UNSC Open Debate on Multilateral Cooperation
UNSC Open Debate on "Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order"

[16 July 2024]
Statement by Ambassador R. Ravindra, Charge d'Affaires & Deputy Permanent Representative

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Let me begin by joining others in extending our appreciation for organizing this high-level meeting and thank the briefers for sharing their valuable insights. In the interest of time, I am delivering the shortened version of our statement. The full statement is being submitted separately for record.

2. The work of the United Nations is guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. The sovereign equality of States and prohibition of the use of force are cardinal principles of international relations. However, while we may have succeeded in preventing another world war, this does not hide the reality about the UN’s inability to respond to increasingly complex global challenges such as terrorism, pandemics, climate change, threats posed by emerging technologies, cyber-attacks and the disruptive role of non-state actors.

3. Clearly, the growing stresses that the international system has experienced in recent years call for an effective multilateral response.

4. Disillusionment with the existing multilateral system has led member states to consider various alternatives, such as replacing multilateral agreements with bilateral deals or replacing multilateral rules with rules for like-minded countries. The growing influence of and expectations from plurilateral or multilateral groups is a reaction to the dissatisfaction with the static nature of existing institutions in a dynamic world as UN mechanisms are gradually losing their functional character.

5. In this context, let me offer the following points for consideration:

i) Member states have always extended support for treaty-based multilateralism. When multilateral mechanisms failed to respond to their needs, member states have resorted to plurilateral initiatives as a viable option for cooperation. This is a natural phenomenon and need not be seen as a threat, but as a complement to a rules based international order led by the UN. Multi-polarity, as we are witnessing it now is here to stay.

ii) The primary reason the multilateral system has failed to deliver is that it is still stuck in a 1945 vintage binary outlook reflected clearly in the composition of the Security Council. The core of India’s position on reformed multilateralism therefore lies in a call for the reform of the UN Security Council that is reflective of the contemporary realities of today. For multilateral cooperation to deliver on the ground, it must emanate from a representation of developing countries in all major decision making bodies, especially in the peace and security architecture. As we convene for the Summit of the Future in few months from now, let us recommit to timebound negotiations on UNSC reforms.

iii) The multilateral system cannot deliver without the sustained commitment of major powers and groups to global institutions and a rules-based order. And in this context it is important that all must adhere to the basic building block of international cooperation which is good faith negotiations. Sabotaging of negotiating processes and mechanisms by big countries or groups in the narrow interest of their own positions is detrimental to the multilateral spirit and must be called out, wherever necessary.

6. India has consistently worked to strengthen multilateralism by seeking reform of the UN, the Bretton Woods System and the WTO and contributing to strengthening of the Voice of the Global South in all multilateral forums. It has initiated the “International Solar Alliance”, and the “Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure”, joined the “Alliance for Multilateralism” and is a proactive member of the G-20. We have always pursued a rules-based architecture to strengthen the forces of cooperative multilateralism.

7. Upholding multilateralism and the UN-centered international system needs more serious efforts than tokenism. We have always sought responsible and inclusive solutions to global challenges, guided by dialogue and cooperation, mutual respect and commitment to international law. This approach, to our mind, is a sine qua non for a more just, democratic and sustainable world order.