Multilateralism at the heart of United Nations Day 2019

A century of multilateralism and the Montenegrin position in international cooperation have been at the heart of this year's commemoration of the United Nations Day, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro and the United Nations System. Celebration at Villa Gorica, hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srdjan Darmanović and UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney, marked the 74th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Charter.

Minister Darmanović underlined that from the birth of multilateralism, Montenegro had sought to become a full member of the international community.

"Today, a century later, Montenegro remains deeply committed to the values of multilateralism, close cooperation and strengthened partnership with the United Nations. We believe that any country should take part in joint response to global challenges through own political principles and examples”

Srdjan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro

“Therefore, Montenegro, within its own capacities, continues to contribute to international peace and security, and to global efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda and to full respect for human rights and freedom.”

Officials reminded that multilateralism was created upon foundation of the UN’s predecessor – the League of Nations. The international organization was established following the World War I, after the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, with the aim of joining international efforts on disarmament, prevention of wars by strengthening collective security, and settling disputes and conflicts between countries through negotiating diplomacy.

UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney highlighted that multilateralism is perhaps more important today than it was 100 years ago.

“Multilateralism underpins the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing common problems together, from conflict and economic downturns to disease and climate change – these problems more than ever require a collaborative global response”

Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator

McCluney quoted UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez, who said that "when nations work together, hope prevails and common solutions are found."

The ceremony also featured an exhibition of some of Montenegro's earliest correspondences from the beginnings of multilateralism.

United Nations Day is traditionally celebrated around the world in memory of 24 October 1945, when the United Nations Charter came into force. The ratification of the instrument officially established the United Nations, whose main objectives are peace and security, support for development and social progress, and protection of human rights. The United Nations was founded by leaders of 51 countries and today the world organization has 193 member countries. Montenegro became a member of the United Nations in June 2006, as the 192nd member of the organization.

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