Canada urges stronger partnerships as global order faces ‘rupture’
Canada’s Foreign Minister warned at the UN that the global order faces deep disruption, urging stronger multilateral cooperation and new partnerships to address shifting geopolitical dynamics and declining economic integration.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand told the UN General Assembly that the international order is experiencing a profound rupture rather than a gradual transition, driven by major powers retreating from economic cooperation and disregarding State sovereignty. She framed the challenge using a maritime metaphor, stating that the tide of global change demands proactive adaptation rather than resistance. Anand emphasized that Canada would pursue strategic autonomy by diversifying economic and diplomatic ties to reduce reliance on any single partner while reinforcing the multilateral system.
Anand announced Canada’s launch of the “Partners for Multilateralism” initiative, aimed at reforming the UN and other international institutions to make them more representative, effective, and trustworthy. She highlighted Canada’s efforts to build issue-based coalitions with small States, middle powers, and major powers to address shared challenges, including support for Ukraine and security in the Arctic. The initiative seeks to strengthen the multilateral system rather than replace it, she stressed.
On international security, Anand reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine and a peace process based on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. She described the Arctic as central to Canadian identity and security, emphasizing cooperation with Indigenous peoples and regional partners. Anand condemned attacks attributed to Iran, calling it the principal threat to regional peace and security, and stated Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
Anand also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, affirming Israel’s right to exist and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination in their own state. She reiterated Canada’s commitment to a negotiated two-State solution while maintaining that Hamas cannot govern Palestine and that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. She highlighted Canada’s support for security and elections in Haiti, humanitarian aid in Sudan and Gaza, and cooperation on responsible artificial intelligence and maritime security.