In a world of growing challenges and threats, we must strengthen multilateral cooperation based on international law

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković participated yesterday at the United Nations headquarters in New York in the "P4M: Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace, and Prosperity" summit, hosted by European Council President António Costa, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

In his address, Prime Minister Plenković warned that international law and the UN Charter are at risk - a fact highlighted particularly by Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the growing disregard for international and humanitarian law worldwide.

"The UN Charter is not a menu from which we pick and choose what suits us; it applies to everyone, at all times," he emphasized.

The world is facing increasing uncertainties, the Prime Minister said, citing geopolitical rivalries, supply chain disruptions, energy crises, the devastating consequences of climate change, and rapid technological development with its associated impacts.

A blend of modern sovereignism and multilateralism

Furthermore, fake news, conspiracy theories, and the denial of scientific facts further erode trust in public institutions and processes by offering quick but unsustainable solutions.

"Croatia advocates for modern sovereignism - a strong and sovereign state founded on democratic values ​​and international law, and firmly connected with European and global partners," the Prime Minister stated.

Therefore, he added, we believe that multilateralism and national sovereignty are not mutually exclusive; rather, international cooperation strengthens our global standing.

Multilateral cooperation must deliver tangible benefits to citizens, such as security and prosperity, open and rules-based trade, and the responsible governance of artificial intelligence and cyberspace.

Croatia will continue to make a strong contribution to this initiative and to the strengthening of multilateral cooperation, he concluded.

We particularly value scientist Martinis's connection to Croatia.

Earlier yesterday, at a special ceremony, the Prime Minister presented a certificate of citizenship and a passport to John Martinis, a 2025 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics.



"We are proud that this exceptional scientist, whose work has pushed the boundaries of knowledge and made a significant contribution to the development of quantum computing, is now a Croatian citizen," Plenković emphasized.

We particularly value, he added, his connection to Croatia, his attachment to his Croatian roots, and his desire to use his knowledge and experience to contribute to the development of Croatian science and the next generations of our scientists.

Firefighters' self-sacrifice as an enduring reminder of the strength of the human spirit in times of great tragedy

Today in New York, the Prime Minister visited one of the most significant fire stations—Ten House—whose members were among the first to respond to the fires and save lives following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

On this occasion, he highlighted the courage, self-sacrifice, and dedication of the firefighters, noting them as an enduring reminder of the strength of the human spirit in times of great tragedy.

"We pay deep tribute to the firefighters, police officers, emergency responders, and all those who laid down their own lives while saving others," he stated.

He laid flowers and paid his respects to all the victims at the National September 11 Memorial.

Accompanying the Prime Minister was Vladimir Balenović, Vice President of the Croatian Firefighters Association.

Support for Kosovo's European path

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, Prime Minister Plenković met with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti.

They discussed the situation in Southeast Europe, economic cooperation, and security challenges, as well as the importance of looking after the Croatian minority in Kosovo and the Kosovo minority in Croatia.

Croatia continues to support Kosovo on its path toward membership in the European Union and the Council of Europe, and to participate in NATO's KFOR peacekeeping mission.

Discussing Digital Services, Artificial Intelligence, and Child Online Safety with Tim Cook

The Prime Minister also met with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, to discuss key issues regarding digital transformation and the development of digital services within the European Union.

The discussion covered the challenges posed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence, as well as the importance of ensuring a safe digital environment. Particular attention was paid to the regulation of children's use of social media and the need for a responsible approach to protecting them in the digital space.

Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the strength, innovation, and rapid growth of the Croatian IT sector. He also outlined the Government's initiatives aimed at further advancing the country's digital transformation.