The Covid-19 with its global spread has impacted heavily on the multilateral institutions as never before. The closing of national boundaries and sudden disruption of global network of transport and supply chain has led to skepticism about the capacity of multilateralism and multilateral institutions. But the very transnational implications of the pandemic and multilateral cooperation in responses, sharing of pandemic information and research cooperation signifies that world needs the multilateral cooperation and enhanced institutional capacity more than before to deal with impending pandemic which are going to recur more frequently as per the medical research and predictions.
COVID-19 and Its Impact warrants Multilateral Response
The pandemic has exposed our shared vulnerability. “The COVID 19 pandemic is a tragic reminder of how deeply connected we are. The virus knows no borders and is a quintessential global challenge. Combatting it requires us to work together as one human family”.[1] The scale of the crisis and its debilitating impacts and implications points to the global extent and nature of the consequences. The sheer scale of the pandemic is beyond the ambit of national government and need of stronger spirit of multilateralism and functioning multilateral institutions are need of the hour. The multilateralism is based on the fact that it minimizes the cost of negative actions and maximizes the positive actions of other countries as well as shared benefits of global public goods. The present crisis has emphasized the moral imperative that one is safe when all other is safe. Thus multilateralism needs to infuse the ethical content and moral ethos to the realist approach of verified dividend based cooperation.[2]
Health Security Urging for Resilient Multilateral Response
The pandemic has produced a strong current of nationalistic wave of concerns. The process of globalization and its interdependent webs has brought numerous issues and challenges of global nature which no single sovereign entity on the planet can deal with alone. Thus multilateralism is fundamental to the contemporary stage of human civilization for a sustainable peace and security. The contemporary dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the exiting multilateralism are manifestation of unproductive rigidities of the present multilateral system and the growing chasm between the demands and the response capacity of these multilateral institutions. Thus it has led to multitudes of bilateral engagement and regional mechanism to serve their specific interests. So the need of the hour is to make the necessary reform and reset of the multilateral institutions which are able to reflect the contemporary demands and requirements. The past half a century has brought about profound synergies in multifarious ways. But there are still substantial different and opposing views and opinion about building multilateral institutions and framework for desirable performance and sustainable architecture catering the needs of diverse political culture and national aspirations.[3]
The pandemic has put on test the health preparedness and infrastructure of the countries and the policy vision of the governments. Thus, with the passage of time and better understanding the evolving perception are rather hinting towards more collaborative approach and stronger multilateral framework to deal with such pandemic and other common dangers.The multilateralism needs to address these issues and concerns keeping in mind the global goods and challenges for a sustainable future role in consonance with the national interests of the countries and the people across the board. The withdrawal of US from many multilateral institutions and forums under the President Donald Trump had created an atmosphere of skepticism and increasing loss of trust around the globe. But President Biden has infused a new hope with his remarks in his inaugural address. In his message to the world he said that “we will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security.[4]
The pandemic has produced a deeper sense among the people and leadership in the world about need of Multilateralism and sustained efforts to buttress their performance as an effective means to fight the health hazards and keep the world healthier and safer. The letter of President Biden to UN expressing US intention to remain member of WHO with clear words of appreciation of the organization and its fights against the pandemic is the telling testimony of renewed global understanding and recognition of the power of multilateral institutions to deal with crisis of such unprecedented global scale. The return of US with assurances will surely spur the pursuit of global health and health security.[5] UN Secretary General welcomed the US rejoining with the statement that the step is absolutely critical to support the organization for coordinated fight against the Covid-19. He added “Now is the time for and for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences.” [6] The presence of United States and its support will give momentum to the efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccine across the world.
The UN Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres has reiterated the points before that “Covid-19 is not only a wake-up call; it is a dress rehearsal for the world of challenges to come. The pandemic has taught us that our choices matter. As we look to the future, let us make sure we choose wisely”.[7] The choice referred was building a robust structure and network of multilateralism keeping an eye on the impending future pandemic and crisis. At this juncture, these appear to be a positive measure towards the new post-pandemic architecture of multilateralism.
The initial responses of the governments to safeguard its citizenry led to closing of borders and restrictions on travel as an immediate measure to stem the spread of the virus and its debilitating consequences. This led to growing perceptions that nations are turning inward and their trust in the multilateral institutions are on the sharp wane. But soon this perception is in clear retreat as the world has been in sincere contemplation and realization that no country alone can deal with this niggardly and menacing virus. The mettle of the multilateral strategy and institutions became clear when the new US Secretary of State said that ‘Domestic policy is Foreign Policy’ and vice versa. Because our strength at home determines our strength in the world and our policies and performance in the world determines our safety and security at home. He further added that “At this moment of unprecedented global challenge it’s more important than ever that US show up and lead, we need diplomacy to get the pandemic under control worldwide.”[8] These are powerful endorsement of multilateralism and indication of its accelerating march ahead in the post-pandemic world.
