Statement on United Nations Day

October 24, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Today, we mark the 77th anniversary of the coming into effect of the Charter of the United Nations, the document that created the UN and laid the foundation for the longest period of global peace and security in modern history. Signed by 51 nations, including Canada, following the devastation of the Second World War, the charter affirmed the primacy of human rights and dignity, underlined the equality of individuals and of nations and promoted the importance of prosperity for all. Applying these principles was, and remains today, the best means of saving humanity from war.

“Unfortunately, today we find ourselves living in a world where authoritarians increasingly undermine the UN Charter and crush the rights and freedoms of individuals and entire nations. President Vladimir Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable aggression of Ukraine brutally illustrates what a world without the UN Charter would look like. We simply cannot allow that vision to succeed. Canada will continue to stand up for and defend peace, security, human rights and the rule of law.

“The world needs more United Nations, not less. Multilateral approaches are among the most effective ways to respond to many of the complex, interconnected challenges of our time and address the needs of millions of people around the world. Canada will continue to work with international partners to ensure that the UN remains effective, efficient, relevant and accountable.

“Engagement with the UN is a core Canadian commitment. We were there at its creation in 1945, and we have been an active contributor ever since. We are proud to host a number of UN organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal, Quebec. Canada will remain a steadfast supporter of and participant at the UN for the sake of all present and future generations.”