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The Future We Want, The United Nations We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective commitment to multilateralism
The world was changing even before COVID-19. Geopolitical tensions were growing; globalisation was showing fissures; isolationism, protectionism and unilateralism were pushing back against multilateral institutions and international cooperation.
The COVID-19 crisis has sharpened these trends, but it has also reminded us how inter connected and interdependent countries are, and why we all need to work together to defeat the gravest challenge of our time.
Importance of multilateralism / Role of the UN
A rules-based multilateral system, with the UN at its core, is our best hope to build a stable international environment. For all its limitations, it has helped to level the playing field for all countries. It has given small states like Singapore a voice, and a stake in the global commons. Major powers also benefit from a more peaceful and stable global environment, and when they take joint initiatives through multilateral institutions, it enhances their political legitimacy and moral authority.
But recent trends have also exposed shortcomings of multilateral institutions – the inability to achieve consensus on major issues, the conflicts that continue to ravage societies, and the millions who still lack access to food, healthcare and education.
Stay home and stay safe, everyone.
The Future We Want, The United Nations We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective commitment to multilateralism
The world was changing even before COVID-19. Geopolitical tensions were growing; globalisation was showing fissures; isolationism, protectionism and unilateralism were pushing back against multilateral institutions and international cooperation.
The COVID-19 crisis has sharpened these trends, but it has also reminded us how inter connected and interdependent countries are, and why we all need to work together to defeat the gravest challenge of our time.
Importance of multilateralism / Role of the UN
A rules-based multilateral system, with the UN at its core, is our best hope to build a stable international environment. For all its limitations, it has helped to level the playing field for all countries. It has given small states like Singapore a voice, and a stake in the global commons. Major powers also benefit from a more peaceful and stable global environment, and when they take joint initiatives through multilateral institutions, it enhances their political legitimacy and moral authority.
But recent trends have also exposed shortcomings of multilateral institutions – the inability to achieve consensus on major issues, the conflicts that continue to ravage societies, and the millions who still lack access to food, healthcare and education.
Stay home and stay safe, everyone.
![[Image: robinsons-letter.jpg]](https://goodyfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/robinsons-letter.jpg)