for us, lies in the balance of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), facing climate change, economic shocks, and geopolitical uncertainties, we value multilateralism and the rule of law.

The SDGs, however, remain far off track. For SIDS, finance is the major challenge. We urgently need long-term investment and stronger cooperation.

Climate change is a reality:

• Droughts, flash floods and cyclones are increasing.
• Air temperature has risen by up to 1.39°C.
• Sea levels around Mauritius are rising at 8 mm per year – more than double the global average.

These impacts threaten our tourism, agriculture, and food security.

The ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change (July 2025) was clear: we all share responsibility to protect the climate system. Obligations under the Paris Agreement – on finance, technology transfer, and assistance – are binding and must be translated into action.

International Law and Self-Determination

Mauritius applauds the growing recourse to the International Court of Justice for peaceful dispute settlement.

We particularly welcome the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Chagos Archipelago, which paved the way for negotiations and the May 2025 Agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom.

Mauritius is now working to establish a Marine Protected Area around the Chagos Archipelago while respecting the aspirations of Chagossian citizens to resettle there.

We extend our deep gratitude to all UN Member States who supported us in this just cause – from the 1970s to the adoption of the 2019 UNGA Resolution.

Peace, Palestine, and Global Solidarity

Mauritius reiterates its principled stance on the Palestinian cause, having recognized the State of Palestine in 1988.

Seventy-eight years after Resolution 181, Palestine still awaits full UN membership. We endorse the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Two-State Solution.

We call on the international community to intensify efforts to achieve this just solution.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Governance

The transformative potential of AI and digital technologies is undeniable – but so are the risks. Governance must ensure safe, secure, ethical, and inclusive use.

We welcome the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Developing countries must not be left behind, and the digital divide must not be allowed to widen further.

Regional Cooperation

Madame la Présidente,

Je tiens à renouveler l’engagement de mon pays à soutenir pleinement la coopération régionale et la mise en commun des efforts des pays riverains de l’océan Indien dans l’intérêt de tous. C’est notre version régionale de “Better Together”.

Maurice est honorée d’accueillir sur son territoire le siège de deux organisations de l’océan Indien : la Commission de l’Océan Indien (COI) et l’Association des pays riverains de l’Océan Indien (IORA).

Nous travaillons avec les Seychelles à la cogestion d’une vaste zone maritime, et attendons, après la reconnaissance de notre souveraineté sur les Chagos, un dénouement similaire concernant l’île de Tromelin.

Conclusion

Madam President,

Let me conclude by reaffirming our strong conviction: we are, indeed, Better Together.

To remain so, we must adapt, reform, and reinvigorate the United Nations. The Pact for the Future charts a new course for cooperation.

Let us rise to this challenge – bold in our actions, compassionate in our leadership, and united in our resolve.

No one should be left behind.

Thank you.

Original Tex

Statement by The Honourable D. Ramful
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and
International Trade
Republic of Mauritius
80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Friday 26 September 2025

Your Excellency, the President of the General Assembly
Your Excellency, the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Excellencies
Distinguished Delegates,

Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of the atrocities and horrors of the deadliest conflict in human history, the UN Charter was signed as a promise that:

• future generations will be spared from the scourge of war;
• States would pursue global peace;
• international cooperation would be the cornerstone of our
  shared prosperity and progress; and
• human rights would be protected.
  The theme – ‘Better Together – 80 years and more for peace,
  development and human rights’ –resonates deeply with these
  founding ideals of our Organisation. There can be ‘no peace
  without development, no development without peace and neither
  peace nor development are sustainable without respect for
  human rights’.
  The UN has stood as a beacon of hope by, amongst others:
• Catalyzing decolonization;
• Adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
• Deploying over 70 peacekeeping operations;
• Leading global efforts in times of pandemics;
• Providing food aid to millions of people; and
• Working in over 170 countries to help eradicate poverty,
  reduce inequalities and build resilience.
  These are not just facts and figures. These are testimonies of
  what we can achieve by working together in good faith with a
  common purpose. These are demonstrations of how the UN is
  making a difference in people’s lives.
  Unfortunately, behind these figures, also hides the continued
  suffering of hundreds of millions of our fellow humans living in
  conflict zones, subject to violations of their human rights, and for
  whom basic human needs remain a dream.
  The winds of conflicts are blowing across almost all continents.
  All marked with blatant violations of international law. Each of
  them represents the failure of humanity to protect its most
  vulnerable.
  
