KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal has stressed the need for the countries of the Global South to move from a ‘rule-abiding’ situation to a ‘rule-making’ position by effectively participating in the global decision-making process.

Addressing the high-level ministerial meeting of like-minded countries and friendly countries of the Global South organized by External Affairs Minister Dr Sub Jaishankar in New York on the occasion of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, Minister Khanal said that the collective voice of the developing countries should be made more effective in the global governance system.

“Empowerment” means that the Global South must transform from a rule-abiding position to a rule-making role. We should not be limited to implementing the agenda set by others, but we should play an active role in the rule-making, governance of institutions and policy-making that will determine our future,” he said.

Stating that Nepal has been firmly believing in solidarity with the developing world as an active member of the Group of 77 and China and the Non-Aligned Movement, he said the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ of the oriental philosophy would reflect the common future of mankind. “Global prosperity cannot be sustainable when half of the world’s humanity is marginalized in the decision-making process,” he said.

Minister Khanal said that there is an urgent need to democratize the global governance system. “There is a need for comprehensive reform in the structure of the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions. These structures should be restructured to reflect the realities of today’s world and not in the power equation of 1945,” he said.

Drawing attention to the need for developing countries to mobilize the necessary financial resources for sustainable development while they are burdened with unequal debt, he stressed the need for just and equitable access to the financial system. He also stressed the need to protect the open, fair and rules-based multilateral trading system centered by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“Predictable market access, meaningful special and discriminatory treatment, assistance for trade and integration in regional value chain are essential foundations for developing and upgrading countries,” he said.

Noting that Nepal continues to support strengthening the United Nations as a key pillar of international law and sovereign equality, he said the UN-80 initiative should be taken as an important effort to reduce institutional fragmentation. “Institutional reforms should not weaken the pillars of development and climate; rather, they should be strengthened decisively,” he said.

Stating that the most serious impact of the divisions seen in multilateralism were being borne by the weak and sensitive countries, Minister Khanal stressed the need of advancing dialogue, technology sharing and South-South cooperation instead of pressure based on power politics.

“Empowering the Global South means revitalizing multilateralism,” he said, adding, “Let us move forward shoulder to shoulder to build a just and bright future for all, with courage, common resolve and authentic collective voice.” ”