More than 130 nations are members of the bloc – the biggest grouping of the global South, representing 80 % of the planet’s inhabitants – and their solidarity and partnership are important to constructing a sustainable, peaceable, and simply world for all, he mentioned.
“Let us face it: those that benefit most from the present global governance system are unlikely to lead its reform. So, momentum for change must come from you,” he informed leaders. “I urge you to keep driving these efforts forward.”
Commitments still stand
The Secretary-General was in the Ugandan capital this weekend to participate in the Summit and the latest meeting of another UN partner, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held on Saturday.
He outlined many of the challenges facing the world today, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline as well as ensuring economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, respect for human rights, and climate action.
“While South-South cooperation is strong and deepening, it does not replace the need for the respect of the commitments of the global North – for sustained engagement to reduce poverty and inequality, support growth, and build resilience in developing countries,” he said.
Furthermore, peace “is breaking down amidst a climate of global impunity”, with wars in Sudan, Ukraine, the Middle East and beyond. These conflicts are devastating lives, fuelling mass displacement, disrupting global supply chains and threatening to set entire regions alight.
Middle East ‘tinderbox’
Highlighting the conflict in Gaza, the Secretary-General warned that “the Middle East is a tinderbox”, and called for action to prevent spillover across the region. He again stressed the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, access for humanitarian aid, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“The repeated refusal yesterday to accept the two-State solution for Israelis and Palestinians is totally unacceptable, as I told the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement,” he said.
“The denial of the right to statehood for the Palestinian people would indefinitely prolong a conflict that has become a major threat to global peace and security; exacerbate polarization; and embolden extremists everywhere.”
Outdated international system
Although righting our troubled world requires effective global action, Mr. Guterres said “the present worldwide system is outdated, out of time, and out of step” as it was established when many G-77 countries were still colonized.
He called for reform of the UN Security Council, saying it is paralyzed by geopolitical divisions while its composition does not reflect the reality of today’s world. The Council is comprised of 15 members, and five – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – have the right to veto any resolution.
Similarly, the global financial system established after the Second World War, which “failed to present a global security web for growing nations in misery”, should even be reformed to be extra inclusive.
Hope lies forward
“Yet, amidst all this gloom, there is hope,” Mr. Guterres mentioned, pointing to the SDG Summit final yr and its robust political declaration, and the Summit of the Future this September gives a chance to construct on that success.
“It is a chance to create the conditions for countries to achieve the SDGs. To find consensus on frameworks to address new challenges. And to build a better world for us all,” he mentioned, noting that the Summit may even contemplate deep reforms of the worldwide monetary structure.
Calling for the G-77 to unite in opposition to local weather disaster, Mr. Guterres urged members “to hold developed countries to account for climate justice, and for leading an equitable and just transition, based on the phaseout of fossil fuel and massive investment in renewable energy.”
Financial commitments made by richer nations additionally should be met, and clarification on the $100 billion promised yearly for local weather motion in addition to doubling adaptation finance by 2025 are mere beginning factors.
While the Loss and Damage Fund marks a step ahead, “we must call for meaningful contributions that have not yet been announced,” Mr. Guterres mentioned.
As new applied sciences can turbocharge progress towards the SDGs, he expressed hope that the proposed UN Digital Compact might be adopted on the Summit of the Future.
He added {that a} newly created professional physique has made preliminary suggestions on global Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, together with for accelerating sustainable growth.
Another advisory board is working to guarantee scientific breakthroughs are shared equally for the advantage of all individuals.
Seize the chance: Assembly President
The President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, additionally delivered remarks on the Summit.
“Now – more than ever – the G77 and all nations must come together and build bridges of dialogue, hope and cooperation to create a more fair, more just and more prosperous world for all,” he mentioned.
Warning that the worldwide group is “quite literally at a fork in the road,” he urged nations to “seize the opportunity of Summits such as this, to rededicate ourselves to our core values – principles that remain as relevant and compelling today as they ever were.”
Echoing the Secretary-General, he upheld the necessity for pressing reform of multilateral organizations, together with the UN, and worldwide monetary establishments, “to better recognize and leverage the significance of the Global South.”