Multilateralism must be made more equitable, not replaced – Min. Greenidge

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─ at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly General Debates

─ Guyana remains committed to the “Dialogue and the Strengthening of Multilateralism as a Catalyst for the well-being of All Persons in a Sustainable Planet”

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, September 2018

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, said the valued elements of multilateralism must be preserved.

At today’s General Debate, during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 73), Minister Greenidge said more equitable and just variant of multilateralism is needed instead of replacing it.

“Serious proposals should seek to preserve the valued elements of multilateralism because the more intractable problems we face are beyond the capacity of individual States to solve. It is small wonder then that the Secretary-General in his report on the work of the Organisation asserts that the United Nations offers a platform where the Member States, regional organizations and civil society can find solutions to global problems that no nation acting alone can resolve. Working together is not optional. It is the only answer,” Minister Greenidge said.

Multilateralism is a rules-based system that has enabled extensive economic development and improvements in human welfare across the globe, Minister Greenidge pointed out.

He added that multilateralism is now under attack with calls for its replacement in spite of its success.

“Rather than turning to outdated models, solutions based on misconceived economic goals, or some form of national exceptionalism, we need to explore complementary organizational forms and arrangements that could simplify decision-making. In other words, we need to fashion a more equitable and just variant of multilateralism rather than its replacement,” Minister Greenidge said.

Guyana remains committed to the “Dialogue and the Strengthening of Multilateralism as a Catalyst for the well-being of All Persons in a Sustainable Planet”, Minister Greenidge added.

Tiffny Rhodius

Images: UN Photo/ Kim Haughton