IBSA Joint Statement on the
Reform of the Multilateral System
September 27, 2019
1.
We, the International Relations and Foreign
Ministers of India, Brazil and South Africa have come together on 26th September 2019 in
New York, guided by the principle of sovereignty and our shared values of
freedom, the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy, as well as
our steadfast commitment to promote a more inclusive, responsive and
participatory international governance architecture.
2. At a time of
significant and pressing global challenges, India, Brazil and South Africa
acknowledge our common objectives and shared responsibility to help build a
peaceful, secure and prosperous world. The right to development and equality of
opportunities are critical means to achieve such goals.
3. In this
context, our countries continue to engage together as positive forces for
change. The multilateral system needs to be reformed, so as to ensure that it
works effectively for all States and peoples.
4. As large
democracies and vibrant nations, we believe that people should be placed at the
centre of inclusive international governance. We are committed to reforming the
multilateral system in order to meet the needs and expectations of our peoples,
as well as to respond to increasing global challenges.
5. We reaffirm
our commitment to enhance the voice and representation of emerging and
developing economies, especially those in Africa, in the decision-making bodies
of multilateral institutions.
6. The
comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN) system, including that of the
UN Security Council, remains a crucial international undertaking. As we
welcome, inter-alia, the cooperation between the United Nations and IBSA
countries, as well as with regional organisations and institutions, such as the
African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), in the promotion of
international peace and security, we remain committed to working together for
the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories
for achieving a more representative, inclusive and equitable UN Security
Council.
7. In this
regard, IBSA countries remain concerned with the slow pace of
Inter-Governmental negotiations on UN Security Council reform, which have not
produced tangible progress in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). With
the onset of the 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, we urge redoubling of
efforts to achieve progress on this issue, with a view to an early
comprehensive reform of the Security Council.
8. The reform of
the international economic governance architecture, including the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and the international financial institutions, should also be
a priority. IBSA countries have contributed meaningfully in making the
international economic governance architecture more representative and
democratic, and will continue to work together to advance an agenda that
promotes sustainable development and inclusive growth.
9. The process
of WTO reform must keep development at its core, promote inclusiveness and
non-discrimination, build trust and address the inequalities and asymmetries in
existing agreements. It should take into account the diversity of interests and
concerns of the whole Membership, including developing Members, in particular
LDCs. IBSA countries recognise the central role played by the WTO in promoting
the interests of developing countries on issues such as agriculture.
10. Strengthening
the global financial safety net, with a strong, quota?based, and adequately resourced International
Monetary Fund (IMF) at its centre, is essential. We must work towards
concluding the 15th General Review of Quotas, including a new quota formula at
the Annual Meetings of 2019.
11. We reiterate
our commitment to working together on strengthening cooperation to prosecute
persons sought for corruption and other economic crimes, including through
international organisations and institutions such as the G20, the Financial
Action Task Force (FATF) and others.
12. We underscore
the need for continuing consultations and exchange of views between the IBSA
countries in order to build partnerships in multilateral fora.
13. In this
regard, we take note of the progress made by the IBSA Fund for the Alleviation
of Poverty and Hunger (IBSA Fund), which provides financial support for
South-owned, South-led, demand-driven, and transformational projects across the
developing world, with a focus on Least Developed Countries. We welcome the
developmental impact created by the Fund on the ground.
14. We commit
ourselves to promoting the reform of the multilateral system through
cooperation and coordination in all relevant multilateral fora and
international organizations including the WTO and groupings of G20, BRICS,
BASIC, and G-77.
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