International Day of Women In Diplomacy; June 24th.

FORUM: "Women in Diplomacy: Influence in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding." International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2026. Despite their undeniable contributions, women continue to face barriers and inequalities in leadership and decision-making spaces, including in diplomacy. The representation of women in key diplomatic roles, such as negotiators and mediators in peace processes, remains low. The observance seeks to address those challenges and to emphasize the importance of women’s leadership in political decision-making processes. The third annual commemorative event to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy at the United Nations Headquarters in New York will bring together high-level government officials, diplomats, senior representatives of the UN system and other stakeholders. The event aims to facilitate interactive discussions and exchanges on the contributions, challenges and opportunities for women in diplomacy to catalyze change and transformation in multilateral affairs. Building on last year’s commemoration, the event will feature an informal discussion on ways to strengthen women’s leadership in multilateral organizations. Over the past year, women took the helm for the first time of several organizations in the UN system (IOM, ITU, WMO). At the same time, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions in all fields of diplomacy. According to a recent report published by GWL Voices, women lead only one third of multilateral organizations. Over the past 80 years, only 4 women served as Presidents of the General Assembly and only one out of Main Committee chairs is a woman during the current session of the Assembly. Furthermore, no woman has ever been appointed as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Against this background, the discussion will explore challenges and opportunities to strengthen women’s leadership in the multilateral arena. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #womendiplomats, #24June, #Diplomacy, #WomeninDiplomacy.

EVENT: On Wednesday June 24th; A virtual event marking the Second World Forum on Women in Diplomacy will be held from 10:00 to 15:00 pm EST on the theme "Women in Diplomacy: Influence in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding". The Forum's structure comprises a high-level opening segment that sets the thematic and global context, followed by three main discussion sessions: Session 1: will present global evidence and case studies demonstrating the impact of women's participation in peace processes. Session 2: will examine pathways to move from symbolic inclusion to structural leadership through policy reforms, national action plans, and strengthened mediation networks. Session 3: will explore emerging peace and security challenges and include an intergenerational dialogue with women diplomats and peacebuilders. The Forum will conclude with a summary of key messages, the presentation of outcome document, and commitments to follow-up action. Register to participate!

Second World Forum on Women in Diplomacy on the theme "Women in Diplomacy: Influence in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding".

The Forum's structure comprises a high-level opening segment that sets the thematic and global context, followed by three main discussion sessions:

Session 1: will present global evidence and case studies demonstrating the impact of women's participation in peace processes.
Session 2: will examine pathways to move from symbolic inclusion to structural leadership through policy reforms, national action plans, and strengthened mediation
networks.
Session 3: will explore emerging peace and security challenges and include an intergenerational dialogue with women diplomats and peacebuilders.


The Forum will conclude with a summary of key messages, the presentation of
outcome document, and commitments to follow-up action.


