Reimagining the Spirit of Multilateralism

• 24 Oct 2025

This editorial is based on “Multilateralism isn’t dead”, which was published in The Indian Express on 23/10/2025. The article argues that although global cooperation is weakened by nationalism, great-power rivalries, and institutional inertia, multilateralism is not dead but must be renewed through reforms, empathy, and inclusive leadership to restore legitimacy and address global crises

For Prelims: Multilateralism, United Nations, UN Peacekeeping Missions, BRICS, Conference of the Parties (COP29) 2024, UN Ocean Conference, UN Summit of the Future, COVAX Initiative, WTO Dispute Settlement, Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), UNHCR, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

For Mains: Multilateralism Facilitated Global Cooperation to Tackle Contemporary Challenges, Major Challenges Facing Multilateralism in Today’s Complex Global Order, India’s Key Initiatives to Strengthen Multilateralism Globally

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the pillars of multilateralism stand shaken by nationalism, great-power rivalries, and institutional fatigue. Yet in a world fractured by wars, climate urgency, and trust deficits, global cooperation remains humanity’s lifeline. The challenge lies not in saving multilateralism from collapse, but in reforming it—making it more empathetic, representative, and action-driven to meet 21st-century crises that no nation can solve alone.

How has Multilateralism Facilitated Global Cooperation to Tackle Contemporary Challenges?

• Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping : 
  • 75 Years of UN Peacekeeping Missions: Celebrated in 2023, marking seven decades of global peace and security efforts through over 70 missions worldwide.
    • 63 Active Multilateral Peace Operations: Conducted by the UN and regional organisations in 37 countries, reflecting sustained multilateral commitment to conflict zones.
    • High-Performing Specialised Capabilities: The 2023 Peacekeeping Ministerial prioritised capacity building, partnerships, and mission effectiveness, with focus on civilian protection and mental health support for peacekeepers.
    • Technological Advancements: Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), UAV surveillance, blockchain logistics, and cybersecurity systems modernises peacekeeping, enhancing situational awareness and transparency.
    • Successful Transitional Administrations: Missions like UNTAES (Eastern Slavonia) and UNMIK (Kosovo) serve as benchmarks for effective peacebuilding and post-conflict governance.
    • Gender Inclusivity: Increased deployment of female peacekeepers and gender-responsive mission planning mark progress toward inclusive and equitable peacekeeping.
  • Peace and Security Diplomacy by BRICS: BRICS-led diplomatic efforts, including mediation in conflict zones like Ukraine and prisoner release negotiations, exemplify how multilateral and regional blocs are sustaining peacebuilding efforts amid Security Council gridlock, highlighting pragmatic multilateralism.
    • BRICS reaffirmed “African Solutions to African Problems” as well as called for a Gaza ceasefire. 
• Climate Change: 
  • Paris Agreement Goals: The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. 
  • New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG): The COP29 agreement aims to triple climate finance for developing countries from USD 100 billion to USD 300 billion annually by 2035 under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), addressing critical climate finance gaps. 
  • The Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations: It is an international legally binding instrument being negotiated under the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), aiming to end plastic pollution globally.
  • International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Use: The 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice united subnational governments and scientific communities to accelerate SDG14 progress, illustrating multilevel governance’s role in protecting marine resources and fostering innovative solutions to ocean sustainability challenges.

  • UN Summit of the Future and SDG Pact for the Future: In September 2024, the UN summit reaffirmed commitments to SDGs with the Pact for the Future, incorporating over 50 transformative action points to promote peace, inclusive societies, climate action, and reform of the multilateral system itself for enhanced global governance.

• Global Health: 
  • WHO-led COVID-19 Coordination: The World Health Organisation (WHO) coordinated global responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing guidelines, facilitating research, and supporting countries in managing the health crisis.
  • COVAX Initiative: COVAX, co-led by WHO, Gavi, CEPI, and UNICEF, aimed to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. 
    • By the end of 2023, it had delivered nearly 2 billion doses to 146 economies, averting an estimated 2.7 million deaths in lower-income countries. 
  • Transition to Regular Immunisation: As of December 2023, COVID-19 vaccinations transitioned to regular immunisation schedules, with COVAX concluding its operations. 
• Economic and Trade Stability: 
  • WTO Dispute Settlement: The World Trade Organisation (WTO) continues to facilitate the resolution of trade disputes among member countries, promoting a rules-based international trading system. 
  • Trade Tensions and WTO's Role: Recent trade tensions, such as the U.S. imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports, have led to formal complaints lodged with the WTO, highlighting the organization's role in addressing trade disputes. 
  • Global Financial Architecture Reform at FfD4: The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville focused on reforming international financial systems to support sustainable development, emphasizing fair access, fiscal space protection, and alignment of financial flows with SDGs, with active participation from the Global South.
  • South-led Development Priorities at G20 Johannesburg: Under South Africa’s presidency of G20, emphasis was placed on integrating medium and smaller African economies into global value chains, fostering solidarity and sustainability, and addressing structural economic weaknesses, showing the growing influence of emerging markets in shaping multilateral agendas.
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Action: 
  • Refugee Resettlement: In 2023, UNHCR submitted 155,500 refugees to states for resettlement, with 158,700 refugees returning to their countries of origin.
  • Resettlement Needs: The UN Refugee Agency estimates that 2.5 million refugees worldwide will need resettlement in the coming year, emphasising the ongoing need for international cooperation in addressing displacement. 
  • Human Rights Monitoring: The UN Human Rights Council continues to monitor and address human rights violations globally, providing a platform for dialogue and accountability.

