Ministry Statements & Speeches:
President,
At the outset, allow me to express New Zealand’s deep regret that it has become necessary to withdraw this year’s Omnibus resolution due to the various good-faith amendments hanging over it, despite long and productive discussions to find a path towards maintaining consensus. We thank Sweden for their skilled stewardship of this foundational resolution.
We deeply value the tradition of consensus on the humanitarian resolutions and consider the overt politicisation of this space to be a very unfortunate and dangerous development. New Zealand looks forward to returning to consensus on these resolutions in the near future.
President, as many have noted, this is a moment of major change for the humanitarian system. New Zealand recognises the challenges and uncertainty this brings for humanitarians worldwide. We extend our deep gratitude to those working tirelessly to deliver lifesaving assistance in extremely complicated and demanding contexts, while upholding humanitarian principles and values.
As we look ahead, it is essential that the system remains firmly anchored in humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. The erosion of respect for IHL that we have witnessed in recent years is of grave concern. As such, we are strong supporters of the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, and the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian personnel, led by Australia.
The Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative offers a critical opportunity to strengthen and reshape the UN’s delivery of humanitarian assistance. We welcome these efforts and will support reforms that build a more resilient and sustainable humanitarian system. We look forward to further detail on the Humanitarian Compact and encourage a coordinated, system-wide approach that reinforces existing initiatives. We welcome the Compact’s emphasis on defending principles, ensuring access, and protecting civilians.
New Zealand commends the ERC’s continued leadership on reform. We support bold action to streamline humanitarian assistance—improving efficiency, reducing duplication, strengthening enablers, and simplifying coordination structures. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators must be empowered and authorised to lead effective UN responses. Our priority must always be supporting the most vulnerable.
For New Zealand, the Pacific remains at the heart of our approach to humanitarian preparedness and response. Our region faces escalating risks from climate change and is acutely vulnerable to natural disasters. We remain committed to being a reliable and responsive partner—providing practical, timely assistance, and working alongside Pacific governments and communities to strengthen resilience and preparedness.
Across the wider Asia-Pacific, which hosts three-quarters of the world’s disaster-affected people, we have supported governments and the multilateral system to respond to extreme weather events in Southeast Asia, including those in the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam.
Of great concern for New Zealand remains the continuing conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where over one third of the population now requires humanitarian assistance. The number of people in need has surged from 1 million in 2020 to almost 22 million in 2025—a staggering increase in just five years that demands urgent attention. New Zealand has provided 31 million New Zealand dollars in humanitarian support since 2021 to this grave situation.
Madam President, New Zealand is proud to play our part in the global humanitarian system, and to stand for action that saves lives.
Thank you.