The head of the United Nations spoke at a meeting on strengthening international cooperation – part of the turning point Our Common Agenda blueprint for multilateralism and future collective action, released last year.
This is the fifth and final consultation chaired by the Council, and Mr. Guterres thanked all Member States for their “active and constructive participation” along with all other stakeholders. contributed to thematic discussions.
Peace – the main ‘global public interest’
Peace is the most important global public interest, he said, and the United Nations was created to make it happen,” he said, noting that the meeting took place in the shadow of Ukraine’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia. “War brings death, human suffering and unimaginable destruction, at a time when we cannot afford to add to the great global challenges we face.
“This conflict also calls on us to work together and unite to support all those affected and remedy this violation of international law.”he added.
Mr. Guterres said if we want to inherit “a world free from desire and fear, and full of opportunities to fulfill our potential, we must urgently focus on building and strengthening strengthen the foundations of the multilateral system”.
‘Necessary and urgent’ solutions
In the midst of the “fire alarm year”, which threatens to shatter the world, the nations gathered in the gilded Assembly Hall, “must rise with the “great historical responsibility” of drawing closer together.
He said the Common Agenda was a contribution to finding a solution, but for now it was up to Member States to move their proposals forward.
“But make no mistake: solutions are necessary and urgent. We have to make tough decisions that will help us move forward. ”
Staring into the ‘nuclear abyss’
Given Ukraine’s desperate plight, the status of multilateral cooperation is even more important, the head of the United Nations said.
“We have been brought back to the fundamental promise of the Charter of the United Nations, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Many people around the world are asking how this is possible in the 21st century.
We have been brought back to the fundamental promise of the Charter of the United Nations, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war – Guterres
“How we still stare into the nuclear abyss, as millions flee across borders and the most basic tenets of international law are trampled? ”
He said that global governance systems needed an urgent review, with conflict increasing “severe global impacts on several fronts.”
Consequences of the invasion of Ukraine
First, it will stretch humanitarian funding even thinnerincrease the suffering of many of the most vulnerable.
“Secondly, it can be indirect increasing global hunger. Ukraine is one of the world’s largest grain suppliers, Russia is second, and the conflict could cause prices to spike.
“The third day, This conflict is deeply linked to the climate crisis, demonstrating our continued reliance on fossil fuels that expose the global economy and energy security to geopolitical shocks such as how.”, he added.
He says rising food and energy prices will hit the developing world hardest, as the pandemic’s aftershocks and rising inflation – along with interest rates – have hampered development.
“Improving international cooperation must consider all non-traditional threats, along with cyberwarfare, disinformation campaigns, and threats from weapons of mass destruction.and more,” added the Secretary-General.
© UNICEF / Joe English
On March 9, 2022 in Medyka, southeastern Poland, children play in the corner of a school gymnasium set up to host refugee families who have fled the war in Ukraine.
‘Wake up’
He said the Common Agenda report was “a wake-up call to the risks we face and the dangerous fantasy that the status quo is a viable option.. But you don’t have to read my report to wake up. You just have to look around.
“The climate crisis has passed the point of no return – even though we had a lot of warnings and should have acted sooner. Much of the impact of COVID-19 The pandemic could have been prevented or minimized. Instead, millions have died, hunger and poverty are increasing, and the economic impact of the pandemic is still ongoing.
Global governance reform
He told the delegates that a multifaceted war was now “wracking in the heart of Europe, in violation of the Charter of the United Nations.
“We need a serious effort to improve global governance, manage risk, and protect global communities and global public goods.
This is not just about the United Nations, or any other organization. It’s about working together to solve our biggest problems, through existing structures if they are fit for purpose and new or improved frameworks as needed. “
We need a serious effort to improve global governance, manage risk and safeguard the global community and global public goods – United Nations Head
He said the time had come to seek concrete recommendations for improving global governance and to announce the new High Level Advisory Board on Global Public Goods, led by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Prime Minister of Sweden. , Stefan Löfven led. .
Do not overlap with other efforts and build on our Common Agenda, as well as on the consultations carried out during the UN75 process and the preparation of the report – and consultations led by the President The General Assembly chaired – he said the Council would “consider managing the gaps, emerging priorities and urgency” leading up to the proposed Future Intergovernmental Summit in September. 9 year 2023.
‘Treaty for the future’
He said the Summit “will be an opportunity for leaders to commit to steer clear of the dangerous path we are on, through multilateral cooperation, based on the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations..
“The outcome of the summit could be a Treaty for the Future, promoting Agenda 2030the Paris Agreement and Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
Although Member States will decide what is included in such a treaty, the Common Agenda report suggests several elements, he said.:
- First, a New Agenda for Peace, which will unite us with a common vision of peace and security in the face of new threats and vulnerabilities.
- Second, the Global Digital Compact aims to ensure that digital technology is the engine of human well-being, solidarity and progress.
- Third, key principles for the peaceful and sustainable use of Outer Space.
- Fourth, the protocols around the Emergency Platform, allow us to more effectively manage global risks.
- And fifth, a Statement outlining our promise to take the interests and needs of future generations into account in the decisions we make today, and the mechanisms for doing so. .
The head of the United Nations stressed that all the proposals “are not to create new administrative apparatus. They talked about how Member States would jointly identify issues of concern that would require improved governance.
“The starting point is respect and compliance with international law; its progressive development; strengthening existing institutions and frameworks; and the participation of all.
“Ultimately, our efforts are aimed not only at averting disaster, but at improving the lives and prospects of the billions of people left behind: children who drop out of school for years; women with precarious livelihoods have disappeared; refugees and migrants forced to make dangerous journeys.
“The next steps are up to you, as Member States.”
‘Historical inflection point’: President of the National Assembly
In his comment, General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid, described the moment as a “historic inflection point”, noting the words of the 75th Anniversary Political Declaration, that “our world is not yet the world our founders I envisioned 75 years ago. It is being hampered by increasing inequality, poverty, armed conflict, terrorism, insecurity, climate change and pandemics.”
It is up to the countries in the room, he said, to find a way back to “strong multilateralism,” “a path based on the principles of diplomacy and international cooperation, and best placed to meet the challenges of our times peacefully and effectively.
We must embrace the links between sustainable development, peace and human rights – Shahid
“We need uncompromising leadership that will help us change course and embark on a better path. A path by which we internalize the highest ideals of multilateralism and rediscover our common bond with humanity.”
He said a stronger United Nations was crucial. “As we strengthen international cooperation to meet our common goals, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development should still be our guiding compass.
“We must embrace the links between sustainable development, peace and human rights. Through strengthening the three pillars of our organization, we are able to build stable and resilient communities, better equipped to maintain peace and achieve prosperity.”
But achieving this, Mr. Shahid said, will require “full commitment” by Member States, as well as more frequent consultation and engagement with all stakeholders.
“This includes local and regional governments, parliaments, the private sector, regional organisations, financial institutions, youth, academia, development agencies and other key actors in different areas.”
