UN Challenges and Reforms
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently highlighted significant challenges facing the United Nations (UN). He criticized the current state of the UN, implying that its credibility is compromised when member states, like Pakistan, protect organizations responsible for terrorist attacks, such as the one in Pahalgam.
Key Issues Highlighted
- Security Council Protection: Jaishankar pointed out that certain UN Security Council members protect terrorist groups, which undermines multilateralism.
- Decision-Making Process: The UN's decision-making is criticized for not reflecting its membership or addressing global priorities.
- Polarized Debates: Increasing polarization and gridlock in discussions impede effective functioning.
- Reform Obstructions: Reforms are hindered by the very processes meant to implement them.
- Financial Constraints: Emerging as a new challenge, financial constraints threaten the sustainability of the UN.
Concerns on Terrorism and Development
- Equating Victims and Perpetrators: Jaishankar criticizes global strategies that equate victims with terrorists.
- SDG Agenda 2030: The slowing progress of the Sustainable Development Goals highlights the distress in the Global South.
Call for Sustained Multilateralism
Despite the challenges, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of upholding multilateralism and supporting the UN during these crises. He called for renewed faith in international cooperation to build a better world.