The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is being observed on 24 April. It seeks to reaffirm the UN Charter and its principles of resolving disputes among countries through peaceful means. The Day acknowledges the use of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations.
It was established on the 12th of December 2018 through resolution A/RES/73/127 and was first observed on the 24th of April 2019. Since then it is observed annually on the 24th of April.
Multilateralism is not simply a practice or a question of the number of actors involved. It involves adherence to a common political project based on the respect of a shared system of norms and values. In particular, multilateralism is based on founding principles such as consultation, inclusion, and solidarity. Its operation is determined by collectively developed rules that ensure sustainable and effective cooperation. In particular, they guarantee all actors the same rights and obligations by applying themselves continuously (and not on a case-by-case basis, depending on the issue handled). Multilateralism is, therefore, both a method of cooperation and a form of organization of the international system.
Multilateralism is part of the United Nations DNA. The Charter does not simply define the structure, mission and functioning of the Organisation. It is one of the pillars of the international system in which we live today. In his report on the work of the United Nations to the General Assembly in 2018, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that the Charter remains the “moral compass to promote peace, advance human dignity, prosperity and uphold human rights and the rule of law.” (Guterres, 2018).