India, the European Union, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Barbados and Kenya have launched the Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) initiative on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The group has called for stronger multilateral cooperation, respect for international law and reforms to make global institutions more representative and effective.

The seven founding members adopted the Declaration of the Partners for Multilateralism Summit on September 21 in New York. The initiative aims to bring together countries from different regions around shared principles of international law, peace, inclusive development and shared prosperity.

The declaration comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, conflicts and growing global polarisation. The participating countries said increased reliance on power politics, protectionism and coercion is threatening international peace and weakening global cooperation. They said stronger collective action is needed to address challenges such as climate change and emerging technologies.

Reforming the multilateral system, particularly the United Nations, remains a key focus of the initiative. The partners reaffirmed their support for the UN Charter-based system but said it must adapt to an increasingly interconnected, complex, contested and multipolar world.

The declaration calls for a multilateral system that is more effective, representative and inclusive. The participating countries committed to strengthening international institutions through efforts such as UN80. They want the United Nations to enhance its ability to prevent conflicts, respond to crises, support sustainable development, protect human rights and deal with emerging global challenges.

The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for changes to global governance during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Modi had called for a greater role for the Global South in shaping international rules. He also sought reforms to the UN Security Council and international financial institutions.

The P4M declaration places strong emphasis on international law. It backs sovereign equality, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It also opposes the threat or use of force.

Economic and technological cooperation form another part of the initiative. The declaration seeks more resilient global supply chains, reforms to the multilateral trading system and changes to the international financial architecture. It also highlights cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change and global health.

The initiative will remain open to other countries and regions. European Council President António Costa described P4M as a platform for dialogue, coalition-building and practical cooperation that can help build bridges across regions and contribute to the reform and modernisation of multilateral institutions.

The group is not being positioned as a new formal alliance. Instead, the seven countries aim to build cooperation around their shared commitment to multilateralism. They plan to maintain regular exchanges with partners worldwide to improve dialogue, coordination and practical cooperation.

The P4M summit was held on September 21 during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. The participating leaders included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Kenyan President William Ruto and EU Chairman Antonio Costa.