In the Security Council debate on Thursday on how best to settle disputes between States peacefully, ambassadors provided examples of success and challenges ahead under such themes as effective early warning and how to move from rhetorical support for preventive diplomacy to ensuring more consistent use of its Chapter VI powers under the UN Charter. Follow our live coverage.
What’s on the table?
Council members are now meeting around the iconic horseshoe table to delve into how best to prevent conflict.
Here’s what you need to know:
Chapter VI overview: The UN Charter’s Chapter VI, the Pacific settlement of disputes, empowers the Security Council to call on parties in a dispute to resolve it peacefully before it threatens international peace and security. View Chapter VI here.
Debate objectives:
- Identify best practices and gaps in UN Charter-based dispute mechanisms
- Explore how diplomacy and mediation can build trust and prevent conflict
- Review the implementation of resolution 2788 (2025), which requested the Secretary-General to provide recommendations to further strengthen mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes one year following its adoption
Guiding questions: Ambassadors are expected to discuss how to make more consistent use of Chapter VI tools, strengthen the Secretary-General’s good offices, better support Member States through mediation and technical advice, learn from past de-escalation successes and leverage regional and subregional organizations for early, locally-owned conflict resolution.
Broader aim: The debate seeks practical recommendations to strengthen the Council’s preventive role and support peaceful pathways in potentially destabilising situations.