Restoring trust and effectiveness in multilateralism
At the 58th ordinary session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva (opened on 24 February with a minute of silence for the victims of human rights violations around the world), during the General Debate on Item 2 that follows the presentation of reports and oral updates by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII (APG23) has intervened to mark and relaunch the pressing need and common challenge to restore trust and effectivenss in multilateralism.
Maria Mercedes Rossi, main representative of APG23 to the United Nations, has delivered the following joint oral statement that has been supported and co-signed by 15 NGOs.
“Multilateralism has been a cornerstone of diplomacy and governance for decades but is now facing a severe crisis, marked by declining trust in international institutions, rising nationalism, geopolitical tensions, and challenges in addressing pressing global issues. Increasing rivalry between major world powers, trade wars and technology competition add layers of complexity to global diplomacy and such tensions threaten international cooperation.
Regrettably, we are witnessing a disconcerting disregard for the international human rights and humanitarian law. We are also deeply concerned by the announced withdrawal of the United States from UNESCO, WHO, the Human Rights Council and the Paris agreement. However, multilateralism with the fostering of collaborative approaches remains essential to finding sustainable solutions to global problems.
To restore trust and effectiveness in multilateralism and revamp it, we strongly advocate for the reform of international institutions such as the UN Security Council and the international financial architecture providing greater voice and influence to developing nations in decision-making processes.
Another crucial issue demanding immediate attention is the debt crisis faced by many developing countries. Echoing Pope Francis’ call for the 2025 Jubilee year, we urge all member States to consider debt relief or even total cancellation for those developing countries that are deeply stranded.
Ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, and with only 5 years left until 2030, we urge all Member States to choose once more international solidarity, carry out a fair international cooperation in order to achieve the 2030 Agenda, respect the Pact for the Future and build a better and more just world.”
Geneva, 3 March 2025
Photo by UN / Elma Okic
