April 24, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement today on the occasion of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace:
“Our world is experiencing multiple international crises, including armed conflict, food insecurity, irregular migration, climate change, economic insecurity and other complex challenges. As in past crises, multilateralism and diplomacy offer our best hope of maintaining peace and stability. But to succeed, we must ensure that our multilateral institutions and diplomatic efforts are adequate for the changed world we now live in.
“That means ensuring that our multilateral institutions are effective, efficient, relevant and accountable. They must also be truly inclusive. All voices and perspectives must be at the table, particularly those from emerging and developing economies; Your participation is vitally important. Canada is a strong supporter of the United Nations, which, as the world’s most inclusive multilateral organization, serves as a central meeting place where all states and other interested parties can listen, negotiate, develop positive relationships and work together for peace, security and more.
“Embracing inclusion is not only the right thing to do: it also leads to better outcomes for everyone, especially when it comes to peacebuilding. This is why, for example, Canada’s newly launched third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security includes support for women peacebuilders in all their diversity. The facts are clear: women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peacebuilding leads to a better and more sustainable peace.
“Similarly, Canadian diplomacy in this time of geopolitical uncertainty seeks to engage with countries with different perspectives. Canada is expanding its diplomatic footprint to deepen collaboration with international partners, including through its six new embassies, three of which are on Europe’s eastern flank (in Estonia, Lithuania and Slovakia) and the others in Armenia, Fiji and Rwanda. Canada has also appointed, for the first time, a dedicated ambassador to the African Union.
“Around the world, Canada upholds the international system of rules, norms and principles that has underpinned global stability since the end of the Second World War. We defend the Charter of the United Nations, the integrity of the institutions of the United Nations, the protection of human rights, respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“Canada also continues to lead global efforts against the use of arbitrary detention in relations between states. We are working together with the international community to end this practice, which is a serious violation of human rights and poses a serious threat to our collective peace and security.
“Today’s world needs more multilateralism, not less, but we must also do better. “That is why Canada’s diplomats will continue to find new partners and new means of multilateral cooperation to help support peace and stability for all.”