UN Secretary-General António Guterres urges new era of inclusive multilateralism to tackle global challenges

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark call for a fresh approach to global cooperation.

Speaking at the Summit of the Future’s Action Days, Guterres urged the international community to adopt a “more inclusive” multilateralism, one that engages a wider array of voices in the fight against global challenges like conflict, inequality, climate change, and unregulated technologies.

“Current multilateral institutions are struggling to respond to contemporary challenges, leaving the world in trouble and torn apart,” Guterres warned, underscoring that traditional models of global governance are failing to keep pace with today’s complex issues.

Guterres emphasized the need for a multilateral system that is “more inclusive, more effective, and more networked,” linking global institutions with the communities they serve. Crucially, he advocated for the inclusion of developing nations and underrepresented groups, noting that these voices are often sidelined in global decision-making.

Although Guterres acknowledged that governments hold the “primary” responsibility for addressing these issues, he made it clear that the path to sustainable solutions requires collaboration from all sectors of society, including world leaders, legislators, academics, artists, and activists.

“A renewed multilateralism will not be built overnight or solely by governmental efforts,” he cautioned, urging attendees to shift from ambition to action. “We have fought for ambition. Now let’s fight for action together,” he concluded, signaling a critical moment for global unity in the face of escalating challenges.

As the world navigates an increasingly fragmented landscape, Guterres’ call to action resonates as a reminder that solutions must be both global and inclusive, requiring input from every corner of society.