On August 19th, I published an article in Pragativadi addressing a crucial challenge of our time: why multilateralism remains indispensable in an increasingly polarized world.
We are witnessing a troubling surge in unilateralism, where powerful nations leverage their military and economic dominance to reshape the global order purely in pursuit of self-interest, often at the direct expense of smaller or developing states.
My perspective is grounded in my experience serving as Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan—a regional multilateral organization dedicated to economic and social development across the Asia-Pacific. What makes the Colombo Plan exceptional is its radically egalitarian framework: it operates without institutional hierarchy, ensuring every member nation contributes equally and holds an equal voice regardless of size or economic strength.
It is heartening to see these principles echoed on the global stage. At the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India took a commendable leadership role by forging a coalition of nations committed to a robust multilateral framework to address global crises.
This effort sends a powerful message of optimism to small and mid-sized nations, whose future stability and prosperity depend entirely on an international order governed by shared principles rather than raw power.
✍️ About the Author
Dr. U. Sarat Chandran is a retired IAS officer, former Additional Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Odisha, former Advisor to the IMF, former Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan (Sri Lanka), and former Private Secretary to Dr. Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
⚖️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Pragativadi.com. Pragativadi remains committed to providing a platform for diverse perspectives while upholding its editorial independence and integrity.
