Senator Sehar Kamran (Pakistan) – politician and former member of the Senate of Pakistan – addresses the Global Conference on Multipolarity (29.04.2023).

Multipolarity and perspectives of the Global South

The Importance of a Multipolar World and Equality in International Relations

BISMILLAH IRAHMAN-IRAHIM

“In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful”

Excellencies and Distinguished Guests,

Members of the organizing team,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Assalam-o-Alaikum - May Peace be upon you all

Let me commence by extending felicitations to the organizers of Global Multipolarity Conference Nova Resistência (Brazil), the New International Order Initiative (Turkey), the International Eurasian Movement (Russia), the Thinkers' Forum (China), and the International Russophile Movement, for arranging this international conference on ‘Global Polarity’. My esteemed gratitude to the Embassy of the Russian Federation for providing me an opportunity to participate in this very important discourse.

This conference is being held at a time when the world is becoming increasingly multipolar, with various centres of powers emerging globally.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Multipolarity as a concept refers to a global system in which there are multiple centres of power, as opposed to a unipolar or bipolar world dominated by one or two major powers. It emphasizes upon the importance of equality and balance in international relations which is significant for maintaining peace in the world.

Multipolarity is a shift away from a unipolar world dominated by the United States to a more balanced power structure with multiple centres of influence. The Western dominance over the world is rapidly deteriorating, and the signs of a new international order can be seen on the horizon. It seems for the first time in modern history, Russia and China will be at par with the US and its Western allies, in the upcoming few years.

Distinguished Guests,

A multipolar world encourages the formation of strategic partnerships among states, as they seek to maintain a balance of power in the world. Russia and China have already formed such a strategic partnership, known as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes several other countries in Central Asia. BRICS is another such organisation in this regard.

According to the data from the World Bank, as of 2021, 3.6 billion people reside in the SCO and BRICS countries, approximately. Whereas the combined GDP of SCO and BRICS countries stands around approximately 24.38 trillion US dollars.

These statistics cannot be ignored. They are indicative of the new emerging power centres, outside the Western capitals. In September 2022, the SCO bloc agreed to take steps to increase the use of national currencies in trade between their countries to reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar and other Western currencies. Whereas the BRICS alliance is already working to create its own currency which ‘does not defend the dollar or euro'.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In recent years, we have witnessed the expansion of the SCO to include countries across Asia. Today, the Central, South and West Asian countries have become a part of this organisation as members and dialogue partners. Just last year, Iran became a full member, and recently the Kingdom of the Saudi Arabia became a dialogue partner. These developments have significant implications as it showcases the multilateralism of the organisation, and the trust they have in SCO.

Riyadh’s decision to join the SCO was not a stand-alone development but took place after China brokered a historical reconciliation deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, to restore full diplomatic relations that were severed seven years ago. This development is a clear indication of a globally changing geo-political and geo-economic order.

The latest agreement between the Russian and Chinese President to use the Chinese yuan as a settlement currency with emerging economies, as well as the Saudi declaration to begin trading oil with China in the Yuan currency are a demonstration of the de-dollarisation and partitioning of the global economy.

Distinguished Guests,

These developments will have significant implications for the world in general and global South in particular. It presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, a more balanced power structure could mean greater representation and influence for developing countries in international affairs. This could lead to more equitable and just global governance arrangements that consider the needs and interests of the global South.

On the other hand, the rise of multiple centres of power could also lead to increasing competition and conflict among nations. This could intensify existing conflicts and inequalities, particularly if developing countries are caught in the crossfire or forced to choose sides, if they do not follow the path of cooperation.

Unfortunately, the power parity between the global north and south has always been skewed in favour of the former. The countries of the global south have historically been marginalized in the global order for a long time.

History is witness that the implementation of unilateral sanctions, both economic and diplomatic, by powerful states in their bid to control the international power hierarchy and to intimidate other states has always backfired, to say the at least. Because when countries feel that they are being treated unfairly or unequally, they may become resentful and hostile towards other nations, leading to tension and even violence.

Distinguished Guests,

The countries in the global south have diverse perspectives on the concept of multipolarity. The perception varies depending on the specific country and its geopolitical context. Many factors, such as economic development, political ideology, and historical relationships with powerful nations, influence how they approach the concept of multipolarity.

Pakistan being a country of the global south has been a victim of unfair policies of the global north, and has faced discrimination as well as unilateral international sanctions which has impacted its economy. But today, owing to the changing global order, Pakistan has an opportunity to make the right choices which can contribute to the growth and prosperity of the country.

Islamabad has historically enjoyed a strong strategic relationship with Beijing spanning over decades. The two countries share bilateral cooperation in different sectors, especially in defense and economy, which is evident in the form of joint coproduction of JF-17 thunder jets, as well as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

It is no secret that Pakistan is an energy deficient country and as a result the CPEC has focused primarily on investing in energy projects in the country. As a result, since its initiation, as many as 11 power projects with accumulative capacity of 6,369MW have been completed, while 10 more projects are under various stages of development.

On the other hand, Pakistan has also expressed its desire to extend cooperation in the field of energy with Russia as it is a resource rich country. When Pakistan needed to import oil at discounted rates, the Russian market offered the opportunity.

As a result, just last week, Pakistan placed its first order for discounted Russian crude oil, and its imports are expected to reach 100,000 barrels per day. This is a significant development and will further strengthen relations between Islamabad and Moscow, in the coming days.

Dear Friends,

A world in which multiple great powers coexist as equals can promote stability, cooperation, diversity, and competition, while also promoting fairness, reducing conflict, enhancing legitimacy, and increasing cooperation. The challenges we face today are humongous and multifaceted. And they can only be tackled through cooperation and collective efforts. And this conference is an important milestone in carrying forward this debate.

Thank you once again to the organisers for arranging this timely conference of international importance. I look forward to an engaging and productive exchange. Thank you.

Senator Sehar Kamran (TI)