At the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York on Wednesday September 25th, Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko emphasized the necessity for inclusive global governance, urging member nations to prioritize collaboration over the interests of exclusive groups. He declared, “The success of the Pact for the Future should, however, not be dictated by the outcomes of exclusive clubs of countries, whose interests may differ from others who are not parties to such configurations.” Minister Tkatchenko's remarks came during a pivotal session focusing on the theme "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet." The meeting, chaired by Brazil and attended by all UN member states, aimed to address significant global challenges such as hunger, poverty, and the pressing need for sustainable development. Tkatchenko warned against the entrenched interests of a few countries that often slow progress in vital reforms. He stated, “Entrenched interests of a few at the expense of the majority continue to slow the pace at which reforms are taking place in these areas.” The Minister highlighted the urgent socio-economic crises facing the global community, stemming from various factors, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It couldn't come at a better time, when the world is being impacted by multiple crises, and socio-economic challenges, where there is great need and importance in working together, and through multilateralism under the United Nations, for the betterment of common humanity,” he noted. In addressing the necessity for reform within the United Nations, Tkatchenko called for a decisive and bold approach to revamping the UN Security Council, lamenting that progress on these reforms has been “haltingly slow” for nearly two decades. “The Security Council's core mandate for international peace and security continues to suffer at the expense of many untold lives and livelihoods,” he stated. The Foreign Minister urged member nations to revise the UN Charter to reflect current realities better, highlighting the need for a global financial system that prioritizes the welfare of people over profits. “The success of the Pact for the Future should, however, not be dictated by the outcomes of exclusive clubs of countries, whose interests may differ from others who are not parties to such configurations,” he reiterated, calling for attention to the high debt burdens that many small developing economies, including Papua New Guinea, face. “While we are thankful to G20 members that continue to lend official development assistance to our country, we would urge G20 members to consider debt relief arrangements, particularly through the Debt Service Suspension Initiative.” Minister Tkatchenko further pointed out that global trade must be inclusive and fair, stating that Papua New Guinea stands to gain significantly from economic diversification through improved market access and reduced trade barriers, which would attract foreign direct investment. “Our Country's Medium Term Development Plan sets out our development agenda to grow our economy to K200 billion by 2030, with a greater focus on downstream processing of our main economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, oil and gas, and tourism,” he outlined. The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of a level playing field for the country to harness its investment potential, asserting that the G20 could play a vital role in fostering such an environment. He called for enhanced efforts to bridge the gap between the global North and developing South, noting that the "Pact for the Future" provides a roadmap for facilitating these efforts. The G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting heard opening remarks from the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who stressed the necessity for global institutions to work collaboratively, “not on parallel or conflicting tracks.” Guterres warned of the increasing inequalities and challenges posed by climate change and urged G20 countries to act decisively in reforming international financial systems to support sustainable development goals. “Progress is slipping out of reach as our world becomes more unsustainable, unequal, and unpredictable,” he cautioned, calling for a unified approach to tackling pressing global issues. Guterres underscored the need for the international community to modernize its approach to global governance, emphasizing that the G20 nations bear a critical responsibility in leading these efforts. Philemon Yang, the President of the UN General Assembly, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the G20's pivotal role in addressing global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation. He stated, “The G20 remains a critical platform for addressing global economic challenges, fostering international cooperation, and driving sustainable development.” Yang reiterated that G20 countries, representing about 60% of the global population and contributing around 85% of the world's GDP, hold a crucial responsibility in realizing the ambitious goals set out in the Pact for the Future. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for robust actions against climate change and hunger, emphasizing the importance of social inclusion and reforming global governance systems. He stated that the G20 must not shy away from its responsibilities amid the severe crises generated by climate change. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, which will assume the G20 presidency in December, highlighted the need for a modernized UN to effectively address current global challenges. The meeting culminated in the adoption of a Call to Action on Global Governance, focusing on reforming the UN and improving international financial systems. The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an international forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. Established in 1999, it brings together the world's major economies to discuss and coordinate policy on global economic issues. The G20 members account for about 85% of the global GDP, two-thirds of the world’s population, and 75% of international trade. The G20 meetings provide a platform for leaders and finance ministers to address critical issues such as economic stability, sustainable development, climate change, and financial regulation. It serves as a forum for cooperation and dialogue among both developed and emerging economies, aiming to promote international financial stability and foster economic growth.