Luís Montenegro at #UNGA81: End the wars, reform the UN and rethink global energy prices!

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly to call for diplomacy, an end to major international conflicts, reform of the UN Security Council and a new debate over the global energy system. “We must explore every opportunity for dialogue, diplomacy and peace.” On the Middle East, Montenegro called for an end to the humanitarian tragedy and reaffirmed Portugal’s support for a two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine coexist as sovereign states in peace and security. He also called for an end to attacks by Iran and associated armed groups, protection of civilian infrastructure and freedom of navigation through strategic maritime routes. On Ukraine, Montenegro strongly reaffirmed Portugal’s position: “We must achieve a just and lasting peace that puts an end to the brutal and illegal aggression of Russia against Ukraine.” He said Ukraine continues to have the full support of Portugal and the European Union. Montenegro also highlighted Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, terrorism, nuclear threats and the challenge posed by artificial intelligence. On AI, he called for a balance between innovation and regulation that allows humanity to benefit from technological progress while controlling its risks. A major part of his speech focused on the global energy crisis and rising fuel prices. “This is a senseless crisis because it’s harmful to everyone.” Montenegro warned that instability in energy markets is affecting societies across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. “We must put an end to this collective masochism.” He questioned whether global economies should remain so exposed to speculation and volatility in financial and futures markets when determining international oil prices. At the same time, Montenegro argued that the crisis makes the transition toward cleaner energy even more urgent. Portugal, he said, already generates more than 70% of its energy from renewable sources and has brought forward its carbon-neutrality target to 2045. Climate change and ocean protection were also central themes, with Montenegro highlighting forest fires, coastal erosion, marine degradation and extreme weather…