ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP/DNA): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Monday warned that the global order is becoming increasingly fragmented, urging world leaders to recommit to dialogue, justice and multilateral cooperation.Addressing the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in Riyadh, held under the theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity,” the minister said the vision of a shared “global village” was giving way to unilateralism, conflict and weakened multilateral institutions.
The high-level forum marked the 20th anniversary of the UNAOC and brought together global leaders, policymakers and civil society representatives.
Dr Malik noted that multilateralism was under strain amid rising conflicts, trade and tariff disputes, and shrinking global funding for environmental and development priorities.
He cautioned that the growing shift from bilateralism to unilateral actions was undermining global peace and justice.
Emphasising the need for the universal application of rights, the minister said he remained firmly committed to women’s rights, minority rights, environmental rights and children’s rights, describing them as “fundamental and non-negotiable”.
He questioned what he termed the selective application of these principles, drawing attention to the situations in Palestine and Kashmir, and stressed that the rights of Palestinians and Kashmiris must be upheld in accordance with international norms.
Dr Malik also highlighted the importance of water rights, underlining the responsibilities of upper riparian states towards lower riparian countries.
He said equitable and just sharing of water resources was critical for regional stability, sustainable development and human security.
Concluding his remarks, the minister said the UNAOC’s 20th anniversary was a timely reminder of the need to renew commitments to dialogue, peace, harmony and mutual respect in an increasingly divided world.
