Germany is ready to take on responsibility in the United Nations. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this clear during a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in the Chancellery. Merz also spoke to him about the importance of strong institutions in a world full of crises. “Particularly in times of countless crises, Germany remains a reliable partner and anchor for the multilateral system and thus for the United Nations,” said Chancellor Merz at a press conference with Guterres.  

Among other things, the Chancellor spoke about:

• UN peacekeeping missions: UN Blue Helmets make an invaluable contribution to stability and security, said the Chancellor – regardless of whether they are in Lebanon or South Sudan. Germany will continue its contributions to UN missions, providing soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.
• Responsibility in the United Nations: Germany is running for a seat on the Security Council for the years 2027/28 and is hoping for the trust of the member states in the election in June 2026. “We are running because we believe in the United Nations,” said the Chancellor. “For us, this is an investment in a world order based on law and rules, not on ‘might makes right’.”
• Current conflicts: In view of the efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, an unconditional ceasefire is necessary. Talks can only begin on that basis. According to Merz, the ball is in Russia's court. The EU will launch its 17th sanctions package as agreed in Kyiv. Germany has granted its approval today. Another topic was the situation in the Middle East. Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas' terror. At the same time, the Chancellor reiterated his concern about the developments in Gaza and the humanitarian situation there.       

The UN Secretary-General is in Berlin for the UN Blue Helmets Conference, which is being organised by Germany for the first time. Its English-language title is “United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial”, and its focus is the United Nations peacekeeping missions. In eleven missions, around 70,000 personnel are deployed to provide stability for people who have often been suffering from war and violence for years. Further information can be found at the German Federal Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence.   

Read the transcript of the press conference here (in German only):