JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Speaking at the SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, the Secretary General said shifting global power dynamics present an opportunity to build more representative international institutions and a United Nations that works “to serve everyone without applying double standards.” Charter.”
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a Eurasian political, economic, and security group founded in 2001 and currently consisting of 10 member countries, including China, India, Pakistan, Russia, and several Central Asian countries. It is one of the largest regional organizations in the world by population and geographic coverage.
‘Good thing’
“Our world is increasingly multipolar,” Guterres said. “That is a good thing and should be strengthened.”
He described multipolarity as “a condition for fairness in global governance and international relations” and “the best support for effective multilateralism.”
The UN Secretary General noted that although global power relations have evolved significantly, many international institutions continue to reflect the geopolitical realities of 1945.
“We must reform our multilateral institutions, including the UN and the Bretton Woods system, to reflect current realities, and increase the representation and influence of developing countries to build a just world order,” he said.
He also praised the long-standing partnership between the UN and the SCO, and described the organization as “an important pillar of multilateralism.”
Four priorities for deeper cooperation
The Secretary-General outlined four areas where he said cooperation between the UN and SCO could be strengthened.
1. Global security
Guterres voiced concern over continued instability in the Middle East, and warned that ceasefires and agreements were being repeatedly violated.
“I urge us to exercise maximum restraint and that international agreements and laws are respected,” he said.
He stressed the need for a “peaceful, just and durable settlement” that would restore regional stability while preserving international navigation rights and freedoms, including around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab.
Turning to Gaza, the Secretary-General said the ceasefire “must be respected” and called for full implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.
He also demanded the removal of obstacles hampering humanitarian aid and renewed his call for an end to settler attacks and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
“Peace will only be realized if there is a two-state solution,” he said, envisioning Israel and Palestine as “two independent, sovereign and democratic states” living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem/Al Quds as the capital of both.
Regarding Ukraine, Guterres said that after more than four years of war, “it is high time for a full and immediate ceasefire.”
Such a move, he added, would pave the way for negotiations towards “a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with international law.”
2. Financing for development
The Secretary-General called for reform of the international financial system, arguing that developing countries continue to be burdened by unsustainable debt.
“We must reform the global financial architecture to introduce fairness and equality and seriously address the debt strangulation of many developing countries,” he said.
He also urged multilateral development banks to be “bigger, better and bolder” in supporting countries’ development efforts.
3. Climate change action
Warning that the world will exceed the 1.5°C temperature limit, the UN Secretary General called for rapid emissions reductions and a faster transition to renewable energy.
“Action on climate change requires climate justice,” he said, underscoring the need for much greater financial support for developing countries.
He also highlighted the importance of managing critical minerals responsibly and ensuring producing countries receive greater benefits from their natural resources.
“No more looting,” he said.
4. Artificial intelligence
The Secretary General said artificial intelligence must work for all countries, not just a few.
This, he stressed, requires effective guardrails and more inclusive governance mechanisms.
Meeting with the President of Iran
On the sidelines of the summit, the Secretary General also met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
According to a UN spokesperson, at the meeting, Mr. Guterres expressed his concern regarding the devastating humanitarian and economic impact of the conflict in Iran, across the region and beyond.
He stressed the urgent need to resolve this crisis through dialogue and negotiation, with full respect for international law, including international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and durable solution.
