Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, recently played host to the highly anticipated Astana International Forum, a gathering of global leaders, policymakers, and experts focused on addressing pressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation. The forum, held from June 10th to June 12th, 2023, brought together representatives from various fields, including government, academia, business, and civil society, to discuss crucial issues shaping the world's future.
Under the theme of "Tackling Challenges Through Dialogue: Toward Cooperation, Development, and Progress," the forum aimed to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration on key topics such as climate change, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, technology innovation, and social inclusion. The event facilitated an exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices, with a strong emphasis on actionable solutions and partnerships.
The forum's opening ceremony featured a keynote address by President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, who emphasized the importance of global cooperation in tackling shared challenges. President Tokayev highlighted the missions of the Astana International Forum: First, to candidly review the global situation; second, to identify the leading challenges and crises; third, to tackle those challenges through dialogue in a spirit of mutual cooperation; fourth, to renew and rebuild a common culture of multilateralism; and fifth, to amplify voices for peace, progress, and solidarity.
“This Forum explicitly promotes greater engagement at a time when we need it more than ever – a period of unprecedented geopolitical tension. For it to survive, the global system must work for everyone, promoting peace and prosperity for the many rather than for the few,” said Tokayev.
Global leaders must act now to rescue sustainable development goals, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the Astana International Forum, urging collective efforts to address global challenges.
“We are living through trying times. Conflicts – old and new – grind on. Geopolitical tensions are rising. The climate crisis continues unabated. Hunger and inequality are increasing. The Sustainable Development Goals, our blueprint for peace and prosperity on a healthy planet, are far off track. And every day brings warnings of the dangers of unregulated new technologies,” said Antonio Guterres.
He emphasized that the world can only address them by joining forces and working hand in hand. According to him, current collective mechanisms and actions do not match the pace or scale of these challenges.
“We at the United Nations are working to bring countries together to address these gaps in global governance and find solutions. Our Common Agenda initiative proposes a renewed multilateralism that is fairer and more inclusive; that addresses new risks and threats; and that will protect our planet for the benefit of future generations. Global leaders must act now to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Antonio Guterres.
President Tokayev of Kazakhstan expressed concern that the world is witnessing the erosion of the very foundation of the world order that has been built since the creation of the United Nations. The UN remains the only universal global organization that unites everyone together. “We will not succeed in tackling these challenges in the absence of a comprehensive reform of the Security Council. The voices of Middle Powers in the Council need to be amplified and clearly heard,” said President Tokayev.
In fact, the reform of the United Nations Security Council has been a topic of discussion and debate for many years. The Security Council, composed of five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members, plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security. However, many argue that the Council's current structure does not adequately reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century and lacks representativeness and effectiveness. As a result, there have been ongoing efforts to reform the Security Council to make it more inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the global distribution of power.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was time to reform both the Security Council and Bretton Woods to align with the "realities of today's world." He made these remarks during a press conference in Hiroshima, Japan, where the Group of Seven summit meeting had taken place.
"The global financial architecture has become outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair," he stated. "In the face of the economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has failed to fulfill its core function as a global safety net."
Proposals for reform typically focus on expanding the Council's membership, particularly in the category of permanent members. Proponents argue that including emerging powers and regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia would enhance the Council's legitimacy and effectiveness. However, reaching a consensus on the specifics of expansion, including the number of additional permanent members and the criteria for their selection, has proven challenging due to conflicting interests among member states.
Other reform proposals involve modifying the veto power of the permanent members. Critics argue that the veto power can hinder timely and effective decision-making, as any permanent member can unilaterally block actions even if there is broad support from the majority of the Council. Suggestions range from limiting or suspending veto power in cases of mass atrocities or humanitarian crises to introducing a more collective decision-making process.
The process of reforming the Security Council requires the approval of two-thirds of the UN General Assembly and the support of all five permanent members, making it a complex and politically sensitive undertaking. Various member states and regional groups have put forth their ideas and positions on the matter, leading to extensive discussions and negotiations within the UN framework.
While there is a recognition of the need for Security Council reform, reaching a consensus on the specific details and implementing the necessary changes remains a significant challenge. The reform process continues to evolve, with member states engaging in ongoing debates and consultations to find common ground and move towards a more representative and effective Security Council that can address the complex global challenges of the modern world.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Željka Cvijanović stressed the significance of multilateral diplomacy in her speech, stating that a system of multipolar balance of power is necessary to ensure functional multilateralism. She emphasized the need for respect and communication among actors, highlighting the importance of a wider universal platform and regional cooperation.
“Functional multilateralism cannot exist without a proper environment. That is a system of multipolar balance of power where no actor or group of actors can impose their own rules and attitudes on others and where the level of usual respect and communication is much higher than is the case nowadays,” she said.
Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the IMF, expressed concern about the rise in trade and foreign direct investment restrictions since 2018. She called on policymakers to counter these restrictions and bring rationality to economic decision-making. Georgieva offered four solutions for pragmatic multilateralism, including uniting against climate change, pandemics, debt, and addressing artificial intelligence.
