"Germany's 50-year UN journey: A milestone in global diplomacy "

 "Germany's 50-year UN journey: A milestone in global diplomacy "

Fifty years ago, on September 18, 1973, two German states became members of the United Nations, an event that defied diplomatic norms. This significant moment occurred by New York's East River and held immense historical weight.

Nearly three decades after Germany's initiation of the Second World War and the tragic Holocaust, which caused untold suffering to millions, this day marked the return of a once "defeated enemy nation" to the global community. We remain deeply appreciative of this return, viewing it as an ongoing responsibility.

Germany's UN membership came 28 years after the organization's establishment. It symbolizes our acknowledgment of German culpability and unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter – a world built on the foundation of law rather than the rule of the strong. September 18, 1973, serves as a testament to Germany's profound understanding of diplomacy.

Our foreign policy should never confine itself to safeguarding German interests alone. For 75 years, our Basic Law has mandated us to "promote world peace... within a united Europe."

Today, these tasks and our five decades of UN membership are more critical than ever. Fundamental UN principles are under threat. This is why we joined over 140 nations in the General Assembly to champion the cause of Ukraine and the Charter's principles. Under this Charter, every state deserves to live in peace, free from the fear of aggression by stronger neighbors.

The geopolitical landscape has transformed significantly since the Cold War era. The days of Eastern and Western blocs are behind us, replaced by a new multipolar reality demanding enhanced cooperation.

Many nations with diverse perspectives now seek to shape the global order, and rightfully so. It's time for their voices to be heard more distinctly. We are committed to fortifying our partnerships with all nations that value an international order rooted in principles and laws.

This order is not confined to any Western ideology; rather, it is firmly grounded in the UN Charter. It embodies the universal belief that all states and individuals possess equal rights, irrespective of their power, and that no state should ever launch aggression against its neighbor. These principles, for us Germans, are lessons derived from the horrors of World War II and the Nazi atrocities.

Given this history, we Germans carry a special responsibility to fortify the UN Charter. It's why we aspire to secure a seat on the Security Council for 2027-28.

Those who challenge this order have yet to propose a superior, more just alternative. We intend to build upon the foundation laid in 1945, adapting it to our evolving world.

This entails restructuring international financial institutions, health agencies, and the UN Security Council to provide suitable representation to our partners in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Furthermore, we aim to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals within the United Nations and intensify our efforts to combat the climate crisis – the paramount challenge of our era. We pledge to create a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels and demonstrate solidarity with the most vulnerable nations affected by climate change.

In fostering genuine partnerships, we must also scrutinize our past actions. Consequently, Germany has initiated the return of artifacts looted during the colonial era, a crucial step in addressing our dark colonial history.

We acknowledge that Western nations, including Germany, have made mistakes, such as our historic delay in opposing apartheid in South Africa during the Cold War. Conversely, the former East Germany, GDR, and the Soviet Union demonstrated solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement.

We recognize the voices of nations that received support from Russia, but it is essential to remember that Russia is currently engaging in aggression against a state formerly part of the Soviet Union. Notably, countries from the former Warsaw Pact are showing solidarity with Ukraine, underscoring the value of freedom.

As a 42-year-old German, I emphatically state that we admit our mistakes and are actively learning from our history. We are not dwelling in the past; we are shaping the future collaboratively.

With our accession fifty years ago, Germans committed to taking responsibility for the United Nations. Today, we don't merely uphold that commitment; we seek innovative ways to fulfill it in a changing world.

With courage and confidence, we stand for a robust United Nations and a more equitable future for all.