In a world divided, cooperation is the only alternative, Guterres warns at the BRICS summit

“I have come to Johannesburg with a simple message: in a world torn apart by crises, there is simply no alternative to cooperation. We must urgently restore confidence and reinvigorate multilateralism for the twenty-first century,” he said Secretary General From the United Nations this Thursday to the BRICS group.

Antonio Guterres is in the capital of South Africa, where the summit of the bloc of countries consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa is taking place, countries that include 40% of the world’s population and represent 25% of the world’s population. to the global economy. These countries are all part of the G20.

And at that forum, he said the world needed that Unity for action and justiceas shown by the inspiring case of South Africa.

Guterres reviewed The major challenges facing humanity: climate and economic crises; Exacerbation of poverty, hunger and inequality; lack of regulation of new technologies; And the global repercussions of multiplying geopolitical divisions and conflicts.

Multipolarity is not enough to achieve peace

He noted that the world is going on The path to multipolarity He warned that this is not enough to ensure a peaceful or just global society.

In order to be a factor of peace, fairness and justice in international relations, multipolarity must be supported Through strong and effective multilateral institutionsHe again referred to his complaint that the prevailing governance structures reflected the world of yesterday.

He noted that these institutions were largely established after the Second World War, when colonial powers still ruled many African countries.

He added that we need a strengthened and reformed multilateral structure based on the United Nations Charter and international law, specifying cases of violation. Security Council of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods Institutions.

In the absence of institutional reform, fragmentation becomes inevitable

“For multilateral institutions to remain truly global, they must be reformed to reflect current strength and economic realities. In the absence of such reform, fragmentation is inevitable.”

Emphasized in this context the danger of a world with a divided economy and financial system; With divergent strategies in technology, including artificial intelligence; And with conflicting security frameworks.

Guterres cited the International Monetary Fund’s calculations as indicating this The break would cost 7% of global GDPIt is a price disproportionately low-income countries, especially in Africa, will pay.

greater solidarity

He renewed his invitation Collaboration to restore trust Revitalizing pluralism in the twenty-first century, he stressed that there is a need for greater solidarity and full respect for the Charter of the United Nations, international law, universal values ​​and all human rights: social, cultural, economic, civil and political.

“None of this will be easy, but it is necessary, especially for Africa,” he said, referring to Africa The tragic history of slavery and colonialism that turned that continent into a historical victim From a series of serious grievances that continue to affect him.

Guterres stated The disparity in financing costs for African countries Regarding the rich countries and the climate chaos they suffer from despite producing the minimum global emissions.

To correct the global course, he urged a redesign of the system Outdated and unfair global architecture and ramping up climate action and justice.

Let’s work together

Urging the Secretary-General to support his Charter of Climate Solidarity, It is a plan in which developed countries provide financial and technical support To help emerging economies, in Africa and beyond, promote a just and equitable transition to renewable energy.

He also asked for support for his acceleration agenda to advance these efforts Developed countries are committed to achieving net zero emissions As early as 2040, developing countries as early as 2050.

“For the sake of justice, Africa must be considered a priority in all of these efforts.

In conclusion, he insisted Common challenges cannot be solved in a piecemeal fashion.

“Let’s work on strengthening global action, the imperative of justice, and the promise of a better futureHe finished.