Dutch PM advocates for sustainability, security at UN meeting

The Netherlands strives for a strong United Nations in a world that is safe and sustainable, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. As a temporary member of the UN Security Council, the Netherlands will dedicate itself to those goals next year, the Dutch Prime Minister said, according to RTL Nieuws.

Rutte considers a strong UN essential. He advocated for the reforms and adjustments UN leader Antonio Guterres is working on. The Netherlands wants better cooperation between UN agencies, he said.

The Dutch Prime Minister believes that prevention is the key concept when it comes to security. He would like to see more missions aimed at stopping conflicts before they get out of hand and more cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

According to Rutte, sustainability is the "ultimate agenda" to prevent violence and conflicts. He believes that implementing internationally agreed upon goals to, for example, end poverty and hunger, will help combat the root causes of instability and conflict.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rutte explained on Facebook why he decided to attend the UN meeting in New York, despite it being a busy time in the Netherlands with te budget presentation and ongoing government formation. "Still, I think it's important to be here because there is a lot going on in the world. Here I can make the Dutch sound heard and speak on behalf of the Netherlands with other government leaders."