Experts’ Roundtable
23 September 2021, 15h00-16h30 (GMT+2)
Closed Virtual webinar During Global Goals week
Background
In the context of a polycentric global order, characterised by deep pluralism and interdependence, the interlinkages between the global and regional dimensions of global governance are central to the broader discourse on imagining a new, fair and multi-level multilateralism. As part of the contribution towards realising Our Common Agenda, the emphasis on partnerships and a reconfigured multilateralism calls for more structured and revitalized relationship between the UN and regional organizations centred on a network mindset and multilateral utility of regional actors in a polycentric international order.
Re-imagining global-regional dynamics and leveraging the multilateral utility of regions calls for a deepening of the research agenda about regions and the regional level of analysis as a complementary, constitutive and legitimizing layer in the multi-level international system. Accordingly, this Experts’ Roundtable seeks to build on broader academic and policy research and discourses about the added value of regional actors with the potential of multilateral utility and contributing to collective legitimization of multilateral institutions. The Roundtable is aimed at gleaning insights and policy recommendations from experts with a view to formulating a nuanced and cogent policy brief for consideration by key decision makers at the UN level and beyond. The Policy brief is being developed by the Institute for Global Dialogue in conjunction with Southern Voice.
N.B. Given the closed nature of this discussion, no comments or insights from individual participants will be attributed in any public documents without expressed prior consent.
Objectives
- Explore the ways in which regions play a positive role in the multilateral order by highlighting their potential as connectors and diversity managers in a multi-level global governance system
Key talking points
- In what ways do regions remain salient in a polycentric global order and in the midst of shifting dynamics of power, interests and identities?
- What is the role of regions in enhancing global governance and contributing to a reconfigured multilateralism?
- What opportunities does the global-regional nexus provide for enhanced multilateralism and global governance?
- Formulate recommendations aimed at strengthening networked interaction between the UN and regional organizations as a fundamental step in revitalizing multilateralism and enhancing partnerships.
Key talking points
- What are the comparative advantages, niche capabilities and roles of the UN and regional organization in the context of partnerships to provide shared solutions to global challenges?
- What issue areas have seen most progress and which ones have lagged behind?
- How can we move towards a more structured and revitalized relationship between the UN and regional organizations?
- How can we enhance the partnership and modalities between the UN and regional organizations beyond the framework of Chapter VII?
Format
This online roundtable will be convened on Zoom on 23 September 2021, 15h00 (GMT+2), and will coincide with Global Goals Week (17-26 September).
Discussions will be facilitated by IGD Senior Researcher, Faith Mabera and Senior Research Associate Sanusha Naidu. There will not be formal panel format as the discussion will take the form of a roundtable, therefore participants are encouraged to reflect on key questions and topics for discussion prior to the event.
About Global Goals Week: Global Goals Week is a shared commitment between partners across civil society, business, academia, and the UN system to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially during the UN General Assembly High-level Week.
