UNITED NATIONS: European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas has called for urgent strengthening of multilateralism and adherence to international law, while commending Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
Addressing the annual UN Security Council session on EU–UN cooperation, Kallas stressed that the world is witnessing one of the gravest breakdowns of international law since the Second World War, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East posing serious threats to global peace and stability.
She underscored that the European Union and its member states remain among the largest contributors to global development and UN financing, but emphasized that their commitment goes beyond financial support to active peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.
Highlighting rising geopolitical tensions, Kallas warned that unchecked “multipolarity” driven by coercive power politics could lead to instability, urging countries to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter and reinforce collective security mechanisms.
Referring to recent diplomatic developments, she noted that a “fragile truce” in the Middle East presents a critical opportunity for negotiations. In this context, she welcomed Pakistan’s facilitation of US–Iran talks in Islamabad and encouraged all parties to continue engagement in a constructive manner.
Kallas also drew attention to growing threats to global trade and energy security, particularly in key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, calling for stronger international cooperation to ensure freedom of navigation.
She emphasized that sustainable peace requires not only mediation and peacekeeping but also addressing root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, while advocating greater inclusion of women, youth, and local communities in peace processes.
In her concluding remarks, Kallas reiterated the EU’s firm stance against violations of sovereignty, strongly criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and stressing that “aggression cannot pay off,” warning that failure to uphold international law would embolden further conflicts.
Calling for reforms within the UN system, she urged member states to act decisively to strengthen accountability, limit misuse of veto powers, and revitalize multilateral cooperation.
“The time of action is now,” she said, urging the international community to build a stronger, fairer global order capable of addressing emerging challenges.
