Oli calls for renewed global cooperation

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu,  Sept. 2: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Meeting held in Tianjin, calling for renewed global cooperation and a reimagined multilateral order amid growing global crises.

In his address, Prime Minister Oli highlighted the irony of modern times, stating, “We live in an age of extraordinary progress, in science, technology, and innovation. Yet, this progress is overshadowed by deep fractures, widening inequalities, economic turbulence, climate emergencies, and conflicts that defy borders.”

He warned against the perils of isolationism in the interconnected world. He said, “No nation can stand secure in isolation. No people can prosper in fragmentation. This is why multilateralism is an imperative of our time.” 

However, he stated that multilateralism is under strain due to its internal and external failures, emphasising that multilateral forums promise much. Too often, they deliver little. Promises without progress erode trust.

Stressing the importance of reforming global institutions, Oli remarked, “We must make the global governance system more effective and efficient by placing the United Nations at its core.” 

He also welcomed China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), saying it would help strengthen the multilateral system by making it a more just, inclusive and equitable community with a shared future for humanity.

Talking about the SCO’s role in global cooperation, Prime Minister Oli asserted, “The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will complement the spirit of revitalised multilateralism based on sovereign equality,” and urged for a stronger SCO, stating, “There is an urgency for a revitalised SCO, more united, more integrated, and more resilient to tackle deepening geopolitical, economic, and ecological shocks that threaten our shared future.”

Expressing Nepal’s aspirations within the organisation, Oli said, “Nepal, a proud Dialogue Partner since 2016, looks forward to getting admitted as a full member.”

Addressing regional and global security concerns, Prime Minister Oli spoke about the impact of terrorism, cyber threats, pandemics, and climate change. “Threats cross borders every day. Terrorism robs societies of safety and opportunities,” he said. 

On the climate crisis, he drew attention to the Himalayas, stating, “Nepal, with the Himalaya in its heart, feels its wrath directly. While our mountains serve as global climate stabilisers, they are being stripped of their snow reserve, endangering the lives of billions living in the downstream.”

With the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals approaching, Oli stated, “We are clearly off-track.” He called for enhanced regional cooperation and laid out three critical shifts, including from isolation to connectivity, from confrontations to consultations and from competition to cooperation.”

He added, “We must foster regional peace, progress and prosperity through enhanced physical, economic, digital, socio-cultural and people-to-people connectivity.”

He also urged the international community to embrace the Shanghai Spirit through dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Oli also reaffirmed Nepal’s support for regional collaboration. “Nepal reaffirms its commitment to enhance regional cooperation within the SCO. We support a rules-based, inclusive multilateral system for a sustainable future.” 

He added, “A resilient and prosperous SCO region is within our reach when we are committed to acting together.”