OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly next week, amidst ongoing geopolitical instability, warfare, and the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to dismantle the multilateral order. Carney's visit will take place in New York City from Monday to Wednesday, though he will not deliver a speech during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly.
During his time at the UN, Carney is expected to engage with world and business leaders and participate in various UN events. In a statement, he noted, “the world is looking at Canada differently,” emphasizing Canada’s intention to shape the evolving international landscape. He stated, “At a moment when the international order is being remade, Canada intends to help shape it.”
Carney will co-host an event alongside France and the United Kingdom focusing on the two-state solution, marking one year since the three nations recognized an independent Palestinian state at the General Assembly. This meeting will provide an opportunity to reaffirm support for the two-state solution and assess progress on key priorities.
Recently, Ottawa joined European countries in pledging to ban imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements within the occupied West Bank, citing concerns over settler violence and the illegal expansion of settlements under international law. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs expressed concerns over Ottawa's stance, describing it as a “dangerous double standard” and calling for a more balanced approach toward Israel.
In addition to the two-state solution discussions, Carney will be involved in the OceanEye International Alliance event aimed at securing sustained investment and open ocean data, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Furthermore, he will participate in a roundtable discussion on strengthening multilateral collaboration with European Council President António Costa and Kenya’s President William Ruto.
These discussions occur at a time when the UN is undergoing significant reform efforts, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s demands for changes and funding cuts, which have thrown the institution into turmoil. Trump's administration has withdrawn from multiple UN organizations, such as the World Health Organization and UNESCO.
Amidst Trump’s disengagement from international institutions, Carney is focusing on strengthening Canada’s global relationships, sometimes leading to tensions with the U.S. president. Recently, von der Leyen suggested that Canada could become the first “associate member” of the EU. However, Trump views this potential membership as a “hostile act” and has threatened to impose additional tariffs on European goods.
Ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S. have escalated, with Trump imposing substantial tariffs on a range of Canadian products and attempting to ban certain imports from Canada. During the UN General Assembly, Carney and Trump may encounter each other, although no meetings between Carney and U.S. administration members are currently scheduled.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is set to deliver a speech at the General Assembly, further emphasizing Canada’s active role on the international stage during these complex geopolitical times.
