United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has called on African, Caribbean and Pacific nations to take a leading role in restoring confidence in multilateralism, describing the bloc as a critical force in shaping a more balanced and inclusive global order.
Speaking at the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States in Equatorial Guinea, Guterres emphasised that cooperation among nations remains essential at a time when global systems are under strain and trust in international institutions continues to erode.
Addressing leaders from across the regions, the UN chief urged member states to deepen their commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience, warning that the challenges facing developing nations require urgent and collective action.
“I count on you to keep raising your voices. And you can count on me to keep fighting for you,” he said, reinforcing the need for solidarity in confronting shared global pressures. “Let’s work together to share solutions, strengthen resilience, and deliver for the most vulnerable. Let us build a world where peace, equality and dignity become a reality for all.”
Guterres also used the occasion to congratulate the organisation on its golden jubilee, noting that the bloc represents approximately 1.5 billion people across multiple regions and time zones. He stressed that such a broad coalition holds significant influence in shaping global conversations on development, equity, and international cooperation.
At the heart of his message was a call for structural reforms within the global financial system. He urged member states to push for the implementation of key commitments aimed at reducing the cost of capital, unlocking investment opportunities, easing debt burdens, and restructuring international financial institutions to better serve developing economies.
According to him, existing global frameworks must evolve to reflect current realities, particularly the needs of countries that continue to face economic constraints despite contributing minimally to global crises.
The UN chief also pointed to the importance of ongoing international initiatives, including the Pact for the Future, which he said provides a framework for advancing policies that align with the aspirations of developing nations.
On climate change, Guterres delivered one of his strongest warnings, describing the situation as a matter of climate injustice. He noted that African countries and small island developing states are among the hardest hit by environmental changes, despite playing a negligible role in causing the crisis.
He criticised major global emitters for failing to meet critical climate targets, particularly the commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, urging them to take greater responsibility in reducing emissions.
“The biggest emitters must lead the way,” he said, calling for a faster and more equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Beyond mitigation, Guterres stressed the need for increased support for adaptation and compensation mechanisms for countries already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change. He urged developed nations to honour their commitments to funding loss and damage initiatives, particularly for vulnerable communities across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
He also commended the organisation’s agenda, which focuses on strengthening partnerships for climate resilience, improving access to affordable financing, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted the importance of South South cooperation and regional solidarity as key drivers of sustainable transformation.
For many observers, the address reflects a broader shift in global discourse, where developing nations are increasingly being called upon not just to participate, but to lead in redefining international cooperation and governance.
As the summit continues, the message from the United Nations is clear. Rebuilding trust in multilateralism is no longer optional, but necessary, and the role of African, Caribbean and Pacific nations will be central to shaping what that future looks like.
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