New York, September 30, 2025 – The Europe Today: Canada will continue to engage with the challenges of an increasingly complex world, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.
Addressing the high-level gathering, Anand stressed that Canada would not turn inward even as multilateral institutions face growing threats. “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,” she said.
Highlighting Canada’s commitment to the Middle East peace process, Anand said the country supports partners working to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine and intends to actively participate in the subsequent political processes. Her remarks coincided with announcements that U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed on a plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and had presented it to Hamas.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Anand elaborated that Canada could help rally international support for a peace plan. “I have had several conversations with Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the past week, about the way in which Canada can play a role in contributing to the peace process,” she said, adding that she is working with Rubio on issues including resolving Haiti’s gang crisis, ensuring lasting peace in Ukraine, and preventing Hamas from participating in future Palestinian governance.
Anand spoke on behalf of Canada in place of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was initially scheduled to address the assembly. She outlined Ottawa’s three main foreign policy priorities:
- Strengthening Defence: Enhancing capabilities through the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and NATO.
- Economic Resilience: Diversifying supply chains and positioning Canada as an attractive destination for international investment, while supporting a rules-based global trading system.
- Core Values: Upholding human rights, gender equality, environmental protection, and Indigenous rights, particularly in the Arctic.
She underscored the importance of international agreements, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, while cautioning against efforts to weaken such frameworks. Anand also highlighted Canada’s trade engagements, including a recent deal with Indonesia, as means to strengthen multilateralism and economic resilience.
The minister paid tribute to outgoing UN Ambassador Bob Rae, noting his lifelong dedication to Canada and his contributions to building multilateral institutions, which drew applause from the assembly.
Anand’s address comes amid concerns over UN funding cuts and increasing calls from developing nations for greater influence over agencies historically dominated by Western powers.
