UN secretary general Antonio Guterres has called on African, Caribbean and Pacific nations to rebuild trust in multilateralism, noting that the bloc can be an engine of progress in transforming the world.

Mr Guterres made the call in his remarks at the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States in Equatorial Guinea.

The UN chief also urged the OACPS to increase its investment in sustainable development and climate resilience.

“I count on you to keep raising your voices. And you can count on me to keep fighting for you. Let’s work together to share solutions, strengthen resilience, and deliver for the most vulnerable,” said Mr Guterres. “Let us build a world where peace, equality and dignity become a reality for all.”

The UN chief, however. congratulated the organisation on its golden jubilee. According to him, the group represent 1.5 billion people across a dozen time zones, and your partnership is needed more than ever.

The UN chief said that’s why member states must deliver on the Sevilla Commitment—by reducing the cost of capital, unlocking investment, easing debt burdens, and reforming the international financial architecture and institutions so they truly work for developing countries.

He said it is why the Pact for the Future has approved key strategies and measures to better support your aspirations.

“It is why the world must do far more to confront climate injustice. African countries and small island developing states did not create this crisis—yet you are paying first and worst.

“The biggest emitters are failing to keep global temperature rise above the 1.5-degree limit. They must lead the way to drastically reduce emissions.

“Support the acceleration of a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels,’’ the UN chief said.

Mr Guterres also urged the organisation to make good on its promises for adaptation and support for loss and damage to those on the front lines—across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

He commended their agenda, which focused on advancing partnerships for climate resilience, securing affordable resources to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthening South-South cooperation and regional solidarity to drive transformation.

(NAN)