Challenges and Relevance of the United Nations
The United Nations (UN), established to promote peace and human progress, is currently facing significant challenges, primarily due to a shift from universalism to nationalist egocentrism. This shift has led to its paralysis in addressing global crises such as conflicts, climate change, and inequality.
Key Issues Faced by the UN
- The UN is described as "gridlocked in dysfunction" by António Guterres, highlighting its difficulty in forging consensus or delivering global public goods.
- Its credibility is under question even by the original creators, the victors of World War II.
- The UN's ability to act is compromised by power politics, budgetary constraints, and the P5's dominance.
U Thant's Legacy and Leadership
The book "Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World" by Thant Myint-U revisits the era of U Thant, the first Asian Secretary-General of the UN, highlighting his leadership during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War.
Contributions of U Thant
- U Thant played a vital role in averting nuclear catastrophe during the Cuban Missile Crisis by mediating between Kennedy and Khrushchev.
- He stood firm against apartheid and questioned U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
- He contributed to the expansion of the UN's development framework with the creation of UNCTAD, UNDP, and UNITAR.
The Trinity of Multilateral Responsibility
The book suggests restoring the UN's relevance through a "Trinity of Multilateral Responsibility" involving the Secretariat, Member States, and global citizenry ("We the People").
Roles and Responsibilities
- The Secretariat: Must reclaim its initiative, independence, and moral authority.
- Member States: Particularly the P5, should support global public goods and provide resources and commitment.
- We the People: Global citizenry must re-engage with the ideals of global solidarity and a unified planet.
India's Role and U Thant's Influence
U Thant's diplomacy aligns closely with India's non-alignment policy and its current global leadership role.
India's Contributions
- India has been a bridge-builder between the Global North and South and has led initiatives such as the G20 and the Voice of the Global South platform.
- India advocates for democratising global governance, emphasizing justice and inclusion, resonating with U Thant's vision.
The book "Peacemaker" thus serves as both a biography and a call to action, highlighting the UN's moral drift and the need to restore its foundational principles for global peace and equity.