Support for Multilateralism and the Work of the United Nations
Resolution text
Resolved, That the Executive Council hereby expresses the Church’s continued support for the principles of multilateralism that underpin global dialogue and concerted action in the world; and be it further
Resolved, That the Executive Council encourages all member states of the United Nations to continue to support and engage in its work and functioning, including through timely payment of their dues.
Explanation
The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 to build and maintain international peace and security based on the principles of multilateralism and global dialogue, in order to avoid devastating conflicts such as those experienced during World Wars I and II.
General Convention’s early support of, and The Episcopal Church’s involvement and intimate association with, the creation of the United Nations during the signing of the UN Charter in 1945 is widely recognized.
It is inspiring to reflect upon the faithful commitment of the Church and of individual Episcopalians in engaging with the work of the United Nations on many levels, living into their Baptismal Covenant of seeking and serving Christ in all persons, striving for justice and peace among all people, and of being a prophetic witness and voice of the Church in the world.
There is widespread concerned about the resurgence of nationalism and unilateral foreign policy actions that undermine the foundational principles and values of multilateralism that are key to the functioning of international organizations such as the United Nations.
This concern extends to reports that delayed, or non-existent, payment of dues to the United Nations is hampering, among other agencies, the work of UN human rights treaty bodies and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.