The UN Security Council is set to hold a high-level interactive dialogue with the Arab League today, September 24, 2026, amid rising security and political crises in the Arab region. The meeting, which will be chaired by French Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, will focus on enhancing cooperation between the UN and the Arab League. This dialogue comes as the region faces numerous challenges, including threats to maritime navigation, energy security, and humanitarian concerns.
The meeting is part of a growing trend within the Security Council to strengthen cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations, as outlined in Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. The Arab League's Secretary-General, Nabiel Al-Fanmi, will be represented by Khalid Al-Manzalawi, Assistant Secretary-General for International Political Affairs. The UN's Deputy Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, will also provide a briefing.
The dialogue is expected to address several pressing issues, including the Iranian attacks on Arab states and the disruptions to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict in Yemen, which has resulted in ongoing clashes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, will also be on the agenda. Furthermore, the situation in Palestine, including the Israeli military operations in the occupied territories and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, is likely to be a major topic of discussion.
The Security Council has previously addressed some of these issues, including the adoption of Resolution 2817 in March, which condemned Iranian attacks on Arab states and emphasized the importance of protecting maritime navigation. The Council has also expressed support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with several countries, including France, the UK, and others, recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state.
The high-level dialogue is the fifth of its kind since the establishment of this mechanism in 2021. It follows a meeting in April, during Bahrain's presidency of the Security Council, which resulted in a presidential statement supporting annual informal meetings between the Council and the Arab League's troika. The Arab League's troika currently comprises Bahrain, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting will also focus on the implementation of the New York Declaration on the Question of Palestine, which was adopted by the General Assembly in September 2025. The Declaration calls for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The participants are expected to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the UN and the Arab League in addressing these challenges.
The Security Council's dialogue with the Arab League is seen as an essential step towards addressing the complex crises in the region. The participants are likely to emphasize the importance of cooperation, coordination, and a unified approach to tackling these challenges. The meeting's outcome is expected to contribute to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to regional peace and stability.
Key points
- The UN Security Council and the Arab League are holding a high-level dialogue to address escalating regional crises.
- The meeting will focus on cooperation, maritime navigation, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The dialogue aims to strengthen cooperation between the UN and the Arab League in addressing regional challenges.
