Statement by Minister Joly on International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

April 24, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement marking 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 with past crises, multilateralism and diplomacy offer our best hope of maintaining peace and stability. But to succeed, we must ensure our multilateral institutions and our diplomatic efforts are fit for purpose for the changed world in which we now live.

“That means ensuring our multilateral institutions are effective, efficient, relevant and accountable. They must also be truly inclusive. All voices and perspectives need to be at the table, particularly those in emerging and developing economies; their participation is critically important. Canada is a steadfast supporter of the United Nations, which, as the world’s most inclusive multilateral organization, serves as the central meeting place where all states and other stakeholders can listen, negotiate, develop positive relations and work together for peace, security and more.

“Embracing inclusivity is not just the right thing to do—it also leads to better outcomes for all, not least 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: the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding leads to better, more sustainable peace.

“In a similar vein, Canadian diplomacy in this time of geopolitical uncertainty seeks to engage with countries of differing 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 of which are in Armenia, Fiji and Rwanda. Canada has also, for the first time, appointed a dedicated ambassador to the African Union.

“Worldwide, Canada is standing up for the international system of rules, norms and principles that has underpinned global stability since the end of the Second World War. We are standing up for the UN Charter, the integrity of UN institutions, 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 state-to-state relations. We are working together with the international community to end this practice, which is a grave 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 also need to do it 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.”