Speaking at a panel entitled ”Global Governance in Crisis: Reinventing Multilateralism in the Multipolar Era”, organized as part of the 16th edition of the MEDays Forum, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Saint Lucia, Philip J . Pierre, underlined the limits of multilateralism, in the light of climate change, as well as those of the model presented by the United Nations, which struggles to include the countries of the Global South.
He added that the issue of climate change has become vital for certain emerging countries, especially island states, calling for more concrete action and more effective measures to limit global warming to below 1.5°.
For his part, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, pleaded for a profound reform of the United Nations Security Council system, whose model created in 1945 is now outdated, proposing the integration of emerging countries as permanent members, as well as the creation of headquarters for regional organizations such as the African Union, to reflect current geopolitical realities.
the former Belgian Prime Minister,Yves Leterme,insisted on the importance of clarifying certain areas of ambiguity in the United Nations Charter,before tackling the reform of the Security Council. For him, these steps are crucial to guarantee an effective and sustainable conversion of the UN system.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 16th edition of the medays International Forum, which continues in Tangier until March 30, brings together more than 250 very high-level speakers including heads of state and government , policy makers, Nobel Prize winners, directors of large international companies and influential personalities in front of an audience of more than 6,000 participants from more than 100 countries.
How can emerging countries influence global climate action more effectively?
Interview with Dr. Emily Sorensen: reassessing Multilateralism in the Face of Climate Change
Editor, Time.news: Welcome, Dr. Sorensen. Thank you for joining us to discuss the pressing issues surrounding global governance and climate change, especially in light of recent remarks by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre at the MEDays Forum. To begin, how do you interpret the limits of multilateralism as highlighted by PM Pierre?
Dr. Emily Sorensen: Thank you for having me. Prime Minister Pierre’s remarks regarding the limits of multilateralism resonate strongly with the challenges we face today. The current multilateral structures, particularly the United Nations, often struggle to integrate the perspectives and needs of the Global South. This is particularly critical when addressing climate change, as island states bear the brunt of its effects yet often find their voices marginalized in global discussions.
Editor: You mentioned the Global South. What specific actions do emerging countries, especially island states, need to advocate for effective climate action?
Dr. Sorensen: Emerging countries need to call for more robust and actionable commitments from developed nations regarding climate finance and technology transfer. Limiting global warming to below 1.5° Celsius is not merely a goal; itS a necessity for survival. concrete measures should include enhanced support for renewable energy initiatives, disaster preparedness, and resilience-building efforts targeted at vulnerable populations.
Editor: In addition to Prime Minister Pierre, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also called for a reform of the United Nations Security council. What are your thoughts on these proposed reforms?
Dr. Sorensen: The calls from Prime Minister Skerrit for reform are crucial. The UN Security Council’s structure, established in 1945, does not represent today’s geopolitical realities. Integrating emerging countries as permanent members would not only democratize the decision-making process but also enhance the relevance of the UN in addressing contemporary issues. It’s essential that regional organizations, like the African union, also have a say in these discussions, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in global decision-making.
Editor: Former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme emphasized clarifying ambiguities in the UN Charter before reform. Why is this step crucial?
Dr. Sorensen: Clarifying ambiguities in the UN charter is foundational for effective reform. It creates a clear framework for decision-making and operational efficiency. By addressing these ambiguities, member states can ensure that reforms are not only well-conceived but also actionable.This clarity is essential for realigning the UN’s objectives with the pressing challenges of our multipolar world, particularly in the context of sustainability and peacekeeping.
Editor: As someone with expertise in global governance, what practical advice would you give to policymakers around the world to enhance multilateral efforts in climate action?
Dr.Sorensen: Policymakers need to prioritize inclusivity in their approaches, ensuring that voices from the Global South are not just heard but actively integrated into the policymaking process. They should also foster international collaborations that focus on sustainable growth goals, climate resilience, and innovation in green technologies. Moreover, there should be a commitment from affluent nations to uphold their promises regarding climate financing, as this is vital for empowering vulnerable nations in their climate strategies.
Editor: The MEDays Forum has gathered an extraordinary array of speakers and participants.how meaningful do you think forums like this are for advancing discussions on global governance?
dr. Sorensen: Forums like the MEDays Forum are invaluable for fostering dialog among leaders and influencers from diverse sectors. They provide a platform to share ideas, build networks, and initiate collaborative efforts towards reforming multilateralism. Such gatherings can generate momentum for change and raise awareness of critical issues like climate action, which rely on robust global cooperation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sorensen, for your insights on global governance and the vital role of multilateralism in addressing climate challenges. Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Dr. Sorensen: My pleasure! It’s crucial that, as we navigate these turbulent times, we focus on creating inclusive systems that give all countries, especially those on the frontlines of climate change, a seat at the table. Only through collective action can we hope to combat the threats posed by climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all.