Georgieva emphasized the importance of integrated trade within regions and adherence to World Trade Organization standards and rules. She also underscored the necessity of cooperation in the areas of food and medicine without imposing restrictions on the flow of essential goods and services. “No country or region can succeed on its own,” she said.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay thanked Kazakhstan and President Tokayev for expanding the Astana International Forum's scope beyond economic cooperation. Azoulay stressed the significance of international cooperation and sustainable financing in shaping a common future, including just and sustainable economies and societies. She announced a major project in collaboration with Central Asian countries to monitor glaciers and mountain lakes.
“I believe this example shows that working at the regional and multilateral levels is both relevant because of the nature of the issue. It is essential if we are to serve the general interests of the population,” she said.
OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid acknowledged Kazakhstan's crucial role in the organization and urged a renewed commitment to multilateralism amid the unprecedented challenges faced by international organizations. Schmid highlighted the tangible benefits of their work, which positively impacts 1.3 billion people, including those in Central Asia.
“Our work goes beyond dialogue in Vienna. We continue to ensure real benefits every day, making a difference to 1.3 billion people, including in Central Asia. I was in Bishkek and Ashgabat before I arrived here, and I can see it with my own eyes,” she said.
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, drew attention to the increasing development disparities among countries in different regions, particularly in Asia. Alisjahbana called for enhanced cooperation in addressing global challenges, emphasizing the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental aspects of people's lives. She highlighted the diverse nature of the Asia-Pacific region, which includes major economies as well as least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states among its members.
Moreover, throughout the two-day event, a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops engaged participants in robust debates and brainstorming sessions. Prominent figures from around the world, including heads of state, international organization leaders, renowned scientists, and industry pioneers, shared their insights and expertise on a range of topics.
One of the key focal points of the forum was the impact of geopolitical tensions on global development. Former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, politician Lassina Zerbo, emphasized the role of Kazakhstan in strengthening the global order. "I've been visiting this country since 2004 and I'm really proud to see what they've achieved and how far they've come," said Mr. Zerbo.
He also noted the current problems and issues facing the African continent. According to him, there are a lot of uncontrolled weapons in the region, where poverty and climate change have greatly affected the African population.
"We also need to help the younger generation because in our region, over 70 or 75% of the population is below 30. When you have such a large young population, our focus should be on providing them with employment opportunities and empowering them to make a positive impact on their environment. That's something that is currently lacking. In West Africa, we are indeed facing the consequences of having such a young population. One thing I want to add is the perception that often arises. Having been in government and in the region for some time, the perception is that some countries are actively trying to expel Western countries from West Africa," said Mr. Zerbo.
Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, a Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics, focused on the rise of populism and conflicts within countries. He highlighted that the world is very different from 25 years ago. "No one would have imagined that we could have elected Donald Trump as the President of the United States. Brexit would have been unlikely, and leaders like the Sinawatras, Duterte, or Bolsonaro would not have been anticipated," said Mr. Rodríguez-Pose.
In this respect, he questions why this emergence is happening and why we are witnessing such a complete change within our countries. According to him, there are two forces at play. The first one is the belief that this is a cultural conflict, where some people see the imposition of new ideas from the global world that are sometimes foreign to their own countries.
"A populist government always seeks an external enemy. If their policies fail to deliver and the country doesn't do well, they always find a scapegoat outside their borders. This makes the world far more dangerous, as populist leaders look for an external enemy to blame," he noted.
Furthermore, one of the main topics of the forum was climate change mitigation and adaptation. Participants discussed the urgency of addressing climate-related risks and explored strategies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. The forum showcased innovative projects and technologies that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. Experts also emphasized the need for international collaboration to achieve the goals set by the Paris Agreement.
Another significant aspect of the forum was the emphasis on sustainable agriculture and food security. Participants recognized the vital role of agriculture in ensuring global food production while minimizing environmental impact. Discussions revolved around sustainable farming practices, technology-enabled solutions, and the importance of supporting smallholder farmers. The forum underscored the need for equitable access to food and the promotion of sustainable agricultural systems worldwide.
In addition to the plenary sessions, the Astana International Forum provided ample opportunities for networking and forging partnerships. Business leaders engaged in discussions on responsible investment, circular economy models, and corporate sustainability practices. Government officials explored avenues for collaboration on policy frameworks, international agreements, and funding mechanisms to support sustainable development efforts.
The forum concluded with a declaration highlighting the key outcomes and commitments made during the event. The declaration expressed a shared vision for a sustainable future and outlined concrete actions to be undertaken by governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing sustainable development and pledged to work collaboratively towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
The Astana International Forum served as a testament to the power of global cooperation and collective action in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. By fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnership building, the forum contributed to the momentum for sustainable development and provided a platform for stakeholders to shape a better tomorrow.
As the curtains closed on this year's event, participants left Astana with renewed determination to implement the ideas and initiatives discussed during the forum. The lasting impact of the Astana International Forum will be measured by the concrete actions taken by governments, businesses, and individuals around the world to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.