Multilateralism is under unprecedented strain. From great-power rivalry and the fragmentation of the global order to the growing contestation of norms and institutions, the international system faces profound challenges to its legitimacy and effectiveness. A panel discussion convened by UNU-CPR's Global Governance Innovation Platform (GGI) and ENSURED examined the future of multilateral cooperation in an increasingly contested and multipolar world.
Drawing on findings from ENSURED's three-year research programme, participants explored both the vulnerabilities facing the current multilateral order and opportunities for governance innovation.
Discussion focused on how successful multilateral practices can inform more effective, robust and democratic forms of global governance. Participants also examined what lessons can be learned from new multilateral debates around global digital governance and the development of international norms for emerging technologies.
The conversation further explored which traditional multilateral practices remain fit for purpose in a multipolar world, and how governance models from BRICS and other plurilateral forums can strengthen multilateral governance and cooperation.
The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding how multilateral institutions evolve and adapt in response to shifting geopolitical realities. As international cooperation becomes increasingly complex, participants reflected on both the enduring strengths of existing multilateral approaches and the potential for new governance practices to enhance cooperation across a wider range of actors and institutions.
The panel featured:
- Michael Franczac, Senior Researcher in Multilateralism and Global Governance, UNU-CPR
- Hylke Dijkstra, Professor of International Security and Cooperation, Maastricht University
- Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President and Head of the Multilateralism and Global Governance Programme, Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Federica Marconi, Researcher, Multilateralism and Global Governance Programme, Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Mihaela Papa, Director of Research and Principal Research Scientist, Center for International Studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
For more information, view the event page on the UNU-CPR website.
Photo: UN Photo
Snapshots from the event:
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