Anil Wasif (L to R) as a UofT student delegate in 2016 and, in 2023 and 2024, as the representative for BacharLorai.

By Anil Wasif

October 3, 2024

Walking into the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations for the Summit of the Future on September 20, I felt the hum of anticipation. New York was alive with the energy that comes every year when global leaders descend on the city, and Assembly Hall is the epicentre of that vibe.

But as Louise Blais, the former Canadian Ambassador to the UN and Policy contributor, wrote in her piece on the annual UNGA High-Level Week, “At a time when the big solutions elude international consensus, a great many smaller wins are achieved in the margins.” In other words, the Assembly Hall may be what most people picture when they think of the UNGA, but much of the real work of global diplomacy is now conducted outside its iconic setting.

The 79th UNGA wasn’t just about grand speeches from powerful nations; it was about those players on the margins — the ones whose small wins carry the weight of survival in a world where equitable resource distribution and global governance reform aren’t just talking points, but fast-moving targets for organizations of all kinds.

I was at the UNGA representing BacharLorai, a Canada-born non-profit with a mission to empower Bangladeshis worldwide, for the second year. From the first day, I could feel that this week would be about much more than symbolic statements for me to quote back to our Board.

The Summit of the Future focused on climate resilience, equitable resource distribution, and reforming global financial systems — issues that are key to the UN’s mission of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attending civil society side events and forums hosted by member states, I saw firsthand the urgency with which the Global South, including Bangladesh, was fighting to be heard. The focus on reforming multilateral institutions to better support developing nations was palpable.

In reference to only 10% of speakers being women this year, Philémon Yang, former Cameroonian prime minister and President of the 79th General Assembly, closed the first session by noting, “The glaring disparity speaks to a deeper issue that we cannot ignore.” This sentiment echoed across the Assembly, where discussions of economic inequities and the exclusion of vulnerable populations were just as prominent. The call for reforms to address these disparities aligned with the core issues Bangladesh and other marginalized nations face daily — from climate change to unjust global financial architectures that leave nations struggling to achieve sustainable development.

At one of the civil society events, our Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly’s directness cut through the diplomatic language that often fills these gatherings, reinforcing the urgency of peace and security — key components of the UN’s agenda for conflict resolution and sustainable global governance. Joly doubled down on the issue of gender equality, calling it “unacceptable” that “for nearly 80 years, no woman has occupied the position of Secretary-General.” Her sentiments resonated with the larger mission for providing equal opportunity to women, marginalized communities, and smaller nations alike. To this end, I left with a mission to do everything on my part to ensure BL has 50-50 gender representation at UN GA 80 next year.

In a moment as crucial as this one, being on the margins means being at the very centre of the fight for a more just, equitable future.

At a Feminist Futures event, a UN Women spokesperson highlighted the tension between “mini-lateralism” and multilateralism. Minilateralism, the practice of small groups of countries forming coalitions to address specific issues, has gained traction in recent years as nations seek quicker, more agile responses to global challenges. While these smaller alliances can be effective in certain areas like trade or security, they risk undermining the broader goals of multilateralism that the United Nations champions. The UN’s foundation is built on inclusivity and collective action, where all member states, regardless of size or power, have a seat at the table. Minilateralism, while pragmatic in the short term, can fragment global efforts and leave smaller or less powerful nations out of critical conversations. At UNGA 79, the call to reinforce multilateralism was clear: true global progress requires cooperation and shared responsibility, not just a coalition of the willing. Only through multilateralism can the world address complex, interconnected challenges like climate change, inequality, and peacebuilding.

From the floor of the General Assembly to the side events, the conversations had an urgency I haven’t felt in previous years. Leaders from smaller, vulnerable countries made impassioned pleas for global financial reform. Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Burundi, captured the frustration of many when he said, “Unilateral measures destroy the social fabric of countries they are imposed upon.” His call for economic independence reflected the deep-seated desire for self-determination that was central to the UNGA debate on equitable global financial systems and reforms.

On war, many articles have been written, but one point that stands out to an economist is that governments, donors and organizations have shifted their budgets to security, defence and emergency responses. From a budgeting perspective this is a major red flag as funding is being cut for social programs in boardrooms across the globe. This makes it equally important for civil society leaders to advocate for global financing reform, and ensure we prioritize human security without de-prioritizing human livelihoods.

One of the most meaningful moments for me as a Bangladeshi Canadian was the meeting between Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Their conversation on expanding scholarships and visas for Bangladeshi students was personal to me, having navigated international education pathways myself. Expanding these opportunities could empower a new generation of leaders, directly contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education. Similarly, Yunus’s meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden was pivotal. Their discussion on democratic reforms and inclusive economic growth in Bangladesh aligned with the UN’s broader focus on governance reform. Biden’s emphasis on democratic values for U.S.-Bangladesh relationsreflects the UN’s core principles of fostering inclusive societies.

One of the most striking issues discussed at UNGA 79 was the ongoing global migration crisis. From Europe to the Americas, leaders spoke about the urgency of addressing the root causes of mass displacement, including conflict, poverty, and climate change. The General Assembly echoed calls for greater international cooperation to support refugee-hosting nations, emphasizing the need for a more humane and structured approach to migration. Wealthier countries were urged to contribute more significantly to managing this global challenge. During the week, leaders emphasized that addressing migration is not just about border security, but about creating sustainable solutions to ensure dignity, human rights, and economic opportunity for those displaced by circumstances beyond their control. The conversations underscored the critical intersection of human rights and global solidarity in shaping a more equitable future.

Throughout these conversations, the UN’s priorities — from climate resilience and gender equality to reforming the financial system — echoed in every room. Seán Fleming, Ireland’s Minister of State, noted that “We need collective action, at speed and at scale, to avert the most catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis,” speaking to the environmental challenges that smaller nations like Bangladesh and others in the Global South face. It was clear that the push for collective global governance reform is no longer just an agenda item but a necessity.

To sum it up, as the General Assembly week drew to a close, I left New York with a renewed sense of purpose. For smaller nations and next-generation civil society organizations like BacharLorai, our victories might seem incremental, but they are anything but insignificant. The margins — where we often find ourselves — are where the most meaningful work happens. And in a moment as crucial as this one, being on the margins means being at the very centre of the fight for a more just, equitable future, fully aligned with the United Nations’ efforts to address the most pressing issues of our time.

Policy Contributing Writer Anil Wasif is research manager at Infrastructure Ontario. He sits on the advisory board of the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University and the Governing Council at the University of Toronto. He is Trustee and Director of Strategy at BacharLorai, an international non-profit organization, empowering Bangladeshi communities worldwide, and is the Official Civil Society Representative of BL to the United Nations. His opinions are his own, and do not reflect the views of any organizations with which he is affiliated.