She emphasized that the UN is “as essential as ever”, even when conflicts intensify, extreme poverty grows and respect for international law and norms are eroded.
Since 1945, he said: “More than one billion people have been expelled from poverty,” life expectancy and living levels have increased, and a global network of economic, political and cultural ties has taken shape, according to evidence, of the UN central role.
“As the world changes, the UN must also,” said Lasen, citing divisions in the Security Council.
“Too often, the council is divided, unable or does not want to act … Inaction costs feel worldwide.”
He requested the expansion of the Security Council and the reform of the international financial system to create “a system that delivers for all.”
Peace, Climate and Reform
As for global conflicts, the Danish ambassador described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “an unbearable scale catastrophe”, emphasizing that the solution of two states “remains the only solution for lasting peace.”
In Ukraine, he said that the “war of horrible and illegal choice” could end tomorrow “if only Russia would like it.” He added the broad impact of the conflict, from supply chain interruptions to global inflation, extends far beyond the battlefield.
He also highlighted the suffering in Sudan, Afghanistan, Haiti and Myanmar, urging member states to address urgent humanitarian crises.
Climate change, he warned, is a defining challenge: “In a world of competitive crises, climate change and its impact remain real.”
He pointed out that in 2024, more than 90 percent of the new power added to the world network came from renewable energy, but said that additional action is essential to reduce emissions and accelerate a fair energy transition.
Call unity
Citing Nelson Mandela – “it always seems impossible until it is done” – Ambassador Lassen urged the nations to revive cooperation and solidarity.
“When we work together, we arrived here,” he said, echoing the issue of the President of the General Assembly Better together.
“When working together, we can assume today’s challenges: for people and for the planet.”