Ban warns of threats to multilateralism, climate change

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01:27

“We the people of the United Nations” -- the preamble of the UN Charter emphasizes that humankind is a community. But as global uncertainty and instability increase, and new problems and challenges emerge, China and the world are reaching a crucial juncture. In recent years we have seen globalization, including multilateral institutions and international cooperation, at greater risk.

“Now this multilateralism is under serious threats, particularly by those countries who have been enjoying the benefits of multilateralism, particularly since the end of the World War II,” Ban Ki-moon, the former UN Secretary-General, noted during an interview with CGTN's Dialogue.

Ban Ki-moon said that multilateralism has been supporting and promoting peace and security as well as common global prosperity even though we may not be satisfied with the results.

COP24 President Michal Kurtyka, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Patricia Espinosa, Ovais Sarmad, UN Climate Change Deputy Executive Secretary, react after adopting the final agreement during a closing session of the COP24 UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, December 15, 2018. /VCG Photo

It is absolute necessary that multilateralism be supported and nurtured; otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to implement the Sustainable Development Goals for Agenda 2030 and climate change agreement.

Regarding China's role in safeguarding multilateralism, Ban Ki-moon emphasized that China has been showing such great leadership led by examples like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. Those are very important ways that China can contribute to promote an inclusive and interconnected world through mutual cooperation.

In regards to the recent UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, not making much progress, Ban Ki-moon said: “I cannot overemphasize any longer and anymore the importance and urgency of addressing climate change phenomenon.”

“I cannot again but emphasize the important contribution China has made together with the U.S. during former President Barack Obama administration. Without China and the U.S. leadership at that time, the Paris Climate Change Agreement could never be possible. ”

02:43

In that regard, Ban Ki-moon said he felt really grateful for Chinese President Xi Jinping's very forward-looking, future-oriented leadership and commitment.

But everything changed when President Donald Trump came in.

“I cannot express my serious concern and even anger at how the changes of a president [have been irresponsible],” Ban Ki-moon said when referring to President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement six months after getting elected.

“The decision is politically shortsighted, economically irresponsible and scientifically wrong,” Ban Ki-moon added.

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