Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for a restructuring of multilateralism to better accommodate the interests of developing nations. Speaking at a preparatory meeting for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, he emphasized that the current multilateral framework is largely shaped by the Global North, often sidelining the pressing concerns of the Global South.
Kalu stressed the importance of granting Africa, particularly Nigeria, a permanent seat on the UN Security Council to ensure more balanced decision-making. He argued that genuine multilateralism must be built on inclusivity and cooperation, ensuring that developing nations have a say in policies that directly impact them.
Using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an example, he pointed out that while these global targets address key issues, they may not always align with the immediate priorities of developing nations still struggling with industrialization and economic stability. He urged global leaders to expand representation in decision-making forums to reflect the unique challenges of the Global South.
Kalu also highlighted the long-standing debt burdens faced by African countries, noting that expecting them to meet SDG targets without addressing these economic constraints is unrealistic. He called for a reform of Article 108 of the UN Charter to allow for broader participation of African nations in shaping global policies.
Following the meeting, Kalu reaffirmed that without inclusivity and cooperation, multilateralism remains a theoretical concept rather than a practical solution for achieving global peace and prosperity. He expressed appreciation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) leadership and fellow parliamentary heads for their efforts in advancing discussions on a fairer global governance system.
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