UN chief: Many feel ‘left behind’ by globalization

DUBAI: Globalization has increased wealth but many people feel “left behind” by its rise, the head of the UN told the World Government Summit on Monday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in Dubai that many have been left with a sense that they have not benefitted from globalization, and that this brings a need for reform.
“It is clear that globalization brought a huge increase in wealth and a reduction in absolute poverty and improved welfare, but globalization had its losers,” he said, according to a Dubai Media Office statement.
“A lot of people feel left behind and that the political establishments of their countries have not taken care of them.
“It is clear that reform is needed to reconcile people with political establishments.”
Public despair at globalization has been cited in the rise of populist leaders such as Donald Trump and moves such as the UK vote to leave the EU.
Guterres also cited a lack of faith in multinational organizations, including the UN.
“There is a clear lack of confidence in the Security Council today,” he said. “Many international organizations lack efficiency and the capacity to respond effectively to the situations they face.”
To rebuild public trust in the UN, Guterres noted, the organization must become “more nimble” and streamlined.
“We need to link peace and security to sustainable development,” he said. “We need to reform our own way of doing business in the UN. We have rules and regulations that make it difficult to work effectively.”
“Without trust, it will be very difficult to face the challenges we face today,” he added.
A lack of public trust, Guterres noted, creates breeding grounds for extremist or xenophobic ideologies.
“This is the best ground for populists, xenophobes, and those that develop forms of anti-Muslim hatred or antisemitism,” he said. “We need to address the root causes.”
The speech by Guterres was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.
Guterres served as prime minister of Portugal between 1995 and 2002 and as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.