Greece and the Importance of Multilateralism in Today's Global Challenges
On the evening of November 6th, UNA-NYC members, Columbia University alumni, and guests gathered at the Penn Club of New York for an evening of discussion with the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, Ambassador Maria Theofili. The discussion focused on the key elements of Greece’s foreign policy in the midst of international developments and global challenges, through the perspective of the most important international Organization, the United Nations. Attendees had the chance to interact with Ambassador Theofili directly and expand their perspective both on matters of multilateral diplomacy as well as on opportunities and issues facing the country today.
The evening started with an in-depth presentation by Ambassador Theofili on the current state of affairs in the international arena as well as the role and position of Greece in today’s world especially in dealing with the current challenges in the region. Ambassador Theofili asserted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with allied nations and underscored Greece's commitment to formulating a multidimensional foreign policy that focuses on the country’s stabilizing role in a region confronted with grave challenges. In this context, she stressed that successful partnerships and good neighborly relations can be achieved only with full respect for International Law whereas the numerous regional issues may be addressed successfully through dynamic multilateral efforts and initiatives.
Among other matters, she also highlighted the need for international cooperation in managing what is now perceived as the worst refugee and migration crisis, that has hit Europe, since the end of World War II. In this regard, Ambassador Theofili explained the efforts undertaken by Greece, being on the forefront of the crisis for several years now, in order to cope with the massive movements of people fleeing wars and oppression or simply seeking a better future. Noting that the country has now reached the limits of its ability to address a problem that concerns the entire European continent, she stressed also that the issue is now a global challenge that calls for collective action and broad solutions, based on fair sharing of responsibility and not on xenophobic agendas.
The Ambassador Series participants were actively engaged in the discussion, bringing innovative questions, ideas, and alternative strategies to address the challenges that Greece and the wider region is currently facing. For example, one of the discussion topics centered around the shifting global dynamics of international power, with the rise of Eastern nations challenging the West's position as the sole global superpower.
The ambassador discussed that in these times of uncertainty and increased global instability it is evident that peace and security cannot prevail in the absence of development and inclusive growth. In this vein, she highlighted that Greece remains strongly committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as to international efforts in addressing climate change.
Finally, Ambassador Theofili shared some of her life experiences as a diplomat and ambassador of Greece in various postings. She highlighted the importance of actively supporting and engaging with the UN in order to solve issues through cooperative and multilateral approaches.
From her speech, it is clear that Greece remains an important partner in dealing with significant regional challenges, engaging in dialogue and cooperation while defending at the same time International Law and the principles of the UN Charter. Special thanks to the Permanent Mission of Greece to the UN for its involvement and the Columbia University Club for providing such an ideal platform for discussion.