Iranian FM Urges Rejection of Unilateralism at UN Meeting

Abbas Araqchi told the High-Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative in New York that growing uncertainty and emerging divides in political and economic systems make the initiative more necessary than ever. He said it provides a platform for solidarity, cooperation and collective action to build a brighter future for all.

He added that deep structural inequalities continue to burden developing countries in the global economic, financial and trade systems, making the meeting both timely and necessary.

Araqchi stressed that global uncertainties and emerging gaps in political and economic systems make the initiative more necessary than ever, as it provides a platform for solidarity, cooperation and collective action toward a brighter future.

Text of the speech is as follows:

In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,

Your Excellency Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China,

Distinguished colleagues,

The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a member of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, considers this initiative a valuable platform for strengthening cooperation and solidarity on the path of development.

As developing countries continue to face deep structural inequalities in global economic, financial and trade systems, today’s meeting is both timely and necessary.

Eradicating poverty remains the greatest challenge for policymakers in many developing nations. Hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity are on the rise, and the risk of famine in vast parts of the world is serious.

At the same time, we are deeply concerned about widening digital divides, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Ensuring inclusive, transparent and fair governance of digital technologies with the full and effective participation of developing countries is therefore vital.

In this regard, structural reforms are necessary to guarantee the full, equal and effective participation of developing countries in global decision-making. It is a matter of deep concern that some developed countries, instead of fulfilling their longstanding commitments, continue to impose unilateral coercive measures and protectionist policies against developing countries. Such measures, which violate the fundamental rights of citizens in targeted states, in fact aim at undermining economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Our challenges are not limited to the economic field. The worsening situation in West Asia, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza, demonstrates the failure of the international community to uphold international law and prevent crimes against humanity. Foreign occupation and aggression, inequality and injustice can reverse development gains and destabilize entire regions and the world.

Under these circumstances, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles of multilateral cooperation and reject unilateralism, which poses a grave threat to global peace, security and development.

The Global Development Initiative can play a prominent role in this regard, by advancing the aspirations of developing countries for a greater role in shaping the global economic order and by creating a favorable international environment for sustainable development. We cannot ignore the worsening situation in West Asia, especially the crimes being committed in Gaza, which threaten peace and development in our region and beyond.

Mr. President,

Current uncertainties and emerging gaps in global political and economic systems make the Global Development Initiative more vital than ever, as it provides a platform for greater solidarity, cooperation and collective action to build a brighter future for all.

We attach great importance to the Global Development Initiative and will continue working to realize its goals.