The world recently celebrated the 77th anniversary of the United Nations on October 24, 2022.
About the UN
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization established in 1945, currently composed of 193 Member States. The purpose and principles of the UN, as detailed in its founding Charter, guide its mission and work, executed by its various organs and specialized agencies.
The UN is actively involved in maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development, and upholding international law.
The History of the UN
In 1899, the International Peace Conference was held in The Hague to develop instruments for peacefully resolving crises, preventing wars, and codifying rules of warfare. It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes and established the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which began functioning in 1902. This court was a precursor to the UN’s International Court of Justice.
The predecessor of the UN was the League of Nations, an organization conceived during the First World War and established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles “to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security.”
The United Nations Conference on International Organization (1945), held in San Francisco (USA), was attended by representatives from 50 countries who signed the United Nations Charter. The UN Charter of 1945 is the foundational treaty of the United Nations.
Main Components of the UN
There are six main parts of the UN, all of which were established when the UN was founded in 1945. These include the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat.
The UN also runs several Funds and Programmes such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Food Programme (WFP), among others.
It also oversees Specialised Agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Labour Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to name a few.
The UN’s Contributions Throughout History
The UN has made significant contributions since its inception. After the decolonization period in the 1960s, the UN’s membership nearly doubled from around 50 members. The UN played a vital role in the decolonization of approximately 80 colonies. It has also begun engaging more with civil society, including intellectuals and the media. The organization’s sustainability so far outpaces that of its predecessor, the League of Nations, and it has successfully prevented a third global conflict.
Setbacks Faced by the UN
Despite its achievements, the UN has faced setbacks. While it has prevented World War III, violence, arms races, nuclear races, and cold wars persist among nations. Power often suppresses principles, with powerful states holding sway over international politics through undemocratic instruments like veto power and permanent seats in the UN Security Council (UNSC).
The UN has struggled to present itself as a multipolar and multilateral organization. While the number of member nations has increased dramatically, the number of permanent members in the UN General Assembly remains at five.
Moreover, the UN has lagged in comprehensive development and adapting to increasing globalization, lacking institutional arrangements to address specific issues like pandemics or advancements like artificial intelligence.
The Significance of India in the UN
India is a founding member of the UN and has been an active participant in all UN initiatives, including those on sustainable development and climate change. It has played a significant role in maintaining peace and friendly relations with most nations.
In January 2021, India was elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for two years, representing an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded nations to combat international terrorism. India has also raised concerns about the need for reforms in the UN, particularly the UNSC. As a developing nation, India plays a large role in the international economy and politics, a change that is not reflected in the Security Council’s decision-making processes.
Looking Forward: The Need for Reform
The UN has flourished over the past 75 years, undergoing incremental changes along the way. However, the time has come for more significant reforms. The UNSC, in particular, urgently needs to undergo reforms to remain relevant. Overall, there is a pressing need for comprehensive reform across the UN, with principles no longer being dictated by the most powerful nations.
The UN continues to play a pivotal role in global peacekeeping, security, and development. However, it faces considerable challenges that require timely and comprehensive reforms to continue its mission effectively.