Kalu Harps On Redefining Multilateralism To Benefit Developing Countries

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has emphasized the need to redefine multilateralism to accommodate the pressing needs of developing countries.

Representing Nigeria at the Heads of Parliaments meeting at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States of America, USA, preparatory for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland in July under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Kalu stresses that the current multilateral approach is driven by the Global North, leaving the Global South to face significant developmental challenges.

In a statement, by his Chief Press,
Levinus Nwabughiogu, kalu
urges the United Nations to give Africa, especially Nigeria a permanent seat at the Security Council.

Multilateralism refers to the practice of multiple countries working together to address common challenges, promote shared interests, and establish common standards.

This approach involves cooperation among three or more countries, often through established institutions such as the United Nations, to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Essentially, multilateralism, as opposed to bilateralism provides a framework for countries to collaborate on global issues, such as climate change, economic development, and human rights.

Speaking on the ‘challenges faced by countries in the world and how Parliaments can help ameliorate them through multilateralism’, Kalu at the meeting said that involved global parliaments advocated for increased representation of developing countries in decision-making and tailoring the conversations to address their unique challenges.

Using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an example, the Deputy Speaker noted that while the goals aim to address global issues, they may not align with the priorities of developing countries, which are still struggling to achieve industrialization and economic growth.

Kalu, who advanced Nigeria’s position on the issue, therefore emphasized the need to expand the voices in the room to accommodate more of the Global South, ensuring that multilateral aspirations are truly global.

PR Oduyemi Odumade