Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand emphasized Canada’s commitment to achieving greater strategic autonomy in key areas to counter superpower coercion and lead middle powers during her address at the United Nations General Assembly. Anand highlighted the importance of middle powers collaborating on shared objectives, including emerging technologies, critical minerals, defense production, and energy, while upholding the rule of law and sovereignty.
She underscored the need for middle powers to act collectively in shaping the new international order amidst challenges in the global order, stressing the pivotal role these nations play in establishing a framework for global cooperation. Anand drew parallels to her rural Nova Scotia roots, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing circumstances like the shifting tide.
Anand advocated for upholding state sovereignty, pursuing stability, and adherence to common rules, supporting causes such as a just peace in Ukraine, self-determination for Palestinians and Israelis, and combatting hate-based violence. The Minister reiterated Canada’s commitment to the NATO alliance and efforts to enhance security in the Canadian Arctic in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples.
Additionally, she expressed support for the International Criminal Court, Canada’s bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, and the pursuit of values-based realism in advocating for democracy and addressing global crises. Anand also mentioned gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, Sudan’s civil war, and safe implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in her comprehensive speech at the UN General Assembly.