The special session of the United Nation General Assembly was dedicated to the Covid-19 crisis. All the delegates expressed their solidarity and stressed the need for multi-lateral approach to mitigate the impact of the pandemic world-wide and ensure equitable distribution of vaccine all across the nations. [9] Such an expression for collective initiative and action is a strong sign of resurgence of trust in multilateralism and its reliability as a future of international relations and cooperation.
In his address to the General Assembly, United Nations, the Secretary General remarked that “the pandemic is the human tragedy- but it can also be an opportunity. In our interconnected world, we need a networked multilateralism so that the global and regional organizations communicate and work towards common goal. We must transform our global system into a global partnership. At the international level I have called for a new global deal. Together, I am confident that we can emerge from Covid-19 and lay the foundation for a cleaner, safer and fairer world for all and for generations to come.” [10] Therefore, the dominant sentiment remains in favour of multilateralism and the pandemic has rather spurred the sense of urgency.
The 75th General Assembly focussed its main session on “The future we want, the United Nations we need: Reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism- Confronting Covid-19 through effective multilateral action.” The Declaration stressed: “we have the tools and now we have to use them. Urgent efforts are required. Therefore, we are not here to celebrate. We are here to take action.” [11] The pandemic has caused many-sided havoc but has pushed the world to a new level of realisation and commitment towards multilateralism and its role in the face of unprecedented nature and content of such crisis as the Covid-19 underway.
The Tough Road Ahead
The assumption behind the multilateralism has been that peace and prosperity goes hand in hand. The shared purpose would hold the members and the increasing economic engagement would produce shared prosperity and shared stakes. This in turn would usher in peace and stability. But practically all the multilateral forums and institution fail to qualify by these assumptions and has been marred by national interests of powerful countries, the Great powers. No multilateral institution could grew into a genuine forum with the underlying idea of well-being for all and shared peace and prosperity. The Secretary-General, United Nations has already reminded about challenges and required actions in the very beginning of 2020 when he said in his remark that we achieved tremendous strength together, “Yet anniversaries are not about celebrating the past; they are about looking ahead. We must cast our eyes to the future with hope.” [12] Then he enumerated the challenges and how to grapple with these with the strength of togetherness.
The President of the UN General Assembly remarked that, “Not only do we need a multilateral system, we need a system that is relevant for our increasingly globalized and interconnected world: a system that is flexible and able to adapt quick to react to multiple challenges at the same time, to be responsive to the needs of people everywhere, ensuring that none are left behind.” [13] The return of US to WHO has instilled the multilateral zeal at an appropriate time.
Second, ‘Great Power Competition’ that has been a constant factor of failure of the multilateral movement and institutions. Biden administration’s emphasis on ‘diplomacy’ and rebuilding alliances is boding well for calming geopolitical rivalry and tension is the much desired course for global health security.
Third, building of new and revised multilateral structure and its capacity requires greater willingness of nations to share responsibility and commitments. This can be attained only by making the institutions representative in content and reflective of the shared global health security.
Fourth, necessary reform of the existing structure reflecting the contemporary realities of the world and shared responsibility
Fifth, the rules and regulation must be qualified by fair play and transparency in consonance with goals and its values.
Recent Encouraging Voices Commitments
In recent months there are growing encouraging voices of commitments from leading world leaders and forums. During ‘Open Debate on Multilateralism’ Secretary Antony Blinken referring to the pandemic said that “Multilateralism is still our best tool for tackling big global challenges”. [14] The Chinese Foreign Minister and the State Councilor also had a similar remark that “As the world goes through a raging pandemic and profound changes rarely seen in a century, we need to firmly commit to the path of cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win, and to put true multilateralism into practice”. [15] These are promising expression which needs to be carried into global health security policy making. “The International Health Regulations remain the cornerstone of global governance for pandemic preparedness and response”, [16] said the Director General, WHO in his address to the World Health Assembly. He further added that “a treaty on pandemic preparedness and response” should be made. “IOAC recommends increasing current investment in resilient health systems, and universal health coverage, as delivery of an essential package of health services with sustainable funding is a key priority.” [17] In his address to the G7 summit session ‘Building Back StrongerHealth’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a strong message of “One Earth One Health” for whole world. [18] He also stressed the need of improving the ‘global health governance’. These message found willing endorsement from the leaders which is apparent from the G7 Summit Communique’ which on the matter reads that “We therefore commit both to strengthen global action now to fight COVID-19, and to take further tangible steps to improve our collective defences against future threats and to bolster global health and health security”. [19]
Conclusion
Multilateralism is not merely for confronting the common threats, but also an unavoidable path for an assured global health security. The pandemic is a reminder of this shared opportunity to mobilise the common pool of human intelligence and attainments to build a sustainable economies and inclusive societies. The shared vulnerability of the pandemic has activated inclusive responses and can be utilized for building capacities for shaping an inclusive and sustainable global society and order. The Covid-19 has dented heavily our contemporary global structure, exacerbated the geopolitical trends, sharpened nationalism and protectionism even the great power competition making effort difficult to resuscitate the already multilateral structure and spirit. But it is also true that the Covid-19 has raised the importance of the multilateral processes and actions which can be understood with the growing coronation in sharing of pandemic information, the ongoing researches, and vaccine development. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030 have substantial component of value based cooperation. The pragmatic treaties and agreements with equitable responsibility and burden sharing can ensure the desired momentum to multilateral process. The US-China rivalry and competition is again dragging the world towards bipolar division. There is an important opportunity for countries like India to take an increasing role and responsibility at the global stage. This will arrest the bipolar syndrome and produce a multi-polar global landscape, a better stage for multilateral cooperation with resilient health institutions. The prediction of future virulent pandemic X is making the multilateralism increasingly integral to the future course of health security and economic stability. In brief, multilateralism is no more an option but an integral to global health security.
