Diplomacy in Play: How Saudi Arabia Is Redefining Multilateralism & Regional Peace
Saudi Arabia’s consistent efforts to establish regional peace and promote multilateral governance have taken center stage at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In recognition, the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, highlighted Riyadh’s growing influence across Middle East peace initiatives, major global summits, and substantial humanitarian aid. His remarks underscore Saudi Arabia’s rise as a trusted mediator and an active builder of global institutions.
An Unmistakable Commitment
The Big Picture: In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dujarric commended Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in promoting regional and global peace, as well as its championing of political solutions to conflicts across the region.
The Anchor: Dujarric pointed to Riyadh’s significant ability to bring together international parties, as well as its critical diplomatic role which serves as a cornerstone for resolving peace and security issues at both the regional and international levels.
Why It Matters: The UN Spokesperson noted that these efforts are crucial in enabling dialogue, reducing tensions, mobilizing regional support, and paving the way for enduring peace.
The Two-State Solution
The Context: Building on the High-Level International Conference for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France last year, senior officials from Riyadh, Paris, London, and Ottawa convened in New York for a meeting titled “The Road Ahead: One Year after the New York Declaration and the Comprehensive 20-point Peace Plan for Gaza.”
During this meeting, Saudi Arabia called for the full implementation of the Gaza Comprehensive Peace Plan, and urged the international community to act against Israeli settlement expansion and annexation policies in the occupied West Bank.
State of Play: Dujarric praised the leadership of Saudi Arabia in mobilizing international support for the two-state solution conference and the New York Declaration, noting that it is time to transform these outcomes into sustainable and tangible action to achieve peace in the Middle East.
📹 | Saudi diplomacy concludes its participation in #UNGA81.#SaudiArabiaAtUN 🇸🇦🇺🇳 pic.twitter.com/vPYNMDLo7Z
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 27, 2026
The Vision: The UN official said that this should start with a credible political process that ends the occupation and establishes an independent Palestinian State. This process must be backed by effective measures aimed at preserving the viability of the two-state solution, in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements.
Gaza Peace
Between the Lines: According to the UN vision, settlement expansion and annexation must stop, as they undermine the future viability and territorial contiguity of the Palestinian State. Additionally, Dujarric highlighted the need to bolster Palestinian institutions, restore the financial sustainability of the Palestinian Authority, and implement the Gaza peace plan in order to keep Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, politically, economically, and geographically unified.
In His Words: “It is also important to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, ensure the sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance, support recovery, and chart a path towards unified Palestinian governance.” – Stéphane Dujarric, the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson.
Championing Global Institutions
Go Deeper: Beyond crisis management, Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in supporting global governance and multilateralism. The Kingdom has hosted an array of major events and contributed to the launch of several multilateral platforms.
Major Events Hosted:
- UNCCD’s COP16
- Internet Governance Forum
- General Conference of the UNIDO
- UN Tourism General Assembly
- Future Minerals Forum
- International Labor Market Conference
- Future Investment Initiative (FII) Conference
Upcoming Events:
- UN World Data Forum (November 2026)
- World Water Forum (2027)
- Expo 2030 Riyadh
- FIFA World Cup 2034
Saudi-initiated Multilateral Platforms:
- Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
- Global Water Organization
The Humanitarian Advocate
The Catalyst: Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast supporter of humanitarian action, providing large shares of relief and development aid to vulnerable communities worldwide. These efforts are spearheaded by several government agencies, such as the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY).
Catch Up Quick: Dujarric recognized the Kingdom as one of the top global donors.
By the Numbers:
- $5.47 billion: Official development assistance extended by Saudi Arabia in 2023, according to OECD data.
- 94%: Proportion of Saudi foreign assistance delivered directly via bilateral aid.
Charting the Future
Looking Ahead: Describing Saudi Arabia as an important partner of the UN, Dujarric highlighted the Kingdom’s active contributions across diplomatic, humanitarian, and development spheres. He voiced hope that Saudi-UN partnership can lead the way for tangible results in de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy, peace, and development.
The Takeaway: As a nexus bridging the East and West, Saudi Arabia’s proactive engagement has positioned it as a reliable anchor for stability and international cooperation. The UN Spokesperson’s remarks underscore Riyadh’s indispensable role in resolving regional crises and advancing global action.
