Secretary-General to Tout Multilateralism at SCO Leaders’ Summit

Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson, has reported that the Secretary-General is set to embark on a journey to China in anticipation of the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Leaders’ Summit which will be held in Tianjin.

During his participation in the SCO’s gathering on the upcoming Monday, the Secretary-General is slated to share his views in the ‘SCO-plus’ round. As the world transitions towards multiple centres of power, it is believed that the Secretary-General will underscore the pivotal role of multilateralism, enforcement of international law, and placing people at the heart of these agendas.

This position resonates with the Pact for the Future and it isn’t a mere assertion; he expects it to become a part of our collective belief. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he maintains, has a distinctive ability to help us realize an inclusive and sustainable vision of the future.

The Secretary-General’s expedition to Tianjin also involves arranging bilateral meetings with several world leaders. These include a meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, and Wang Yi, who is the Foreign Affairs Minister of the same nation.

In addition to these, the Secretary-General is also anticipated to have several bilateral talks with other leaders attending the gathering. Details of these substantial occurrences will be shared in due course.

Following his visit to China, the Secretary-General will proceed to Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, on the 2nd of September. His visit comes at an important milestone for the nation, as Papua New Guinea is commemorating the golden anniversary of its independence.

On account of this significant benchmark, the nation’s leading figure, Prime Minister James Marape, has cordially invited the Secretary-General to be part of the revelry and the celebration that follows this historic event of national importance.

Gunfire salutes and loud applause are expected to fill the air on Wednesday, the 3rd of September, as the Secretary-General is scheduled to deliver an eloquent speech in honour of the Parliament’s dedication and commitment over the past 50 years.

He will pay tribute to the nation’s remarkable journey of unity and progress amidst its staggering diversity of over 800 languages and numerous traditions. The Secretary-General will recognise how Papua New Guinea, with its assorted cultures, has steadfastly embarked on the enduring journey of maturing into a unified nation, standing together for peace, dignity, and progression.

He will not leave behind his eagerness of this being his inaugural visit to the Pacific following the ground-breaking advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). An opinion that was influenced by the region and which adamantly affirms that dealing with climatic changes is a lawful commitment under international law.

An essential aspect to underline during this trip will be the unprecedented visit by a sitting UN Secretary-General to Papua New Guinea, a revelation that adds a unique dimension to this meaningful journey.

Once the visit is completed, the Secretary-General will be returning to New York on September 6, leaving behind enriched experiences and shared visions for the future.

In a recently delivered statement, the Secretary-General drew attention to alarming developments in Israel, where initial measures to seize command over Gaza City via military means have initiated a concerning and perilous era.

He cautioned that broadening military intrusions within Gaza City will inevitably lead to disastrous implications. The Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, painted a grim picture of the situation in the area with the escalating deaths and unprecedented destruction.

The threat of famine in the region has transcended from being a mere risk to an unfortunate reality. The horrifying transform from possibility to catastrophe resonates with international concern.

He ended with a powerful remark, stating that the act of starving civilians should never be a strategy in warfare, insinuating the urgent need for renewed commitments to peace and stability.