International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

As we celebrate International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace , we are provided with a great opportunity to reflect on multilateralism based on its founding principles such as consultation, inclusion and solidarity. These principles are outlined in the UN charter, which remains the "moral compass to promote peace, advance human dignity, prosperity and uphold human rights and the rule of law," as Secretary-General António Guterres has said. We are also living in times of unprecedented crises, and it is crucial that we find ways to strengthen and rebuild trust in the global system’s ability to equitably distribute resources and adequately address global challenges. The multilateral system, even in the face of heightened geopolitical tension and big power rivalry, remains the uniquely inclusive vehicle for managing mutual interdependencies in ways that enhance national and global welfare. The complex challenges of a global pandemic, climate emergency, inequali...

  The UN played a central role in the adoption of some 80 human rights treaties and declarations. Much of this body of law was inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948. These treaties and declarations protect civil, political, economic, as well as social and cultural rights. This includes, for example, the freedom from any form of discrimination and the freedom of expression.    Global disarmament , arms control and nonproliferation are central in preventing conflict and in building and sustaining peace. Since its foundation, the UN has been helping countries in the process of reducing and eventually eliminating weapons, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, as well as halting the proliferation of landmines, small arms and light weapons. In this context, the UN Secretary-General’s agenda for disarmament aims to reinvigorate dialogue and negotiations around international disarmament. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) , negotiated...