UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Charles Michel said on Monday that this world needs multilateralism and a strong and effective United Nations for all people across the world.
"It is with solemnity that today I renew the vow of multilateralism on behalf of the European Union," Michel said at the UN General Assembly ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
"This spirit of cooperation has united the European Union and the United Nations for 75 years to face global challenges and conflicts," he said.
Since the signing of the UN Charter, each time that cooperation, exchange and tolerance have been put into practice, the conditions of life have improved, he said. "Whereas division, isolation, discrimination and injustice have always been synonyms of regression, conflict and, sooner or later, war."
"I strongly believe that intelligence and empathy, both individual and collective, together constitute the driving force of progress. Freedom and respect are its renewable and energy sources," Michel said.
The European Council president quoted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as sayings, "The United Nations and the European Union are 'the two greatest peace projects of our times'."
Noting that the challenges of the future are not the same as those in 1945, Michel said climate change, sustainable development and peace and security are the difficult challenges which require full dedication.