Across the halls of the UN, an authoritative voice has consistently championed diplomacy and mediation to resolve conflicts. Saudi Arabia has established itself as a strong advocate for international stability, security, and peace.
As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) amid pressing global challenges, Riyadh’s strategy serves as a blueprint for how nations could leverage multilateral platforms to achieve concrete results on the ground.
Upholding International Law
Driving the News: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is taking part in the 81st session of the UNGA, held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All,” the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The Big Picture: In statements to SPA, Prince Faisal highlighted the Kingdom’s approach to security and peace. He emphasized that upholding the principles of international law is essential for addressing the recent regional tensions. These principles call for:
- Respect for state sovereignty.
- The peaceful resolution of disputes.
- The safety and freedom of navigation in international waterways.
He also noted that endorsing these principles safeguards the security of all nations and advance the aspirations of their peoples.
The Role of Multilateral Platforms
Between the Lines: The Saudi Foreign Minister said that the UNGA provides an opportunity to actively engage with international community, consolidating its efforts to champion international peace and security, promote dialogue and mediation, and address shared challenges.
Moreover, Prince Faisal highlighted the role of multilateral platforms, such as the UN, in promoting security and peace, upholding international law and norms, and strengthening international cooperation to address crises.
What to Watch: The UN will elect a new Secretary-General to succeed António Guterres, whose second five-year term in the office will conclude on December 31. Seven candidates compete in the race after the withdrawal of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.
Consensus-Building: The GCC Front
Zoom In: Ahead of the UNGA’s 81st session, the Saudi Foreign Minister joined a coordination meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). During the meeting, the participants discussed key issues to be discussed in the UNGA and GCC joint efforts to address them.
The meeting also addressed the recent regional developments and their implications for the region’s security and stability. Moreover, participants explored ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination to tackle current challenges.
A Voice for Stability
State of Play: As a UN member country, Saudi Arabia has been an active player in driving peace efforts through multilateral coordination, conflict mediation, and diplomatic maneuvers.
Palestine
Riyadh has mobilized international support for Palestinian statehood, co-chairing the High-Level International Conference for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution alongside France at the UN Headquarters, yielding the landmark New York Declaration. The Kingdom’s efforts also drove a wave of international recognitions of the State of Palestine by major Western nations including France, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
Sudan
Saudi Arabia has been a strong supporter of Sudan‘s unity, territorial integrity, and state institutions, advocating for a political solution and a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue to end the conflict. To this end, the Kingdom has spearheaded several initiatives to resolve the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, including hosting talks in Jeddah and scaling up humanitarian aid.
Yemen
Saudi Arabia remains committed to a secure and stable Yemen. The Kingdom supports the internationally recognized government in Yemen, championing UN-backed peace initiatives and regional de-escalation. Saudi Arabia also drives economic recovery efforts through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), providing essential budgetary support, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid to ensure long-term stability for the Yemeni people.
Ukraine
Saudi Arabia has maintained strict neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which broke out in February 2022, positioning itself as a trusted mediator. In light of this, the Kingdom has led multiple diplomatic initiatives to reach a negotiated solution to the crisis.
Maritime Security
In response to Houthi threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia launched the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition in late July 2026 to address and deter the growing threats to maritime security, including attacks against commercial vessels, energy tankers, and naval infrastructure in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
Shaping the Future
Go Deeper: In his remarks to SPA, Prince Faisal bin Farhan pointed to growing importance of advanced technology in driving sustainable development. However, he stressed the need to use this emerging tech responsibly and ethically.
The Context: Riyadh hosted the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI (GFEAI 2026), coinciding with the Kingdom’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence. The forum aimed to foster global dialogue on responsible AI governance, enhance the exchange of expertise and best practices, and explore avenues for harnessing AI technologies to support sustainable development and promote societal prosperity.
In His Words: “The Kingdom places great importance on sustainable development, particularly artificial intelligence technologies and their responsible use to develop various sectors, enhance their efficiency, and support innovation, thus delivering tangible benefits to the people.” – Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister.
The Bottom Line: Through active mediation, balanced strategy, and a forward-looking vision, Saudi Arabia leverages its UN membership to fulfill its historical role as a champion of global peace and stability.
