UN Chief Warns Multilateralism Faces Serious Challenges

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Thursday that multilateralism is facing serious challenges. He called for strengthened cooperation and the restoration of trust to address global issues, including conflict, poverty, and climate change. In a video message to the 21st Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, he urged nations to reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter and shared values. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern over the weakening influence of the UN and other international institutions. ‘What makes me very angry is President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from a large number of international organisations and UN-related agencies,’ Ban said. He stressed that no country can thrive in isolation, regardless of its strength and resources. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama criticised the latest US and Israeli military actions against Iran, stating that their actions ‘clearly violate international law.’ The Jeju Forum was launched in 2001 with the theme of peace and prosperity.