KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called on countries of the Global South to move from a “rule-following” role to a “rule-making” role by taking a more active part in global decision-making processes.
Addressing the High-Level Ministerial Meeting of Like-Minded Countries and Friends of the Global South in New York on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Khanal said developing countries must strengthen their collective voice in the global governance system. The meeting was hosted by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
“Empowerment means that the Global South should transform from a rule-following to a rule-making role. We should not be limited to implementing agendas prepared by others; we should play an active role in shaping rules, operating institutions and making policies that determine our future,” Khanal said.
Khanal said Nepal, as an active member of the Group of 77 and China and the Non-Aligned Movement, has consistently supported solidarity among developing countries. He also referred to the Eastern philosophical concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, or “the world is one family,” as reflecting humanity’s shared future.
“Global prosperity cannot be sustainable when half of the world’s population remains marginalized in the decision-making process,” he said.
According to his secretariat, Khanal called for the democratization of global governance and comprehensive reforms to the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions. He said these institutions should be restructured to reflect the realities of the contemporary world rather than the power balance of 1945.
Highlighting the debt burden facing developing countries and their need for resources to finance sustainable development, Khanal stressed the importance of fair and equitable access to the international financial system.
He also emphasized the need to preserve an open, fair and rules-based multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“Predictable market access, meaningful special and differential treatment, aid for trade and integration into regional value chains are essential foundations for developing and upgrading countries,” Khanal said.
Khanal said Nepal has consistently supported strengthening the United Nations as the principal foundation of international law and sovereign equality. He described the “UN-80” initiative as an important effort to reduce institutional fragmentation, while stressing that institutional reforms should strengthen rather than weaken the UN’s development and climate pillars.
Khanal said divisions within the multilateral system have had the greatest impact on weaker and more vulnerable countries. He called for greater emphasis on dialogue, technology sharing and South-South cooperation instead of approaches based on power politics.
“Empowering the Global South means revitalizing multilateralism,” he said. “With courage, shared resolve and an authentic collective voice, let us move forward shoulder to shoulder to build a just and bright future for all.”
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