International Day of Multilateralism & Diplomacy

MANHATTAN: International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was established on 12 December, 2018 through resolution A/RES/73/127 and was first observed on 24th day of April, 2019.

Attempting to figure out why International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was needed, one needs to keep in mind that UN itself was formed after the IInd WW. The only objective of its creation was to ensure global peace.

It is pertinent to mention here that according to the UN Charter one of the purposes of its formation was to settle disputes through peaceful means.  But unfortunately, prevention of conflicts remains an under-publicized aspect of the UN’s work. Preventive diplomacy happens to be a major tool assisting UN endeavors in peaceful settlement of disputes.

Secretary General António Guterres, while speaking on the occasion of International Day of Multilateralism & Diplomacy has noted that the COVID-19 pandemic was a tragic reminder of how deeply connected humans were: “The virus knows no borders and is a quintessential global challenge. Combating it requires us to work together as one human family.

“We must do all we can to save lives and ease the economic and social devastation.  Crucially, we need to draw the appropriate lessons about the vulnerabilities and inequalities the virus has laid bare, and mobilize investments in education, health systems, social protection and resilience.

“This is the biggest international challenge since the Second World War.  Yet even before this test, the world was facing other profound transnational perils – climate change above all. But multilateralism is not only a matter of confronting shared threats; it is about seizing common opportunities.  We now have the opportunity to build back better than in the past, aiming at inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.

“It is not enough to proclaim the virtues of multilateralism; we must continue to show its added value.  International cooperation must adapt to changing times. We need a networked multilateralism, strengthening coordination among all global multilateral organizations, with regional ones able to make their vital contributions; and an inclusive multilateralism, based on deep interaction with civil society, businesses, local and regional authorities and other stakeholders… where the voice of youth is decisive in shaping our future.

“At this key moment for international cooperation, and in this 75th anniversary year of the United Nations, let us strive as one to realize the founders’ vision of a healthy, equitable, peaceful and more sustainable future for all.”

United Nations maintains it is meant for: “Preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation, which underpin the UN Charter and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN – peace and security, development and human rights.”