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The 16th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Governance Group (3G) convened on the sidelines of the recently concluded 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which brought together the Troika of the Group of Twenty (G20), representing Indonesia, India, and Brazil, to discuss collaborative approaches to addressing pressing global issues.
As India, in its capacity as the 2023 G20 Presidency, shared the outcomes of the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, there was recognition and applause for the successful Summit, which included the adoption of a consensus Leaders’ Declaration. This achievement underscores the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in tackling complex global challenges.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasised the significance of sustaining a rules-based multilateral trading system, embodied by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He stressed the need for WTO rules to evolve with digital transformation to remain relevant in the modern economy. Additionally, he urged G20 participants to support negotiations on WTO reform, particularly the restoration of a fully-functioning dispute settlement system.
Digital transformation is at the forefront of these discussions, with a recognition that technological advancements require corresponding updates in international trade regulations. As nations leverage digital transformation to foster economic growth, the need for inclusive and equitable trade policies becomes imperative.
Likewise, the commitment of the G20 to sustainable development, low-carbon emissions, and climate resilience aligns with the global community’s efforts to combat climate change. The 3G’s support for these commitments underscores the importance of addressing environmental crises, especially those that disproportionately affect developing countries.
The 3G Ministers highlighted the strain on the rules-based multilateral system amid geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism. They reiterated the importance of upholding international law and human rights principles as embodied in the United Nations Charter. This commitment ensures that the multilateral system remains open, inclusive, and adheres to established rules.
The collaborative approach of the G20, including engaging non-G20 members like the 3G, reflects the importance of broader dialogue and perspectives when addressing global challenges. This approach enhances inclusiveness, coherence, and complementarity in setting global standards and mobilising collective action on shared challenges.
The collaboration also promotes innovative approaches to growing global concerns, ensuring that international governance stays relevant in a continuously changing world. It advances fair trade practices and reduces economic inequality, which benefits a country’s overall economic health.
Further, this partnership enhances international cooperation and diplomacy. It emphasises the value of diplomatic solutions to international problems and strengthens the notion that cooperation and diplomatic communication are essential for resolving difficult global issues.
Singapore believes that in an era of digital transformation and interconnectedness, the collaboration between the 3G and the G20 offers a promising path towards addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the international community.
By leveraging digital transformation, fostering inclusive trade policies, and upholding the principles of international law, these groups are contributing to a more resilient and equitable global governance framework.
As the world grapples with evolving global challenges, the commitment to inclusive and accountable global governance remains essential. The partnership between the 3G and the G20 exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation, where nations work together to navigate the complexities of the interconnected world, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better future for all.
