Nations fear becoming collateral in competition between great powers: UN

UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that as geopolitical tensions rise, global divisions are becoming deeper and more dangerous, and smaller countries fear becoming collateral damage in the competition between great powers.

Guterres made these remarks while addressing Nepal’s parliament.

The United Nations Secretary-General also spoke about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and acknowledged that Nepalese citizens, despite being thousands of miles away, were among the victims of Hamas’ brutal attacks in Israel.

He offered his condolences to the families of the ten Nepalese students who lost their lives in an attack by Hamas militants in Israel and extended his best wishes for the safe return of Bipin Joshi, a student who is currently missing.

As geopolitical tensions rise, global divisions become deeper and more dangerous. Smaller countries fear they will become collateral damage in the competition between great powers, Guterres said.

He emphasized Nepal’s commitment to global peace and security, pointing out that the Himalayan country is the second largest contributor of troops to United Nations missions worldwide.

India has been the largest troop contributor to UN missions since its inception.

Nepal, the UN chief said, “is a champion of peace, a champion of multilateralism and a staunch supporter of sustainable development and climate action.

As the climate catastrophe accelerates with deadly force, the world could learn a lot from Nepal in responding to these crises, he said.

He also recognized Nepal’s unique position, situated between two superpowers (India and China), and commended the country for taking its own path to ensure sovereignty and independence.

Guterres also underlined the need for reforms in the United Nations, including the Security Council.

Developing countries must have much greater representation in international institutions, he said, adding that I have called for reform of the outdated United Nations Security Council.

Guterres said he has proposed measures to reform the global financial architecture so that it better represents developing countries and responds to their needs.

He expressed the UN’s commitment to support Nepal’s achievement of Least Developed Country (LDC) status, underscoring that this transition is imminent.

During his visit to Nepal, which started on Saturday, Guterres met with President Ramchandra Poudel and Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, among others.