  Each of them is a failure of diplomacy and the upholding of
  international law!
  In addition, protectionism and the consequences of the COVID19 pandemic have put at stake the livelihoods of millions of
  people, especially in the developing world.
  Madam President,
  Relations between states should not be a zero-sum game. For
  the last 80 years, the UN has been a forum that allowed
  coordination and harmonization in the pursuit of common goals.
  For the continued relevance of the multilateral decision-making
  system, its legitimacy has to be restored. It should respond to the
  needs of all, and especially the Global South.
  We welcome the holding of the various conferences this year.
  Bringing together the world community to chart the path for future
  cooperation for our common good. For instance, we met in Nice
  for the Ocean Conference and in Sevilla for the Conference on
  Financing for Development. Later this year, we will meet in Doha
  for the World Social Summit and in Belem for COP 30.
  It is however unfortunate, that we missed the opportunity to
  conclude the Treaty on Plastic Pollution and protect our planet.
  But then what matters is how far decisions are translated into
  concrete actions.
  
  Madam President,
  The world today is facing what may be accurately described as a
  “poly-crisis”: persistent conflicts, climate emergencies,
  environmental degradation, growing inequalities, cyber
  criminality, exacerbated by artificial intelligence!
  This begs the question: Is the UN with its current operational
  structure equipped to face the challenges?
  We need a more efficient and effective organization. I welcome
  the Secretary-General’s UN 80 Initiative. An opportunity to
  reimagine the future of multilateral cooperation. A UN System
  that responds to the new and complex challenges of today while
  preparing the ground for future generations.
  Mauritius supports the long overdue reforms of the Security
  Council and the revitalisation of the General Assembly.
  Reform of the Security Council is essential for the future of the
  United Nations and global emancipation. As our Organisation
  turns 80, the Security Council membership should reflect the
  realities of today. It needs to be more inclusive, representative,
  and accountable.
  
  Africa makes almost thirty percent (30 %) of the UN membership.
  Yet, it is un-represented in the permanent category in the
  Security Council. Africa has the legitimate right to have its say in
  matters of the world, with no less than two permanent seats on
  the Security Council.
  India has now emerged as a major global player, and should
  have a permanent seat on the Council, commensurate with its
  constructive role in global affairs.
  Mauritius supports the G4 and the L69 in their efforts to promote
  a constructive dialogue on a more representative and equitable
  composition of the Security Council.
  Madam President,
  Mauritius is fortunate to have a robust and viable democratic
  system.
  The new Government elected in November last, has been
  entrusted with the duty of making Mauritius better, and bringing
  the people together. A mission that echoes well with the theme
  of this eightieth session.
  Mauritius will continue to place people at the centre of its national
  development, with particular focus on women, youth and
  vulnerable groups.
  
  True prosperity can only be achieved when economic growth,
  social inclusion, and environmental sustainability advance
  together. Mauritius remains committed to this path.
  As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faced with the
  devastating impacts of climate change, external economic shocks
  and geopolitical uncertainties, we value multilateralism. We value
  the role of the UN in shaping a world governed by the rule of law
  and not allowing the force of anarchy to take over.
  Madam President,
  In 2015, we committed to the global ambition of ending poverty,
  protecting our planet and ensuring that all people enjoy peace
  and prosperity through the UN Agenda 2030.
  We are just 5 years from our own deadline.
  Globally, the SDGs are far off-track. Finance remains the major
  challenge faced by SIDS, like Mauritius. We need long-term
  investment in sustainable development and strong multilateral
  cooperation.
  Climate change is a reality. Mauritius is not spared from its
  cataclysmic impact.
  
