Egypt's Abdelatty Stresses Importance of Multilateral System

Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, emphasized the urgent need to address the structural shortcomings of the international system. 

"It is time to ring the alarm bells as the international system is currently showing its structural shortcomings that come from ineffectiveness, double standards and inequality at a time of occupation, hunger, terrorism and injustice. Sketching out a path forward," said Abdelatty.

Abdelatty condemned Israel’s aggressive actions against Gaza and the West Bank, as well as its attacks on Lebanon. He criticized international institutions for their failure to put an end to these aggressions and urged for immediate humanitarian assistance to be provided to civilians in Gaza.

In addition, Abdelatty proposed modernizing multilateral banks, making international institutions more representative, and supporting an expanded Security Council with more permanent seats for African nations.

Addressing climate challenges, Abdelatty called for efforts to be backed by adequate resources, including through the Loss and Damage Fund, and for national plans to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s commitment to working on development initiatives with neighboring countries and partners in the Nile Basin. However, he raised concerns about Ethiopia’s actions regarding the Renaissance Dam project and their potential impact on downstream nations.

Furthermore, Abdelatty highlighted the need for the UN to address various challenges, including cybercrime, artificial intelligence, and collective security. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security and called for stronger efforts to address the root causes of conflicts.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s dedication to revitalizing the multilateral system and emphasized the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its human capital through national dialogue, prioritizing human rights and democracy, and maintaining peace and security in the region and globally.

He concluded by emphasizing the role of young people in shaping the future and preserving human lives within the multilateral system, without discrimination based on race, gender, or any other factors.