James Cleverly, the British foreign secretary, has argued that by increasing the size of the UN security council, the global south should be given a stronger voice at the global table.
Cleverly added that third world nations are underrepresented because their voices are not heard even on matters that directly affect them, and he also called for a review of how the council’s five permanent members use their veto power.
He said he had paid close attention to the leaders of the global south, who felt wealthy countries were “hoarding power and neglecting their responsibilities,” in a speech billed as the first defense of the global multilateral system by a Conservative foreign secretary in 30 years.
Cleverly claimed that Latin America and the Indo-Pacific were gaining influence and that these nations would determine whether the system persisted. This was reported by the Guardian UK.
As he stated, “There is a real risk that the global south will walk away from the global trading system,” he called for a bold strategic reform to address this.
The UK foreign secretary said during a conference at the London think tank Chatham House, “One thing that struck me is when I speak to ministers they do do say over and over again they feel the multilateral system talks about the issues which are on the hearts and minds of the Euro-Atlantic region and less about the Indo-Pacific, Latin America, or Africa.
Making sure they consistently have a strong voice at the very top table is the best way to ensure that perception is changed and that the challenge they have identified is addressed.
Cleverly said the present system was untenable as the centre of economic gravity shifted to the Indo-Pacific and Africa’s share of the world population rose from 18% to 37% by 2100.
“The voice of the poorest and most vulnerable countries must be heard strongly in the multilateral system. The voice of the poor is not always being heard. Even on matters that directly concern them,” he added.
Cleverly said he wanted permanent African representation at the G20 and for security council membership to be extended to India, Brazil, Germany and Japan.
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