Latest news with #multilateralism
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Anwar warns against new geopolitical orthodoxy, reaffirms Asean centrality
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivering his keynote address at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore today. (EPA Images pic) PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment as Asean chair to defending the bloc's centrality and long-standing principle of active non-alignment. Speaking at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Anwar warned against rising geopolitical orthodoxy and bloc politics that risk destabilising the region. He said Southeast Asia does not need a new Cold War, and called instead for an equilibrium built on openness and cooperation. 'Preserving our autonomy is not about resisting others. It is about strengthening ourselves. This, in essence, is what Asean centrality is about,' Bernama quoted him as saying in his keynote speech. He criticised 'coalitions that build walls instead of bridges', warning that they fuel an arms race and erode the legitimacy of multilateralism. 'A stable region is not one braced for conflict, but one grounded in openness, transparency and habit-forming cooperation.' Anwar also stressed the importance of continuing to engage with major powers and middle powers alike. 'We will engage all who are willing – major powers and middle powers alike – not to set one against the other, but to maximise our own strategic space,' he said, stressing the importance of balancing ties with the US, China, and partners across Asia, Europe and the Global South. Referencing the Johor-Singapore special economic zone as an example of what bilateral cooperation can achieve, Anwar said Asean offers a wider canvas for such partnerships. He also cited outcomes from the recently concluded 46th Asean Summit and related summits in Kuala Lumpur, citing the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045, progress on Timor-Leste's admission, and deeper engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council and China through joint summits. Touching on regional flashpoints, Anwar called for calm, direct and consistent engagement with all parties in the South China Sea dispute. 'We have no interest in seeing tensions spiral into confrontation, least of all in waters so critical to our own security and prosperity,' he said. The prime minister said all parties must uphold international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adding that Malaysia rejected the idea of spheres of influence that silenced smaller nations. He said true stability does not come from dividing the world into zones of control, but from creating space for all countries to participate meaningfully in shaping the global order.
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Astana International Forum 2025 Opens with Resounding Call for Global Cooperation
Astana, Kazakhstan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - The Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 opened today with a high-level ceremony that set the stage for two days of strategic dialogue and cross-border collaboration. Held under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, this year's Forum gathers global leaders to address some of the world's most urgent challenges under the theme "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In his opening remarks, President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of restoring multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world: "The post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering. In this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists, and to restore it where it has broken down... That's what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: 'The unity in diversity'." The Forum welcomed several high-profile speakers, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and former UN Secretary-General. The session was moderated by Julia Chatterley. Reflecting on the progress that Kazakhstan has made, President Kagame noted that "Kazakhstan's prosperity is the reflection of its leadership, resilience and its people." President Siljanovska-Davkova addressed how to resolve current global crises, stressing that, "We need to use the collective wisdom and experience to think fast, or faster, in order to cope with the pressing challenges of our time." Alain Berset emphasized democratic values as central to global security, stating: "We gather here... to discuss security, energy, climate, and the economy. But let us be honest, these cannot be secured if democracy fails." Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon praised Kazakhstan's role as a convener: "This year's theme reflects the kind of leadership we need today. One that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Qu Dongyu highlighted the role of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in ensuring global food security. "Central Asia stands at the crossroad geopolitically, economically, and climatically," he said, adding: "Kazakhstan's territory is 2,800 square kilometres. With proper management, investments and new technologies - Kazakhstan can easily feed 1 billion people worldwide." The agenda featured action-oriented sessions on climate change, energy security, and conflict resolution. In a one-on-one with journalist Tony Barber, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz welcomed growing attention to Central Asia: "Europe is now seeing the need for deeper cooperation with this part of the world." UN-backed discussions were a highlight of the Forum, with the organization serving as a strategic partner. Sessions marked the UN's 80th anniversary and addressed priorities like the Pact for the Future, migration, and water security. A standout was a conversation between CNN's Max Foster and Amy E. Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on migration's role in sustainable development. As day one concluded, AIF reaffirmed its mission to elevate the role of middle powers, reinforce the value of multilateralism, and accelerate practical global solutions. Day two will continue to foster partnerships and dialogue that aim to shape a more stable, inclusive, and interconnected world.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia elected UN-Habitat Assembly president for 2025-2029
Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming described the presidency as 'a shared glory for all Malaysians', citing the country's efforts in sustainable urban development. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysia has been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the 2025-2029 term. In a statement, the housing and local government ministry said the appointment was unanimously endorsed by all 193 UN member states during the assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, today. Malaysia takes over from Mexico, which previously held the presidency on behalf of the Latin America and Caribbean region. For the current term, Malaysia will co-hold the presidency and a seat on the executive board with the United Arab Emirates, representing the Asia-Pacific region. 'Together, we will ensure that this assembly bridges global ambition with local realities,' Nga said in his acceptance speech. 'To strengthen multilateralism and the UN-Habitat agenda, both Malaysia and the UAE call upon member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda.' Nga added that Malaysia's appointment reflects international recognition of the country's leadership. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians, as we continue to demonstrate our commitment and achievements in sustainable urban development, with 53% of our 156 local governments now leading Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR), putting us on track for full nationwide coverage by 2030. 'In co-presidency with the UAE, we stand ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and with steadfast dedication to the principles of the United Nations,' Nga said. UAE's representative, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said it was an honour to jointly lead the assembly with Malaysia. 'This collaboration is marked by strategic coordination and a shared purpose for a better future,' he added. Headquartered in Nairobi, UN-Habitat was established in 1975 and became a full UN programme in 2001. It is the UN's top decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and meets every four years to shape global policies for cities and human settlements.
