UN General Assembly
2023

This year, the Assembly is meeting specifically with a view to rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity. However, for decades now. the persistent voice of the global South calling in the wilderness to make straight the way towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all has fallen on deaf ears. The hitherto strong historical solidarity, fraternity and commitment to the principles of non-interference, equality among nations and mutual benefit, which was bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of the United Nations, is withering away. As a result of that paralysis in multilateralism, we have now begun to witness shifting geopolitical tectonic plates and the creation of new blocs seeking to replace the now obviously dysfunctional world order. Trust among States has worn away, and there is erosion of the rule of law and a reversion to unilateralism. The effectiveness of the United Nations system and multilateral financial institutions is being questioned more than ever before, calling for their immediate reform. All this is happening at a time when the world is reeling from the aftershocks of the coronavirus disease pandemic, the relentless wrath of climate change, horrendous armed conflicts, global food insecurity, the looming energy and debt crisis, persistent poverty and growing inequality.