Delegation's Statement at ECOSOC
The full text of the statement is as follows:
Statement by
Mr. Javad Momeni
First Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Operational Activities for Development Segment
New York, 1 June 2026
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Mr. President,
The Islamic Republic of Iran aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report and the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohamed and the Under Secretary-General, Li Junhua, for their valuable presence.
Mr. President,
Across the developing world, countries continue to face persistent challenges, including poverty, widening inequalities, climate-related impacts, debt burdens, digital divides, and growing development financing gaps.
Our world is witnessing dangerous contradictions that directly affect the development pillar, including unilateralism instead of genuine multilateralism; confrontation instead of cooperation; and coercive measures instead of dialogue, diplomacy, and fair trade.
By placing development at the centre of our collective efforts and strengthening cooperation, solidarity, and multilateralism, we can better address shared challenges and advance a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for all.
Mr. President,
Unilateral coercive measures are contrary to the spirit of international cooperation and multilateralism. Such illegal measures must be firmly opposed and rejected.
Likewise, armed conflicts and wars continue to inflict devastating human, social and economic consequences, destroying infrastructure, disrupting essential services, and eroding development achievements accumulated over decades.
Mr. President,
The QCPR, together with the ongoing discussions under the UN80 initiative, should deliver a United Nations that is more effective, responsive, and results-oriented in supporting the development priorities of programme countries.
Three principles must continue to guide the work of the United Nations development system: national ownership, national leadership, and national priorities; development strategies must be defined by countries themselves, and reflect their specific circumstances, needs and aspirations.
At the same time, we remain deeply concerned by the continued decline and fragmentation of development financing.
Furthermore, discussions on development cannot be separated from the need to reform the international financial architecture and international financial institutions. These reforms should enhance developing countries’ access to financing, strengthen their voice and representation, and better support their sustainable development efforts.
In conclusion, Mr. President, by placing development at the centre of our collective efforts and strengthening cooperation, solidarity, and multilateralism, we can better address our shared challenges and advance a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for all.
I thank you.