The topical challenge of multilateralism

A critical statement was delivered by Pakistan according to which "The United Nations and its family of organizations provide the indispensable platforms for responding to the world's multidimensional challenges. So far, the United Nations has not been enabled to achieve its full potential. The structures of the United Nations should be strengthened, not dismantled. That can be achieved through mutual respect and comprehensive cooperation. To address the challenges of the twenty-first century, we must reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, undertake comprehensive reforms of the global governance architecture and refine and reinforce multilateralism to deliver optimum outcomes. No country should presume to have greater stature than, or influence over, others. Respect for justice and equity is an essential precondition for peace and harmony among nations."

In the opinion of the Republic of Korea "the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, must become more creative and bolder. While it may be difficult to avoid an impasse on issues where permanent members have divergent views, there are other areas that the Security Council can explore to fulfil its mandate and reinforce its institutional standing. For example, emerging security challenges must be given due attention, followed by more active deliberations. The rapid evolution of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, has amplified global security risks, particularly when exploited by irresponsible actors, such as North Korea. The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation has further opened new platforms for manipulation, complicating tensions in conflicts."

A strong critical statement was pronounced by Indonesia according to which "The need for reform has never been greater since the United Nations was established. Let us start with a frank assessment: the multilateral system today is in profound crisis. The absence of a major global war does not mean that peace prevails. In fact, the very system designed to prevent conflict is under siege, both externally and internally. Too often multilateralism is embraced only when convenient and discarded when not. Too often compliance with international law and international humanitarian law is seen as an individual choice, rather than a universal obligation. Sadly, some of the founding Members of the United Nations now seem to be less keen to uphold multilateralism. As the United Nations nears its eightieth year, we must ask ourselves if it will continue to stand as a pillar of hope or a shattered mirror of broken promises. We must ask the uncomfortable question - do we really seek the common good or flawed multilateralism as a tool for narrow interests?"

In Thailand's opinion, "closer coordination between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is key to making multilateralism more responsive and impactful. Regional and subregional organizations play a crucial role in translating global commitments into concrete actions, while also feeding local realities into policy-making processes at the global level. Thailand places high importance on enhancing a closer and more meaningful partnership between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including through the implementation of the Pact for the Future…. we must ensure that different multilateral platforms are complementary and not mutually exclusive."

According to Singapore, "a stronger and more responsive Security Council must be able to anticipate, rather than react belatedly, after a crisis has erupted or escalated. Conflict prevention must play a far bigger role in the Council's toolkit. We call on the Council to work more closely and effectively with the other main organs of the United Nations, such as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, which could facilitate early warning and response."

India's delegate appreciated that "A theme that stands pronounced in today's open debate is the call for reformed multilateralism. While many speakers have already highlighted the dire need for reforms, I am confident that several others will also follow suit. That is a clear testimony to the need for reviewing and redesigning the 80-year-old architecture of this forum in order to make it fit for purpose. At a time when the world is increasingly expressing concerns about the ability of the United Nations to deliver effectively on pressing global issues, reforms are not a choice anymore but an imperative."

At its turn, the Philippines expressed the view that "Multilateralism flourishes on the foundation of a rules-based order that provides conditions for trust, solidarity, equity and peace. We must ensure the meaningful participation of all Member States, in particular developing States, in global decision-making. That is enabled by bridging development divides, including through a transformed international financial architecture and enhanced access to innovation and to science and technology."

During the same meeting of the Security Council Vietnam stated that "Strengthening the role of the Global South in multilateral decision-making will enhance accountability and drive better economic, social and security outcomes worldwide. Reform should start right here, in the Council. Vietnam remains a steadfast advocate of multilateralism and enhanced global cooperation. We have actively contributed to strengthening international institutions, particularly through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations, and to promoting peace, security, sustainable development and human rights. Those efforts reflect our deep commitment to international solidarity and cooperation and are undertaken first and foremost for the benefit and well-being of our people."

Cambodia considered that "today multilateralism is being challenged in an unprecedented way. Instead of unity, we are seeing growing divisions. Instead of diplomacy, we are witnessing unilateralism. Instead of cooperation, mistrust is deepening. If we are to safeguard peace and stability for future generations, we must reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, respect for the Charter of the United Nations and fair and inclusive global governance."

In the opinion of Malaysia, a country who has the presidency of ASEAN in 2025, "Reform of the Security Council is imperative. Malaysia is unequivocal in its conviction that the veto power must be abolished in the long run. Until that is achieved, the veto must be completely prohibited in cases of mass atrocity crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. In addition, we believe that to be effective, the veto should be exercised by at least two permanent members and supported by three non-permanent members of the Security Council. The decision should then be endorsed by the General Assembly through a simple majority vote."

From the Pacific area,the statement of New Zealand deserves to be mentioned as it was given on behalf of 61 cross-regional group of countries .One of its fundamental ides was : "We as a group remain committed to finding ways to contemporize our multilateral institutions, despite their imperfections, so that they are best positioned to respond to the collective challenges we face, particularly as they relate to international peace and security. We are pleased that the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1) contains many elements that, when implemented, will better enable the Council to deliver on its mandate, a mandate that requires the Council to act on behalf of all of us. We have all agreed on the urgency of further and meaningful Security Council reform."

Finally,Australia declared: "Engaging with the multilateral system is a key pillar of Australia's foreign policy. That is because we live in a complex interconnected world in which we need each other in order to address many of the major challenges we face. Today I have three key points. First, the Charter of the United Nations and the multilateral system that it established are the foundation of international peace and security. The Charter outlines core principles by which every Member State of the United Nations agrees to abide: the sovereign equality of all, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the equal rights and self-determination of peoples and the establishment of the conditions for the maintenance of international law. Australia strongly supports and promotes those principles. That is why, for example, we are working with various Member States to launch a new declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel to uphold and champion international humanitarian law and drive action to protect humanitarian personnel in conflict zones….