New Delhi. Foreign Minister Dr. S. Dr. S. Jaishankar stressed the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation amid increasing pressure on the global system at the Multilateralism Summit organized on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). India, as a co-sponsor of the conference, advocated reform of the United Nations and strengthening multilateralism. The conference was co-hosted by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa along with Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, India and Kenya.
European Council President Antonio Costa said that despite coming from different regions, cultures and histories, all countries face the same global challenges. The world is at a critical juncture, with conflicts continuing to spread and international law being violated repeatedly. He said that the multilateral system is under great stress. Challenges like climate change, pandemics, artificial intelligence and economic insecurity are so widespread that no country can face them alone.
Describing the need to transform conflict into cooperation, Costa stressed the need to create a global network based on multilateral cooperation, mutual respect and international law. He said that this initiative of the partners of multilateralism is an open platform, which can include partners from all parts of the world who are ready to defend shared principles. Its objective is to seek concrete solutions through dialogue, coalition building and practical cooperation, and to support the work of the United Nations and other multilateral formats.
Global system under stress: Jaishankar
Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar thanked Antonio Costa for launching the initiative and said India was pleased to join as a co-sponsor. He said that the world is currently in such a situation when the global system is under stress. Over the last few decades the world has been witnessing a steady rebalancing, a long overdue structural development. However, intense competition, geopolitical tensions and actual conflicts have given it a different character.
Jaishankar said that if this situation is left uncontrolled, it will raise questions on the spirit of international cooperation. Therefore, at this juncture it is necessary to strongly raise the voice of multilateralism. He said what is at stake are not just words or expressions, but real issues such as peace and international security, climate action and climate justice, emerging technologies, development finance, counter-terrorism, strengthening supply chains, disaster resilience and pandemic preparedness.
three key priorities
Antonio Costa outlined three major priorities to address global challenges. The first priority is to protect the rules and institutions that protect everyone. These include the United Nations Charter, peaceful resolution of disputes and international law.
The second priority is to make progress in addressing global challenges such as climate finance, sustainable development, pandemic preparedness, economic resilience and artificial intelligence. The third priority is to reform international institutions so that they are better suited to the needs of the future world. Costa cited the Pact for the Future, the UN 80 initiative and other reforms as important opportunities to make the UN more coherent, effective and efficient.
Jaishankar said that whatever has been achieved so far has been possible only through collective efforts. Therefore, it is important to protect the good while striving for the better. He said the task today is to strengthen what connects countries, build trust, deepen dialogue and create a network that can bring countries closer to each other.
India emphasizes on reducing 4F crisis and risks
Jaishankar made India's view clear that while striving for comprehensive peace, specific dimensions of the ongoing conflicts can also be addressed. He stressed that the 4F crisis of fuel, food, fertilizer and finance should not be left on its own. According to him, this crisis is having a serious impact at the global level.
He said that as new capabilities and concerns emerge, they require stronger frameworks and security measures. Where there is a threat of disruption, dominance and disruption, risk reduction and diversification should be encouraged. Jaishankar also said that where there is a compelling reason or a strong foundation, like-minded countries should have the confidence to come together. This is important for collective action.
Emphasis on reformed multilateralism
Jaishankar said multilateralism will work most effectively when international law, rules and norms are sincerely followed. To advance multilateralism, its support as well as its practical use will have to be strengthened.
Describing the need for improved multilateralism, he said that the need for more participatory deliberations and transparent decision-making has been felt for a long time. This will provide much needed hope and optimism to the UN system and strengthen the resolve of countries to work together. He called upon all countries to come together for common goals and adopt multilateralism not just as a concept but as an effective methodology.