I. Background and Rationale 

The 21st century is marked by a proliferation of complex and protracted conflicts, geopolitical fragmentation, and unprecedented humanitarian crises. Despite the global recognition of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, anchored in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and its subsequent resolutions, women remain significantly underrepresented in formal peace negotiations, mediation teams, ceasefire monitoring, and high-level diplomatic decision-making. Council on Foreign Relations studies consistently demonstrate that peace agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years when women are meaningfully involved in the negotiation process. Evidence also shows that women mediators and negotiators broaden peace agendas to include community needs, social cohesion, justice, and long-term recovery, elements essential for sustainable peace. Yet, in major peace processes between 1992 and 2019, women constituted only 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories (the UN Secretary-General’s Report on Women, Peace and Security, 2023). The absence of women in peace and security decision-making is particularly alarming given the current global landscape of escalating conflicts, rising displacement, and the erosion of multilateral trust. These challenges require diplomatic leadership that is inclusive, representative, and capable of bridging divides. Women diplomats bring diverse perspectives, negotiation styles, and priorities that strengthen conflict resolution and peacebuilding outcomes. At the same time, the root causes of increasing multidimensional fragility need to be addressed consistently, whereby the rising water and climate-related insecurity constitutes an important entry point for building community resilience and stability. The Cansu Global Intergovernmental Initiative presents an example of complementing water diplomacy efforts with community resilience to manage, absorb and mitigate water and climate related risks. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 16 on peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, underscores the need for inclusive institutions and participatory decision-making. The Pact for the Future (Section II: Peace and Security, Paragraphs 29-33), the New Agenda for Peace (Section: Preventing Conflict and Sustaining Peace, Paragraphs 57-60), and the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries (Section: Peace and Security, Paragraphs 161-165) further reaffirm that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation at all levels. Against this backdrop, and building on RASIT’s pioneering approach to diplomacy -broadening its meaning since 1968 beyond traditional statecraft to encompass Science Diplomacy, Education and Cultural Exchange, and the Culture for Peace - the second edition of the World Forum on Women in Diplomacy, is convened to advance a focused global dialogue on transforming women’s participation in diplomacy and conflict prevention from symbolic representation to structural influence and measurable delivery. 

II. Objectives 

1. Assess structural barriers that limit women’s leadership in diplomacy, mediation, and peace and security decision-making, and identify reforms needed to transform participation from symbolic to structural and delivery-oriented. 2. Highlight evidence-based research and case studies demonstrating the impact of women’s meaningful participation on the durability, inclusivity, and implementation of peace agreements, including through conflict prevention initiatives. 3. Identify strategies to institutionalize women’s leadership at national, regional, and multilateral levels, including strengthening pipelines for women’s advancement to senior diplomatic and peacebuilding roles. 4. Promote cross-regional dialogue among diplomats, policymakers, researchers, and civil society to advance implementation and accountability for UNSCR 1325 and subsequent Women, Peace and Security commitments. 5. Develop actionable, resourced, and measurable recommendations to ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in mediation, negotiation, and peacebuilding processes. 6. Acknowledge and position women’s community development initiatives as core contributions to achieve social stability and combat multidimensional fragility.


III. Expected Outcomes


1. A set of actionable, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen women’s leadership in diplomacy and peace and security processes.
2. Enhanced visibility of women diplomats and their contributions to multilateralism and conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
3. Strengthened partnerships among Member States, UN entities, academic institutions, and civil society.
4. A Forum Outcome Document outlining commitments to advance structural, accountable implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
5. Inputs to ongoing UN processes, including SDG 16 implementation, the New Agenda for Peace, and Women, Peace, and Security reporting mechanisms.


IV. Format and Structure


The Forum’s structure comprises a high-level opening segment that sets the thematic and global context, followed by three main discussion sessions: Session 1: will present global evidence and case studies demonstrating the impact of women’s participation in peace processes. Session 2: will examine pathways to move from symbolic inclusion to structural leadership through policy reforms, national action plans, and strengthened mediation networks. Session 3: will explore emerging peace and security challenges and include an intergenerational dialogue with women diplomats and peacebuilders. The Forum will conclude with a summary of key messages, the presentation of outcome document, and commitments to follow-up action.


AGENDA PROGRAMME


10.00-10.30: Opening Segment Women at the Frontlines of Diplomacy for Peace and Security. 

The Opening Segment brings together dignitaries, senior officials, Permanent Representatives, and institutional leaders to reaffirm the centrality of women’s leadership in shaping peaceful, secure, and resilient societies. Framing the Forum’s objectives, the segment positions women diplomats as indispensable actors in advancing multilateral cooperation and safeguarding global peace and security. In their statements, dignitaries are encouraged to highlight the evidence demonstrating that women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in diplomacy strengthens conflict prevention, enhances negotiation outcomes, and contributes to durable peace, as well as to underscore the need for renewed commitments to institutional reforms, capacity‑building, and accountability. Welcoming Remarks: • H.E. Dr. Helena Dalli, Former EU Commissioner for Equality, Chair, World Forum on Women in Diplomacy. Opening Statement:

10.30 – 11.30: Session 1: Evidence and Impact: Why Women Matter in Peace Processes. 

