PIN Conference 2024: Redefining Multilateralism in a New Geopolitical Era

In December 2024, PIN was hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy in collaboration with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy for the project Redefining Multilateralism in a New Geopolitical Era.

Multilateralism is facing many challenges, such as a revived great power competition, violations of international law, political divisions and the apparent failure of global multilateral institutions. Scholars and policymakers are increasingly concerned about the long-term viability of global multilateral institutions, the prospects for productive international cooperation, and the future of multilateral diplomacy (at least in the way it has been practised since the end of the Second World War).

Yet, the role of multilateralism and the prospects of adapting multilateral diplomacy and negotiation processes to the new realities and challenges of our geopolitical age remain largely unexplored. The project Redefining Multilateralism in a New Geopolitical Era aims to fill this gap. The two-day conference consisted of panel discussions open to the public and focused expert workshops gathering academics and practitioners. Below you will find the programme and recording of the first day of the conference.

Welcome address

- Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)

- Dr Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA)

Part I: Shifts in Geopolitical Dynamics, Multilateralism and International Negotiations

In an era marked by intensified great power rivalries and the emergence of new coalitions, traditional frameworks of multilateral diplomacy are under significant strain. These tensions influence the functioning of global governance structures and reshape international engagement. This panel analyzed how states compete within different institutional settings and navigate new agendas, challenges, and dynamics. To what extent are great powers engaged in new multilateral initiatives? Do they drive innovation or hinder the negotiation and reform of international regimes? The rise of recent coalitions, operating alongside conventional multilateral institutions, raises questions about whether these alliances foster governance innovation or introduce complexities that stifle effective negotiation.

Our panelists explored strategies and mechanisms to involve great powers effectively in multilateral initiatives while considering the impact of emerging coalitions on negotiation processes and outcomes. The discussion highlighted how shifting geopolitical dynamics and coalition-building influence the landscape of multilateral negotiations.

The panelists were:

- Ambassador Shen Jian, Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament and Deputy Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland

- Ambassador Julien Thöni, Head of the Multilateral Affairs Division and Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

- Ambassador Priyanka Chauhan, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

- Respondent: Prof I. William Zartman, Jacob Blaustein Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University

- Chair: Dr Fen Osler Hampson, Chancellor’s Professor and Professor of International Affairs, Carleton University and President, World Refugee & Migration Council

The video can be found here

PART II: Overcoming Deadlocks in Multilateral Negotiations

The persistence of deadlocks in multilateral negotiations poses a formidable challenge to effective international governance and consensus-building. Addressing these challenges—ranging from nationalism and protectionism to global fragmentation—requires new approaches that balance national sovereignty with the imperative for cooperation. This panel investigated why negotiations often stall and identified some practical solutions for breaking through these impasses. The session emphasized the development of specific, innovative, and actionable strategies to enhance the effectiveness of multilateral negotiations.

Panelists shared insights on strategies for overcoming deadlocks through case studies of past successful and unsuccessful negotiations, offering valuable lessons and best practices for current and future multilateral efforts.

The panelists were:

- Ambassador David Riley, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament

- Mr Christoph Spennemann, Counsellor for Intellectual Property, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva

- Dr Wahid Majrooh, Former Minister of Health of Afghanistan and Executive-In-Residence Fellow, Global Fellowship Initiative, GCSP

- Mr Richard Gowan, UN Director, International Crisis Group

- Respondent: Dr Karin Aggestam, Member of the PIN Steering Committee and Professor of Political Science, Director of the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University

- Chair: Dr Tobias Vestner, Director of the Research and Policy Advice Department, GCSP

Watch the Video of part II here

PART III: Inclusivity in Multilateral Negotiations

True progress in international negotiations demands inclusivity that goes beyond rhetoric and integrates diverse voices into the negotiation process itself. This panel addressed mechanisms for enhancing inclusivity in decision-making and tackling power imbalances within global institutions. The distribution of power affects institutions' ability to reach agreements and can perpetuate stalemates when national interests clash. The design and rules of multilateral bodies can either facilitate or impede consensus-building.

Our discussion explored the evolving roles of middle and small powers, civil society, and the private sector in global negotiations. Panelists examined new approaches to include traditionally marginalized voices and assessed why inclusivity remains a challenge in multilateral negotiations.

The panelists were:

- Dr Narayanappa Janardhan, Director of Research and Analysis, AGDA

- Mr Roberto Céspedes, Minister Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Costa Rica to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

- Prof Gabrielle Marceau, Counsellor for Research on Legal Policy, World Trade Organization

- Respondent: Dr Lynn M. Wagner, Senior Director of the Tracking Progress Program, International Institute for Sustainable Development

- Chair: Ms Maréva Roduit, Senior Project Officer at the Research and Policy Advice Department, GCSP

Watch the Video of Part III here