2020 Policy Dialogue: Multilateralism that Delivers

At a time when trust in multilateral institutions is running low and national-grown solutions are on the rise, we look at ways of breathing new life into multilateralism. Cooperating on the basis of our universal, shared values is our best chance to address our current challenges and shape humankind’s future. The Policy Dialogue Breakout Action Labs took place on 20 October and the Plenaries and Special Sessions between 28 October and 30 October.

Multilateralism that Delivers – Call To Action

Multilateralism that Delivers is over and produced a final Call to Action ‘Multilateralism must Deliver’. Access it at the button below.

Multilateralism that Delivers counted with the participation of global leaders such as UN Secretary-General, António Guterres; PM of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern; former President of Germany, Hörst Kohler; former PM of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown; and many more. Watch their video messages!

Multilateralism that Delivers Panel Sessions

Below you will find a compilation of all panel sessions of Multilateralism that Delivers Panel Sessions. Check the programme for more detailed information on the topics and speakers of each session.

See Programme

Multilateralism that Delivers – Day 1 (28 October)

–Introduction & Welcome Words

–Panel Session – Setting the Scene: Reconnecting the World – The Need for a Renewed Multilateralism

–Panel Session – Current Challenges on Multilateralism form an African Perspective

Multilateralism that Delivers – Day 2 (29 October)

-Keynote Boosting International Cooperation – Alliance for Multilateralism

–Video Address from António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General and our Member

–Panel Session – From Ambition To Action: Reinvigorating Multilateralism in Three Dimensions

-Panel Session – Current Challenges on Multilateralism from a Latin American Perspective

Multilateralism that Delivers – Day 3 (30 October)

–Current Challenges on Multilateralism from an Asia-Pacific Perspective

–How do we Improve the Resilience of Health and Social Care Systems?

-Video address from Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

–Beacons Of Multilateralism

–Call to Action – Multilateralism that Deliver

-Closing Words

Our Policy Dialogue ‘Multilateralism that Delivers’ contains ideas and policy recommendations to reinvigorate the multilateral system

As the world becomes increasingly complex and humankind faces a myriad of different challenges, a lack of global cooperation results in a mounting set of unresolved problems: from global warming to digital governance, from COVID-19 to inequality, and many more. To successfully address the challenges of our time, every country for itself is not going to work. We cannot circumvent multilateralism.

Since the foundation of the United Nations nearly 75 years ago, the existence of a strong, inclusive and rules-based multilateral system has been a key instrument for the global community to articulate common responses to common challenges. However, trust in institutions of multilateral cooperation is running low. Alternative approaches, such as national-grown solutions to global problems, opaque bilateral negotiations and non-governmental approaches to international cooperation are on the rise.

We should reclaim the optimism and boldness that 75 years ago drove us to create a well-oiled system of global cooperation. Such a vision can become a powerful driving force to update the current multilateral system, one that breathes new life and reflects new realities. It is only with leadership based on values of solidarity, equity and cooperation that we will be able to transcend the sole focus on national interests and shape a future based on our common universal values.

Our aim

By convening this Policy Dialogue on Multilateralism that Delivers, on 20 and 28-30 October, WLA-CdM and Bertelsmann Foundation, along with other important partners and supporters, will discuss the state of multilateralism, its challenges and the priorities where global cooperation is needed, such as the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. More than thirty-five former Heads of State and Government, all Members of WLA-CdM, will join experts and other representatives from governments, academia, think tanks and institutions during these days to propose solutions and recommendations that give new life to multilateralism and global cooperation in our era.

The United Nations, conscious of its role as a leading multilateral institution, has launched a global conversation – UN75- inviting people, institutions, experts and private actors of the world over to express their views on priorities for our shared future and specific reforms that enhance global cooperation. Conclusions of the dialogue will feed into the UN75 process, UN2020 and the work of the Alliance for Multilateralism, as well as other important conversations on necessary reforms of the multilateral system.

Our Policy Dialogues

Thanks to WLA-CdM’s convening power and network, our Annual Policy Dialogues provide a unique platform to inspire democratic policies with global reach. This is done through the sharing of lessons learnt in a dynamic pursuit of practical policy recommendations. Democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers from around the world bring their individual and collective leadership experience to this singular meeting point where, together with experts, leaders from the private sector and civil society, actively engage as agents of change.

Selected Media Impact

Forbes: Clinton To The World: Americans ‘Believe In Working Together’ Ahead Of Elections

CincoDías: El multilateralismo, la nueva vacuna

DailyTimes: World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid calls for a reinvigoration of the multilateral system in its Annual Policy Dialogue

Secretary-General’s video message to “Multilateralism that Delivers” Annual Policy Dialogue co-organized by World Leadership Alliance – Club de Madrid & Bertelsmann Stiftung

New Perspectives on Global economic Dynamics: Multilateralism that Delivers

Background Documents

Find below links to the Policy Dialogue’s Concept Note and some background documents that spurred discussions by our co-organisers, Bertelsmann Stiftung.

Concept Note ‘Multilateralism that Delivers’

Policy Brief: The United Nations. Indispensible, but invisible

Competitive cooperation. How to think about strengthening multilateralism

Our Partners the Boston Global Forum, the German Environmental Agency and the Frederich Ebert Stiftung produced a series of background papers on the three thematic pillars of ‘Multilateralism that Delivers’: Digitalisation, Sustainability, Social Justice and Inclusion.

Digital Cooperation and a Better Global Future

Leveraging Multilateralism to Build Back Better towards a more Sustainable Future

Transforming Multilateralism for 21st Century Social Justice and Inclusion