This session presents the latest global data and research demonstrating the measurable impact of women’s participation in peace processes. Through comparative studies, case examples, and evidence-based analysis, speakers will highlight how women’s leadership in mediation and conflict resolution contributes to more inclusive negotiations and significantly increases the likelihood of achieving durable peace agreements. The discussion will underscore the strategic importance of women’s full and meaningful engagement across all stages of peace processes, grounding the Forum’s deliberations in rigorous, policy-relevant evidence. Moderator: Distinguished Panelists.

11.30 – 12.30: Session 2: From Symbolic to Structural: Institutionalizing Women in Diplomacy Leadership.

This session examines the reforms and systemic shifts required to embed women’s leadership at the core of diplomatic institutions. Discussions will focus on policy reforms, national action plans, and the transformation of diplomatic services to ensure women in diplomacy achieve full, equal, and sustained participation in leadership roles. The session will also highlight women’s contributions to diplomacy and mediation, emphasizing mechanisms that strengthen support, visibility, and accountability across the international community, including within bodies such as the United Nations Security Council. In addressing emerging challenges and opportunities, the session will consider how to advance women’s diplomatic leadership within multilateralism to deliver long-lasting peace and security. Moderator: Distinguished Panelists:

12.30 – 13.30: Session 3: The Future of Multilateralism: Women in Diplomacy for Peace and Security. This session explores the critical role of women diplomats in shaping a more resilient and responsive multilateral system amid emerging global threats. Discussions will examine women’s leadership in addressing climate-related insecurity, digital conflict, misinformation, and growing geopolitical fragmentation. Speakers will highlight how women advance cooperative, culturally informed, and society-responsive diplomacy that strengthens trust and multilateral engagement. The session will also underscore women’s contributions to justice, accountability, and community resilience, emphasizing their essential role in building a more inclusive and effective global peace and security architecture. Moderator: Distinguished Panelists:

13.30-14.15: Closing Segment Commitments for the Present: Women Strengthening Peace, Security, and Multilateral Action 

 The Closing Session brings the Forum’s deliberations together with a concise summary of key messages emerging from the discussions. Participants will be presented with the draft Outcome Document, reflecting shared priorities and proposed actions to advance women’s leadership of all abilities across diplomacy, peace, and security. The segment concludes with a collective commitment to follow-up measures, reinforcing the Forum’s role in driving sustained progress and strengthening women’s contributions to the future of multilateral cooperation. Moderator: Respondent: UN Member States Commitments.

Related Sites and Documents: Concept Note.

Watch the 2nd World Forum on Women in Diplomacy!

International Day of Women In Diplomacy 2024; June 24th.

FORUM:"Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy." International Day of Women In Diplomacy 2024. In its resolution 76/269 of 20 June 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 June of each year as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This significant day aims to celebrate the contributions of women to diplomacy and highlight challenges that prevent the equal participation of women at all levels of decision-making. It provides an opportunity for Member States, the UN system, other international and regional organizations, civil society, academic institutions, associations of women diplomats and other stakeholders to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of diplomacy through education and awareness-raising activities. Despite their undeniable contributions, women continue to face barriers and inequalities in leadership and decision-making spaces, including in diplomacy. The representation of women in key diplomatic roles, such as negotiators and mediators in peace processes, remains low. The International Day of Women in Diplomacy seeks to address those challenges and to emphasize the importance of women’s leadership in political decision-making processes. The second annual commemorative event to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy at the United Nations Headquarters in New York will bring together high-level government officials, diplomats, senior representatives of the UN system and other stakeholders. The event aims to facilitate interactive discussions and exchanges on the contributions, challenges and opportunities for women in diplomacy to catalyze change and transformation in multilateral affairs. Building on last year’s commemoration, the event will feature an informal discussion on ways to strengthen women’s leadership in multilateral organizations. Over the past year, women took the helm for the first time of several organizations in the UN system (IOM, ITU, WMO). At the same time, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions in all fields of diplomacy. According to a recent report published by GWL Voices, women lead only one third of multilateral organizations. Over the past 78 years, only 4 women served as Presidents of the General Assembly and only one out of Main Committee chairs is a woman during the current session of the Assembly. Furthermore, no woman has ever been appointed as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Against this background, the discussion will explore challenges and opportunities to strengthen women’s leadership in the multilateral arena.

EVENTS: On Monday, June 24th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York, the commemorative eventto mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2024 under the theme ''Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy'' will be held. Wacth the livestream!

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024; April 24th.

FORUM: "Reinvigorate multilateralism for a Better Tomorrow." International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024.

With world leaders set to convene at the UN Summit of the Future this September to reaffirm their dedication to peace, sustainable development, and protection of human rights, the importance of multilateralism and diplomacy is more paramount than ever. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InternationalDayforMultilateralismandDiplomacyforPeace; #24April; #MultilateralismDay; #DiplomacyDay.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General for International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024; April 24th.

The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace highlights a fundamental truth: no country can solve today’s challenges alone.

Dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral solutions provide the surest path to a peaceful and just world.

These eternal ideals form the foundation of the United Nations Charter, and drive global efforts to safeguard human rights and forge hope, prosperity and peace for all people.

But around the world, conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequalities create enormous obstacles to diplomacy and multilateral solutions. Collaboration is consumed by competition; dialogue is overtaken by relentless division.

Diplomacy and the multilateral system itself were created precisely for moments like this. We need to resurrect a new spirit of global cooperation to rebuild trust, heal divisions, and place humanity on the path to peace.

The Summit of the Future this September will be a critical opportunity for countries to share solutions. A New Agenda for Peace that takes a holistic approach to the drivers of conflict can help to restore faith in the multilateral system and what we can accomplish by working as one.

On this important day, I call on all governments and leaders to spare no effort to bridge divides, renew dialogue and trust, and deliver a peaceful future.

António Guterres.

WEBINARS; PAVING THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE.

The SDSN Portugal, in collaboration with SDSN, and under the auspices of the President of the Portuguese Republic, is organizing the international conference entitled “Paving the Way to the Pact of the Future” that will take place on 17 and 18 June, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. 

The hybrid conference will address selected themes from the UN Agenda in preparation for the Summit of the Future to be held in New York in September 2024. These include: (1) The challenges inherent in a sustainable future; (2) Transforming education; (3) Valuing what counts beyond GDP; and (4) Meaningful involvement of young people in decision-making processes and policy-making. --- 

About the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN): The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society.

LIVESTREAM: Special event to commemorate International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024 entitled. 'The challenges of multilateralism and diplomacy for the fulfillment of the promise of the UN Charter in a polarized world.''.

 As the world gathers this coming 24 April 2024 not to only commemorate, but also to celebrate the achievements of multilateralism and diplomacy, which has its best representation in the United Nations, humanity, and particularly the peoples of the Global South, suffers from the consequences of a global crisis with multiple dimensions, including, among others, in the climate, food, energy and finance fields, which, coupled with the negative impacts of ongoing wars and protracted conflicts, such as the one in the Gaza Strip, is only keeping us off track from honoring our pledge of leaving no one behind and ensuring the attainment, by 2030, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commemorative Special Event aims to gather, among others, the Heads of the Principal Organs of the United Nations, as well as high-level representatives from Member States and Observers to the United Nations to engage in a frank and open discussion on how to strengthen and make truly more inclusive the multilateral system, on how to ensure strict compliance and adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, in both its letter and spirit, and on how to balance the participation of relevant stakeholders in some of the intergovernmental discussions within the framework of the three pillars of the United Nations, while ensuring that the intergovernmental nature of the Organization and the leading and central role of States is preserved. Concept Note

 

International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023; June 24th.