What is Multilateralism?

• About: Multilateralism refers to a system of international relations in which three or more countries cooperate based on agreed norms, rules, and institutions to address issues of common interest. 
  • It contrasts with unilateralism, where a single nation acts independently, or bilateralism, where two countries interact directly. 
  • Multilateralism emphasises collective decision-making, shared responsibilities, and coordinated action to achieve global peace, security, and sustainable development.

What are the Major Challenges Facing Multilateralism in Today’s Complex Global Order?

• Geopolitical Rivalries and Competitive Multilateralism: The multilateral system is increasingly a stage for geopolitical competition rather than cooperative governance.
  • The US-China rivalry overshadows many international forums, where powerful states engage selectively to advance strategic interests. 
  • For instance, China’s establishment of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) challenges the US–dominated World Bank, reflecting efforts to reshape global development financing. 
  • Russia’s use of its UN Security Council veto to block resolutions on Ukraine and Syria exemplifies how institutions can be used to obstruct rather than solve conflicts. 
  • Meanwhile, the BRICS coalition, expanding to include countries like Egypt and the UAE, acts as a counterweight to Western dominance but faces internal coherence challenges due to differing political and strategic interests.
• Economic Nationalism and Protectionism Undermining Cooperation: Following a surge in nationalist policies, such as tariffs and export controls, multilateral trade bodies like the WTO have become less effective. 
  • The dispute settlement system of the WTO is currently paralysed due to US opposition, leading to unilateral trade measures and weakening the rule-based global trade order. 
  • This fracturing diminishes the predictability and fairness that multilateralism promised, creating uncertainty in global markets.
  • Recently, the U.S. has imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, disrupting trade flows and affecting sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods.
    • According to a report by Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the duties will affect $60.2 billion worth of Indian exports, encompassing textiles, gems and jewellery, shrimp, carpets, and furniture.
• Fragmentation Due to Rise of Minilateral and Regional Blocs: In response to UN and WTO gridlock, smaller coalitions like AUKUS, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), and regional blocs take on specific security and economic roles.
  • While pragmatic, this leads to fragmented governance with overlapping mandates, risking incoherence and uneven burden-sharing in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and cybersecurity.
• Climate Change Inaction Despite Agreements: Despite landmark treaties like the Paris Accord, climate commitments remain insufficient to limit global warming adequately. 
  • National interests often override collective goals, delaying action on emissions reduction and adaptation financing, particularly affecting vulnerable Global South countries. 
  • This highlights the tension multilateralism faces between sovereignty and global common good.
• Institutional Rigidity and Obsolescence: Many multilateral institutions were created in the mid-20th century, reflecting a unipolar world dominated by Western powers.
  • Today, they struggle to accommodate the rise of new powers, alternative political-economic models, and new issues like governance of AI, cryptocurrencies, and digital trade. 
  • As states compete for technological supremacy, cooperation becomes more difficult, leaving gaps in global governance that multilateral institutions must urgently address.
  • This disconnect limits their legitimacy and ability to address modern challenges, necessitating urgent reforms.
  • Vaccine nationalism during COVID-19 highlighted these trust deficits when wealthier nations hoarded supplies, undermining the notion of equitable global solidarity.

What are India’s Key Initiatives to Strengthen Multilateralism Globally?

• UN Peacekeeping Contributions: Since the 1950s, India has deployed over 290,000 peacekeepers to more than 50 UN missions worldwide, making it the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts.
  • It also hosts training centres like the Indian Centre for UN Peacekeeping, enhancing capacity building for global peace operations.
• MAHASAGAR Vision: Launched in 2025, this doctrine emphasises mutual and holistic advancement, promoting regional security and economic growth, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
• Strategic Partnerships: India actively participates in multilateral forums like BRICS, QUAD, and ASEAN, fostering cooperation on security, technology, trade, and climate actions. 
  • For example, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor seeks to enhance intercontinental connectivity.
• Global Health Diplomacy: India's ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative supplied vaccines worldwide, reflecting its leadership in global health multilateralism.
• Climate Action and South-South Cooperation: India advocates for equitable climate finance and enhanced cooperation among developing countries through platforms such as the UNFCCC.
• Technology and Innovation: Collaborative initiatives with countries like the U.S. on AI, space, and critical minerals demonstrate India’s strategic role in multilateral science and technology cooperation.
• Trade Agreements: India progressively negotiates Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with partners like the UK and Chile to boost trade under multilateral frameworks.
• Capacity Building Programs: Under the India-UN Global Capacity Building initiative, India supports developing nations in governance, health, and education sectors.
• Expansion of Diplomatic Outreach: India expanded its diplomatic footprint significantly from 2014 to 2024, increasing engagement with global partners.

