▲ Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (C) speaks during the World Leaders' Session at the 21st edition of the Jeju Forum on the southern island of Jeju on June 25, 2026, in this photo provided by organizers. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ Attendees listen to speakers at the World Leaders' Session at the 21st edition of the Jeju Forum on the southern island of Jeju on June 25, 2026, in this photo provided by the organizers. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Jeju Forum-session

Former leaders call for renewed cooperation amid fragmented global order

By Woo Jae-yeon

JEJU, South Korea, June 25 (Yonhap) -- A group of former global leaders, including the former South Korean chief of the United Nations, on Thursday stressed the need for stronger multilateral institutions, a more active role by middle powers and deeper regional dialogue to address what they described as "a fragmented world."

"I am deeply, deeply concerned ... what will happen to the future of the United Nations," former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said while speaking in a World Leaders' Session at the ongoing Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity here on South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju.

The former U.N. chief cited climate change, rivalry between great powers and weakening multilateral institutions as three major problems facing the world.

"Not a single country in this world can live alone," he said, criticizing major powers for chasing "short-term" national interests at the expense of international cooperation.

While acknowledging criticism against the U.N., Ban said it still remains the world's "most authoritative international organization" for addressing global challenges.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama echoed Ban's view, saying the world is losing the "spirit of fraternity" that underpins peaceful international relations.

He said nations should pursue mutual respect and understanding rather than confrontation.

"Friendship is built on independence and coexistence," he said.

Hatoyama also voiced concern over artificial intelligence-driven warfare, climate change and the Israel-Iran conflict, which he called the most pressing.

He condemned the U.S. attack on Iran as "a clear violation of international law" and urged Tokyo to take a more independent, mediating role in global affairs rather than simply aligning with Washington.

Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called for a more active coalition of middle powers to act as a stabilizing force amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry.

He said competition among major powers should not be left unchecked and middle powers must speak up when necessary.

"Power must be checked by other power," said Yudhoyono, stressing the importance of regional forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a force for preventing tensions from escalating.

Former German Vice Chancellor Philipp Rosler cautioned against confusing resilience with isolation.

"It is good to be more self-confident as a country, independent of course. But you should not forget the challenges are still global," he said, adding, "We live in a fragmented world, but our job is to make sure that we never become a divided world."

The 21st edition of the annual international peace forum opened Wednesday for a three-day run to explore ways to enhance global cooperation amid mounting geopolitical challenges.

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