The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is observed every year on the 24th of April. Its purpose is to reaffirm the UN Charter and its principles of settling disputes among countries through peaceful means.
The Day acknowledges the utilization of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy in attaining peaceful resolutions in conflicts among countries.
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was first established on the 12th of December 2018 and was observed on the 24th of April 2019.
Concept of Multilateralism
To understand the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, it is first important to comprehend the concept of multilateralism.
Multilateralism is defined in contrast to bilateralism and unilateralism. It purely means a form of cooperation between at least three states.
However, it is important to note that this “quantitative” definition is not adequate to discern the nature of multilateralism. Multilateralism is rooted in founding principles such as ‘consultation, inclusion, and solidarity.’
Its functioning is determined by collectively developed rules that make sure that sustainable and effective cooperation is achieved. Multilateralism is, therefore, a means of cooperation and a form of organization of the international system.
Importance of Multilateralism
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his speech on the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, reports that “no country can solve today’s challenges alone.”
Dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral solutions carve a path that is determined to establish a peaceful and just world, reports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
World leaders set to come together at the UN Summit of the Future in September of 2024, would be reemphasizing their commitment to peace, sustainable development, and protection of human rights. With this, the significance of multilateralism and diplomacy is more critical than before.
Germany and Namibia, co-facilitators of the UN Summit for the Future, announce the release of the zero draft of the Pact for the Future.
The draft would provide an initiative point for the intergovernmental deliberations this year, with the resolute aim of adopting an “ambitious, concise, action-oriented pact for the future.”
“This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may yet be over the horizon,” reports the United Nations website.
Additionally, “Multilateralism is part of the United Nations’ DNA.” It is important to note that multilateral processes have expanded. The most perceivable development in multilateral diplomacy is the increase in the number of Member States, from 51 in 1945 to 193 today.
Also Read: BRICS expansion: Advancing inclusive Multilateralism on a Global Stage
Diplomacy and peace
Deterring conflict remains an insufficiently publicized aspect of the UN’s work. The most impactful utilization of diplomacy is to simmer down tensions before they erupt into conflicts. Also, if conflicts break out, the tool of diplomacy must be used to contain it and resolve its root causes.
Therefore, preventive diplomacy is paramount in supporting the United Nations’ efforts to help in the peaceful settlement of disputes.
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