News item | 22-09-2025 | 10:25 AM
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations (AVVN) in New York. What is on this special edition on the agenda? And what is the Dutch commitment?
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What is the General Assembly of the United Nations (AVVN)?
In the United Nations, 193 countries come together – to make agreements for a better and safer world. And in one place the biggest challenges in the world are discussed: the general meeting of the United Nations (in English: General Assembly of the United Nations). In the AVVN, countries consult with each other and together make decisions, also known as resolutions. With such decisions, each country has 1 voice.
UN member: The Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is in its entirety a member of the United Nations (UN). That is why the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint-Maarten usually go to the AVVN on behalf of the Kingdom. The delegation of the Kingdom includes the prime ministers of the countries. Read more about the Kingdom Delegation program at the AVVN.
Global problems require worldwide solutions.
What does the Kingdom of the Netherlands want to achieve on the AVVN?
In a world with problems that transcend national borders, the UN is of great importance. An organization in which we can take on these challenges with as many countries as possible. Because together we are stronger. That is why the Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to international cooperation. That also helps to protect our own prosperity and safety.
Peace, safety and international agreements
Ask conflicts and tensions in the world to meet an organization in which countries come together to consult and seek solutions. The Kingdom wants the UN to continue to focus on peace and safety, based on clear agreements and rules. At the start of the week, Minister Van Weel will attend a conference on the two -state solution. The Kingdom also organizes meetings that monitor the UN Charter, such as the annual meeting to support the International Criminal Court and an event on accountability for Sudan and Ukraine. In this way we ensure that cooperation remains more important than the ‘right of the strongest’.
Prevent poverty and inequality
Poverty and inequality remain major challenges that countries affect worldwide. The Kingdom wants the UN to continue to work for sustainable development, so that everyone has access to basic facilities such as education, health care and clean drinking water. In addition, the Kingdom also seeks cooperation with less traditional partners, because wide coalitions are needed to reduce inequality and to prevent new tensions.
Climate change and vulnerable countries
Climate change affects us all, especially small and vulnerable countries, such as Aruba, Curaçao and Sint-Maarten. Our islands are confronted with rising sea mirrors and extreme weather. That is why multilateral cooperation is crucial to tackle the challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including climate change and financial vulnerability. The Kingdom wants the UN to help find solutions and that nobody is left in the fight against climate change.
Reforms for a strong and efficient UN
The UN must continue to adapt to a changing world. The Kingdom is committed to reforms that make the organization more effective and efficient. With the UN-80 initiative, the Secretary General is working on a financially resilient UN that focuses better on its core tasks: peace, safety, human rights and development. It is important that help to the most vulnerable remains paramount.
Protect human rights
Human rights and democracy are under pressure worldwide. The Kingdom sees it as its responsibility to stand up for justice together with other countries. For example, during the AVVN we organize an event together with Chile to protect and reform the human rights pillar of the UN Charter.