No one left behind: a new mandate for multilateralism in crisis

Anticipatig a significant United Nations diplomatic gathering

We may hope and imagine that the mainstream media will pay the necessary attention to the High-level political forum on sustainable development (HLPF) which is officially convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York, on 14–18 and 21–23 July 2025, under the provisional agenda entitled "Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind."

ECOSOC is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and as of 2025, the Asia-Pacific Group holds 11 seats of the 54 members of ECOSOC.

Australia has been a member of ECOSOC for multiple terms since the Council's creation in 1946 and its term covered most recently the period 2020–2022.

During its mandate,Australia has used its membership to advocate for human rights, sustainable development, gender equality, and effective multilateralism.

The following Asia-Pacific countries are serving on ECOSOC in 2025: Bangladesh, China, India, Lebanon,Republic of Korea, Turkmenistan.Additional Asia-Pacific members may be serving terms that began in previous years and extend into 2025.

In order to help the preparatory process of this important diplomatic event, the UN Secretariat published in advance a note entitled Discussion papers on the theme of the high-level political forum on sustainable development, submitted by major groups and other stakeholders.

On the basis of this 19 pages document we will try to present a synthesis of the major theses related to multilateralism and solidarity as interpreted by non-governmental organizations during a period when the United Nations celebrate 80 years of existence of the world organization.

The first express reference to multilateralism appears in a real relevant context. Indeed, realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals "requires radical reform of multilateralism to ensure equitable global partnerships rooted in solidarity, feminist principles and democratic accountability. The women's major group challenges exclusionary governance, corporate capture and coercive tactics that suppress independent civil society engagement. Transformative feminist leadership and meaningful participation by historically silenced voices must be central to revitalizing multilateral spaces" (p.2)

Approaching the matter from a larger perspective, the document under review stresses the fact that "Implementing the 2030 Agenda requires shared responsibility, international cooperation and collective action. However, increasing nationalism, geopolitical tensions and weakened multilateralism have weakened the spirit of collaboration and international law, hindering efforts to address urgent challenges – poverty, inequality, conflict and the triple planetary crises. Incremental progress no longer suffices; bold and inclusive action is now needed to protect nature and ensure that no one is left behind, even with funding constrained. All governments and stakeholders must act in a spirit of global citizenship to ensure that no one is left behind."(p.4)

More specifically, the non-governmental organizations major group calls upon Member States to: (a) Ensure full and meaningful inclusion of civil society; (b) Deliver on concrete commitments to fully finance the Goals; (c) Reaffirm and strengthen multilateralism; (d) Commit to meaningful and equitable reform of multilateral institutions; (e) Address structural and systemic inequalities. (p.5)

The next reference to multilateralism is situated in an intergovernmental framework. It is reminded that "Governing in partnership is key to accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda in its final stretch. As the Pact for the Future highlights the role of local and regional governments as partners in accelerating the Goals, their acknowledgement as political actors is essential, including by strengthening local and regional government engagement in intergovernmental processes. An inclusive and networked multilateralism fostering decentralized cooperation is paramount for regaining trust, building resilience and articulating a joint vision for the future."(p.6)

Under a section entitled Workers and trade unions it is recognized that " Preparations for the 2025 high-level political forum on sustainable development are being made amid multiple crises, which not only widen the financing gap for sustainable development and erode democracy worldwide but also threaten the very essence of a multilateralism based on human rights and solidarity."(p.6)

The last reference to multilateralism is used in connection with "The Africa Regional Mechanism for Major Groups and other Stakeholders which entreats Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the 2030 Agenda, keeping in mind Agenda 2030 and to increase spaces for civil society. The Mechanism calls upon Member States to: (a) Redeem their commitments to financing the Goals; (b) Increase spaces of civil society; (c) Promote multilateralism at all levels; (d) Adhere to principles that address systemic inequalities."(p.15)

Before analysing the references to the value of solidarity, for historical reasons it is appropriate to first quote an UNCTAD document of 2000 entitled Bangkok Declaration: Global Dialogue and Dynamic Engagement in which it is clearly affirmed that "Solidarity and a strong sense of moral responsibility must be the guiding light of national and international policy. They are not only ethical imperatives, but also prerequisites for a prosperous, peaceful and secure world based on true partnership. Such partnership requires more inclusive, transparent and participatory institutional arrangements for international economic decision-making so as to ensure that the benefits of globalization are accessible to all on an equitable basis. In addition, the success of international development efforts depends on account being taken of all stakeholders, including the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academia."

In the 2025 document reviewed in this chronique, solidarity has been already mentioned in connection with the necessity of radical reform of multilateralism in order to ensure equitable global partnerships rooted in solidarity. In addition, the women's major group asserts a bold feminist vision for 2030 – rejecting patriarchy, racism, colonialism, capitalism and militarism as foundational problems, embracing instead solidarity, justice, care, ecological regeneration and collective liberation.(p.2) It is also emphasized that essence of a multilateralism has to be based on human rights and solidarity. (p.6)

A strong appeal for action is formulated as follows :" Now is the time for international solidarity to defend democracy, dignity and human rights, abolish patriarchal authoritarianism, dismantle neoliberal capitalism, ensure climate justice, and equitably spend on bread and books rather than bombs. It is also the time for development justice to catalyse redistributive, socio-economic, environmental and political transformative shifts."(p.14)

Finally, the document repeats the request according to which "Civil society organizations facing cuts in funding and government restrictions need solidarity and support." (p.16) In the same context , it is instructive to note an organizational proposal according to which it is necessary to "Establish a United Nations intergovernmental process to conduct a thorough review of the sustainable development outcomes, fiscal and human rights impact of public-private partnerships, blended finance and other financing instruments established to leverage private finance."(p.19)

The 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) arrives at a time of complex global crises and weakened trust in multilateral institutions. The voices of civil society, as reflected in the preparatory discussion papers, strongly affirm the necessity of revitalizing multilateralism through inclusive, democratic, and equitable reforms. This revitalization must prioritize human rights, solidarity, and participation from historically marginalized groups, including women, local governments, and workers.

Solidarity is no longer a rhetorical or symbolic value-it is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From the Bangkok Declaration of 2000 to the 2025 stakeholder contributions, a clear call emerges: solidarity must guide national and international policies, ensuring the fair distribution of resources, protection of civic space, and the empowerment of all communities in shaping sustainable future.

The discussion papers summarized by UN Secretariat stress that civil society must not be sidelined. Meaningful inclusion of NGOs, grassroots movements, trade unions, and feminist organizations is essential to ensure the legitimacy, effectiveness, and accountability of the global sustainable development process. Calls for solidarity with these actors-especially those facing repression or funding cuts-underline a deepening concern about shrinking civic space.

Achieving the 2030 Agenda requires going beyond incremental progress. There is a unified demand for structural change in global governance: this includes reforming financing mechanisms, ensuring transparency in public-private partnerships, and addressing systemic inequalities. As stakeholders emphasize, justice-social, economic, environmental, and political-must be placed at the heart of reform efforts.

The HLPF in 2025 marks a significant moment in the UN's history. As the organization commemorates its 80th anniversary, it faces both a test and an opportunity: to realign its actions with the founding principles of peace, justice, cooperation, and solidarity. The demands from civil society should be treated not as marginal commentary, but as essential guidance for navigating a path toward an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global future.