Minister Grlić Radman attends UNGA 80: Commitment to peace, security, international law

From 22 to 24 September 2025, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman participated in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. In a series of plenary debates and meetings on the margins of the session, the minister reaffirmed Croatia's strong commitment to multilateralism, respect for the UN Charter and international law, the Euro-Atlantic security architecture, and a values-based enlargement of the European Union.

Prior to the general debate, Grlić Radman attended a working breakfast of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, devoted to connectivity, youth engagement, cultural cooperation, and a human-centered digital transformation. At an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, participants reaffirmed their unified support for multilateralism and aligned positions on key global priorities.

The importance of addressing the fate of missing persons in armed conflicts was highlighted at the high-level side event "Missing Persons in Armed Conflict: Advancing the Search for Answers." Drawing on Croatia's experience from the Homeland War, the minister underlined that the right of families to know the truth is a civilizational obligation and a lasting humanitarian priority. Croatia presented its integrated model for searches in cooperation with international partners, underscoring that the issue of missing persons must remain at the heart of peace and post-conflict processes.

At the 5th Summit of the International Crimea Platform, Grlić Radman, on behalf of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, took part in a discussion on support for Ukraine. In this context, Croatia once again reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemned Russian aggression and the illegal "elections" in occupied Sevastopol, and emphasized the role of the UN General Assembly and the importance of coordinated international assistance for the country's recovery and reconstruction.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, the minister reiterated Croatia's firm commitment to implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, from empowering women and girls and preventing violence against women, to ensuring full participation of women in peace and security policies. This was further emphasized at the meeting of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network, where Croatia presented its national practices, including action plans, certified training, and women's leadership in military and naval operations.

The third ministerial meeting of the successor states of the former SFRY on the implementation of the Agreement on Succession Issues was held at Croatia's Permanent Mission to the UN. Participants reaffirmed the importance of regular ministerial consultations, agreed to continue work on implementing adopted recommendations and resolutions, and supported preparations for the next session of the Standing Joint Committee.

In talks with representatives of Jewish organizations - the American Jewish Committee, B'nai B'rith International, and the World Jewish Restitution Organization - Croatia reaffirmed its strong commitment to combating antisemitism, advancing restitution, and preserving Jewish heritage, while stressing humanitarian principles and support for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution.

Grlić Radman also held meetings with the leadership of UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), confirming Croatia's partnership in protecting children, strengthening global food security, and assisting the most vulnerable - from demining and agricultural renewal in Ukraine to supporting nutrition and humanitarian programs in crisis-affected areas. At the high-level event "Tropical Forests Forever Facility", Croatia endorsed efforts to preserve tropical forests, promote climate financing, and implement the Paris Agreement, underlining the importance of biodiversity for future generations.

In the regional context, Croatia reiterated at the Western Balkans Friends meeting, as well as in discussions with European and regional partners, that the European future of Southeast Europe is a guarantee of stability and development. Bosnia and Herzegovina was particularly emphasized, with calls to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold its constitutional order based on the Dayton Agreement, ensure power-sharing, and secure the full equality of its three constituent peoples.

On the margins of the Assembly, the minister held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of the Maldives, Senegal, Paraguay, Yemen, Ghana, Kosovo, Georgia, Iraq, and Algeria. Discussions focused on strengthening political dialogue, economic and trade cooperation, energy and transport connectivity, security and defence, humanitarian assistance, and deepening multilateral partnerships.

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