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actions, unity and international cooperation,” she said.

The PM was addressing a high-level event titled “Call for Action: In Support of Multilateralism” held on a virtual platform yesterday.

The Spanish government organised the event in the wake of unique challenges caused by Covid-19 across the world.

Hasina said constructive multilateralism is not an option in a globalised world, but it is the only way out for a rules-based international order and common progress of humankind.

She said history proves that any deviation from this united approach would only bring disastrous effects for humankind.

“However, unless a multilateral effort is taken at the global level, global recovery won’t start and it’ll never be sustainable,” the PM observed.

To face the crisis caused by the pandemic and protect the people’s livelihoods, the Bangladesh government has so far allocated $14.14 billion, which is 4.3 percent of the country’s GDP, she said.

Despite the impact of the pandemic, the country’s GDP registered a 5.24 percent growth due to the government’s timely interventions.

She said the recent trend of protectionism and xenophobia in some countries may bring further sufferings for innocent people and adversely impact the peaceful multilateral environment.

Hasina said all should guard against this type of activities which are detrimental to international peace, security and global development.

In order to reduce inequality, eradicate poverty and protect the planet by reducing carbon emissions, all need to work together and reinforce their multilateral efforts, she added.

The premier said Bangladesh is a flagbearer of multilateralism and pursues international peace and security by its high presence in the UN peacekeeping and peace-building process.

In the Political Declaration adopted on September 21 on the occasion of the UN’s 75th anniversary, all countries had laid emphasis on shared responsibility and collective efforts for unified prosperity and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, Hasina said.

“However, to achieve the benefits out of these international instruments and understanding, strong multilateralism is required,” she observed.

The PM said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had also highlighted the importance of collective efforts and the role of the UN in his statement at the UN General Assembly in 1974.

King of Spain Felipe VI was present at the programme. President of Spain Pedro Sánchez, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister of Canada Justine Trudeau, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, among others, spoke at the virtual event.