UN’s Relevance in Crisis

You must be logged in to get greater insights.

Context:

At 80, the UN faces questions on its effectiveness as global conflicts, resource constraints, and shifting geopolitics challenge its core mission.

UN’s Current Challenges

Erosion of UN Credibility: The UN struggles with relevance due to inability to resolve conflicts like Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti despite decades of peacekeeping promises.
Resource Constraints: Member states’ reduced funding and shifting priorities, especially from the U.S., undermine the UN’s operational capacity.
Geopolitical Polarisation: Rising influence of powers like China, and contestations over multilateralism, challenge the UN’s unity and effectiveness.

Shifting Priorities and Structural Issues

Washington’s Realignment: The U.S. prioritises its own security and strategic interests, often bypassing UN mechanisms.
Fragmentation of Multilateralism: Divergent agendas among member states have weakened the UN’s role as a universal platform for conflict resolution.
Underfunding of Core Mandates: Peacekeeping, climate action, and humanitarian assistance suffer from budget cuts and a lack of coordinated resources.

The Way Forward

Need for UN Reforms: Strengthening governance, accountability, and resource allocation is critical to restoring the UN’s credibility.
Global South’s Role: Developing countries must unite to push for meaningful reforms and equitable decision-making within the UN system.
Leadership and Commitment: The selection of a new UN Secretary-General and collective political will will determine the UN’s future relevance.

Practice Question:

“Multilateralism is at a crossroads in the 21st century. Critically examine the challenges confronting the United Nations and discuss the reforms required to restore its effectiveness and relevance in global governance.” (250 words)

India-U.S. Ties at Crossroads

International Relations

India’s Health Burden

Science & Technology

Personality Rights in India

Polity & Governance

Driving Digital Panchayats

Polity & Governance Governance

World Food India 2025

Economy

Kanak Durga Temple

History Art and culture