Inclusive Society Institute contributes to global debate on the future of multilateralism at ACUNS Annual Meeting
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) participated in the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), hosted at NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal, from 1–3 July 2026. The conference, held under the theme "Multilateralism Under Challenge and the Future of the Pact," brought together academics, policymakers, diplomats and international practitioners to examine the future of global governance and the reform of multilateral institutions.
Representing the Institute, Chief Executive Officer Daryl Swanepoel played a dual role in the programme. On behalf of the Global South Perspectives Network (GSPN), the Inclusive Society Institute organised a panel discussion entitled "The Role of Middle Powers in Reshaping Multilateralism." The panel examined the growing influence of middle powers in an increasingly multipolar international system and considered how these states can contribute to strengthening international cooperation at a time when traditional multilateral institutions face mounting geopolitical pressures.
In addition to organising the GSPN panel, Swanepoel presented a paper during the session "Beyond the P5: The Role of Middle Powers and BRICS in Shaping the Global Order." His presentation, entitled "From UN80 to the Chinese Global Governance Initiative: What Is Shaping the New Multilateralism the World Needs?", explored the competing and complementary ideas currently influencing the evolution of the international system.
Drawing on his research, Swanepoel argued that contemporary debates on multilateral reform are increasingly being shaped by two significant initiatives. The first is the United Nations' UN80 process, which seeks to improve the effectiveness, legitimacy and institutional performance of the existing multilateral system. The second is China's Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which advances a broader vision of international governance rooted in greater inclusivity, respect for sovereignty, development-centred cooperation and enhanced representation for developing countries.
The presentation contended that these initiatives should not be viewed merely as competing geopolitical projects. Rather, they reflect a broader search for a new multilateral settlement capable of responding to shifting global power realities. As the relative influence of emerging economies continues to grow, the international community faces the challenge of adapting governance structures originally designed for a very different world.
A central theme of the paper was the increasingly important role that middle powers can play in bridging differences between established and emerging centres of influence. Rather than reinforcing geopolitical blocs, Swanepoel argued that middle powers are uniquely positioned to facilitate dialogue, build consensus and promote practical reforms capable of strengthening international institutions while accommodating greater diversity in political systems, development priorities and regional interests.
The Inclusive Society Institute's participation forms part of its broader commitment to advancing evidence-based dialogue on international governance, global cooperation and the role of Africa and the Global South in shaping a more representative and effective multilateral system. Through its work within the Global South Perspectives Network, the Institute continues to contribute to international conversations on building a more inclusive, responsive and resilient global order.
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