UNGA Speakers Call for Upholding UN-Centred Multilateralism

Speakers at the 81st United Nations General Assembly have called for renewed commitment to multilateralism, international law and a stronger United Nations-led international system.

The calls came amid concerns over growing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, economic pressures and challenges that increasingly cross national borders.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the world was facing widening divisions and urged countries to strengthen cooperation rather than retreat from international engagement.

He stressed the need for countries to uphold the UN Charter, respect international law and work collectively to address conflicts, climate change, economic inequality and emerging technologies.

European Council President António Costa also said multilateralism remained essential for addressing global challenges that no country could effectively manage alone.

Costa called for a multilateral system that is strong, effective, representative and capable of delivering practical results for people.

He said the United Nations should remain at the centre of the international system and called for reforms to make the organisation more effective and responsive to contemporary global realities.

Costa also stressed that international law must apply consistently, warning against double standards in the application of global rules.

Kenyan President William Ruto similarly called for reforms that would make international institutions more representative, fair and effective.

Ruto said the crisis facing multilateralism was also a crisis of institutions and rules that had failed to keep pace with changes in the global system.

He argued that developing countries should have a greater role in shaping international rules and decisions affecting their economies and societies.

The discussions also highlighted the need for stronger cooperation on climate change, debt, pandemics, artificial intelligence, cyber insecurity, peace and sustainable development.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also called for stronger global partnerships around effective, UN-centred multilateralism, respect for international law and accountability.

She said international cooperation would be necessary to address shared security and prosperity challenges, while emphasising the importance of the UN Charter and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The appeals for renewed multilateralism come as governments debate how to reform international institutions and restore confidence in a system facing geopolitical polarisation and institutional pressures.

Speakers at the General Assembly have broadly emphasised that stronger cooperation, institutional reform and respect for international law are necessary to address challenges that increasingly affect countries across regions.