  Episodes of prolonged droughts, flash floods and cyclones are
  more and more frequent. Air temperature has increased by up to
  1.39 degree Celsius. Sea level is rising by 8 mm per year,
  compared to the global average of 3.3 mm.
  The socio-economic challenges posed with these irreversible
  changes are enormous for us to face alone. Amongst others, our
  tourism industry is affected, agricultural production is decreasing,
  and food security is real cause for concern.
  The historic Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on
  Climate Change last July is clear and unambiguous. We all have a
  responsibility to protect the climate system. Obligations under the
  Paris Agreement to provide financial support, technical assistance
  and technology transfer are binding.
  Mauritius calls upon all Member States to translate these legal
  obligations into concrete climate action and enhanced support for
  the most vulnerable nations. The international community should
  ensure that the assistance that we need for adaptation, mitigation
  and building our resilience are made available.
  Madam President,
  
  We are pleased to note the greater recourse to the ICJ in recent
  years. We hope that the reforms agenda will include measures to
  increase its effectiveness in peaceful settlement of disputes.
  Mauritius particularly applauds the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ on
  the Chagos Archipelago which paved the way for negotiations
  that led to the signature of an agreement in May this year
  between the Governments of Mauritius and of the United
  Kingdom.
  This is a vindication of international law.
  In this context, Mauritius is strongly committed to protecting and
  preserving the pristine marine environment of the Chagos
  Archipelago. In this regard, it is in the process of establishing a
  Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area, whilst taking into
  account the aspiration of Mauritian citizens of Chagossian origin
  to resettle in the Chagos Archipelago.
  Mauritius extends its deep appreciation for the support received
  from UN Member States right from the early 70’s up to the
  adoption of the UNGA Resolution on 22 May 2019 in support of
  the ICJ advisory opinion.
  Madam President,
  
  Mauritius reiterates its principled and longstanding stance in
  support of the Palestinian cause, which led to our recognition of
  the State of Palestine in November 1988.
  78 years after the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 181,
  the State of Palestine continues to be denied full membership of
  the United Nations.
  Mauritius welcomes the overwhelming support for a two-State
  solution and endorses the New York Declaration on the Peaceful
  Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation
  of the Two-State Solution.
  We call on the international community to spare no effort to
  achieve this solution.
  Madam President,
  The transformative potential of AI and digital technologies are
  undeniable; but they also represent real challenges for
  contemporary society. AI‘s capabilities should be harnessed
  responsibly and collectively.
  There is need to build a global governance architecture through
  multilateral negotiations that will ensure safe, secure, ethical and
  
  inclusive use of AI. Resource and capacity constraints of
  developing economies have to be acknowledged and addressed.
  The digital divide should not be allowed to widen further.
  We welcome the recent establishment of the UN Independent
  International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI
  Governance.
  Madame la Présidente,
  Je tiens à renouveler l’engagement de mon pays à soutenir
  pleinement la coopération régionale et la mise en commun des
  efforts des pays riverains de l’océan Indien dans l’intérêt de tous.
  C’est notre version régionale de ‘Better Together’.
  Maurice est honorée par la présence sur son territoire des sièges
  de deux organisations des pays de l’océan Indien, notamment la
  Commission de l’Océan Indien (la COI) et l’Association des pays
  riverains de l’Océan Indien (l’IORA).
  Nous avons conclu en 2012 un accord avec les Seychelles pour
  la cogestion d’une vaste zone maritime. Nous travaillons pour sa
  mise en œuvre.
  Je tiens à rappeler qu’après la reconnaissance de notre
  souveraineté sur l’archipel des Chagos par le Royaume uni,
  Maurice s’attend au même dénouement en ce qu’il s’agit de notre
  souveraineté sur l’île de Tromelin.
  
  To conclude, Madam President,
  Let me reiterate our strong conviction that we are indeed, Better
  Together.
  And to continue to be Better Together, we must adapt, reform
  and reinvigorate the UN.
  In this regard, the Pact for the Future charts a new course for
  international cooperation.
  Let us rise to the challenge. Let us be bold in our actions,
  compassionate in our leadership and united in our resolve. No
  one should be left behind.
  Thank you.