Jeju: A group of former global leaders, including the former South Korean chief of the United Nations, on Thursday stressed the need for stronger multilateral institutions, a more active role by middle powers, and deeper regional dialogue to address what they described as "a fragmented world."
According to Yonhap News Agency, former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concerns about the future of the United Nations while speaking at a World Leaders' Session during the ongoing Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity on South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju. Ban identified climate change, rivalry between great powers, and weakening multilateral institutions as significant issues facing the world today. He criticized major powers for prioritizing short-term national interests over international cooperation, emphasizing that no country can thrive in isolation.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama supported Ban's perspective, noting a decline in the "spirit of fraternity" essential for peaceful international relations. Hatoyama advocated for nations to embrace mutual respect and understanding rather than confrontation. He highlighted concerns over artificial intelligence-driven warfare, climate change, and the Israel-Iran conflict, which he deemed critical. Moreover, Hatoyama condemned the U.S. attack on Iran as a violation of international law and urged Japan to adopt a more independent and mediating role in global affairs.
Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the need for a coalition of middle powers to act as a stabilizing force amid the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. He argued that unchecked competition among major powers is dangerous and stressed the importance of regional forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in preventing tensions from escalating.
Former German Vice Chancellor Philipp Rosler warned against equating resilience with isolation. He asserted that while self-confidence and independence as a country are important, the global challenges remain. Rosler emphasized the necessity of ensuring that the world does not become divided despite its fragmented state.
The 21st edition of the annual international peace forum commenced on Wednesday for a three-day event aimed at exploring ways to enhance global cooperation in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges.