Multilateralism more vital than ever, as World War centenary looms: Security Council

(United Nations) Noting that the global conflict of 1914-1918 was “a colossal tragedy and a frightening harbinger of bloody decades to follow”, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, noted in his opening statement that “without mechanisms for international problem-solving,” a second world war ensued within a generation.

“It took a second global cataclysm to trigger the multilateral arrangements we know today,” he added, referring to the creation of the United Nations in 1945, successor to the failed League of Nations.

The UN chief cited several major tangible achievements born out of multilateral efforts since then, including the avoidance of a third all-consuming global war; the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, and the peace operations established by the Security Council over the decades.

“Peacekeeping has helped a great many countries to recover from armed conflict. Our missions are often critical bulwarks against chaos and bloodshed,” said Mr. Guterres, hailing the renewed commitment made earlier this year by 151 nations and four international organizations, known as the Action for Peacekeeping initiative (A4P) which aims to strengthen these collective partnerships.

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