Minister of Foreign Affairs successfully concludes participation in United Nations General Assembly

September 22, 2017 - New York City, New York - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is committed to working in close collaboration with the United Nations and international partners to advance peace, security and stability for people around the world.

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded her participation in the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City and announced 10 initiatives with funding totalling nearly $15 million. These initiatives, funded through Canada’s Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, will focus on supporting the UN’s peace and security efforts and improving global security.

At UNGA, the Minister promoted the need to better integrate gender perspectives into peacekeeping operations. In addition, she highlighted Canada’s growing role in its hemisphere, including through Canada’s support for the people of Venezuela as they struggle to restore democracy in their country. The Minister met with a number of her counterparts about the ongoing and unacceptable violence in Myanmar, particularly the situation in Rakhine State for Rohingya muslims and other minorities. The Minister also hosted a Canada-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) foreign ministers meeting where she provided condolences to those affected by recent tropical storms and underscored Canadian support in the response and reconstruction efforts.

The Minister met with several of her counterparts from UN member states to discuss human rights, gender equality, climate change, democracy, and peace and security priorities. She also marked yesterday’s provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.