New Delhi, April 28: Multilateralism and international law are facing serious challenges, President of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said here today against the backdrop of intense West Asia crisis.
Baerbock, who was on a day-long visit to India amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing pressure on the international system, called for strengthened global cooperation and renewed commitment to the United Nations Charter.
“Today, the United Nations, multilateralism, and international law are not only under pressure, but under direct attack,” she said, pointing to increasing fragmentation and strain across the pillars of peace and security, development, and human rights,” she said at a press briefing at UN House in New Delhi.
She stressed that no country can address today’s interconnected global challenges alone, citing climate change, global health crises such as COVID-19, and the economic impact of conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and disruptions to global trade routes.
“Complying with international law and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals is in the interest of all,” she added.
During her visit, President Baerbock held bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, focusing on strengthening cooperation on shared global priorities.
Highlighting India’s role, she described the country as an essential partner in advancing multilateral solutions.
The President also underscored the need for a more efficient and responsive United Nations, noting ongoing UN80 reform efforts to strengthen delivery at the country level and improve impact on people’s lives.
During her stay, she met with senior government officials, representatives of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the UN Country Team in India, as well as representatives of the UN Country Team in Bhutan.
She will travel onward to China from 29 to 30 April for further high-level engagements.