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan among dozens of countries joins China's new global mediation group
ISLAMABAD: Dozens of countries, including Pakistan, on Friday joined China in establishing a global mediation-based dispute resolution group, with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar hoping to play an 'active' role in the mission. Dar was among representatives of more than 30 countries, from Indonesia to Belarus to Cuba, who signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong to become founding members of the global organization. Beijing has touted the organization as the world's first intergovernmental legal body for resolving disputes through mediation, saying it will be an important mechanism in safeguarding the principles of the United Nations charter. It also positioned Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services center in Asia. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dar said Pakistan values China's steadfast support for multilateral efforts, which aim to bridge East and West, and North and South, bringing together developed and developing countries to foster a global community with a shared future. 'Pakistan and China have always shared the view that multilateralism is the centerpiece for international peace, stability, and development,' he said. 'The creation of IOMed today reaffirms this ideal, offering new opportunities and fresh hopes to build a more inclusive, more just and more equitable world. Pakistan will continue to be an active voice in this noble mission.' The new body, headquartered in Hong Kong, aims to help promote the amicable resolution of international disputes and build more harmonious global relations. The support of developing countries signaled Beijing's rising influence in the global south amid heightened geopolitical tensions, partly exacerbated by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. Wang said China has long advocated for handling differences with a spirit of mutual understanding and consensus-building through dialogue, while aiming to provide 'Chinese wisdom' for resolving conflicts between nations. 'The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation helps to move beyond the zero-sum mindset of 'you lose and I win,'' he said. Hong Kong leader John Lee said the organization could begin its work as early as the end of this year. The ceremony was attended by representatives from some 50 other countries and about 20 organizations, including the United Nations. Yueming Yan, a law professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the new organization is a complementary mechanism to existing institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague. 'While the ICJ and PCA focus on adjudication and arbitration, IOMed introduces a structured, institutionalized form of alternative dispute resolution — namely, mediation — on a global scale,' she said. Although many details about the new body are yet to be clarified, it could open the door for greater synergy between formal litigation or arbitration and more flexible methods like mediation, she said. Shahla Ali, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong, said the International Organization for Mediation would have the capacity to mediate disputes between states, between a state and a national of another state, or in international commercial disputes. 'Conventions can provide opportunities to experiment with new approaches,' she said, noting rising interest in mediation globally as a means to resolve investor-state disputes. Dar said peace and security as well as global prosperity can be promoted and preserved through strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, faithful implementation of UN Security Council resolutions as well as international law. 'Pakistan has established an International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC) to promote commercial and investment dispute resolution and judicial efficiency. We look forward to collaborating with the Secretariat of IOMed and IMAC of Pakistan,' he added.
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Singapore and France working together to put in place outlines of new global order: PM Wong
SINGAPORE: Singapore and France are two "like-minded" countries working together to put in place the outlines of a new global order, with the old one of decades past changing, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (May 30). Speaking to members of the media at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Mr Wong said both countries believe deeply in multilateralism and a rules-based global order. But this is now "shifting" and "no one knows what the new order will be in the coming years". 'In this period of transition, it's important that like-minded countries work together to put in place the outlines and the pillars of a new order that will ensure stability and continued shared prosperity for countries around the world,' he added. France and Singapore are doing this not just bilaterally but also through wider initiatives involving the European Union, ASEAN and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnershi p, said Mr Wong. 'These are significant moves which I believe will help to further emphasise the principles of free trade, of the rules-based trading system, and will ensure that they are able to put in place the new pillars of multilateralism that will eventually emerge In the years to come." Mr Macron was on the second of a two-day state visit to Singapore, which also saw a dozen agreements signed across various sectors, including on mutual extradition of fugitives and cooperation on nuclear energy. The two countries also upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. ENGAGING WITH ASEAN Asked by the media on Friday how France was looking to present itself as a "third force" in Southeast Asia amid US-China rivalry, Mr Macron said his country believes in the same values such as a world order and open trade. 'We don't want to depend on another. We want to cooperate with both as far as we can and we can cooperate for growth and prosperity and safety for our people,' he added. The French president noted that France was also looking at how precisely to engage with ASEAN as well as Indo-Pacific states. Responding to the same question, Mr Wong said that while there has been 'a lot of focus' on the US and China, there are other major powers such as France to engage with. 'France has significant capabilities across a wide range of different areas ... but we also welcome France to do more, not just with Singapore, but also with the rest of Southeast Asia." Singapore is the third and final stop of Mr Macron's Southeast Asia tour, following trips to Vietnam and Indonesia. In Vietnam - his first formal visit - deals for 20 Airbus planes and cooperation on nuclear energy were signed, among others. On Mr Macron's trip to Indonesia, France and Indonesia signed a preliminary agreement that could lead to new orders of French military equipment such as Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines. 'By having these additional links for all the major powers to have stakes in Southeast Asia and Asia to work together to find win-win arrangements, we believe such a configuration makes for a stabler configuration in Asia,' Mr Wong said. SINGAPORE AS A 'STEADFAST SUPPORTER' Mr Wong earlier spoke about France and Singapore sharing numerous common areas, including in sectors such as security, economy and energy. 'What Singapore will bring to the table as a constructive partner is that we will always be a steadfast supporter, to advance these areas of shared interest together, in order to achieve win-win outcomes for both sides.' On Friday, other agreements were signed in the areas of security, defence, artificial intelligence, education, aviation and maritime affairs. An annual security dialogue was also established. These agreements show the 'deep and significant' levels of trust between both countries, showing that Singapore will always be a reliable, credible and steadfast partner to France, Mr Wong noted. Singapore and France celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. France is the first European Union member state to establish a strategic partnership with Singapore. Singapore is also the only non-NATO country with a military presence in France, which hosts the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Advanced Jet Training Detachment at Cazaux Air Base near Bordeaux. Later on Friday, the French president will deliver the keynote speech at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's largest forum on security and defence.
