Citing the United Kingdom’s (UK) plan to reform multilateral systems, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils underscored her own role to find “shared ground” with the Philippines to benefit both countries. British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils (Photo from British Embassy Manila) In an editorial published on UK’s government website, the envoy admitted that since the UK “occupies a privileged place in many multilateral institutions,” it is in “our interest, and our obligation, to improve the effectiveness of the multilateral order.” “Of course, we can deliver reform only if we work with others. Working multilaterally is also about compromise, and ensuring different perspectives are listened to and inform decisions,” Beaufils wrote. “One of the most important aspects of my role as the UK’s ambassador to the Philippines is to listen - to find shared ground for our common benefit,” she added. The ambassador stressed that multilateralism—with institutions such as the United Nations (UN), Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), among others—“is not at odds with national sovereignty and democracy.” Instead, Beaufils stressed that “its purpose is to protect and reinforce them.” “In a globally integrated world, our commitment to peace, prosperity and development hinges on respecting fundamental laws and institutions. Let us work together to reinforce a dynamic and open international order in which all can thrive,” she said. For Beaufils, getting multilateral system reforms right will result to “a safer, fairer, healthier and more prosperous world.” “We have an obligation to future generations to make this happen,” she added.