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

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.