The upcoming Summit of the Future (22-23 September) presents a crucial opportunity for global leaders to address the pressing need for a “systems update” of multilateral institutions, according to Secretary-General António Guterres. In his OP-ED, Guterres highlights the urgent need for reform, particularly in the Security Council and the International Financial Architecture, to effectively tackle the challenges of the 21st century that no single country can solve alone.
Guterres emphasizes the need for a renewed focus and updated tools to prevent and end conflicts, as outlined in his New Agenda for Peace. This includes a call for a global agreement to ban Lethal Autonomous Weapons, as well as concrete steps to address debt distress and increase access to finance for developing countries. These measures are crucial in jump-starting progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing the looming threat of the climate crisis.
The Summit’s focus on new technologies and securing an open, free, and secure digital future for all also highlights the urgent need for inclusive governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Guterres stresses the importance of mitigating its potential harms and ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably.
The Secretary-General notes that the Summit of the Future is a response to the fact that global problems are outpacing the institutions designed to solve them. He points to the prevalence of conflicts, geopolitical divisions, inequality, and injustice as evidence of this. Moreover, he highlights the need to address new and existential threats, such as climate change and the ethical and legal implications of rapidly advancing technologies.
Guterres emphasizes that the solutions to these challenges lie in the hands of global leaders. However, he stresses the need for a “systems update” to address the outdated nature of many global institutions and tools. He points out that these were established in the 1940s, before the era of globalization, decolonization, and widespread recognition of human rights and gender equality. He also notes that these institutions do not adequately represent the major players in today’s world.
In conclusion, Guterres urges global leaders to seize the opportunity of the Summit of the Future to deliver the necessary reforms and updates to global institutions. Only through collective action and cooperation can we effectively address the pressing challenges of our time.
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