World needs multilateral system that serves interests of all equally: Egyptian FM

LONDON: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Saturday made an impassioned plea for multilateral reform and international solidarity in tackling global crises.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, he underscored Egypt’s commitment to global peace, development, and cooperation, while calling out what he described as double standards in international affairs.

He said only a more inclusive multilateral system that serves the interests of all would suffice in addressing contemporary challenges threatening a more equitable world order.

“Egypt is committed to continuing its efforts to build a world of peace, justice and prosperity for all,” he added. 

“We call upon the international community to rise to the challenges of this critical juncture in history, to uphold the principles of equality and fairness, and to work together to build a multilateral system that serves the interests of all nations and peoples without discrimination or bias.”

Abdelatty emphasized the urgent need for this reform, especially in the face of the longstanding unresolved issue of Palestine.

He lamented that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains an “open wound” more than 70 years after its inception. 

He was critical of the international community for the stark contrast between its rapid response to crises in certain parts of the world as opposed to the prolonged inaction on others, particularly in the Middle East.

“How can the international community speak about defending the rules-based international system while some issues, such as the Palestinian cause, remain unresolved for over 70 years?” he asked, drawing attention to the “continued suffering” of the Palestinian people under occupation and the “denial of their basic rights.”

He added: “We’ve seen first-hand how swift the reactions were in some conflicts in Europe, which has raised many questions about the selectivity and bias that dominate the international system today.

“This undermines its credibility and further fuels divisions, conflicts and instability in different parts of the world.”

Abdelatty urged the UN and its member states to apply consistent standards to all conflicts and global challenges, calling for a renewed push to resolve the Palestinian issue, which he described as the “central issue” in the Arab world.

As the host of COP27 last year, Egypt had been at the forefront of climate action, he said, highlighting its advocacy for financing, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage in vulnerable regions of the world.

He called for further international cooperation to achieve climate goals and ensure that developing countries, particularly in Africa, receive adequate support.

Abdelatty stressed the need for a unified global fight against terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations,” citing Egypt’s domestic successes in this regard

Underscoring Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development, he called for increased international support to alleviate poverty and boost economic growth and development, particularly in Africa. 

“Development remains the key to achieving lasting peace and stability. Poverty, hunger and inequality continue to plague many developing countries, particularly in Africa,” he said. 

“The international community must prioritize sustainable development, the elimination of poverty, and the promotion of economic growth in these regions.”

Abdelatty also drew attention to the global food security crisis, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine and disrupted supply chains, and called for a comprehensive international response to ensure vulnerable countries, especially in Africa, are not left behind.