The future of global governance: Can the UN overcome Its limitations?

The main purpose of ‌the UNSC’s formation is to maintain ‌global peace. However, it often fails in this aim and prevents global conflicts. The UNSC is its most powerful body. Even with this power and struggle, it does not bring peace. According to Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, countries cannot use threats or force against other countries to keep their land or be independent.

Article 2(7) also says that no other country can interfere in any state’s domestic matters, especially the region’s internal affairs. In the 1980s, the ICJ ruled against the United States. This is because the US was interfering in Nicaragua’s matters. This case is a lesson for every nation to stay away from internal affairs. It includes political, economic, or cultural decisions. Despite this law, different powerful nations do not obey this rule. This violation indicates the weakness of the UN in maintaining global peace. This inability of the United Nations raises questions about its mission and commitment. 

During the 79th session of the United Nations, the “Summit of the Future” (Sep 22-23), different leaders from various countries gathered on a single platform in New York. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confessed that the UN did not play its role well and failed to stop wars like Gaza and Ukraine conflicts. Without naming them, he blamed the two nations for this failure. Russia and the US used their veto power and blocked actions. Guterres stressed that global problems are growing faster than the UN’s ability to solve them.

Guterres also said that in early April 2022, the UN failed to stop Ukraine’s war. However, over 200 former UN officials have forced Guterres to lead efforts for peace in Ukraine, warning that the UN’s credibility is at risk. 

His frustration reflects the UN’s inability to act decisively. This highlights the larger issue of how the UN’s structure, especially the veto system, limits its effectiveness in resolving global conflicts.

United Nations got criticism from ‌different world leaders. All of them called for urgent reforms. Brazilian President Lula da Silva opposed the UN for not taking any strict action against the Gaza and Ukraine war. Turkish President Erdogan also said that the UN is not working. He said that more countries should be added to the UNSC, which makes decisions about important world issues. Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned that the UN is losing its power. Many people think that powerful countries are above the law, and human rights are only applied to certain groups. Indian Prime Minister Modi emphasized unity and stressed working together for global peace. 

At the same time, the South African President said the UN’s structure is not being updated. He demanded more representation for African nations. Australian Foreign Minister Wong added that any reforms should benefit all nations equally, not just a select few. 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and the Indonesian Foreign Minister also opposed the UN system and called for change, particularly UNSC. Ukraine’s Prime Minister also said that if the UN does not uphold ‌international law, then it’s time to close it. Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, also said that the global system is incomplete and unfair. In response to all of them, the President of the United States said that the UN system is working well and that the US is the key nation to maintain all matters. 

However, at events like the “Summit of the Future,” many leaders agreed that the UN is broken and requires significant reform. Even Secretary-General Antonio Guterres admitted that the UN has become fragmented, reflecting a widespread consensus on the need for change.

However, the “Pact for the Future” has many important rules about different topics like peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights. It is not only the document but a commitment to future generations. The aim of the 56 promises included in the pact is to create a fair and peaceful world for every community.