The United Nations (UN) is grappling with the urgent need for multilateral reform as leaders from nearly 200 countries gather at the UN General Assembly in New York. The principle of multilateralism, which emphasizes collaboration and unity among nations, is increasingly seen as essential in an interconnected world. However, leaders, particularly those from smaller nations, argue that the current model of multilateralism is outdated and ill-equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.
Leaders from smaller nations, who stand to benefit the most from a united front in various areas such as military operations and development, emphasize the existential necessity of multilateralism. They believe that the UN, as the global institution representing multilateralism, needs to adapt to the realities of the modern world.
António Guterres, the head of the United Nations, has been advocating for multilateralism but acknowledges that the current system is failing. He warns that without reform, fragmentation is inevitable, leading to less legitimacy, credibility, and effectiveness for global institutions. The rise of the internet, the global economy, and the challenges posed by populism have further complicated the task of achieving effective multilateralism.
The UN Secretary-General convened a summit this year, resulting in a “Pact for the Future” aimed at revitalizing multilateralism. Unlike previous initiatives, this plan is expected to produce tangible collaborative results in the coming years. Many leaders have called for a modernization of the UN to make it more relevant in an era of globalization, interconnectivity, fragmentation, and artificial intelligence. They seek a more inclusive and equal partnership, where smaller nations have a greater say in decision-making processes.
While the possibility of a reset and a reinvigorated multilateralism is acknowledged, time is running out. The world is becoming increasingly fractious, polarized, and frustrated. Conversations and agreements are becoming more difficult. Leaders stress the urgency of finding a new approach before the state of the world worsens.