International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace Date in the current year: April 24, 2024

The key goal of the UN observances is to educate the general public on relevant issues, mobilize political willpower and resources to solve global problems, and raise awareness of the global progress. The International Day of Multulateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, for instance, was created to highlight the importance of multilateralism- and diplomacy-based approach for promoting and supporting the three pillars of the United Nations – human rights, peace and security, and sustainable development.

Each coin has a flip side: on the one hand, globalization is an inevitable phenomenon, which has many positive aspects; on the other hand, it also has its drawbacks, from which some states are trying to protect themselves by means of protectionism and isolationism. Unfortunately, protectionism and isolationism prevent the humanity from finding solutions to global issues, which implicate the values and interests of multiple nations (for example, humanitarian and migratory crises, geopolitical tensions, climate change). And that’s where multilateralism and diplomacy come to the rescue.

Taking into account that the UN is the most representative international organization that plays a central role in promoting and strengthening multilateralism in international relations and facilitating diplomacy, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 24 as the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace by its resolution adopted on December 12, 2018. This International Day was created in order to remind governments, organizations and the general public that multilateral cooperation and abiding by the principles of diplomacy provided for by respective mandates and the Charter of the UN are instrumental in addressing multifaceted and complex global challenges of various kinds and scope, including ideological, economic, political, religious, and others.

Another important goal of this International Day is to emphasize the dangers of the double standard policy, which some governments and powerful entities employ during diplomatic negotiations. This policy involves using declared values and goals for peace and justice as a cover for catering to one’s personal interests. Such an approach hinders the effective settlement of conflicts; therefore, its eradication is one of the most important tasks of the UN and international politics.

Events held by national governments and various organizations on the occasion of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace are designed to demonstrate the advantages of diplomatic means of conflict resolution, which help prevent bloodshed and innocent victims.