The United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee, emphasized the critical need to rekindle multilateralism to tackle pressing global challenges. Speaking during an event in Changsha, Chatterjee highlighted the upcoming UN Summit of the Future in September at the UN Headquarters in New York as a pivotal moment for UN members.
Chatterjee pointed out that the world currently faces \"interlocking crises,\" including the pandemic, climate change, energy shortages, and over 70 ongoing conflicts. He warned, \"Approximately 800 million people go to bed hungry every night, and over 120 million have been displaced due to conflicts, climate change, instability, and poverty.\"
He lauded China's achievements in sustainable development, citing efforts like air quality improvements in Beijing and the transformation of Inner Mongolia's Kubuqi Desert into an agricultural hub. \"China has demonstrated what is feasible, and their experience can guide global climate agendas,\" Chatterjee remarked.
Emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation, Chatterjee stated, \"Renewing the spirit of multilateralism is crucial to ensure the UN remains fit for purpose and meets the expectations of 1.8 billion young people worldwide.\"
The UN envoy concluded by stressing the focus on future generations, questioning what kind of world they will inherit and the roles of science, technology, and innovation in shaping their future. \"These themes are at the core of the Summit of the Future,\" he said.
Reference(s):
UN envoy in China: Spirit of multilateralism must be revived
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