Antonio Guterres calls for multi-lateralism, reformed global governance

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for multi-lateralism and reformed global governance to tackle global threats.

"The Covid-19 pandemic provides overwhelming evidence that we need more and more effective multi-lateralism, with vision, ambition and impact. We cannot respond to this crisis by going back to what was or withdrawing into national shells. We need more international cooperation and stronger international institutions," he told the Nobel Peace Prize Forum on Friday in a pre-recorded video message.

He stressed the need to address the inequalities at the foundations of global power relations, reports Xinhua news agency.

The nations that came out on top more than seven decades ago have refused to contemplate reforms. The composition and voting rights in the UN Security Council and the boards of the Bretton Woods system are a case in point, he said.

Many African countries did not even exist as independent states 75 years ago when the United Nations was founded. They deserve their rightful place at the global table. The developing world more broadly must have a far stronger voice in global decision-making. Any effort to improve global governance must take this into account, said Guterres.

"Reforming global governance must be one step toward creating a fairer world that can solve shared problems before they overwhelm us. We need global governance structures that deliver on critical global public goods, including public health, climate action, sustainable development, and peace."

In addition to more inclusive and equal participation in global institutions, there is a need for a global financial architecture that recognizes the need for solidarity in the face of global threats. A more inclusive and balanced multilateral trading system will enable developing countries to move up global value chains, he said.

Multilateral cooperation should be firmly based on the universal values of community, solidarity, equality and humanity, recognizing the fundamental human rights of all and providing opportunities for all, he said. (IANS)

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