The second high-level dialogue between the European Union (EU) and the global body, featuring the presence of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, is currently taking place in the Belgian capital.
During the two-day discussions, the focus will revolve around various topics, including the worldwide impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and the opportunities and risks associated with the digital revolution.
The importance of international cooperation was emphasized, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing the unwavering commitment of the EU to maintaining a strong partnership with the UN in the face of these unprecedented challenges.
The agenda for the talks, as outlined by Ms. von der Leyen, includes the significant issue of Ukraine’s grain exports amidst the ongoing war. She expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a UN-brokered deal set to expire soon. She emphasized that Russia bears the responsibility of extending the agreement to prevent global food insecurity, stating that President Putin now holds the decision-making power.
Additionally, she highlighted the EU’s support for Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and his peace plan, as it aligns closely with the principles of the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.
Mr. Guterres acknowledged that the dialogue is taking place during a time when international cooperation faces significant challenges. He expressed appreciation for the EU’s contributions to various UN initiatives, such as climate action, sustainable development, peace and security, human rights, and gender equality. He stressed the need for enhanced cooperation and multilateral governance, anchored in international law, to address the increasingly multipolar world. Rebuilding trust among nations and bridging political divides were emphasized as urgent priorities.
Regarding sustainable development, Mr. Guterres highlighted the potential role of the EU in transforming the global financial system to benefit everyone and serve as a global safety net. On climate change, he emphasized the necessity of international cooperation in both mitigation and climate justice. He reiterated his call for a climate solidarity pact, urging wealthier nations with higher levels of pollution to take additional measures to reduce emissions. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that technology serves both human rights and the collective welfare, with governments, regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society playing vital roles.
The initial high-level dialogue between the EU and the UN took place in July last year, just outside New York City.