G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas

Dear Minister Lamola,  

Excellencies, Ambassadors, 

I want to first thank South Africa for convening the meeting today. And with such an important focus on “peace and sustainable economic development”. 

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, it is clear that reinvigorating multilateral platforms like the G20 is crucial. In a period where we see more conflicts and territorial violations than we have seen since the Second World War, we need a UN system that functions. 

But instead we see cracks in the walls and stumbling blocks.  That is why the European Union is here in New York City to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core.   

Bold reform through the UN80 initiative and the implementation of the Pact for the Future, is essential. This is not simply papering over the cracks. This will help us work more effectively as an international community across the humanitarian, development and peace nexus.  

An effective United Nations is also crucial to address ongoing crises in the world today from the Middle East – Gaza – to  Africa - Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Great Lakes, and Rwanda.  Respect for the UN Charter and international law is the only route to deliver peace and security.  

Economic development is not sustainable without peace.

And Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza remain primary drivers of global instability. 

During its war on Ukraine, Russia has sabotaged global food supply chains, accelerated ecological disasters, and spread disinformation, including at the highest levels in international fora like this. These actions also systematically destabilise international systems. These actions starkly contradict the G20 South African Presidency’s commitment to sustainable development as a unifying priority. 

So long as there are no signs that Russia’s goal of subjugating Ukraine has changed, I ask you to help build international pressure on Russia to stop killing and engage in meaningful negotiations.  

There is no bigger champion of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine than us. The EU is also the largest humanitarian donor and a constant supporter of the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution. The European Union is for peace.

That is why we are also leading supporters of international peacekeeping efforts across the globe. The EU’s Member States are leading contributors to the UN peacekeeping budget. We put our money where our mouth is.  

We also have 21 of our own active Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations deployed in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Africa and in the Middle East.  

At the same time, we also use our tools to address the root causes and drivers of vulnerability and conflict. Quoting Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “a more secure world begins by investing at least as much in fighting poverty as we do in fighting wars”. 

To conclude, the G20 remains an important forum to coordinate responses to global crises. Despite our differences, the G20’s efforts, including under South Africa’s Presidency, have noble goals to support social inclusion, economic progress, and stability to nurture peace. 

It is essential that we make it work. And you can count on the EU as a predictable and credible partner here. 

Thank you.