European Council President Antonio Costa has emphasized the importance of international law, effective institutions, and international cooperation for lasting peace and prosperity. Speaking at the launch of the 'Partners for Multilateralism' (P4M) initiative on the sidelines of the UNGA High-Level Week, Costa stated that the partnership is open to all who believe in international law and the power of working together. The initiative aims to uphold international law, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and deliver peace and prosperity.
The P4M initiative brings together countries committed to working collectively in support of peace, stability, inclusive and sustainable development, shared prosperity, human dignity, and rights for all. Costa mentioned that the participating countries come from different continents and have different histories and perspectives but share a fundamental conviction that global challenges require collective action. The initiative was co-sponsored by Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, India, Kenya, and the European Union.
The challenges facing the world, including climate change, global health, technological transformation, and international security, require collective responses. Costa stressed that peace and prosperity are interdependent and that there can be no lasting peace without prosperity, and no lasting prosperity without peace. He invited other members of the international community to endorse the declaration adopted at the meeting and join the initiative.
Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, representing India, emphasized that international law, rules, and norms must remain central to the functioning of the multilateral system. He called for institutional reform, stating that multilateralism would require greater advocacy as well as stronger implementation. Jaishankar also stressed the need for more participative deliberations and transparent decision-making in international institutions.
The senior officials have been tasked with establishing a coordination channel and identifying priority areas for cooperation, with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas set to coordinate the effort on behalf of the European Union. Costa mentioned that the meeting demonstrated that commitment to cooperation continues across continents, regions, and political traditions despite growing divisions.
The launch of the P4M initiative marks the beginning of efforts to translate shared principles into concrete action. Costa expressed hope that the initiative would help shape its next steps and that the road ahead would not be easy, but that the partners are not walking it alone. The initiative aims to deliver concrete results and uphold international law, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and deliver peace and prosperity.
The P4M initiative is a significant step towards promoting multilateralism and cooperation among countries. The launch of the initiative has demonstrated a strong shared commitment to cooperation across continents, regions, and political traditions. KEY_POINT: The 'Partners for Multilateralism' initiative was launched by the European Union, India, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, and Kenya. KEY_POINT: The initiative aims to uphold international law, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and deliver peace and prosperity. KEY_POINT: The partners have tasked senior officials with establishing a coordination channel and identifying priority areas for cooperation.
