This statement follows the second in-person meeting of the High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, an independent advisory body formed by the UN Secretary-General in support of Our Common Agenda. The meeting was hosted by Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation and was held at Dag Hammarskjöld’s Backåkra in southern Sweden and at the foundation’s headquarters in Uppsala, Sweden. The following statement was made by the Co-Chairs.

The High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism held its fourth meeting in Sweden from 30 May to 1 June, on the eve of the Stockholm+50 conference and World Environment Day. The following statement was made by the Co-chairs.

During the Board’s meeting, our discussions focused on the issues of peace and security, environmental governance, and the global financial architecture. In all three areas, the multilateral system is falling short. Our institutions are struggling to address the multiple intersecting risks that are pushing us into parallel and interconnected crises. At a time when the threat of nuclear weapons has re-emerged, we lack the tools for de-escalation and confidence-building. Unresolved claims for greater equity, voice, and representation continue to undermine the effectiveness of multilateral solutions. Effective global governance must support gender equity and deliver for young people, marginalized communities, and future generations.  

Against this backdrop, the High-level Advisory Board agreed that our recommendations would be guided by the following principles: they would be people-centred, inclusive, focused on building transparency and trust, aimed at greater accountability, addressing global inequities, and balanced between the urgency of today’s needs and the longer-term risks facing humanity.  We are greatly encouraged by initiatives at regional and subnational levels and will work to integrate regional partnerships, local voices and broad groups of stakeholders in networked solutions.

We were honored to receive the UN Secretary-General for a special session on the last day of our meeting. The Secretary-General again urged us to be bold in the recommendations we will put forward ahead of the Summit of the Future.

Energized by our meeting and the clear call for greater global action on climate, environment and sustainable development at the Stockholm+50 Conference, we are moving forward with our consultations and aiming to broaden them further. Today, we are launching a public consultation to better facilitate communication with the Board. We count on the continued interest and support from all stakeholders and invite you to submit ideas for a more effective, inclusive and networked multilateralism.

The Board will continue to meet virtually over the coming months and aims to hold several briefings with UN Member States and different stakeholder groups in September and October.