27 October 2022
President Donoghue, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
More than two hundred years ago, George Washington gave the following advice: “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate?peace?and harmony with all.”
The International Court of Justice epitomizes this very ideal.
It is a cornerstone and a beacon of the United Nations system.
It manifests the principles and goals we strive for in these halls: the rule of law, justice, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Our world today is deeply polarized and, unfortunately, torn by more and more interlocked crises.
In such hard times, it is a rules-based system and an international legal order that can provide us with a solid basis to overcome instability, unpredictability, strife, and injustice.
The International Court of Justice represents the best of multilateralism.
The ICJ is there for all of us to resolve our disputes, and to provide legal guidance and clarity when advice is sought for.
Even when there are differences of opinion – and there often are – the judges of the ICJ care able to lead by example and agree to disagree in a professional and collegial manner.
But when they come forward with a verdict, that is solid knowledge, science and jurisprudence.
It is no surprise that the docket of the Court has been full in recent years, and that there has been a clear upswing in the number of cases being deliberated by the Court.
For our global community, it is more crucial than ever before to send a clear message that international law must be respected.
Strong legal institutions like the ICJ are a critical component of making our world much more just and peaceful, as it was envisioned by the founders of the United Nations.
Therefore, we must all uphold and honor the Court’s decisions, judgements, and guidance.
Without exception.
And we should all support the International Court of Justice and the ideals for which it stands.
Before concluding, I want to take a moment to note the passing of Judge Antonio Can?ado Trinidad, a great jurist and a lifetime champion of human rights.
Let me express my sincere condolences to his family and colleagues.
Madame President Donoghue,
I highly appreciate your leadership and contribution to international law, as well as that of your esteemed colleagues.
I wish all of you continued success in your work of great importance.
A work that is based on the wise admonition of the philosopher Francis Bacon: “If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.”
I thank you.