Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
On the occasion of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, a statement was issued in Brussels by the Office of the European Union Foreign and Security Policy Coordinator Josep Borrell. The statement said: “Multilateralism is under increasing pressure and needs urgent reform. But effective multilateralism is precisely what we need today, more than Ever.
Despite the complex global landscape, there have been successes – the adoption of SDG incentives to accelerate progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, progress made at COP28 to maintain the goal of avoiding a 1.5°C temperature increase, and progress made on climate justice. Or the High Seas Treaty Agreement to protect precious marine biodiversity.
Reaching these agreements takes time, effort, and compromises, but once we have agreements at the multilateral level, they are strong, can last, and apply to everyone.
The United Nations has been at the heart of these achievements, providing the framework for multilateral cooperation for nearly 80 years.
This is what the United Nations, the European Union and other international organizations strive for: working across differences, finding common ground, and making progress together. There is no other way for countries or regions to address challenges that have no borders, such as the climate crisis, the global food security crisis, or global pandemics.
When it comes to world peace, the multilateral system is under pressure. Wars are raging on almost every continent. The United Nations Security Council – the body charged with maintaining peace and security – is unable to reach consensus on some of the most pressing issues. This paralysis has a high price.
But what is the cost of non-pluralism? What if countries stopped talking to each other? What if we don't even try? The picture will certainly be darker.
The solution is not to abandon pluralism.
Fragmented blocs of countries, large and small, will not give the world the stability it needs. What we need is a renewed and renewed multilateralism capable of providing solutions to global problems.
The Future Summit, which will be held in September, represents a unique opportunity to revitalize the multilateral system and make the United Nations future-proof and more representative of today's world and its societies.
The European Union is taking a leadership role in this process and is deeply committed to building bridges and creating consensus on an ambitious outcome document: a Charter for the Future.
We must look forward and appreciate what we have in common compared to what makes us different.
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is an important reminder that we can only create a better, more just future for all by working together.