Statement of Brunei Darussalam at the UNGA72

Peace: Regional and international peace and security are crucial for human and economic developments to thrive. This is the basic foundation for ASEAN's success as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. So, for the continued progress of Southeast Asia and the region at large, it is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure a stable, safe and secure environment, one that is free from conflict, war or threat of war.

Peace/development: We also strive for stronger engagement through confidence building, preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution through peaceful means. It is through these efforts and close cooperation among ourselves and with our external partners that ASEAN hopes to
further contribute towards global peace and development. ASEAN's achievements over the past 50 years in ensuring regional peace and security have enabled Brunei Darussalam to pursue its development objectives in a peaceful and harmonious environment. We are pleased that our country has consistently achieved very high-ranking in UNDP's Human Development Index.

Focus Country: Like everyone, the Palestinians also have hopes and dreams to be educators, doctors, engineers, artists, athletes and innovators, which are all for the good of humanity. However, for half a century, foreign occupation has tremendously hindered many of them from achieving their full human potential to contribute more towards global development. Peace, freedom, justice and self-determination are Palestine's fundamental rights. As the legitimate and truly representative organisation on the planet, the UN has a moral and legal obligation to enforce these rights and ensure accountability for actions that contravene international law. We continue to count on the UN as well as all relevant parties concerned to find a comprehensive and lasting peace and stability in the region. We have to press on with all efforts in translating the growing international recognition of the State of Palestine into positive changes on the ground, so that the Palestinians can pursue sustainable development in their own homeland.

Conflict prevention: As such, we support our Secretary-General's ideas to reform the UN and re-position our organisation to focus more on conflict prevention measures, including mediation. We believe such endeavour will greatly help the UN optimise its work and resources, and above all, save lives, safeguard people's dignity, and promote peace and security around the world.