Amid deepening global divides and economic uncertainty, the United Nations called for stronger multilateral cooperation and sweeping reforms to global financial and governance systems, emphasising the need for a networked, multipolar world where equity and inclusion guide decision-making.
Addressinga joint summit between the UN and Southeast Asian nations in Kuala Lumpur on Monday,Secretary-General Antnio Guterresdescribed the region as a beacon of cooperation and a vital pillar of global stability.
With Timor-Lestes accession, he said, the collective spirit of the regional organization known as ASEAN had grown stronger, making the bloc an essential partner in shaping a more balanced and interlinked world.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations now has 11 full members, alongside partners which include China, India, the European Union, Russia and Australia.
The UN, for its part, has a comprehensive partnership framework with the bloc as well as plans for joint action.
Peace, Myanmar and regional stability
Mr. Guterres outlined four areas of deepening collaboration peace and prevention; sustainable development and financial justice; climate action and digital transformation.
He commended ASEAN countries for their strong contributions to peacekeeping and regional mediation efforts.
The UN chief praised Malaysia for helping to facilitate a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, and reiterated the importance of dialogue and restraint in the South China Sea to uphold international law and freedom of navigation.
Turning toMyanmar, the Secretary-General condemned ongoing violence, describing the humanitarian situation as appalling.
Thousands are dead. Millions displaced. Humanitarian needs are soaring, he said, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities, protection of civilians, and the release of those arbitrarily detained, including democratically elected leaders.
He reaffirmed the UNs support for ASEANs 2021 Five-Point Consensus to resolve Myanmars protracted conflict following the coup and theSecurity Councilresolution demanding a ceasefire that same year.
A fairer financial system
The Secretary-General also made a strong call for overhauling what he described as an outdated and unfair global financial architecture that leaves developing nations locked out of prosperity.
It is high time for reform, he said, noting that ASEAN economies remain underrepresented in global financial institutions despite their growing economic weight.
Climate change target on life support
In hiskeynote address, the Secretary-General warned that the target on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is on life support, urging both developed and developing nations to step up climate ambition ahead of COP30 in Brazil next month.
On digital transformation, he underscored the UNs commitment to ensuring artificial intelligence serves humanity.
Standing together
At apress conferencefollowing the Summit, Mr. Guterres said ASEAN offers a vision of hope amid global uncertainty.
The United Nations is proud to be ASEANs partner, he said, as we work to ensure a better, more peaceful future for people across the southeast Asian region and around the world.
