United Nations Evolution: Examining its Historical Background, Current State, and Concerning Prospects
The United Nations, a beacon of global cooperation since its inception in 1945, is currently facing a series of challenges that threaten its effectiveness.
In recent years, some G20 countries have been absent from the United Nations General Assembly, with specific names of these nations yet to be detailed. This trend raises questions about the commitment of these nations to the UN's mission.
The General Assembly, the only organ in which all 193 member states have equal representation, can only make recommendations rather than decisions in regard to international matters. This structure, while democratic, has been criticised for its inability to enforce concrete actions.
The UN's original purpose was to foster peace to prevent another world war. However, the Security Council, one of the most important organs, is considered one of the most obvious signs of UN failure. Many criticise Russia's unconditional veto power and the lack of representation from African countries on the Council.
The Security Council is responsible for implementing important policies such as imposing economic sanctions or deploying forces. Enforcing consequences on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine is a controversial issue, with some arguing that the UN should not dictate the actions of any government, while others believe that only other great powers have the ability to stop Russia.
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2016, include 17 goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, climate action, and gender equality. The SDGs aim to be met by 2030 in order to achieve peace and success for the planet and its people. However, many diplomats say that the SDGs will not be met by 2030, despite the need for reform and increased multilateral cooperation.
The Global South, which includes 78 nations across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean, is disproportionately affected by the consequences of the failure to meet the SDGs. Reform is needed to save the UN, with suggestions including enlarging the Security Council, amending the veto power of its members, or changing the rules to allow the General Assembly to override a Security Council veto by a two-thirds vote.
The 2023 General Assembly was attended by President Joe Biden of the United States, but only 10 of the G20 countries were represented by their presidents or prime ministers. The meeting was focused on the demands of the nations constituting a group called the Global South.
The future of the world's leading international institution is still salvageable, but it is up to not only the leaders of the world, but also to the voices of the upcoming generation, to save the one chance we have left of a peaceful future. Increased multilateralism and cooperation are key to reform and maintaining global cooperation to solve important issues such as climate change, pandemics, and more.
The UN's weak reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine is seen as a representation of the UN's bleak future. The West's ability to fight Russia and support Ukraine is dependent on Western hegemony and power, which is being challenged by China's exploits of the Global South's frustration against the West.
The future of the UN is also linked to the success of the SDGs. Increased financing of the SDGs, especially for the Global South, is suggested as a solution to help reach the SDGs. The absence of many world leaders at the General Assembly indicates that the UN is rapidly weakening, and the future of the UN seems bleak due to geopolitical tensions.
The Trusteeship Council, originally created to oversee territories taken from conquered nations after World War II, no longer exists. The Economic and Social Council manages the economic and social work of the UN, while the Secretariat organ manages the UN's daily activities and operations.
The Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, a forum that includes coastal Atlantic countries, aims to collaborate in matters regarding the Atlantic Ocean, but it is unclear how effective it will be.
As of the 2023 General Assembly meeting, only 15% of SDGs had been met and 50% were off track, with COVID-19 being a major setback. President Zelynsky of Ukraine attended the General Assembly for the first time in person since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The UN was created in October of 1945, composed of 51 member states. Today, it stands as a symbol of hope and unity, but its future is uncertain. The future of the world's leading international institution is still salvageable, but it is up to all of us to ensure its continued success.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