FORUM: “Women in diplomacy: A force for peace.“ International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023. Historically, diplomacy has been the preserve of men. Women have played a critical role in diplomacy for centuries, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. It's time to recognize and celebrate the ways in which women are breaking barriers and making a difference in the field of diplomacy. In 2014, 143 countries guaranteed equality between men and women in their constitutions; another 52 countries have yet to make this important commitment. The IDWID inaugural Forum entitled ‘‘Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development.’’ will feature '4 high-level conversations with distinguished women ambassadors.

• The 1st conversation will Tackle success stories of women ambassadors in a Ted-Like format. As well as the main challenges and obstacles that these experts experience in their diplomatic journey.

• The 2nd conversation: will feature women in diplomacy for sustainable development goals, with special focus on SDG 6 reviewed at the HLPF to be held in July 2023, and in line with the water summit 2023 midterm review. This conversation will be discussing how water impacts peace and multilateralism, and their future vision.

• The 3rd conversation: Breaking Barriers in Diplomacy. This conversation highlights the inclusion of disabled diplomats by showcasing how they overcome the stereotype of physical disabilities. RASIT Female blind scientists will moderate the conversation.

• The 4th Conversation will focus on science diplomacy for peace and sustainable development.

• Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #womendiplomats, #24June, #Diplomacy, #WomeninDiplomacy.

EVENTS: At the UNHQ in New York on June 24th, to observe the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023, a high level event co-organized at the United Nations Trusteeship Council chamber by Permanent Missions of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, El Salvador, Eritrea, Grenada, Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Malta, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Maldives, Republic of Kenya, Republic of South Africa, Saint Lucia, and the State of Qatar, in collaboration with the Office of the President of the General Assembly and UN Women will be held. the event will highlight the critical role of diplomacy in decision-making by focusing on the importance of expert and professional women in diplomatic negotiations. The plenary session more specifically will - Address the challenges and obstacles experienced by women in diplomacy, especially by young women, to highlight the most relevant solutions for future leaders. - Zoom in on women in diplomacy and discussing building capacity. - Recognize the interplay and interdependency between science, technology, and diplomacy; - Identify conditions and propose tools to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of diplomacy. - Showcase the need to integrate understanding of social aspects and cultural dimensions in diplomacy especially with capacity development. Read the 2023 IDWID Concept Note.

In Geneva and Vienna, several panel discussions and workshops will be held. As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in diplomacy, we look forward to your participation in meaningful discussions on our common journey forward in the promotion of leadership and advancement of women in decision-making.

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023; April 24th.

FORUM: "Effective multilateralism through the defence of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations." International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InternationalDayforMultilateralismandDiplomacyforPeace; #24April; #MultilateralismDay; #DiplomacyDay.

EVENTS & CONFERENCES: Join the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023 Webinar Effective Multilateralism. this April 24th under the agenda: "Maintenance of international peace and security".

A new report outlines an ambitious plan to strengthen the multilateral system, ensuring it is better positioned to address current and future challenges – from the climate crisis to rising inequality, lack of finance for sustainable development, and increasing threats to democracy and stability.

 

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2021; April 24

FORUM: ''Towards an inclusive Multilateralism''; International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2021. 

The General Assembly invites all Member States, observers and organizations of the United Nations to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities.

Statement by the U.N Seretary General on International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2021; April 24rd.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a tragic reminder of how deeply connected we are.
There is a clear and urgent need for concrete multilateral solutions, based on common action across borders for the good of all humanity, starting with the equitable distribution of vaccines as a global public good.
This need goes far beyond the pandemic. It applies to all the transnational threats we face: the climate crisis; air and water pollution; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; the development of new technologies in the absence of agreed principles and norms.
We need a more networked multilateralism, with stronger coordination between regional and international organizations, international financial institutions and public/private alliances.
We need an inclusive multilateralism, that draws on civil society, business, local and regional authorities and others, and shares power more broadly and fairly.
And we need strong multilateral action now, to emerge from the pandemic safely, to address the climate crisis, and to build stronger, safer communities and societies.
Today, as we mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, let’s renew our commitment to global multilateral solutions that deliver for people and planet.

