Rethinking Multilateralism

At a time when multilateral cooperation is increasingly contested – amid growing geopolitical rivalries, nationalist and autocratic currents, as well as eroding trust in international institutions – there is an urgent need to reshape the global order. The United Nations, established in the wake of World War II to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war," remains the most universal and legitimate platform for global cooperation. Yet today’s complex emergencies – deepening global inequalities, the escalating climate crisis, technological disruptions, and violent conflicts – demand more inclusive, democratic, and effective multilateral institutions.

We advocate for a reformed multilateral order in which democratic governance at the national and international level are mutually reinforcing. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains an important global framework to advance social justice, human rights, and solidarity – but achieving these goals demands a revitalized commitment to multilateral reform and cooperative solutions. At its core, this means strengthening and modernizing the UN system, ensuring it is adequately resourced and more representative of today’s realities. FES is working towards this vision – of a just and rules-based international order capable of addressing the pressing challenges of our time.