UNDP at Arendalsuka

As global governance faces growing challenges, international cooperation, effective institutions and inclusive dialogue are central to shaping collective responses. At this year's Arendalsuka, Norway's annual democracy festival, UNDP's Global Policy Centre for Governance contributed to two discussions exploring how countries and multilateral institutions can respond to a changing geopolitical landscape.

Across the discussions, a common question emerged: how can multilateral cooperation remain effective in a more fragmented world?

Navigating the new world order: Are we in a middle power moment?

MONDAY 10 AUGUST i 14:00–14:45 i  kAMBUZI, NEDRE TYHOLMSVEIEN 7B I MORE Information

As traditional alliances come under strain and global power shifts, countries like Norway are facing new opportunities and dilemmas. This discussion examined what the current geopolitical moment means for middle powers, how they can exercise influence internationally, and whether a new era of pragmatism is strengthening or weakening multilateral cooperation.

Organized by Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO).

Can the UN provide security in a world in crisis?

THURSDAY 13 AUGUST i 13:00–13:45 i  GRID-ARENDAL, ALTINGET SCENE, TEATERPLASSEN 3 I MORE Information

For 80 years, the United Nations has helped manage crises and negotiate peace. As conflict intensifies and pressure on international cooperation grows, this discussion explored what the UN must be to continue delivering peace and security in a changing world. It also examined the role Norway should play during this period of reform and uncertainty, and what is at stake if future generations lose confidence in the institutions designed to protect them.

Organized by United Nations Association Norway, GRID Arendal, United Nations Development Programme, UN Global Compact, UNICEF and World Food Programme. 

Three reflections from Director Toril-Iren Pedersen

Following the discussions, Toril-Iren Pedersen, Director of UNDP’s Global Policy Centre for Governance, reflected on what the changing global landscape means for multilateral cooperation and the role countries such as Norway can play. Three points stood out:

1. The UN was made for this moment

In a more polarised and fragmented world, multilateralism is increasingly being questioned. Pedersen sees this as reinforcing, rather than diminishing, the relevance of the United Nations.

The UN was created to provide a space for countries to find pragmatic ways forward when they disagree — and to deliver solutions despite those differences. Just as effective public services can help build trust in institutions at the national level, demonstrating that international cooperation delivers solutions can help rebuild trust in multilateralism.

2. Development is an investment in security

Security extends beyond the work of the Security Council and traditional approaches to peace and conflict.

Addressing the drivers of crisis and instability — including poverty, limited economic opportunities and weak or unaccountable institutions — is also an investment in security. Supporting development, creating jobs and opportunities, and strengthening effective and accountable institutions can contribute to more resilient and peaceful societies.

This is where Pedersen sees a particular role for the UN: supporting countries on their development paths while bringing Member States together to negotiate the rules, commitments and collective responses that enable development.

3. Middle powers can engage strategically through multilateralism

During the panel “Navigating the new world order: Are we in a middle power moment?”, Pedersen reflected on what shifts in global power could mean for countries like Norway. If Norway has an opportunity to exert greater influence in a changing world order, she does not see the answer as stepping away from multilateralism.

Pedersen stresses that the UN is its Member States — and points to the opportunities countries like Norway have to shape it.

While UN reform is often at the centre of the conversation, Pedersen also points to the importance of using the UN — including political fora as well as the governing boards of UN funds and programmes.

If this is indeed a middle power moment, Pedersen sees an opportunity for Norway to demonstrate what strategic multilateral engagement looks like: pragmatic where necessary, ambitious where possible, and focused on making international cooperation deliver. Looking closely at how parliaments and civil society are connected is part of this.

Her reflection ultimately calls for not less multilateralism, but better, more strategic and more effective multilateralism.