Statement by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Alexander Pankin, at the Special Event to commemorate and promote the “International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace”
Dear Colleagues,
We thank our Venezuelan friends for their valuable initiative to host this special event.
I recall that more than five years ago, when the General Assembly considered the draft resolution on the establishment of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, it was still you, dear Excellency Samuel Moncada, who presented the draft on behalf of NAM.
However, the world at that time was different from the one we live in now. Despite growing tensions, there was still a hope that countries could agree to address multifaceted and complex global challenges through collective action. The Non-Aligned Movement which was known historically for its peace-loving and impartial position, made a symbolic attempt to reaffirm the faith of our peoples in the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. It looks more than just a mere coincidence
that the only two states that opposed establishing the International Day of Multilateralism in 2018 – USA and Israel – are the ones responsible for the biggest atrocity of our time in Palestine. Tragedy in Gaza is also one of the most vivid examples of where the crooked path of the Western unilateralism and ignorance can lead.
Yet, even five years ago the Western countries already referred to the so-called ‘rules-based world order’ and looked for the ways to replace the UN-centered system with these fishy‘rules’. They are concerned that their dominant position in world affairs is doomed to give way to a multipolar world.
These five years since the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was celebrated for the first time have not brought the prospects of that peace closer to our reality. On the contrary, there is an attempt to undermine the faith in multilateralism through aggressive actions of the West. Its financial and economic hegemony steals the benefits of globalization, its belligerence and military recklessness leave no room for diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The voices of responsible, sane forces, calls to show political wisdom and revive the culture of dialogue are drowned by those who strive to undermine the fundamental principles of interstate communication.
In order to change the current dangerous course and give a second chance for multilateralism, we must all return to the basics - to respect the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in all their diversity and interconnectedness.
As the resolution on the International Day of Multilateralism stipulates, the United Nations remains the most representative international organization and the utmost expression of multilateralism. Our common responsibility is to preserve the central role of the UN in the world politics and to adapt it to the changing reality. The key to success is joint work, rejection of claims of exclusivity and respect for the sovereign equality of States. This is what we all signed up to when we ratified the UN Charter.
Thank you for your attention.
