Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to facing global challenges head-on. Anand stressed that Canada will not retreat in the face of threats to multilateral institutions but instead work towards a world where shared prosperity, collective security, and lasting peace prevail.
Anand expressed Canada’s support for efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine and participate actively in the ensuing political processes. She highlighted discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Canada’s role in contributing to peace initiatives, including addressing the crisis in Haiti, promoting peace in Ukraine, and advocating for a governance structure in Palestine that excludes Hamas.
The Minister’s remarks coincided with news of a peace plan agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which they presented to Hamas. Anand mentioned Canada’s potential involvement in peacekeeping efforts post-conflict in Gaza, as acknowledged by Prime Minister Mark Carney in a recent statement recognizing Palestine as a state.
Anand outlined three key foreign policy priorities for Canada: enhancing defense cooperation, fostering economic resilience, and upholding core values such as human rights and environmental protection. She emphasized the importance of trade agreements in fortifying the global trading system and defending multilateralism.
Furthermore, Anand defended international agreements like the Ottawa Treaty and the 1951 Refugee Convention, underlining the need to preserve humanitarian principles amid evolving global challenges. She paid tribute to outgoing UN Ambassador Bob Rae for his contributions to multilateralism and dedicated service to Canada.
As the UN grapples with financial constraints and calls for greater representation from developing nations, Anand underscored Canada’s commitment to upholding international norms and working towards a more secure and equitable world.