27 September 2024

Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Senior Representatives of a group of countries from the Global South met on the margin of the general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly, on 27 September 2024. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, Algeria, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Türkiye, and Zambia issued the following joint communique:

1. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and the risks of its further escalation. We are worried about the risks and crises arising from this conflict which has caused repercussions affecting many countries, including those in the Global South.

2. We call on upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, respecting the legitimate concerns of states, and taking into consideration the need to uphold the principles of peace, security and prosperity.

3. We underline the importance of peaceful solutions for all international conflicts, whilst continuing to promote the spirit of solidarity and partnership between nations, as emphasized by the Bandung principles, inter alia.

4. We call for support for a comprehensive and lasting settlement by the parties to the conflict through inclusive diplomacy and political means based on the UN Charter. We encourage all sides to enable the conditions for such a settlement. We note the "six-points common understandings" between China and Brazil on political settlement of the Ukraine crisis (A/78/972) and other initiatives towards this end.

5. We call on the parties to the conflict to observe principles for de-escalation and highlight the importance of non-expansion of the battlefield and non-intensification of fighting.

6. We call for increased humanitarian assistance and protections of civilians, including women and children. Civilian infrastructures, including peaceful nuclear facilities and other energy facilities should not be the targets of military operation. We support mediation efforts for the exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) between the parties to the conflict.

7. We call on refraining from the use or the threat of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons and chemical and biological weapons. All efforts must be made to prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid a nuclear war. All parties must comply with relevant international laws and agreements and resolutely prevent man-made nuclear accidents.

8. We call for efforts to enhance international cooperation on energy, currency, finance, trade, food security and the security of critical infrastructure, to protect the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

9. We agree to continue engagement and consultations at different levels and with all parties. We decide to direct our Permanent Representatives to the United Nations to form a group of “friends for peace” with a view to foster common understandings to support the global efforts for the achievement of a lasting peace.