Dhaka: UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres addressed leaders of a major bloc of emerging economies in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for a more balanced global order which necessitates a comprehensive revision of post-World War II institutions, including the UN Security Council.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several other nations, was established to enhance the representation of major developing economies in a global system historically dominated by Western powers. This year's summit, hosted by India, saw participation from heads of state alongside leaders from the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization.
Guterres highlighted that the current economic, demographic, and geopolitical realities differ significantly from those of 1945, warranting an update of institutional structures. He acknowledged the representatives at the summit as embodiments of the global change he's advocating for, noting an ongoing shift towards a multipolar world. He argued that this shift should be welcomed as it brings balance and equity to global systems, contingent upon reforms of institutions like the Security Council and the Bretton Woods system to better reflect contemporary realities.
The UN Secretary-General outlined four priorities for "inclusive global growth": financing, technology, climate justice, and peace. On the financial front, he stressed the necessity for substantial international support for developing countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, urging multilateral development banks to become more impactful.
In the realm of technology, he cautioned that the benefits of artificial intelligence remain concentrated, with its power held by a few companies in select countries. He warned that without intervention, the AI divide could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunity, security, and sovereignty.
Guterres used stark language to address climate issues, citing extreme weather events as a preview of more severe consequences, especially with the anticipated impact of a supersized El Ni±o as the world nears the 1.5-degree limit above pre-industrial levels. He called on wealthy nations to fulfill existing financial commitments and criticized the exploitation of critical minerals.
Regarding peace and security, Guterres pointed to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the wider Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan, urging states to honor the UN Charter principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution.
He concluded by framing the reform agenda as a collective responsibility, asserting that as the world transitions to a multipolar order, all nations must collaborate to fortify a multilateral system that serves all, with the United Nations at its core.