International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2026; April 24th.

FORUM: "Multilateralism is part of the United Nations' DNA" International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2026. 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. Multilateralism has achieved tangible results that have led to major advances. 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 United Nations.Commitment to multilateralism and international peace and security was reaffirmed by most world leaders. 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 United Nations is saving lives every day. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InternationalDayforMultilateralismandDiplomacyforPeace; #24April; #MultilateralismDay; #DiplomacyDay.

EVENTS: On April 24th, to mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2026, a high-level panel discussion will be held address global challenges, to showcase the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace and to reflect on the values of multilateralism and diplomacy in today’s interconnected world.In the last 80 years, global cooperation in the United Nations framework has been through ups and downs, being constantly influenced by various global challenges. The United Nations is a reflection of its Member States and is as efficient, or ineffective, as its Member States make it.The world has become progressively more politically fragmented and at the same time interconnected. The process of globalization – in particular the technological advances in communication and transport – shrank the world. It created new opportunities, but also increased inequalities between developed and developing countries as well as within countries. Multilateral cooperation has had to evolve over the years with changing circumstances, but its significance in addressing global challenges has only increased dramatically with the passage of time. Register to participate!

PUBLICATION: The GLOBAL TRENDS: Prospects for Development and Peace - Multilateral Cooperation for People and Planet from the Institute for Development and Peace (INEF) at the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Development and Peace Foundation in Bonn. Read the full publication!

LIVESTREAM: Why 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for multilateralism?