Multilateralism and diplomacy for peace: When it’s a matter of choice
Guest blog by Joyce Msuya, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, and former UN Assistant Secretary General and UNEP Interim Deputy Executive Director. Originally published here. The most powerful lessons I have learned about multilateralism have not only come from conference rooms at the UN Headquarters, but from the front lines of humanitarian action as well. From witnessing aid workers from different countries in a remote location, working together to carefully put in place plans or structures to save as many lives as possible. I’ve been moved by tireless, behind-the-scenes negotiations that kept a humanitarian corridor open for one more day – long enough for families to receive food, water or urgent medical care. I have met displaced mothers who did not know which flag was on the truck that brought food to their displacement site. The only thing that mattered to them was that it arrived – because someone som...