Muqaddam Khan
SOON after the devastating Second World War, which buried the League of Nations under its debris, the victorious powers established the United Nations to maintain peace and “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Nevertheless, the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union gave birth to numerous regional conflicts. The frequent use of the veto by powerful states ultimately weakened the world body, rendering it increasingly powerless.
In September, world leaders gathered in New York to address the General Assembly on restoring durable peace. Most called for an end to the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and advocated peaceful settlements of international disputes. Yet, after eight decades, the UN’s failures remain as significant as its achievements, with armed conflicts continuing across the world. Much attention centred on US President Donald Trump’s address. Although his tone differed from last year’s speech, his remarks remained belligerent. His threat that he could either reach a peace agreement with Iran or “annihilate the Islamic Republic” raised serious questions about the use of the UN platform to issue threats rather than promote peace.
The US has increasingly pursued its own global objectives, contributing to international polarization and weakening confidence in both Washington and the UN. When powerful states disregard the organization’s mandate, weaker countries also lose faith in its ability to resolve disputes. This is the UN’s central dilemma, threatening its relevance in an increasingly divided world. The plight of Palestine illustrates this failure. With the US firmly backing Israel, Gaza has been reduced to vast stretches of rubble. The UN has estimated that removing 61 million tonnes of debris could take a decade. Despite the immense humanitarian devastation, international efforts to secure a lasting peace have remained inadequate, while the UN has struggled to exercise its rightful role in resolving the Middle East crisis.
Meanwhile, the global arms race continues unabated. From being the sole nuclear power when the UN was established, the US has been joined by Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel as nuclear-armed states. The continued production and proliferation of sophisticated weapons fuel conflicts, divert resources from development and leave vulnerable countries exposed. The UN has been unable to curb this dangerous competition effectively.
After eight decades, the organization needs comprehensive reforms, particularly of the Security Council, including meaningful African representation. Other urgent priorities include resolving conflicts in the Middle East, settling international disputes peacefully, eradicating poverty, countering the coercive policies of powerful states, tackling climate change and addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Another immediate challenge is the selection of a new secretary-general as António Guterres’s tenure approaches its end. The world needs a capable and independent leader who can address worsening security conditions and humanitarian crises. However, differences among the US, Russia and China could make consensus difficult, further weakening the organization if political considerations prevail over merit.
The UN’s predicament reflects a broader crisis of international cooperation. As Guterres has warned, global divisions are widening, wars are inflicting devastating consequences, civilians are being targeted, hunger is being weaponized and international law is increasingly disregarded. The United Nations must therefore reclaim its credibility by ensuring that international law applies equally to powerful and weaker states. Without meaningful reforms, collective action and a genuine commitment to peace, the organization risks becoming increasingly marginalized when the world needs it most.
—The writer is a KP-based freelance journalist.