Pedro Sánchez calls for action to strengthen multilateralism

Royal Palace of El Pardo, Madrid

The event, promoted by the President of the Government, gathered together King Felipe VI, representatives from the main State powers, the delegates of UN agencies with headquarters in our country and the representatives of the diplomatic missions in Spain of countries that support the initiative, at El Pardo Palace.

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaA Joint Statement entitled "Together for stronger multilateralism" was presented at the event, promoted by the Government of Spain and co-sponsored by the Government of Sweden. The initiative seeks to make a call for action to make the Declaration at the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, adopted on 21 September by the Member States of the UN, a reality. The statement seeks to strengthen the multilateral system and tackle the major global challenges together and build a more peaceful, just, inclusive and sustainable world.

The President of the Government stressed in his speech that "Now is not the time to question multilateralism. Quite the opposite; future generations will judge us by our ability to strengthen it". In this regard, Pedro Sánchez emphasised that now is the time to rebuild better and greener. "We must work together for more sustainable and fairer globalisation, which ensures the full exercise of human rights, equal opportunities and the empowerment of women".

In addition to Spain and Sweden, the initiative entitled "Together for stronger multilateralism" was also signed up to by the following countries: Bangladesh, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Costa Rica, Jordan, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. It was also supported by New Zealand. The text commits to improving the global health system; protecting our planet; reducing inequalities and not leaving anyone behind; building peace, security and justice; defending human rights and gender equality; harnessing the digital revolution; and ensuring sustainable financing.

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaThe event was attended by video-conference by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven, the President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Safadi. It was also attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Senegal, Aissata Tall Sall, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, Othman Jarandi, and the Second Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Taeho Lee.

During his speech, Pedro Sánchez stressed that "Spain is a country with a global vocation" that sees the world through multilateralism "to address global challenges that cannot be addressed individually". We thus have a roadmap. This Statement, together with the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, show us how far we can go by working together", concluded the President of the Government.

Non official translation