Mr. President,

Multilateralism is in severe crisis, at a time when it is more needed than ever.

Regional crises in different parts of the world continue to perpetuate themselves. The war in Ukraine is well into its second year with little prospect of a diplomatic solution, the negative repercussions of the climate change and the disruptions in supply chains are being felt at global scale, from rising energy prices to high costs of living and food insecurity. Transnational threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking and irregular migration continue to be serious causes for concern.

The failure of the concept of economic interdependence as a means to ensure continued peace and stability, as well as the disillusionment with globalization have also increased strains on multilateralism.

However, at a time when inter-connected nature of the global challenges calls for stronger international engagement and cooperation, multilateralism is not a choice but a necessity.

Because no single country can effectively cope with these interconnected transnational threats.

Isolationism or unilateralism are concepts of the past and cannot be applied to address the challenges of the 21th century.

Contrary to some counter arguments, multilateralism is not a threat to sovereignty. It is an effective way to safeguard national interests in an interdependent world.

Indeed, over decades, multilateralism has delivered results.

It has been instrumental in building institutions and codifying guidelines, which are designed to help resolve conflicts peacefully.

These institutions enable us to establish norms and platforms for dealing with global challenges: from addressing climate change and poverty reduction to combatting terrorism and disarmament, among others.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, Global Compacts on Migration and Refugees, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Paris Climate Agreement are among the examples of how diplomacy and multilateralism produced results for the common good of humanity.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye, we have once again witnessed first-hand “multilateralism at work” through international cooperation in disaster response and humanitarian action.

Therefore, what needs to be done is to prioritize peaceful resolution of conflicts through constructive engagement and creative diplomacy.

Mr. President,

Obviously, the success of multilateralism depends on the effectiveness of its core institutions.

The reality today, however, is that the multilateral institutions and rules are far from perfect.

The United Nations in particular, is the embodiment of multilateralism. Yet, it is not immune from occasional moments of paralysis when its guidance is needed the most with regard to matters of global peace and security.

This Organization needs to be more democratic, transparent, representative and inclusive. The UN Charter and its provisions should be unequivocally complied with by all members, first and foremost by the permanent members of the Security Council.

Mr. President,

True multilateralism requires that all member states – regardless of their size or power, have an equal opportunity to voice their views and expectations.

This is why, the General Assembly, as the most democratic and representative body of the UN, is well positioned to play an increasingly important role on global matters.

To strengthen multilateralism, we need a stronger General Assembly and we fully support the intergovernmental process for its revitalization.

On this International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Such a commitment would also entail re-energizing multilateralism with a view to better address increasingly global and inter-related challenges of our time.

In concluding, I would like to categorically reject the baseless allegations of the Armenian delegation regarding 1915 events.

We call on everybody to take into consideration our Joint History Commission proposal and the regional peace and cooperation initiatives, rather than deriving animosity from history.

Thank you.