Address by Minister Dion at the International Peace Institute and Independent Commission on Multilateralism ministerial breakfast, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly

September 21, 2016 – New York City, New York

Check against delivery. This speech has been translated in accordance with the Government of Canada’s official languages policy and edited for posting and distribution in accordance with its communications policy.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said, Canada is proud to be back at the UN and to recommit itself to multilateralism. We are a trading nation. We are a multilateralist nation.

As you aware, Canada was an active participant in the creation of the UN system and has continued to make extensive and significant contributions over the decades to the multilateral structures.

Of course, while we would all acknowledge that the multilateral system has its weaknesses and is facing serious challenges, withdrawal or isolation is not an option.

Engagement and a commitment to reform, restructuring and making the real successes of the UN more relevant for our citizens is critical. Canada will contribute to this end.

As flagged in the [Independent Commission on Multilateralism] report, recent successes achieved by the UN system such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, demonstrate the potential of the multilateral system when nations deliver on the political and resource commitments necessary for success.

Clearly, climate change, terrorism, refugees and Ebola do not respect national boundaries.

Only through collective action will we be successful in meeting these challenges and the demands of our citizens.

I endorse the report’s “general principles of change,” which include a recommitment to multilateralism, a focus on prevention, empowering women and youth, partnerships and improved accountability.

Let us hope this report and others serve to re-energize the discussion about the multilateral system that we need and the multilateral system that we want as an indispensable foundation for global cooperation in the 21st century.

Thank you.

Contacts

Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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