New York, March 12, 2026 — During the 10120th meeting of the United Nations Security Council devoted to non-proliferation, in the framework of the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscored that the pursuit of the noble objectives of the United Nations, particularly the maintenance of international peace and security, requires the Security Council to rise above differences among its members. Reaffirming its attachment to the fundamental principles of the United Nations, with emphasis on the primacy of dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law, the DRC stressed the need to preserve the proper functioning of the Council’s subsidiary bodies, whose work remains essential to the credibility, coherence, and effectiveness of the multilateral system.
In the statement delivered by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the DRC to the United Nations, Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, the Congolese delegation indicated that it is closely following the work of the 1737 Committee tasked with overseeing sanctions related to the Iranian nuclear programme.
The DRC emphasized, first, its attachment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law, and the promotion of dialogue among States. In this regard, it highlighted the importance of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a guarantee of transparency and confidence in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Second, the Congolese delegation recalled that nuclear non-proliferation constitutes an essential pillar of collective security. It nevertheless considered that any measure adopted by the Security Council should be accompanied by sustained diplomatic efforts in order to foster a negotiated, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution.
In the same spirit, the DRC encouraged all parties concerned to pursue constructive dialogue and to fully comply with their international obligations, stressing that diplomacy and international cooperation remain the most effective means of easing tensions and preventing any escalation.
In keeping with this approach, the Democratic Republic of the Congo concluded by recalling that the Security Council’s responsibility in pursuing the objectives of international peace and security requires its members to rise above their differences in order to ensure the smooth conduct of its activities through its subsidiary bodies. For the DRC, the effectiveness of the Council, including in addressing sensitive issues related to non-proliferation, also depends on the ability of its members to preserve the spirit of collective responsibility in the service of multilateralism.