Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will lead a meeting today devoted to multilateralism and cooperation for justice, democracy and global order, convened in connection with Russia’s presidency of the Security Council.

The open ministerial debate coincides with the body’s calls to revitalise the multilateral system and strengthen the institutions of what is considered the beating heart of the United Nations, according to Secretary-General António Guterres.

In an earlier meeting on the subject, the UN chief said that many of the UN’s successes stem from multilateral cooperation, including preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, disarmament and non-proliferation, along with a global humanitarian system coordinated by the political forum.

However, in the current circumstances the multilateral system remains under significant pressures, especially given the tensions between the major powers.

Global challenges such as climate change, the resilience of human rights and gender equality, terrorism and others can only be resolved through respect for international law, adherence to global commitments and the adoption of appropriate multilateral governance frameworks, Guterres added at the meeting also held within the Council.

In his view, cooperation across all latitudes will keep the principles of the body alive as the world experiences levels of tensions only comparable to the Cold War.

Discussions within the Council confirm deep divisions that stand in the way of a common path to resolve threats to international peace and security and reconcile different views on world order and interpretations of the UN Charter.

In this regard, the Security Council has a responsibility to cooperate more effectively with other UN bodies, member states, regional organisations and civil society to address global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and transnational organised crime.