Understanding the Significance of Multilateralism

Established in 2018 and first observed in 2019, the 24th of April marks the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. It is a day of great magnificence and grandeur; screens play drawn-out speeches that are peppered with words such as 'pluralism,' 'statesmanship,' and 'dialogue' from the holders of the highest offices around the world. However, behind these ceremonial festivities, what significance does this day truly hold? To answer this question, let us take a glance at history and its lessons - its harrowing, chilling lessons.

Let us look at World War II; the shadows of those wiped out from Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the countless war crimes committed, such as the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam. Let us look at World War I; the bodies of 8 million dead soldiers and the graves of 13 million dead civilians. Let us look at the scores of conflicts that took place before these major wars and their detrimental, painful consequences. This was a time when the possibility of war rested solely on the ego of a single ruler, a time when the shrieks of lost children were caught up in the thunder of constant bombardment, a time when the spatter of dark crimson, bitter-savored blood was normal.

The 24th of April acts as a reminder of a pledge that had its seed planted decades ago with the end of World War II. It acts as a reminder of how we have evolved as humans, beyond our savage tendencies and sheer disregard for human life. On this date, we recall how we have moved on from a culture of rash aggression and violence to an era of thought-out, peaceful resolutions. It symbolizes our commitment to multilateralism, the idea that nations should work together to address global challenges and pursue shared interests.

However, is the celebration on the 24th of April only a superficial reminder? Today, is it only an empty message sent into a void of white noise as over a million Palestinians repeatedly call for international support as they face apartheid from the state of Israel? Does it hold any value when over 8 million Ukrainians flee their country as Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression, and its wounds from losing Crimea are still fresh? Besides direct violence, a form of aggression is found in tactics employed by larger states against smaller states, such as coercive diplomacy. If this is the true nature of peaceful diplomacy today, should we consider it progress?

While it is important to acknowledge that we have not managed to fully maintain peace around the world, it would be naive of us to state that we have not made any progress. The Russian aggression in Ukraine is being met with widespread international condemnation, various economic sanctions, and several boycotts. Even such a fairly unified response against belligerence was only a dream for Europe less than a hundred years ago. Additionally, it is significant to note that the emergence of pockets of conflict does not mean that the journey towards world peace has come to a halt. It only reminds us that there is still room for improvement.

The 24th of April is a reminder of how we must treasure this tradition of peace; a condition we tend to take for granted. On this day, we celebrate the culture of tolerance we have carefully fostered over the years. It is largely due to this culture that the Cold War did not transform into an open and potentially nuclear war decades ago. It is because of this expectation, along with other complex factors, that archenemies like Saudi Arabia and Iran can see a thaw in their historically turbulent relationship today. The promise to work towards peace and multilateralism is the foundation upon which prestigious international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) were built, where even the smallest countries have a say in world matters. This promise is the reason states choose to resolve trade disputes through institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) rather than using brute force.

This very promise has allowed for the creation of various arms control and human rights treaties and agreements that exist today. Yet, it is critical to remember that this date is not only a reminder of how far we have come but also of how far we have to go. The International Day of Multilateralism serves as a call to action, urging nations to preserve and strengthen the bonds of peace. It reminds us that the path to a peaceful world requires constant effort and vigilance; how we must come together to address the pressing global issues of our time, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.

As we commemorate the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace on the 24th of April, let us reflect on the lessons of history and the progress we have made as a global community. While conflicts and challenges persist, we have witnessed the power of multilateralism in condemning aggression, implementing economic sanctions, and fostering dialogue. We must value the culture of peace we have cultivated and recognize the importance of institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization in promoting peaceful resolutions. However, we cannot become complacent. The struggles faced by Ukrainians who are affected by Russian aggression remind us that there is still work to be done.

The International Day of Multilateralism is a celebration of the marvels of cooperation and dialogue. It serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to nurture peace and reject violence. Let us cherish this tradition and use it as a catalyst for change, working together to address global challenges and build a future where conflicts are resolved through diplomacy, understanding, and respect. Only then can we truly honor the spirit of this day and pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous world.