ISTANBUL
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that multilateralism is not dead in a world facing unprecedented global crises.
As US President Donald Trump continues to push an agenda of nationalism and disengagement from international institutions, Guterres reaffirmed the enduring strength of global cooperation, at the doorstep of the EU Council Summit in Brussels.
"Multilateralism is alive. It’s playing a role, and the proof of that is the fact that I am here with the European Union," Guterres said in response to a question about whether Trump is killing multilateralism and writing a new world order of his own.
Trump’s withdrawal from key UN bodies, including the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement, signaled a shift from collective problem-solving.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, he reiterated his call for a “just peace.”
"Obviously, any ceasefire is welcome because it saves lives but it is essential that a ceasefire paves the way for a just peace in Ukraine," he said.
He expressed sorrow and concern about the violence in the Gaza Strip, urging an immediate ceasefire and greater humanitarian access to affected areas.
"I'm saddened and shocked because death and destruction are back in Gaza and the Palestinian people has already suffered too much," he said.
He renewed his appeal for a ceasefire to be respected, humanitarian aid to reach all areas of Gaza without obstruction and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
"It is absolutely essential to keep the door open for the only way to bring peace to the Middle East," said Guterres. "That is to have a Palestinian state side by side with an Israeli state."
Guterres also expressed his "deep gratitude" to the EU that "has given to the implementation of the Pact of the Future in all its dimensions.” The Pact of the Future is a UN initiative for international cooperation to create a more equitable and sustainable world.
European Council President Antonio Costa echoed Guterres’ sentiments.
"In this multipolar world, it is more important than ever to strengthen our multilateral system and, first of all, to strengthen the United Nations’ position," said Costa.
He underscored the necessity of addressing global challenges.
"We are facing a lot of global challenges, peace, climate change, fighting inequalities, and for this, it's very important to stand for peace in Ukraine, in Gaza, in Sudan, everywhere in the world," he said.
