GENEVA - The Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, George Katrougalos, today warned that deepening global inequalities threaten peace, development, and human rights.
"Structural inequities remain embedded in the global economic order," Katrougalos told the UN Human Rights Council. "Historical legacies and present policy choices, such as recent unilateral policies from the United States, continue to entrench asymmetries in trade, finance, technology and governance. Without systemic reforms, the promise of multipolarity risks being undermined by fragmentation."
In his report, the expert highlighted how resurging protectionism, climate injustice, unsustainable debt and persistent digital and knowledge gaps are widening the North-South divide. While acknowledging the shift towards multipolarity, he stressed that this moment offers an opportunity to revitalise multilateralism on the basis of inclusivity, redistribution and human rights.
Katrougalos called for reform of global governance to reflect today's realities, including fairer representation in key institutions. He urged democratisation of trade rules, a multilateral debt resolution linked to climate goals, a global climate justice fund, and stronger action to close the digital divide.
He underscored that solutions must be holistic, integrating economic, environmental, technological and human rights dimensions, and must involve not only States but also civil society and local communities.
The expert also reported on his May 2025 visit to Iceland, commending its strong human rights record, global leadership in gender equality and sustainability, and commitment to democratic governance.
"The persistence of the North-South divide is neither inevitable nor insurmountable," Katrougalos said. "Through inclusive reforms and renewed solidarity, we can build an international order that serves the common good and upholds the dignity of all peoples."