What Strategic Reforms are Necessary to Revitalise Multilateralism in the Contemporary Global Framework?

• Reimagine and Redesign Multilateral Institutions: There should be a fundamental reassessment of the institutional architecture to align with today’s multipolar world, shifting geopolitical realities, and complex global challenges. 
  • Legacy institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO need either substantial reform or replacement with more flexible, representative bodies. 
  • For example, the WTO could incorporate plurilateral agreements to manage fragmented global trade more effectively while retaining a core rules-based system.
  • The G4 nations have proposed expanding the UN Security Council from 15 to 25–26 members, adding six new permanent seats: two for Africa, two for Asia-Pacific, one for Latin America and the Caribbean, and one for Western Europe and other states.
• Enhance Inclusivity and Representation: Governance structures must reflect contemporary geopolitical and economic realities, including giving emerging economies a greater voice and participation. 
  • Reordering voting shares in development banks and improving equitable decision-making will foster legitimacy and encourage broader compliance. 
  • Multilateral development banks should be repurposed and enhanced to mobilize private capital for sustainable development and climate action at scale, as envisaged by the 2025 International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4).
  • Brazil’s consistent high score on the UN Multilateralism Index exemplifies constructive engagement by emerging powers as a model.

• Focus on Core Global Public Goods: Multilateralism should concentrate on providing global public goods—climate protection, pandemic prevention, global financial stability, digital governance, and peacebuilding—which require collective action that no single country can manage alone. 
  • The UN Summit of the Future’s Pact for the Future highlights the need for transformative actions to strengthen this focus, including reforming the international financial architecture for climate finance and health security.
• Rebuild Trust and Enhance Transparency: To counter public disillusionment, multilateral institutions must become more transparent, accountable, and communicate benefits clearly to global citizens. 
  • Strengthening civil society and private sector engagement in governance processes is crucial for legitimacy, accompanied by a renewed emphasis on delivering tangible outcomes such as equitable vaccine distribution and climate resilience.
• Strengthen Multilateralism in Digital and Technological Governance: New governance frameworks must address AI safety, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and digital trade. 
  • These fast-evolving fields necessitate agile and collaborative oversight to mitigate risks and standardise norms globally. 
  • The Global Digital Compact adopted at the UN Summit of the Future encapsulates this agenda.

Conclusion: 

• The world’s greatest challenge today is not the absence of crises, but the absence of cooperation. In the present era, multilateralism stands wounded but not dead—its survival depends on renewal, not nostalgia. True progress demands the recognition that no nation is truly sovereign unless all are. The way forward lies in bold institutional reforms, inclusive leadership, and a revitalised commitment to cooperation that transcends national interests in pursuit of global solidarity, peace, and collective well-being.

Drishti Mains Question: 

• When crises become global but responses remain national, institutions built for unity risk irrelevance. Discuss how institutional reforms can restore the legitimacy and effectiveness of multilateral governance in the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is multilateralism and how does it differ from unilateralism?
Multilateralism is a system where three or more countries cooperate under agreed norms and institutions, unlike unilateralism, where a single nation acts independently.

2. How has UN peacekeeping contributed to global conflict resolution in 2023?
Through 63 active missions in 37 countries, technological integration, gender inclusivity, and transitional administrations like UNTAES and UNMIK.

3. What role did the COVAX initiative play during the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVAX, co-led by WHO, GAVI, CEPI, and UNICEF, delivered nearly 2 billion vaccines to 146 economies, averting an estimated 2.7 million deaths in lower-income countries.

4. Which recent climate initiatives highlight multilateral cooperation?
COP30 in Brazil,  Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, and the 2025 UN Ocean Conference advanced climate resilience, pollution control, and SDG14 implementation.

5. What are India’s key initiatives to strengthen global multilateralism?
India contributes thousands of UN peacekeepers, leads MAHASAGAR Vision, engages in BRICS, QUAD, ASEAN, promotes Vaccine Maitri, climate finance, technology cooperation, FTAs, and capacity-building programs.

            

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims

Q.With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: (2022)

 1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to non-member States. 

 2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.

 3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN  headquarters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (d)

Q.Consider the following statements:  (2019) 

1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’. 

2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument. 

3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly. 

4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

(a) 1 and 3 only 

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (c)

Mains

Q. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2020)

Q. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (2017)