Sustainable development and trade: The importance of multilateralism.

• Author: Parmelin, Guy
• Position: SPECIAL REPORT

This year we are all celebrating both the 75th anniversary of the UN and the 25th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Charter of the United Nations was signed 1945 at the San Francisco Conference. Delegates from 50 states drafted it with the aim of maintaining peace, guaranteeing international security and promoting the development of friendly relations among nations.

It is important to emphasize that the principles on which the UN Charter is based coincide with Swiss values enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Switzerland has distinguished itself in particular in the promotion of international humanitarian law and human rights, as well as in fostering peace and sustainable development. Switzerland is also appreciated for its good offices and its role as mediator in difficult negotiations. As a member of the UN, we contribute to the resolution of global challenges, which is in the interest of both the Swiss people and the world population.

Multilateralism offers legitimacy to find global solutions

The progress made in several fields and the management of various crises over the last 75 years have shown us that there is no alternative to multilateral cooperation and that none of the great challenges of our time can be addressed by a single state or group of countries. Multilateralism offers unique legitimacy and unparalleled expertise. We must therefore learn from past experiences and further strengthen our capacity to negotiate, decide and act. At the time of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates once again the need to act together, to think and innovate to find global solutions satisfactory to all.

The many international organizations present in Geneva are at the forefront of the response to this crisis, in the fields of health, human rights, humanitarian action and trade, among others.

Settle trade disputes through the rule of law

Twenty-five years ago, 128 countries joined forces to create the World Trade Organization. Beyond this multilateral success story, the birth of the WTO was also a victory for international law, because its agreements and dispute settlement mechanism have made it possible to settle hundreds of trade disputes through the rule of law. The predictability and transparency provided by this system had a greatly positive impact on the international economy since that time. The WTO and its rules limit the recourse to protectionism and the law...