Barbados Leads, US Lags in New UN-Based Multilateralism Index

Barbados tops a new index for global cooperation, while the US ranks last. The index evaluates countries' support for UN-based multilateralism using six indicators. Only 16% of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets are on track for 2030. The UN faces challenges, including climate change and geopolitical tensions, needing effective multilateral governance.

Barbados has emerged as the leader in a newly introduced index assessing global cooperation among nations, with the United States trailing at the bottom. This index evaluates countries based on six key indicators of their commitment to UN-based multilateralism.

The timing of the index is significant, as it coincides with the Summit of the Future, aimed at reinvigorating UN-centered multilateralism to tackle current global challenges. Only 16% of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets are likely to be met by 2030, raising alarms about the effectiveness of current international efforts.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that global problems necessitate 'appropriate frameworks of multilateral governance.' Despite the UN's objectives to foster peace and friendly international relations, the institution often falls prey to political influences from member nations. The new index reveals both commitment and stark disparities among countries in supporting the UN's mission.

(With inputs from agencies.)