The United Nations and the League of Arab States (LAS) are strengthening their partnership to address critical peace and security challenges in the Middle East and beyond, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Thursday.

Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, emphasized the League’s pivotal role in fostering stability across a region marred by persistent conflicts, including fragile ceasefires in Gaza and crises in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Libya.

He acknowledged the League’s nearly eight-decade-long collaboration with the UN, stating, “The extreme challenges across the Middle East come at a time when the international system has been struggling.” Khiari stressed the importance of multilateralism and collective action to build trust in global institutions.

He added, “We commit to continue our partnership with the League of Arab States to augment our joint efforts to improve the lives of people across the Arab region and beyond.”

Khiari lauded the recent ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, describing it as a “ray of hope” for Palestinians and hostages reunited with their families. He highlighted the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in brokering the agreement.

The League has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, rallying international backing for a ceasefire. Khiari urged stakeholders to work toward a two-state solution, stating, “A negotiated two-State solution remains the only viable path to ensuring peace, security, and coexistence for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

He also emphasized cooperation in Syria and Lebanon, where years of conflict and instability have left countries in need of significant rebuilding.

Addressing Broader Crises

Joint efforts between the UN and the League extend to Yemen, Libya, and Sudan. In Sudan, the League is actively involved in fostering dialogue and mediation to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Khiari highlighted the importance of engaging Arab youth—who constitute 60% of the region’s population—in peacebuilding and development. The UN has supported the League’s Youth, Peace, and Security agenda, including the Arab Regional Youth, Peace, and Security Strategy.

“Implementing this strategy is an investment in the future of the entire region,” he noted, emphasizing the need to amplify young voices and provide opportunities to strengthen peace and stability.

Founded on March 22, 1945, in Cairo, the League of Arab States is an intergovernmental organization uniting 22 member states across the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission includes fostering political, economic, cultural, and social cooperation while safeguarding sovereignty and independence.

Over the years, the League has mediated disputes among member states, promoted regional stability, and developed frameworks for economic integration, such as the Joint Arab Economic Action Charter. It has also championed the Palestinian cause, notably through the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposed a comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Cultural and educational initiatives, spearheaded by bodies like the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), have strengthened a sense of shared identity among Arab nations. Despite internal divisions, the League remains a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration on regional concerns.

Khiari’s remarks underscore the enduring relevance of the UN-LAS partnership, highlighting that only through collective action can the challenges facing the Middle East and beyond be effectively addressed.