Can Asia reinvigorate multilateralism?

In the opinion of Thailand "Multilateralism is more effective when women participate fully - whether in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, or humanitarian response. Their voices, leadership strengthen our community and make peace more durable…. Peace and human rights cannot stand without sustainable development. Yet today, development is under threat from rising protectionism. Tariffs and trade barriers may serve short-term interests, but they hurt us all in the long run and divide us when we need the most solidarity."

Similar views were expressed by the Philippines according to which "In our reflection on evolving multilateralism to be more fit-for-purpose, we must consider progress in the way we account for our stewardship of resources. Our economic models must account for the health of our planet.

Another Asian country, United Arab Emirates, launched a vibrant appeal :" to strengthen the mechanisms for international cooperation and multilateralism, as well as the norms and principles of the UN Charter and international law. In doing so, the UAE promotes the principles of good neighbourliness and respect for sovereignty of states, to create opportunities and advance progress in every field."Te representative of the same country evoked the fact that "With the previous international systems having failed to maintain international peace and security, the world was faced with a choice. It chose peace and embraced a new era of international cooperation and solidarity, embodied by the establishment of this Organization."

Nepal took the opportunity to underline the fact that "The UN Charter is a bedrock of our foreign policy. It is a compass that guides our action on the global stage. This reflects Nepal's enduring belief in multilateralism, international cooperation, and global solidarity –principles that define who we are as a nation." Nepal addressed an urgent call "To reassess, strengthen, and revitalize our multilateral institutions, and To fortify global solidarity and action."

Timor-Leste invited UN member states to" renew our commitment to multilateralism – not as an abstract principle, but as a daily practice of listening, compromise and joint action. Timor-Leste, through its hard-won independence, stands as proof that when the international community acts with unity and determination, even the smallest and most fragile States can take their rightful place in the family of nations."The same representative declared that "Timor-Leste joins the collective effort to promote harmony, solidarity and inclusion, contributing to global and regional challenges."

Conclusion

During the General Assembly's high level debate, in addition to the representatives quoted above,many other speakers reaffirmed that today's global crises - wars, climate change, inequality, and humanitarian emergencies - can only be addressed through strengthened multilateralism and renewed solidarity.

Several delegations warned that unilateralism, protectionism, and the erosion of trust in international institutions threaten peace and sustainable development. Small and vulnerable States, including in particular those in Africa and the Pacific, called for fairer international financial systems, collective climate action, and global cooperation to protect their sovereignty and development. Many emphasized that the United Nations must remain at the heart of the international order, adapting through reforms that ensure inclusiveness, justice, and shared responsibility. Across regions, speakers highlighted solidarity - particularly with peoples facing occupation, poverty, or climate threats - as a moral and practical imperative for a fairer and more secure world

To finish this chronique, it is opportune to note that US President Donald Trump delivered a critical statement in the plenary of the world organization, but, according to the press, during a meeting with the UN Secretary General,he optimistically stressed, " I think the potential of the United Nations is incredible, really incredible… So, I'm behind it. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because I think the potential for peace with this institution is so great."

We can only hope that this potential will be translated into tangible realities in a not too distant future.