Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada presented a broad plan for international cooperation at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday, calling the current moment a rare turning point in global affairs. He said the world faces a “rupture” to the established order driven by the United States and China, and that countries must now pursue “values-based realism” rather than clinging to the status quo or abandoning multilateralism altogether. Carney argued that the real choice is not between preserving the post-World War II system and discarding it, but rather adapting it through pragmatic, ad hoc alliances.

He proposed a new initiative, “Partners for Multilateralism,” designed to bring together “middle powers” and practical coalitions outside traditional government structures. Carney emphasized that such groups would form around specific problems rather than geography or size, and would work to strengthen institutions like the U.N. He pointed to Canada’s collaboration with France and Britain on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, as well as joint efforts to preserve ocean environments, as early examples.

Carney acknowledged that this approach requires working with nations that hold differing views. He said Canada must “pursue calibrated alliances,” deepening ties with like-minded countries while remaining open to engagement with others. His remarks followed a similar appeal to the European Parliament for a Canada-E.U. pact to safeguard sovereignty amid strained relations with the United States. Although he did not address the General Assembly directly, Carney met with numerous world leaders during his visit to New York.