António Guterres

Statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross, delivered by Laetitia Courtois, Permanent Observer, to the Interactive Dialogue to commemorate and promote the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.

Thank you, Mr. President, for inviting the International Committee of the Red Cross to participate in today's event on this International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy.
Today, I will provide examples of effective multilateralism and the important role it plays in alleviating suffering and creating conditions for peace. I will close with a word on the future of consensus-building and multilateralism.
First, let us look at some multilateral diplomacy success stories.
The quintessential example and proof that multilateralism and diplomacy can work is in the universally ratified Geneva Conventions. Adopted in 1949, the Conventions form the core of international humanitarian law. These rules created important multilateral consensus on the limits of violence to reduce human suffering and protect essential infrastructure.
The Geneva Conventions also gave a clear mandate to the ICRC and to the National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to prevent and alleviate suffering. With the inclusion of this mandate, States recognized the importance of impartial humanitarian action.
Indeed, humanitarian actors are not peace builders: neutral, impartial, independent humanitarian action is distinct from political agendas and must remain so.
Yet, while States and others make peace, humanitarian action can help make peace possible.
Frontline humanitarian action can be a stabilizing factor in fragmented environments and a building block towards stability. Principled humanitarian action serves to protect against development reversals or societal division caused by the effects of armed conflict.
Humanitarian actors can also help facilitate confidence-building measures such as in keeping families connected by addressing the issue of missing persons. We also act as neutral intermediaries to facilitate the release and return of people detained in relation to fighting, as we saw in October 2020 when the ICRC helped facilitate the release of more than 1,000 people detained in relation to the conflict in Yemen. The operation was a result of talks that built upon the Stockholm Agreement of 2018.
Mr. President,
Multilateralism works when states pursue a common goal. It happened recently in March 2021 when states adopted by consensus the report of the Open-ended Working Group on ICTs (cyber). States shared the view that there are potentially devastating humanitarian consequences of malicious ICT activities on critical infrastructure supporting essential services to the public. States concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of protecting healthcare infrastructure including medical services and facilities through the implementation of relevant norms.
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is another example of multilateralism in action. It is the promise that one day we will be freed of the dark shadow of these indiscriminate and inhumane weapons. Our collective work is far from complete. We must intensify our efforts to promote adherence to the Treaty, ensure that its provisions are faithfully implemented and take the Treaty all the way to its goal: a world without nuclear weapons.
I raise these examples to illustrate that multilateral diplomacy agreements developed by States create norms and develop international humanitarian law to ensure that legal limits are in place. I also raise these examples because in them we see that IHL is integral to multilateralism and that multilateralism is integral to IHL.
Next, I want to say a word on the global challenges we face and the future of consensus-building. Climate change, the pandemic, protracted conflicts, rising inequality are incredibly complex, interconnected and often transnational issues. To address these challenges, States must work together through the international system to preserve hard-won gains and to break through deadlocks. But States cannot do this alone.
The future for consensus-building cannot just be multilateral: it also must be multistakeholder. It must bring together different actors to unlock solutions. One group's response will not be enough on its own. We must involve local institutions and nongovernment actors, the UN, development actors, civil society, the private sector and others.
In this way the international community can address key challenges of today, whether they be flash points arising from protracted or new conflicts, or promoting and ensuring respect for human rights and IHL.
As we've seen in the past, multilateralism can work. And the people caught in armed conflict or suffering from the impacts of COVID, climate change, food insecurity or other challenges – they depend on multilateral, multi-stakeholder diplomacy that works.
Thank you.