Canada will remain steadfast in supporting global peace, security, and cooperation amid mounting international crises, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told world leaders at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Delivering Canada’s address in place of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Anand declared that Ottawa will not turn inward at a time when multilateral institutions face unprecedented challenges.
“When multilateral institutions are under threat, Canada will not turn inward,” Anand said. “We will work toward a world where prosperity is shared, security is collective, and peace is lasting. This is Canada’s pledge in this era of geopolitical challenge and change.”
Anand outlined three central pillars guiding Canada’s international engagement:
- Defence and Security – Strengthening NORAD and NATO while supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
- Economic Resilience – Diversifying supply chains, attracting global investment, and leveraging trade agreements such as Canada’s recent deal with Indonesia to uphold the rules-based global trading system.
- Core Values – Promoting human rights, gender equality, Indigenous rights, and environmental protection, particularly in the Arctic.
“These are not just trade agreements,” Anand said. “They are bridges of resilience, engines of prosperity, and commitments to the rules-based system that benefits us all through multilateralism.”
Anand reaffirmed Canada’s support for efforts to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, saying Canada will contribute fully to ceasefire efforts and post-war governance initiatives. She confirmed ongoing talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has asked Canada to play a leading role in rallying international support for peace initiatives.
Her remarks came just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, now awaiting a response from Hamas.
Anand defended global accords such as the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, both of which face new pressures from major powers.
“In the face of rising unilateralism and weakened institutions, retreat is not an option. Canada will not turn inward,” she said.
Reiterating Canada’s resolve against Russian aggression, Anand pledged unwavering support for Ukraine:
“Ukraine is not backing down, nor will its friends, including Canada. We are defending the fundamental principles of sovereignty, dignity, and peace.”
Anand also paid tribute to outgoing Canadian UN Ambassador Bob Rae for his decades of service, announcing his upcoming replacement by former justice minister David Lametti. Rae’s remarks drew applause from the chamber.
In her closing message, Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to working with allies to reform and strengthen multilateral institutions.
“We are not retreating from multilateralism. Far from it, we are doubling down. Canada will continue to build coalitions for peace, conflict resolution, security, and resilience.”