1. Observer States: Rights & Influence

Rights/Action

UN Members

Observer States (Palestine, Vatican)

Vote in General Assembly

✅

❌

Propose Resolutions Directly

✅

❌ (must co-sponsor)

Speak in General Debate

✅

✅

Attend UN Committees

✅

✅ (as observer)

Access to Side Events

✅

✅

Treaty Negotiations

✅

✅ (may influence text)

NGO Engagement

✅

✅

Media Amplification

✅

✅ (heavily leveraged)

2. Engagement Channels & Leverage Tactics

Palestine

UNGA High-Level Speeches: Focus on occupation, statehood recognition.

Side Events: Human rights violations, Gaza crises, settlement expansion.

NGO Alliances: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, etc.

Regional Blocs: Uses OIC, Arab League, G77 to push language in resolutions.

Media Campaigns: Mobilizes global public opinion via press conferences, viral content.

Vatican (Holy See)

Ethical Advocacy: Opposes abortion, euthanasia, and promotes religious freedom.

Diplomatic Quiet Power: Influences behind the scenes during major treaty debates.

Treaty Text Shaping: Plays role in Arms Trade Treaty, Sustainable Development Goals language.

Moral Voice: Frequently cited in peace, migration, and poverty discussions.

Faith-Based Alliances: Coordinates with Catholic NGOs and global religious networks.

3. Examples of Influence Without Votes

Year

Event/Resolution

Involvement by Palestine or Vatican

Outcome

2012

UNGA Resolution 67/19 (Palestine status)

Palestine lobbied via NAM and Arab League

Granted observer state status

2013

Arms Trade Treaty

Vatican shaped preamble language

Ethical standards included in final text

2014

Gaza Conflict Debate in UNHRC

Palestine presented reports, media campaigns

Fact-finding mission launched

2015

SDGs Adoption

Vatican influenced life/ethics-related language

Emphasis on “dignity”, family, and religious tolerance

2021

Ceasefire call during Israel-Gaza clash

Palestine mobilized NAM, African Group

Emergency special session & non-binding ceasefire vote

4. Summary

Palestine and the Vatican use soft power to shape UN outcomes.

They cannot vote but remain active agenda influencers.

Their tools include diplomatic lobbying, moral persuasion, strategic alliances, and media visibility.

Soft power at the UN is not about who votes—it’s about who influences what gets talked about and how.