Inside Geneva: Multilateralism, the Global South, and the Future
Hosted by Imogen Foulkes | Produced by SWI swissinfo.ch
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Introduction and Overview
In the April 15, 2025 episode of Inside Geneva, host Imogen Foulkes delves into the current state and future of multilateralism, focusing on the role of the Global South within international institutions. The discussion is framed against the backdrop of recent shifts in US engagement with the United Nations (UN), particularly under the administration of Donald Trump. Foulkes is joined by Daniel Warner, an international affairs specialist; Dawn Clancy, a journalist covering the UN in New York; and young voices from the Global South, including Pratyu Sharma, Olamide Onetikun, and Marilia Claus.
The State of the United Nations and Multilateralism
The episode opens with reflections on the historical evolution of the UN from its predecessor, the League of Nations. Daniel Warner asserts the precarious state of the UN today, stating, “If the United Nations is on its last legs today, we have nothing to replace it now” (03:08). This sentiment sets the stage for examining whether the UN can adapt to contemporary global challenges or if it risks becoming obsolete like the League of Nations.
Dawn Clancy discusses the disillusionment with the UN's efficacy, noting the organization's inability to prevent conflicts such as those in Gaza and Ukraine. She highlights the decline in US participation and funding, questioning the UN’s capacity to function effectively without American leadership.
Challenges Faced by the UN under US Leadership
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the United States' shifting stance towards the UN under Donald Trump's administration. Dawn Clancy points out the unpredictability of US policies, especially regarding funding and participation in key UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO). She remarks, “I think that's where you don't understand what Global south is. Global south is not about taking revenge from the Global North” (14:01), emphasizing the disconnect between US policies and the needs of the Global South.
Imogen Foulkes contrasts perspectives from Geneva and New York, highlighting how US disengagement manifests differently in each location. In Geneva, Foulkes observes that the US is severing ties with the UN on critical issues such as Ukraine and Gaza, while also ideologically influencing remaining funding (05:40).
Perspectives from the Global South
The episode features insightful contributions from young leaders representing the Global South, who articulate their frustrations and aspirations regarding multilateralism. Pratyu Sharma criticizes the Global North for not upholding the equitable ideals they espoused, likening it to “preaching water and drinking wine” (14:12). He underscores the necessity for the Global South to actively participate in reforms to make international institutions more inclusive and fair.
Olamide Onetikun echoes this sentiment, highlighting the inefficiency of the UN Security Council in addressing the realities faced by the Global South. He describes the structure as “anachronistic” and a “photography of the past,” stressing that it fails to represent the current global dynamics (16:03).
Marilia Claus from Brazil adds that both the Global North and South are interdependent and that a reformed global system should reflect this mutual reliance. She emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to climate finance, criticizing the outdated frameworks established by the Bretton Woods institutions (17:57).
Agenda Setting: The Case of Climate Change
Climate change emerges as a critical issue where multilateralism is both essential and currently failing. Dawn Clancy recounts her experience at a climate conference in Antigua, where the immediate impacts of climate change—such as extreme heat—made the abstract concept painfully real for attendees (22:13). Small island developing states (SIDS) in the Global South, particularly vulnerable to climate disasters, find their voices marginalized in global discussions.
Marilia Claus and Olamide Onetikun discuss the inadequacies of existing financial institutions in addressing climate challenges. Claus advocates for reforming the Bretton Woods institutions to create a more inclusive financial architecture that can effectively support climate initiatives (17:57). Onetikun underscores the urgency of climate action and the failure of international systems to provide timely and adequate resources, highlighting the necessity for South-South cooperation (18:45).
Prospects for Future Reforms and Leadership
Looking forward, the panelists debate the potential for institutional reform and new leadership within the UN framework. Daniel Warner expresses skepticism about the likelihood of substantial reforms, pointing out the entrenched nature of current structures and the absence of a clear successor to the influential post of UN Secretary-General (24:26).
Imogen Foulkes introduces the idea that young leaders from the Global South could play a pivotal role in reshaping multilateralism. Pratyu Sharma remains optimistic, advocating for incremental changes and the eventual integration of the Global South into a fairer global economy (21:00).
Dawn Clancy highlights potential leadership from emerging figures like Mia Motley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, who advocates for addressing colonial legacies and debt burdens linked to climate change (27:30). However, the uncertainty surrounding US engagement leaves the future of multilateralism hanging in the balance.
Conclusions and Takeaways
The episode concludes with a consensus that the current international system is at a crossroads. Daniel Warner warns of a fundamental paradigm shift, questioning whether the UN can sustain its role without American support and leadership (29:48). The young voices from the Global South, despite their frustrations, remain hopeful and committed to driving change from within.
Imogen Foulkes reflects on the resilience and optimism of the Global South’s youth, suggesting that their energy and innovative ideas might yet steer multilateralism towards a more inclusive and effective future. However, the overarching concern remains whether these efforts can overcome the entrenched power imbalances and structural inefficiencies that have long plagued international institutions.
Notable Quotes
- Daniel Warner: “If the United Nations is on its last legs today, we have nothing to replace it now.” (03:08)
- Dawn Clancy: “When you think about the end of World War II ... is that what we're going to need?” (00:55)
- Pratyu Sharma: “It is simply like, you know, you're preaching water and drinking wine.” (00:30)
- Olamide Onetikun: “The United Nations Security Council is absolutely inefficient to deal with the reality of people, especially from the Global South.” (00:40)
- Marilia Claus: “The Global south cannot exist on its own, and likewise, the Global north also cannot exist on its own.” (00:49)
Final Thoughts
The April 2025 episode of Inside Geneva paints a complex picture of a world grappling with evolving power dynamics and the pressing need for institutional reform. As multilateralism faces unprecedented challenges, the voices from the Global South highlight the imperative for a more inclusive and adaptive international system. Whether the UN can reinvent itself in time to address existential threats like climate change remains a pivotal question, underscoring the urgency for collective action and visionary leadership.
For more insights and in-depth analyses, subscribe to Inside Geneva on your preferred podcast platform and explore previous episodes tackling topics from the International Red Cross to human rights justice in Geneva.