But António Guterres warns this change will not guarantee stability.
“Multipolarity alone does not guarantee peace“, he said. Without strong cooperation, it can fuel rivalry rather than balance.
Speaking at a summit between African Union (AU) – the political and economic union of the continent – and the European Union (EU)the bloc of 27 European states, he argued that the two regions could form a “central axis” of a fairer world order.
He said it could correct “historical injustices” and give a real voice to countries long excluded from global decision-making.
He highlighted three areas where cooperation can lead to change.
1. Fix the global financial system
Guterres said current financial rules are “unfair and ineffective.” Many African countries remain stuck in debt repayments that leave little room for investment.
He called for ending unsustainable debt, tripling the lending power of multilateral development banks and giving developing countries greater influence over global finance.
“Together you can end the injustice of poverty“, he told the leaders, adding that by working together, regions can also address the pressures causing irregular migration and displacement.
2. Transform climate potential into climate opportunity
Africa has enormous solar and wind potential as well as many minerals needed for clean energy technologies. Demand for these minerals will triple by 2030.
Mr. Guterres said this creates an opportunity to go beyond exporting raw materials and build processing and manufacturing industries in the country.
“Africa has the resources and a young workforce. Europe has the capital and the know-how,” he said. According to him, a real partnership in favor of clean energy could generate shared growth in the long term.
3. Reform the global peace and security system
Mr. Guterres cited the Future Compact, concluded last year, as a guide for peace and security reform.
He calls for permanent African seats at the UN Security Council – a step he said would correct”a profound historical injustice» and improve the Council’s capacity to respond to crises.
Why it matters
Guterres warned that global power was in flux. He said that in the face of the risk of division, the world needs a interconnected multipolarity.
Reforming global finance, accelerating climate action and overhauling peace and security structures, including addressing Africa’s exclusion from the Security Council, are key to creating what he called “a fairer and more egalitarian system“.
He stressed that Africa and Europe have the capacity to drive these changes together and help transform the current turbulence into what he described as “a new era of hope”.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
