Multilateralism is “alive” as SG Guterres meets with EU

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today (20 March) met with the leaders of the 27 member states of the European Union during a working lunch as part of a European Summit in Brussels.

Asked by a journalist about current challenges to the global world order as he arrived at the summit, the Secretary-General responded that “multilateralism is alive. It’s playing a role, and the proof of that is the fact that I am here with the European Union.”

Speaking to reporters alongside António Costa, President of the European Council, Mr. Guterres emphasised the important support of the European Union to the United Nations.

“The European Union is a fundamental pillar of the multilateral response to the challenges we face in peace and security, in climate, in sustainable development, in human rights,” said the Secretary-General.

The situation in the Middle East, Ukraine, climate change and the Pact for the Future, a pledge from world leaders on peace and sustainable development, were high on the agenda for the Secretary-General´s meetings in Brussels 19-21 March.

Mr. Guterres said of Ukraine that “any ceasefire is welcome because it saves lives”, but that it must pave the way “for a just peace” and respect the UN Charter, international law and Security Council resolutions, namely about the the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Secretary-General also said he was saddened by the renewal of the conflict in Gaza.

“I am saddened and shocked, because deaths and destruction are back in Gaza, and the Palestinian people have already suffered too much.”

He reiterated his calls for a ceasefire, the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages. “It is absolutely essential to keep the door open for the only way to bring peace to the Middle East, which is to have a Palestinian state side-by-side with an Israeli state.” Mr. Guterres also said he was alarmed by the latest State of the Global Climate report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). However, he added, the situation is not hopeless and that the 1.5 degree limit is still possible in relation to global warming.

“Let’s not give up. […] We need to double down. Double Down in the reduction of emissions, double down in decarbonization and double down in the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable energy.”

He praised the EU’s efforts on climate change and said he was convinced “the EU and the UN will be together fighting for a better international community in a safer planet.”

In addition to attending the working lunch of EU leaders, Mr. Guterres met yesterday with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Mr. Costa, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. On Friday morning, KU Leuven and UC Louvain universities will jointly award an honorary doctorate to the United Nations.

The Secretary-General will receive the degree on behalf of the Organization and will deliver a speech paying tribute to the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of the thousands of men and women who, under the UN flag, support vulnerable populations in some of the world’s most dangerous regions. The ceremony will be broadcast live on UN WebTV.

During his stay in Brussels, Mr. Guterres will also have a bilateral meeting with Belgium’s new Prime Minister, Bart De Wever.

See also: United Nations Secretary-General to Visit Brussels