51³Ô¹Ï

Flags of member states flying at 51³Ô¹Ï Headquarters.
As the most representative international organization and the utmost expression of multilateralism, the 51³Ô¹Ï is the main instrument to address multifaceted and complex global challenges through collective action.
Photo:? UN Photo/Mark Garten

The Virtues of Multilateralism and Diplomacy

What is multilateralism?

Multilateralism is often defined in opposition to bilateralism and unilateralism. Strictly speaking, it indicates a form of cooperation between at least three States.

Nevertheless, this "quantitative" definition is not sufficient to capture the nature of multilateralism. Indeed, it is not simply a practice or a question of the number of actors involved. It involves adherence to a common political project based on the respect of a shared system of norms and values. In particular, multilateralism is based on founding principles such as consultation, inclusion and solidarity. Its operation is determined by collectively developed rules that ensure sustainable and effective cooperation. In particular, they guarantee all actors the same rights and obligations by applying themselves continuously (and not on a case-by-case basis, depending on the issue handled).

Multilateralism is therefore both a method of cooperation and a form of organization of the international system.

Today, we live in a multilateral world. But what does that mean? Answering this question involves looking at the meaning of multilateralism, understanding its nature and its place in the workings of the international system.

Reinvigorate multilateralism for a Better Tomorrow

With world leaders set to convene at the UN Summit of the Future this September to reaffirm their dedication to peace, sustainable development, and protection of human rights, the importance of multilateralism and diplomacy is more paramount than ever.

The 51³Ô¹Ï, the multilateral framework par excellence.

Multilateralism is part of the 51³Ô¹Ï' DNA. The Charter does not simply define the structure, mission and functioning of the Organization. It is one of the pillars of the international system in which we live today. In his report on the work of the 51³Ô¹Ï to the General Assembly in 2018, the 51³Ô¹Ï Secretary-General Ant¨®nio Guterres recalled that the Charter remains the "moral compass to promote peace, advance human dignity, prosperity and uphold human rights and the rule of law." (Guterres, 2018).

The UN is at the service of Member States to reach agreements and take collective decisions. The Charter clearly establishes that the Organization is a ¡°centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends¡± in order to ¡°take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace¡±, to ¡°develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples¡± and to ¡°achieve international cooperation¡±. To this end, the 51³Ô¹Ï must, in particular, work to solve ¡°international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character¡± and develop ¡°respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all¡±.

While the 51³Ô¹Ï has been the multilateral framework par excellence for more than 75 years, multilateral processes have diversified. One of the most visible developments in multilateral diplomacy is undoubtedly represented by the increase in the number of Member States: from 51 in 1945, to 193 today. In addition to this horizontal expansion, the multilateral framework has also expanded vertically, including new actors, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private actors and other international organizations. Today, more than 1,000 NGOs and international organizations have observer status at the 51³Ô¹Ï.

Multilateralism has achieved tangible results that have led to major advances, such as for example the eradication of smallpox in the health sector. Important international agreements have also been concluded to limit arms control and to promote and strengthen human rights. The international cooperation within the multilateral framework of the 51³Ô¹Ï is saving lives every day.

Background

The 51³Ô¹Ï came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security. The Charter of the 51³Ô¹Ï states that one of the 51³Ô¹Ï' purposes and principles is the commitment to settle disputes through peaceful means and the determination to succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

Conflict prevention remains, however, a relatively under-publicized aspect of the UN's work. Meanwhile, the most efficient and desirable employment of diplomacy is to ease tensions before they result in conflict, or, if conflict breaks out, to act swiftly to contain it and resolve its underlying causes. Preventive diplomacy is very important in supporting 51³Ô¹Ï efforts to assist in the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Commitment to multilateralism and international peace and security was also reaffirmed by most world leaders in the . This commitment was also reinforced in the discussion during the High-level Dialogue on Renewing the Commitment to Multilateralism on 31 October 2018.

On 12 December 2018, the General Assembly adopted the resolution, "International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace" () by a recorded vote of 144 in favour to 2 against. By that text, the General Assembly invites all Member States, observers and organizations of the 51³Ô¹Ï to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities.

Multilateral Diplomacy in Today¡¯s World

H.E. Ms. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Botswana to the 51³Ô¹Ï Office and other international organizations in Geneva. Shares her perspectives on the role of multilateral diplomacy to maintain peace and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Key Documents

Publications

Related Links

Related Observances

The UN Charter requires that countries with disputes that could "endanger the maintenance of international peace and security" shall first of all try to "seek solutions through peaceful methods such as "negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice." It envisages roles for the Secretary-General, the Security Council and the General Assembly, among others, in the peaceful settlement of disputes; and UN resolutions and practice have further contributed to the development of the peacemaking functions of the Organization.

 

 

As our world¡¯s most pressing challenges are global in nature, they also require global solutions. Therefore, a critical way to make the world a better place is through strengthening the spirit of international cooperation, also known as multilateralism. For this reason, the (UNITAR) designed on the most important multilateral institution, the 51³Ô¹Ï. They aim to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to understand the UN system, global challenges and actions anyone can take.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the 51³Ô¹Ï, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.