KARACHI:
Modern diplomatic framework and multilateral efforts have incorporated both high and low politics, which include issues such as use of force, trade, environment, human security, education, health and science. Thus, it becomes apparent that the scope and scale of multilateralism established after the end of WWII has enlarged particularly in the context of rising environmental concerns which continue to pose non-traditional security threats globally.
With climate change particularly becoming the crisis of our time, it is imperative for a specialised group of diplomats to cater to this issue with a heavy agenda. Such a set-up would require strong institutional support along with novel skills and knowledge to uphold the dynamics of environmental multilateralism while securing national interests at the same time. Nonetheless, with the influence of academia, scientific institutes, activists, philanthropist and civil society in the existing international environmental framework, it is evident that the outreach and scope of the movement have already been enriched and revolutionised. However, a lot more needs to be done at the backdrop of emerging populist and nationalist rhetoric that have posed impediments towards the essential collective spirit of the UN and multilateral world order.
In order to tackle global challenges, prudence lies in collaborative efforts. In this respect, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres claims that reinvigorated multilateralism is the need of the hour in order to tackle food insecurity, rising global inequalities, poverty, conflicts and economic meltdown. It is undeniable that fomenting the framework of environmental multilateralism will remain an arduous task but it can be made easier by the efforts of environmental activists who continue to educate the world about the perils of climate change and man’s relentless war with nature.
Hadia Mukhtar
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2021.
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