'Multilateralism is needed more than ever at this extraordinarily difficult time' - UN Chief

The United Nations of Earth reporting on this issue: "'Multilateralism is needed more than ever at this extraordinarily difficult time' - UN Chief"
The topics: Joint press conference with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. " (...) It is wonderful to be back in Vienna – an important hub of the international system and a cherished home for many United Nations entities. This week you will host the leaders of the entire UN family as we gather for the first time outside of New York since the start of the pandemic. Karl Kraus once said that “the streets of Vienna are paved with culture, the streets of other cities with asphalt.” I would add: with culture and with multilateralism. And that multilateralism is needed more than ever at this extraordinarily difficult and dangerous time. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing massive devastation, destruction and suffering in the country, triggering the largest displacement in Europe since World War II – and sending shockwaves across the region and world. This senseless war must stop. It has inflamed a three-dimensional crisis — food, energy and finance — with devastating impacts on the most vulnerable people, countries and economies. Global food security is an especially deep concern and was a focus of my recent meetings in Moscow and Kyiv. We need quick and decisive action to ensure a steady flow of food and energy in open markets, by lifting export restrictions, allocating surpluses and reserves to those who need them, and addressing food price increases to calm market volatility. But let’s be clear: a meaningful solution to global food insecurity requires reintegrating Ukraine’s agricultural production and the food and fertilizer production of Russia and Belarus into world markets, despite the war. I am actively working to help facilitate a dialogue to make this a reality. And all these tests come on top of a cascade of other challenges – from the COVID-19 pandemic to escalating inequalities and insufficient resources for recovery. To rise to these challenges, we need to raise our ambition and act together with greater urgency. I want to salute President Van der Bellen for his leadership and strong voice for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and tackling the climate emergency. Mister President, you are recognized as a leading champion of climate action. As dramatic as it is, the war in Ukraine cannot make us forget that climate change is an existential threat to us all - to the whole world. We can see the impacts everywhere – including right here in the Austrian Alps, where glaciers are retreating and ice and snow bridges disappearing (...)". Full Remarks as delivered: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2022-05-11/secretary-generals-press-encounter-austrian-president-alexander-van-der-bellen


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