Closer collaboration between countries is the only sustainable path to a peaceful, stable and prosperous world for all, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told G20 foreign ministers meeting in Bali, Indonesia on Friday. .
The meeting is taking place at an extremely difficult time for multilateralism and global governance, with the international order “at risk of falling apart”, he said, citing challenges including the climate emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic. 19, the war in Ukraine, and new and evolving forms of conflict.
“Strengthening multilateralism – the theme of this session – is not a choice, but a necessity“said Mr. Guterres in a video message.
“It is the only way to avoid widespread food shortages, worsening climate chaos and a wave of poverty and misery that will leave no country untouched.”
The priority climate crisis
The UN chief outlined three areas requiring urgent multilateral action: the growing climate emergency; the food, energy and financial crisis, and the uneven recovery from the pandemic.
The climate crisis is our number one emergency, he said, warning that the battle to keep global temperature rise to the 1.5 degree target “will be won or lost” by the end of the decade.
“You represent the major economies – and 80% of global emissions,” he told foreign ministers. “The responsibility for preventing the worst impacts of the climate crisis rests largely on your shoulders”.
“The Renewable Energy Revolution”
Although global missions must decrease by 45% from 2010 levels in order to meet the 1.5 degree goal, current national climate commitments would result in a 14% increase by 2030.
Describing it as “collective suicide”the UN chief has called for a “renewable energy revolution”, with ending the world’s dependence on fossil fuels as the top priority.
This means there will be no new coal-fired power plants or expansion of oil and gas exploration, he said. Additionally, emerging economies must have access to the resources and technology to transition to renewable energy.
“The richest countries must finally honor $100 billion climate finance pledge to developing countries, starting this year. We also need a radical boost for adaptation and early warning systems,” he said.
Stabilize food and energy markets
With war in Ukraine amplifying other crises, driving up food and fertilizer prices, UN chief highlighted ‘real risk’ of multiple famines this year, and potential for even worse in 2023 .
Meanwhile, record energy prices are already triggering blackouts and fuel shortages.
“We need to work together to bring stability to global food and energy markets and support developing economies. Ukraine’s food production, as well as Russian-produced food and fertilizers, must be brought back to world markets – despite the war,” he said.
The UN is working to find a plan that allows for the safe and secure export of food produced by Ukraine via the Black Sea and unhindered access to world markets for Russian food and fertilizers.
“But even if we try to increase supplies, we have to make resources and fiscal space available now for the poorest countries and communities,” he stated.
“The global financial system must use all the instruments at its disposal, with flexibility and understanding, to achieve this.”
New Global Compact
Meanwhile, many developing countries have suffered devastating economic losses during the pandemic but lack access to funding for recovery.
Mr. Guterres stressed that a New Global Deal is needed to rebalance power and financial resources, and enable these nations to invest in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The international debt architecture requires urgent reform. We need an operational debt relief and restructuring framework that takes vulnerability into account,” he said.
Increased efforts are also needed to increase the number of countries that can produce COVID-19 vaccines, therapies and tests, by sharing licenses and providing technical and financial support.
Unite to deliver
The Secretary-General stressed that the world needs a more effective, more networked and more inclusive multilateralism, saying “we must combine the strengths of existing institutions to jointly address humanity’s most pressing challenges.”
The UN is working with countries to present the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General’s statement Our common program report, which emphasizes the strengthening of multilateralism.
They include proposals for biennial summits to work towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient global economy.
The summits would bring together the G20, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), international financial institutions and the Office of the Secretary-General.
