Zagreb, 24 September 2025 (Hina/MIA) -- "The conflict in Gaza is worse than a mere war, it is carnage," Croatian President Zoran Milanović told the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, calling for its end and for the recognition of the political aspirations of the Palestinian people.

"In Gaza, tens of thousands of women and children have been killed. Millions live without safety, food, medicine, and basic human dignity. This is worse than a mere war -- it is carnage and we urgently call for it to end, for safe delivery of aid -- especially to children -- and for the release of all hostages," the Croatian president said. 

 

He added that lasting peace can only be achieved through the universal recognition of the legitimate political aspirations of the Palestinian people, which he said have long been denied, stressing that it is time to "close that chapter."

 

He also addressed the war in Ukraine, expressing hope that the "senseless loss of human life" there would end as soon as possible, welcoming recent diplomatic efforts and encouraging inclusive dialogue that could bring peace.

 

President Milanović noted that the world was witnessing more armed conflicts than at any time since the Second World War, which were overwhelming humanitarian systems and eroding confidence in the international community's ability to prevent or resolve crises.

 

"The suffering in less visible crises is no less real. In Sudan, one of the gravest humanitarian catastrophes of the 21st century is unfolding before our eyes," he said, adding that UN peacekeeping must adapt to today's conflicts.

 

This requires the Security Council to focus on political solutions and remain committed to sustaining peace long after missions withdraw.

 

UN reform

 

"Reforming the United Nations is an existential necessity. At 80, the UN must adapt to stay relevant and effective. We welcome the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative as an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to reform and revitalise the Organisation," President Milanović said, noting that the reform of the Security Council reform remained essential.

 

"The Council must become more inclusive, effective, transparent and accountable."

 

"Croatia supports comprehensive reform, including enlargement in both categories of membership and stronger representation of underrepresented regions, especially Africa," he said, stressing that all Member States must pay their contributions in full, on time, and without conditions as without predictable financing, mandates fail and trust weakens. 

 

"The UN does not exist for itself, but to serve humanity: to save and improve lives, protect dignity and freedoms, and advance peace, security and sustainable development. On its 80th anniversary, we have a duty to leave to future generations a UN system that is stronger, not weaker," Milanović said, calling for the reform of the humanitarian system to make it respond with speed, innovation and stronger partnerships with local actors.

 

"Croatia supports the UN's 'Humanitarian Reset' in order to make responses more agile, effective and grounded in resilience. Above all, strict respect for international humanitarian law must remain the moral core of multilateralism."

 

New technologies

 

President Milanović stressed that the world was "not short of strategies, reports or debates" but that it lacked political courage.

 

"Let us find that courage together -- and prove that multilateralism can meet this moment and rise to the challenges of our time."

 

The world is at a defining moment of an era to come in which technologies are reshaping every aspect of our societies, he said.

 

"Drones are a clear example. They did not only increase the lethality of war. They changed its economics. They showed us that assumptions we held only a decade ago about defense and deterrence are already outdated."

 

This disruption, in addition to risks, also brings opportunities, as artificial intelligence, space technologies and robotics can be used responsibly to strengthen defense, improve disaster response and drive economic growth, he said.

 

"The choice is ours. We need to rethink security, not only nationally, but globally. Rules, safeguards, and cooperation must keep pace with innovation. If they do not, we risk instability. But if they do, these technologies can become engines of resilience and stability," the President said.

 

Southeast Europe

 

Croatia continues to advocate and promote legitimate political processes as the foundation for progress in the Southeast European region, he said.

 

"EU membership is not a cure-all, but it remains a strong driver of prosperity, as can be witnessed in Croatia. We promote good neighborly relations and urge all countries to refrain from actions that undermine stability in the region," President Milanović said, calling for full respect of the constitutional order, sovereignty and equality of the three constituent peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina and urging all parties, and the international community, to uphold the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement.

 

"Respecting the right of constituent peoples to choose their legitimate political representatives at all levels of government is fundamental prerequisite of lasting stability and progress," Milanović said, stressing that lasting peace cannot be imposed but must be built and include respect for human rights and development that is inclusive and fair in order to be sustainable.

 

Missing persons

 

He said that Croatia, where 1,744 people are still missing decades after the Homeland War, is sharing its model for searching for the missing.

 

"It rests on effective interdepartmental cooperation and a comprehensive, transparent approach without discrimination, consistent with the highest international standards," he said, adding that Croatia was proud to host later Wednesday a high-level side event on missing persons in armed conflict, dedicated to advancing the search for answers.

 

"Croatia's contributions to development cooperation and humanitarian aid continue to grow. Since 2011, we have steadily increased our support, reaching record levels in 2023. We share lessons from our own recovery -- from democratic transition to mine action and veteran reintegration. In Ukraine, our expertise in humanitarian demining is particularly valued, making us one of the leading contributors relative to GDP," President Milanović said.

 

He added that Croatia's support extended far beyond its neighborhood, reaching South-Eastern Europe, the Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods, and Africa.