References:
[1] United Nations (2020, April 24) “The Virtues of Multilateralism and Diplomacy”, International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, Guterres, Antonio United Nations, 24th April, 2020 https://www.un.org/en/observances/Multilateralism-for-Peace-day
[2] Dervis, Kemal (2020) “Multilateralism: What policy options to strengthen international cooperation”, Brookings, 17th November, 2020 https://www.brookings.edu/research/multilateralism-what-policy-options-to-strengthen-international-cooperation/
[3] Kharas, Homi, Snower, Dennis J. & Strauss, Sebastian(2020) “The Future of multilateralism”, Global Solution Initiative, Global Solutions, The World Policy Forum https://www.global-solutions-initiative.org/press-news/the-future-of-multilateralism/
[4] White House (2021, January 20) “Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr”, Speech, White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/01/20/inaugural-address-by-president-joseph-r-biden-jr/
[5] White House (2021, January 20 a) “Biden letter to UN General Secretary to rejoin WHO, Letter His Excellency Antonio Guterres” , Statements and Releases, White House, United States of America, 20th January, 2021 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/01/20/letter-his-excellency-antonio-guterres/
[6] Uinted Nations (2021, January 20) “UN Secretary-General welcomes US joining back WHO, Secretary-General”, Statements and Messages, SG/SM/20546,20thJanuary, 2021 https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sgsm20546.doc.htm
[7] UNGA (2020, September 22) “Address to the Opening of the General Debate of the 75th Session of the General Assembly”, United Nations, 22nd September 2020 https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2020-09-22/address-the-opening-of-the-general-debate-of-the-75th-session-of-the-general-assembly
[8] State Department (2021, February 04) “Secretary Antony J. Blinken Introductory Remarks for President Biden- United States Department of States”, 4th February, 2021 https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-introductory-remarks-for-president-biden/
[9] UNGA (2020, December 14) Thirty-First Special Session “Cautiously Optimistic about COVID-19 Vaccine, Speakers in General Assembly Say Multilateral Approaches Key for Ensuring Unhindered, Equitable Distribution” General Assembly, Meetings Coverage and Press Releases, United Nations, 14th December, 2020 https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/ga12302.doc.htm
[10] UNGA (2021, January 10) “Remarks at the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the First Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, United Nation Secretary-General, UN Headquarters, 10th January, 2021 https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2021-01-10/remarks-commemoration-of-75th-anniversary-of-first-meeting-of-un-general-assembly
[11] UNGA (2021, January 05) “Seventy-Fifth Session Highlights “Heeding COVID-19 ‘Wake-Up Call’, General Assembly Urges Collective Action to Tackle Global Crisis, Marks Seventy-Fifth Year of United Nations, Meetings Coverage and Press Releases, GA/12308, 5th January, 2021 https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/ga12308.doc.htm
[12] UNGA (2020, January 22) “Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly on his priorities for 2020, United Nations, 22nd January, 2020 https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2020-01-22/secretary-generals-remarks-the-general-assembly-his-priorities-for-2020-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english-version
[13] UNGA (2020, December 10) “Statement by H.E. VolkanBozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly”, “The Need for Multilateralism in a changing world”, 10th December, 2020 https://www.un.org/pga/75/2020/12/10/the-need-for-multilateralism-in-a-changing-world/
[14] Secretary Antony J. Blinken Virtual Remarks at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Multilateralism, 7th, May, 2021 https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-virtual-remarks-at-the-un-security-council-open-debate-on-multilateralism/
[15] Remarks by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the United Nations Security Council High-level Meeting on the Theme “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding Multilateralism and the United Nations-centered International System” https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/t1874347.shtml
[16] Director-General’s opening remarks at the World Health Assembly – 24 May 2021 https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-world-health-assembly—24-may-2021
[17] IOAC statement at the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly, 25 May 2021 https://www.who.int/news/item/25-05-2021-ioac-statement-at-the-seventy-fourth-world-health-assembly-25-may-2021
[18] PM participates in the first Outreach Session of G7 Summit, 12 June, 2021 https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-participates-in-the-first-outreach-session-of-g7-summit/
[19] Carbis Bay G7 Summit Communique’, 13th June, 2021 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/13/carbis-bay-g7-summit-communique/
