In a time of deep crisis within international institutions and the rise of authoritarianism, democratic Europe must act decisively to restore the global balance and defend the principles of international law.
Tawakkol Karman, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of Women Journalists Without Chains, stated this at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”
"Russia's war against Ukraine has become a dangerous turning point. It has revived the logic of invasion and normalized violations of state sovereignty. When this principle is violated in one place, it weakens everywhere," Karman stated.
According to Karman, a "vacuum of global leadership" has emerged, which could be filled by forces that do not share the principles of law and justice.
"It is essential that Europe assume global leadership, guided by its historical responsibility to restore global order and balance. Europe must take concrete steps, not just words,” the Nobel laureate emphasized.
She added that this requires reforming global institutions, particularly the UN Security Council and its veto power, which "undermines equality and paralyzes action," as well as strengthening the International Criminal Court, despite political pressure.
Regarding concrete steps, Karman said that Europe must provide "full support to the Ukrainian people and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, reject any unjust settlement, and ensure justice and accountability." In addition to Ukraine, she called for decisive action to support the people of Palestine, Yemen, and Sudan.
“Is there light ahead? I say yes. We create that light ourselves through our will, our faith in freedom and dignity, and our refusal to remain silent. The future must belong not to empires, but to people, the rule of law, and human rights,” she concluded.
Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.




