Exclusive interview with UN Resident Coordinator in China: To forge a renewed, inclusive, and effective multilateralism

(CNS) — "Ultimately the UN's greatest achievement is the institutionalization of multilateral cooperation, creating a channel by which global problems can be addressed together rather than by states acting only individually." In a written interview with China News Service, Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator in China, reflected on the UN's 80-year journey and offered this assessment.

The devastation wrought by two world wars prompted profound reflection within the international community, culminating in the founding of the United Nations in October 1945. For Chatterjee, the very existence of the UN and its 193 Member States shows states voluntarily committing to a rules-based global order.

"To maintain international peace and security" is one of the purposes of the UN. In Chatterjee's view, the UN plays a crucial role in this regard—stabilizing post-conflict regions through peacekeeping operations and building peace by addressing the root causes of conflict.

"Through its development work, the UN tackles the drivers of instability, such as inequality and lack of opportunity, by promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," said Chatterjee.

In September 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, anchored by 17 SDGs, was adopted by the UN to eradicate poverty, promote equality, and address climate change.

Although real progress has been made toward achieving the SDGs and millions of lives have been improved, Chatterjee noted that overall progress remains far off track, with 18% of the goals having regressed. As the 2030 deadline draws near, Chatterjee called on countries to enhance multilateral cooperation and accelerate action to realize these goals.

"Our current challenges, from climate change and armed conflicts, to rising inequality, rapidly advancing technologies, and increased polarization, are global in nature and require a coordinated response," said Chatterjee, "Multilateralism is not an option, but a necessity for tackling our current global challenges and risks."

At the UN Summit of the Future in 2024, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future and its annexes to further develop the multilateral framework and adapt to future challenges. 

In this context, Chatterjee noted that China hosted an international symposium this March focused on the Pact. "China has been a key proponent of multilateralism and a strong supporter of the Pact for the Future. We look forward to continuing to partner with China to ensure our multilateral system is fit for purpose and can respond to our current challenges," he said.

Highly commending the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China, Chatterjee believed these global initiatives closely align with UN objectives and priorities, have the potential to deliver real impact through various channels, and serve as another contribution of China to solving some of the global governance challenges.

Chatterjee pointed out that many countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, indicating a strong interest in joining forces around its core principles. For him, the other three initiatives have received similar global interest. "These initiatives also help to expand partnerships and resources, particularly across Global South, which can help to close the SDG financing gap and to leverage South-South and triangular cooperation."

Facing criticism of the UN, Chatterjee still believed "the UN remains a valuable convenor and connector and remains the only universal platform where all countries have a voice."

"By reforming the UN and multilateral system in response to these criticisms, we will reinvigorate a UN that is better aligned with current and future challenges and works in an efficient and coordinated manner," he said.

Looking ahead, Chatterjee called on all nations to uphold the UN Charter and international law, accelerate the implementation of SDGs, and reform the international financial architecture to be more responsive to the needs of developing countries.

"We should harness the spirit of 1945, not to simply look back, but to forge a renewed, inclusive, and effective multilateralism that is fit for the profound challenges of the 21st century," said Chatterjee.