Experts convene in Beijing to discuss effective multilateralism in a changing world

The seminar aimed to update participants on the work of the High-Level Advisory Board, while seeking to further inform its efforts. Established in 2020 in response to Member States' request to provide recommendations to advance a common agenda that addresses current and future challenges, the HLAB comprises representatives from different constituencies and stakeholders in global decision-making.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Ms. Alenka Suhadolnik, Ambassador of Slovenia to China, said, “Rules-based multilateralism, underpinned by the UN Charter, is fundamental to promoting and supporting the three pillars of UN activities, peace and security, development and human rights… Slovenia holds a strong belief that UN framework needs to be supported, as it provides stability and predictability through UN Charter, international law, human rights and the defence of human dignity… Multilateralism, with the UN at its core is written in our country’s DNA… Through multilateralism and international cooperation, different voices and different perspectives can be heard, seen, and taken into account.”

In their keynote remarks, the HLAB members spoke of the need to explore how multilateralism can more effectively contribute to the provision of global public goods, including the environment and the global financial architecture. They also engaged with a panel of experts from the diplomatic community, international organizations and academia on how effective multilateralism can help address international crises faced across the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Panellists highlighted the need for global solutions to create more inclusive institutions and greater momentum on shared challenges, such as climate action and gender equality.

“Our time calls for transformative shifts in global policy-making. Rebuilding trust in multilateralism is imperative. Humankind has lost balance with nature and multilateral institutions have the responsibility to enable regaining it,” said President Türk.

“We need to follow the principles of dialogue on an equal footing and consensus-building through consultation… we need to make global development more inclusive, resilient and beneficial for all,” said Mr. Xu Bu.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Stephen Kargbo, UNIDO Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in China ad interim, said, “I sincerely hope that the discussion we had today can serve as an additional input to the work of the Advisory Board and that the final report and recommendations can serve as a springboard towards creating more effective multilateralism, one that is based on full respect of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and all agreed international norms and standards.”

The HLAB’s final report is expected to be completed later this month. Its recommendations will inform the preparations for the Summit of the Future scheduled in September 2024.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Louise Xi LI, Head of Communications, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in China,

Tel: +86 10 8 532 0725, Email: xi.li@un.org

Slovenian Embassy

Tel.: +86 10 8 532 6191, Email: sloembassy.beijing@gov.si