Statement of Canada at the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations for the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

Mister President,

Before I begin, let me extend heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Sri Lanka. We stand in solidarity with you and the families of the victims at this difficult time.

Each of us here today comes from somewhere. We each have our own stories to tell about our homes and homelands, about our communities, and about how we got to where we are today. 

On this International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, I would like to share a little of my story with you.

While he was visiting New York City earlier this year, I brought my father to this assembly hall. It was rather quiet – no official meetings were in session, just a tour group above in the gallery — and I snapped a picture of him up here on this podium. 

So much pride. I in him, and he in me. 

My dad recently celebrated his 76th birthday. And his story, like so many others, happens to coincide with the history of modern multilateralism. With the history of the United Nations.

He was born in Eastern Europe during the Second World War. His parents were stateless people; his younger sister, my aunt, was born in a displaced persons camp. The rest of their extended families perished, and they sought refuge, as so many others did then, and so many still do today. 

My father and his family were fortunate enough to build a life in Canada as multilateralism matured. Over successive generations, they saw institutions take shape; treaties come into force; global standards set. 

These rules were not uniquely about international peace and security; they also sought to improve quality of life across the planet: how to make international aviation and international sea shipping safe; how to increase opportunity and reduce poverty; how to advance gender equality, how to leave no one behind. 

The gains directly attributable to multilateralism over the past 70 plus years are undeniably impressive. But the system is not, of course, perfect. The benefits of multilateralism are not evenly distributed and the rules are not equally applied.

Too many are excluded from the decisions that affect their lives, especially women and girls. Impunity remains widespread, including for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Climate change is a real and present danger affecting lives and livelihoods.

It is clear that multilateralism needs to evolve as new challenges emerge and old problems persist. But this has always been the case. However slow, multilateralism is never static. It changes as we will it to. Its gains are collective, as are its setbacks. That’s the thing about multilateralism: we are all in it together. 

As we have been since 1945, Canadians are prepared to do our part. Canadians value community. We are open to the world. We see strength in diversity. Many Canadians came from elsewhere too. 

The notion that we are stronger because of our differences, not in spite of them, is the very foundation upon which Canada was built. It is also central to how we approach our work at the United Nations. This means truly listening, learning and sharing. 

I look forward to continuing to listen and to learn from each of you. I look forward to hearing your stories, spoken in your languages. The vitality and effectiveness of multilateralism depend on its ability to enable real dialogue between states. In this context, multilingualism is the foundation of effective multilateralism. It is necessary to the dignity and equality of all. Multilingualism is a condition of trust in the multilateral system.

So, let me use my remaining to express my gratitude, on behalf of Canada and all Canadians, including my family. 

First, to United Nations personnel, past and present, in the secretariat and in the field. To the peacekeepers, military, police and civilian, deployed in UN operations, male and female. To those who distribute assistance, offer shelter and collect witness testimonies. To those who respond to the outbreaks of disease, at risk to themselves and their own health. To the first responders across the UN system. Thank you, we are in your debt. 

Second, to all UN member states. To my colleagues posted here, and those in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna and everywhere else the UN is present. Thank you for your collegiality, your commitment and your comradery. For representing the interests of your countries and your peoples. For your engagement in support of multilateralism. For coming here prepared to find solutions, day in and day out. 

And third, to youth in Canada and around the world. To the journalists who cover the United Nations and the state of our planet more broadly, who work to tell stories about when we succeed and when we need to keep trying. To the civil society representatives, activists and academics, all of whom push us to be better diplomats. Thank you, sincerely and seriously. Please don’t stop advocating for us to work better together. 

Je vous remercie, thank you.

Richard Arbeiter