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Belize has used the floor of the Organization of American States General Assembly to reaffirm the importance of multilateral cooperation. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Oscar Arnold, warned that recognition of multilateralism alone is no longer enough to address today’s increasingly complex global challenges. Addressing delegates at the 56th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly in Panama City, Arnold said the international community is navigating an exceptionally turbulent period marked by political, social, and security uncertainties. Speaking on behalf of Belize, Arnold noted that while many of the challenges confronting the hemisphere are not new, they continue to threaten democracy, security, and stability across the Americas. He stressed that for small states like Belize, strong, transparent and rules-based multilateral institutions are essential, providing countries with an equal voice, safeguarding sovereignty, and ensuring that disputes are resolved through dialogue rather than power.
Oscar Arnold, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “I will not recount the many political, social, and security challenges currently confronting our international community. They are evident to us all and have already been referenced by previous speakers. Instead, I wish to focus on a team selected by our distinguished hosts, and specifically on the enduring value of multilateralism. The theme “Strong multilateralism in the defense of democracy, hemispheric security, and stability states” captures concisely the great shared preoccupation that our democracy’s hemispheric security and even the stability in some states may be at risk. It also rightly identifies strong multilateralism as a bulwark against these trends. For small states a robust transparent and rules-based international and multilateral system is an essential element for security, stability and at times the very existence of our states. In a world where disparities in size, economic weight and geopolitical influence remain a reality, multilateral institutions provide all states, especially smaller states, with something invaluable, a voice, a seat at the table, and a framework through which international relations are governed by agreed rules rather than raw power.”
Arnold also highlighted the OAS’ longstanding support for Belize and Guatemala in the ongoing territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice. He described the process as one of the clearest examples of rules-based multilateralism in action, expressing Belize’s appreciation for the organization’s role in accompanying both countries toward a peaceful and definitive resolution, with a judgment from the ICJ expected within the coming year.
English (US) ·