The President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD), Vuk Jeremić, gave an interview to SINA Finance, one of China’s leading financial media platforms. Since its founding in 1998, SINA Finance has been among the most influential outlets in the Chinese-speaking world for global financial market coverage and commentary.

 

Below is the full text of the interview:

Q: The International Relations and Sustainable Development Center (CIRSD) has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable development globally. How do you see the relationship between international relations and sustainable development? What do you think the current international situation has an impact on sustainable development?

A: In my various capacities since 2012—most notably as President of the UN General Assembly when I chaired the negotiations mandated by the historic Rio+20 Conference—I have witnessed firsthand the complexity and importance of integrating sustainable development into the global agenda. The negotiations that ultimately resulted in the unanimous adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 were among the most intricate multilateral efforts ever undertaken.

Sustainable development is a truly holistic concept, encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions, and it applies universally—to developed and developing nations alike, across North and South, and regardless of political systems or historical backgrounds. No country can achieve the SDGs in isolation; these challenges are inherently global and interdependent.

This means that international cooperation is not optional—it is indispensable. Governments must take the lead, but success requires strong engagement from the private sector, academia, civil society, and other stakeholders. Unfortunately, the current global landscape, characterized by geopolitical rivalry and fragmentation, threatens to derail progress. We must therefore redouble our commitment to dialogue and multilateralism. Only by working together can we hope to achieve the bold vision embodied in the SDGs for this century.

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Q: As the 67th President of the United Nations General Assembly, you played a pivotal role in shaping global governance. What do you see as the most significant challenges facing sustainable development today? What role do you believe smaller and emerging economies should play in promoting sustainable development?

A: I often describe our current era as one of “geopolitical recession.” Like economic cycles, geopolitics has periods of boom and bust, but geopolitical downturns last longer—often decades. In such negative cycles, trust among major powers erodes, multilateralism weakens, and international relations become more transactional and bilateral, at the expense of shared goals.

One major casualty of this trend is the effectiveness of international organizations. Today, the UN and other multilateral bodies struggle to deliver, leading some to question their relevance. While these frustrations are understandable, abandoning the UN would be a grave mistake. No other institution possesses the universality and legitimacy that the UN offers.

Smaller and emerging economies, despite their limited ability to influence great power rivalries, play a critical role in sustaining the multilateral system. They should remain steadfast in supporting the principles that led to the adoption of the SDGs and advocate for reforms to make institutions more reflective of 21st-century realities. By doing so, these nations can serve as a stabilizing force and ensure that global governance remains anchored in cooperation rather than confrontation. Patience and persistence will be key to keeping the sustainable development agenda alive.

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Q: Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. Currently, we've seen some backsliding in climate governance by certain countries and regions. What's your view on the relationship between climate action and economic development? And how do you think we should approach climate governance?

A: Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and its impact on economic development—especially in vulnerable regions—cannot be overstated. The reality is that unchecked climate change will devastate economies, exacerbate poverty, and undermine hard-won progress toward sustainability. Conversely, bold climate action can unlock innovation and drive economic growth, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, green technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.

Yet, we must also acknowledge the shifting political dynamics within some of the world's key players. Domestic political changes have led certain countries to reconsider or even reverse long-standing climate commitments. While regrettable, these developments are often beyond external influence. Instead of lamenting these changes, the international community must pragmatically recalibrate its strategies—focusing on achievable goals and fostering inclusive cooperation.

Our ambition should remain guided by scientific evidence and the principle of equitable progress. This means ensuring that climate governance frameworks accommodate the needs of developing nations, which require both resources and technology transfers to pursue low-carbon growth pathways. In short, climate action and economic development are not opposing objectives; they are two sides of the same coin, and global governance must reflect this interdependence.

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Q: Multilateralism is facing significant challenges in the current geopolitical landscape. How do you see the future of multilateralism? Do you think multilateralism is indispensable for promoting sustainable development?

A: We live in a period of geopolitical recession, and multilateral institutions are among its greatest victims. Many remain locked in outdated structures that no longer reflect today's balance of power. When the "rules of the road" fail to match the reality of traffic, frustration and unilateralism inevitably follow.

Under these circumstances, three trends will define the future: First, ongoing—though challenging—efforts to reform existing institutions to better mirror contemporary realities. Second, the rise of alternative regional or thematic organizations such as the EU, BRICS, or ASEAN, which will increasingly handle issues the global system struggles to address. And third, the growth of unilateral actions by states seeking to protect what they perceive as vital interests, as seen in recent geopolitical crises.

While this is far from ideal, we must be realistic. The UN remains indispensable as the only truly universal platform for dialogue and norm-setting, even if its functionality is imperfect. Multilateralism will not disappear, but it will evolve—through a hybrid model where global, regional, and national mechanisms coexist. The challenge before us is to navigate this transition without losing sight of the ultimate goal: preserving peace and fostering sustainable progress for humanity.

LINK: https://finance.sina.com.cn/esg/2025-08-29/doc-infnqzvm4317049.shtml?cref=cj

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