Mr. President,

Germany fully aligns itself with the statement held by the European Union. I wish to add the following remarks in my national capacity:

The devastating war unleashed by Germany under the Nazi regime and the unfathomable crimes against humanity culminating in the Holocaust formed the terrible backdrop against which the authors of the UN Charter began their work 80 years ago.

Their aspiration was to lay the foundation for a better, more peaceful and more just international order.

Today we can clearly say: June 26th, 1945 marks a day of historic achievement and impact — in particular for my country.

The Charter of the United Nations, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are the bedrock of our global values, values that my country reflects in its own Constitution. The Charter created the framework of multilateralism that allowed Germany to return to the international community — and to overcome its division.

To uphold the Charter – in its very essence – means to protect life and human dignity. It means to leave no one behind, as we pledged in the 2030 Agenda.

However, with wars and conflicts, inequalities and injustice, poverty and environmental degradation persisting, we must double our resolve to fulfill the Charter’s promise.

As we mark this day, let me reaffirm Germany’s unwavering commitment — not in only words, but also in deeds:

• as a leading financial contributor to the UN system,

• a champion for peacekeeping and peacebuilding,

• a reliable partner for sustainable development and climate action,

• a firm defender of human rights and international law,

• and a tireless bridge-builder.

Excellencies, Germany stands ready to help shape a renewed and effective United Nations — one that remains faithful to the timeless values and principles of its Charter.