​​​​​​​PRESS RELEASE: UN Secretary-General calls for solidarity at the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa

Johannesburg – The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, yesterday called for global unity and cooperation to address the critical challenges currently facing the world, which range from the climate emergency to escalating conflicts, soaring inequalities and technological disruptions.

Addressing the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa) Summit held in Johannesburg from 22-24 August, the Secretary-General expressed concern over growing global divisions and tensions, attributing them to diverging perspectives on global crises, contrasting approaches to security threats, differing strategies towards new technologies, and the consequences of events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stressed the need for a strong multilateral framework rooted in 21st century realities and advocated for deep reforms to global institutions to ensure they are inclusive and representative of today's world. He also called for greater representation of women and young people at all levels.

Mr. Guterres highlighted the need to focus on Africa, saying that the current global governance structures were designed in a different era. He called for reforming the Security Council and the Bretton Woods institutions to reflect the present power dynamics and economic relations, to ensure that they effectively address contemporary challenges.

“We are moving towards a multipolar world, and that is a positive thing. But, multipolarity in itself is not enough to guarantee a peaceful or just global community. To be a factor of peace, equity, and justice in international relations, multipolarity must be supported by strong and effective multilateral institution,” he said.

The Secretary-General added: “Look no further than the situation in Europe at the dawn of the last century. Europe was multipolar — but it lacked strong multilateral mechanisms.  The result was the First World War. As the global community moves towards multipolarity, we desperately need — and I have been vigorously advocating for — a strengthened and reformed multilateral architecture based on the UN Charter and international law.”

The Secretary-General further called for the world to drastically step-up climate action and climate justice, proposing a “Climate Solidarity Pact in which developed countries provide financial and technical support to help emerging economies — in Africa and beyond — to promote an equitable and just transition to renewable energy.”

The Secretary-General's participation at the BRICS Summit underscores the importance of global cooperation and multilateralism in addressing the complex challenges facing the world today.

While at the Summit, the Secretary-General held discussions with the leaders of the BRICS, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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UN Secretary-General arrives in SA for BRICS: SG arrives in SA for BRICS | Flickr

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UN Secretary-General meets UN Country Team after BRICS: UN Secretary-General met with UN staff in South Africa | Flickr