We mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace at a challenging time for the international order. Amid the devastating war in Ukraine and other global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, conflicts and extreme poverty in many parts of the world, the EU reaffirms its deep commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in promoting a peaceful and prosperous world. Today we reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold the UN Charter and its principles of resolving disputes among countries through peaceful means.

Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in flagrant breach of the United Nations Charter, has triggered a massive international mobilisation, which shows that the international architecture put in place after World War II is holding up, despite the attacks to which it is subjected.

The international community stood together demonstrating that multilateralism is the best means to govern global relations and to address issues of concern for humankind. Andthat multilateral institutions, with the UN at their core, aim to deliver to all people in all parts of the world.

In just over a month, the UN General Assembly has voted three times to condemn Russia’s invasion, demanding unconditional withdrawal, the protection of civilians and humanitarian access, as well as Russia’s suspension from the UN Human Rights Council. Each time with a decisive majority.

On 4thh March, the Human Rights Council decided to urgently establish an independent international commission of inquiry and on 28th February, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced its own investigation, declaring “a reasonable basis to believe that both alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Ukraine.” Accountability for abuses and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine will be ensured. Those responsible will be brought to justice.

These developments are the embodiment of the international community as a whole standing up to protect the rules-based international order in the face of attempts to undermine it.

The effects of this war touch on nearly every aspect of sustainable development, making it all too evident why multilateralism must be part of the solution. Countries whichhave been struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, now face challenges in the fields of food security, energy and finance.

In this regard, the EU fully supports the Global Crisis Response Group, the UN Secretary General’s initiative to identify concrete measures in addressing these risks. Food security is fundamental to peace and security and the central role of the UN is crucial to ensure medium and long-lasting inclusive policy response.

To this end, the European Union has reinforced its political and financial commitment to partner countries in Africa and other parts of the world. A total of €554 million in 2022 will be targeted at increasing food security in Sahel and Lake Chad, where millions of people already suffer an acute situation. The EU will continue a regular follow-up and analysis of food prices and food insecurity as well as its engagement in international and multilateral bodies, actively mobilising the international community to scale up multilateral action.

As a staunch supporter of the UN, the EU is committed to make the global multilateral system work. It remains the best a platform to solve the multiple crises and address global challenges.