The UN the world needs
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the UN Summit of the Future in New York on September 22-23, an event aimed at establishing a "new international consensus" for a better present and future.
- However, the summit brings into focus a more pressing concern—the future of the United Nations (UN) itself. Established nearly 80 years ago, the UN, despite its noble mission of preventing wars and fostering global cooperation, now seems outdated and ineffective in dealing with modern geopolitical challenges.
- Its inability to address major global crises, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and its failure to ensure food security, climate action, and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflect its current dysfunction.
The Legacy of Western Dominance:
- The current state of the UN can be traced back to the ideas that shaped its formation. The original concept of the UN was heavily influenced by Western intellectuals like H.G. Wells, who envisioned a world order dominated by Anglo-Saxon powers.
- The foundations of the UN were laid by Roosevelt and Churchill in 1941, and its membership initially consisted largely of countries within the English-speaking or Western sphere of influence.
- Over time, while the UN expanded to include 193 member states, the power structures within the organization, particularly in the Security Council, remained skewed in favor of the Western powers.
- This dominance led to the rise of new alliances like AUKUS (Australia, the UK, and the US) and CANZUK (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK), which bypass the UN, reflecting the persistence of a mindset that prioritizes Western interests over global inclusivity.
- The refusal of major powers, particularly the US, to democratize and reform the UN, especially the Security Council, has further exacerbated the institution's paralysis.
A Broken Multilateral System:
- The failure of the UN's multilateral system is evident in its inability to resolve conflicts and enforce global rules.
- The Ukraine conflict, now ongoing for over two years, continues unabated with no resolution in sight. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, poignantly highlighted the ineffectiveness of the Security Council in addressing such crises, asking why the UN has been rendered powerless in resolving them.
- Similarly, the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism has been stalled since 2019 due to the US's refusal to ratify new appointments to its appellate body, further exposing the weaknesses of the global multilateral framework.
- Over 600 bilateral and regional trade agreements remain unresolved due to the absence of a functioning dispute mechanism, which points to the larger crisis of global governance.
India's Push for Reform:
- India, as a rising global power, has consistently called for a more democratic and inclusive UN that reflects the realities of the 21st century. India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has rightly pointed out that reforming the UN is challenging when the existing P5 (the permanent members of the Security Council) are unwilling to relinquish their power.
- As India continues to assert its influence on the global stage, particularly through initiatives like G20 and BRICS, it is clear that the UN must evolve to give a greater voice to countries like India.
What to Expect from PM Modi’s Address:
- At the upcoming summit, PM Modi is likely to address the urgent need for reforming the UN to make it more representative and effective. He may emphasize India's call for permanent membership in the Security Council and advocate for a more equitable global order that recognizes the growing influence of the Global South.
- As Dennis Francis, the President of the General Assembly, rightly chose "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity" as the theme for the 78th session, India could play a pivotal role in pushing for reforms that ensure the UN remains relevant in the face of geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic inequality.
- In conclusion, while the UN Summit of the Future aims to set a global vision for a better world, the real test lies in addressing the future of the UN itself. Without significant reforms, the UN risks becoming obsolete in an increasingly multipolar world.
- PM Modi's address may provide the much-needed impetus for reform, positioning India as a key player in shaping the future of global governance.