- Ways to Strengthen UN-Centered Multilateralism Discussed -

While visiting New York to attend the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held separate meetings with four candidates for the next UN Secretary-General from September 19 (Sat.) to 21 (Mon.). During the meetings, the two sides exchanged views on issues including ways to strengthen UN-centered multilateralism.

On the afternoon of September 19 (Sat., local time), Minister Cho had a meeting with Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN and another with Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). He subsequently met with María Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly, on September 20 (Sun.), and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on September 21 (Mon.), respectively.

Minister Cho emphasized that UN-centered multilateralism must be strengthened to respond to pressing global issues, including prolonged armed conflicts. To this end, he stated that the UN needs to be reborn as a more effective and accountable organization, noting that the role of the next UN Secretary-General is more critical than ever. He also requested the candidates’ continued interest in and support for expanding the representation of Korean nationals within the UN.

The candidates for UN Secretary-General emphasized that achieving UN reform requires the leadership of a Secretary-General who thoroughly understands the UN system, along with broad support from member states. In particular, they noted that Korea, as a middle power that has consistently contributed to the UN, can play an important role in building consensus among member states and broadening support for reform. Furthermore, they noted with appreciation that Korea contributed to enhancing the transparency of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General by hosting the “Dialogue with UN Secretary-General Candidates” session at the Jeju Forum last June.

As the term of UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to expire at the end of this year, the selection process for the next Secretary-General is currently underway. To date, there are seven officially registered candidates, and the next Secretary-General is expected to be appointed by the UN General Assembly upon the recommendation of the UN Security Council.