Costa at UN: International law is increasingly being violated by permanent Security Council members as well

European Council President Antonio Costa said at the “Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity” summit, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, that many countries, including permanent members of the Security Council, are increasingly violating international law. He therefore launched the “Partners for Multilateralism” initiative as an open platform for partners from all parts of the world who are prepared to defend the shared principles of international law, Euronews Serbia reports.

Opening the summit, which was also attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Costa stressed that the multilateral system is under great pressure.

“At the same time, climate change, pandemics, artificial intelligence and economic insecurity pose challenges that the world is facing on a scale that no country, large or small, can resolve on its own,” Costa said.

That is precisely why, according to him, a global network connecting countries is needed, based on multilateral cooperation, mutual respect and international law.

“In this spirit, we are proposing the launch of today's initiative: ‘Partners for Multilateralism’. Its aim is to be an open platform for partners from all parts of the world who are prepared to defend shared principles and work toward concrete solutions,” Costa stressed.

According to Costa, the “Partners for Multilateralism” initiative should serve as a network for dialogue, coalition-building and practical cooperation, and help countries coordinate in addressing common challenges.

“Our main goal is to support the work of the United Nations and other multilateral formats, and we will help turn jointly undertaken commitments into concrete action,” he said.

Costa highlighted as the main priorities of the “Partners for Multilateralism” initiative the defense of the UN Charter, the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for international law, addressing global challenges such as financing the fight against climate change, sustainable development, pandemic preparedness, strengthening economic resilience and artificial intelligence, while also emphasizing reform of international institutions so that they can adapt to the future.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, speaking at the Summit, said that Serbia remains firmly committed to respecting international law and the United Nations Charter, assessing that only on the basis of these principles can a fairer and safer world be built.

Ahead of the opening of the General Debate as part of the UN General Assembly session, the summit was organized by Costa, Kenyan President William Ruto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.