A new international order is taking shape. Power bases are shifting. Norms are being eroded. We are witnessing a disregard for IHL and human rights, with impunity. Security Council paralysis and the selective application of the UN Charter principles have eroded confidence in multilateral problem-solving, while simultaneous pressures continue to mount, from escalating conflict to disruptive technologies.
Global governance is now on the political agenda. As we look forward, it is increasingly clear that a new balance must be struck between values, principles and interests to secure support for an international system based on multilateral cooperation. There is a unique window of opportunity to move from interest to action, to convert calls for reform and laments about the decline of multilateralism into specific solutions to reverse current trends.
This three-day retreat will bring together senior representatives from countries who are committed champions of multilateralism to explore concrete actions and drive leadership to strengthen the governance framework of the United Nations. High level speakers will be invited to deliver keynote addresses to frame and stimulate discussion. The retreat will be an opportunity to take stock of the current problems and challenges, develop an understanding of the political and legal opportunities and constraints, and explore possible pathways to achieve a strengthened global governance system. It will seek to identify key values and principles that countries can coalesce around, and that can act as the building blocks for a strengthened United Nations.
Image credit: Rick Bajornas
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