Secretary-General’s Call to Action: A Multipolar World Requires Strong Multilateral Institutions

Secretary-General’s Call to Action: A Multipolar World Requires Strong Multilateral Institutions

Emphasizing the Need for International Cooperation

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently highlighted the crucial role of international cooperation in addressing global issues at a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly. The world, he warned, is grappling with existential threats ranging from climate change to disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence. Guterres pointed out that our planet is becoming “unhinged” due to the escalating global challenges and geopolitical tensions. He also emphasized that the institutions and methods of cooperation between nations need to evolve to meet the demands of this era.

The Transition to a Multipolar World

Guterres warned that the world is transitioning from a unipolar world dominated by the United States to a multipolar world with many power centers. In this new world order, he stressed the need for strong multilateral institutions where all countries can collaboratively address global challenges. The Secretary-General cautioned that if the current institutions, which were established in the aftermath of World War II, are not updated to reflect today’s world, the result would be further fragmentation, not the status quo.

Deepening Divides and the Risk of a “Great Fracture”

The Secretary-General expressed concern over deepening divides among economic and military powers, between developed and developing nations, and between the West and the East. He also highlighted the risk of a “Great Fracture” in economic and financial systems and trade relations. This fracture could threaten a single open internet and potentially lead to clashes in security frameworks.

Immediate Action and Reforms

Guterres called for immediate action, not just words and compromises, to tackle global challenges and implement necessary reforms. This year’s UN meeting, the first full-on meeting of world leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic, has 145 leaders scheduled to speak. Interestingly, U.S. President Joe Biden was the only leader from the five powerful veto-wielding nations on the UN Security Council to address the assembly. The absence of leaders from China, Russia, France, and Britain was notable.

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Guterres criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, describing it as a violation of the UN Charter’s pledge for peace and the mandate to guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member nations. This criticism comes as the absence of leaders from the four Security Council powers has led to complaints from developing countries, which demand attention from major global players.

Focusing on UN Goals

The G77, a significant UN group of developing countries, has pushed for this year’s global gathering to focus on the 17 UN goals adopted by world leaders in 2015. These goals are falling behind schedule for their 2030 due date. In his concluding remarks, Guterres stressed the need to address the worsening climate emergency, escalating conflicts, technological disruptions, and a global cost of living crisis that is increasing hunger and poverty.