UN as a symbol of possibility

Source: The post “ UN as a symbol of possibility” has been created, based on “The UN matters, as a symbol of possibility” published in “The Hindu” on 24 October 2025. UN as a symbol of possibility.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper -2- International relations

Introduction: Eighty years after its establishment in the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations (UN) continues to be the cornerstone of global governance. Conceived to prevent another global conflict, uphold human dignity, and promote the rule of law, the UN remains a unique platform for international cooperation. Though it often struggles with bureaucracy and political limitations, it endures as the most indispensable institution for peace and collective progress.

Evolution and Achievements of the UN

1. Since 1945, the UN has evolved from a wartime peacekeeping structure into a broad-based global institution addressing humanitarian, social, and developmental challenges.
2. Agencies like UNHCR, WFP, and UNICEF provide life-saving aid in conflict zones and disaster-hit regions.
3. UN peacekeeping missions have helped maintain fragile peace in areas such as East Timor, Namibia, and Rwanda.
4. Its normative role, through conventions and declarations, has strengthened global consensus on human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
5. Despite shortcomings, the UN continues to act as a moral compass, offering legitimacy and dialogue where power politics often fail.

 A Shifting Global Landscape

The contemporary world order differs vastly from the one that existed at the UN’s founding.

1. The post-war consensus has eroded, and multilateralism faces increasing scepticism.
2. Nationalism and protectionism are on the rise, often used as a counter to international cooperation.
3. The bipolar world of the Cold War has given way to a multipolar system with new powers—such as India, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and South Africa—demanding greater representation.
4. Global challenges like climate change, cyber warfare, and pandemics transcend borders and defy traditional diplomacy.
5. This shifting landscape has made the UN both more necessary and more constrained.

Structural and Functional Limitations

The UN’s performance is hindered by deep-seated institutional issues:

1. Outdated Security Council composition: The permanent membership reflects 1945 power realities, not current geopolitical dynamics.
2. Veto power misuse: It often paralyses collective action in crises such as Ukraine or Gaza.
3. Bureaucratic inertia: Decision-making is slow and unresponsive to urgent humanitarian needs.
4. Politicisation of aid and funding: Resource allocation is sometimes influenced by political interests rather than human need.
5. Lack of agility: The organisation struggles to adapt to fast-evolving digital and security challenges.
6. Thus, while the UN remains relevant, its credibility and efficiency are under strain.

The UN’s Normative and Moral Relevance

Beyond political power, the UN’s enduring strength lies in its normative influence.

1. It shapes global discourse through declarations, resolutions, and treaties, advancing universal values of justice, equality, and peace.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) exemplify the UN’s capacity to inspire collective human progress.
3. Even when enforcement is weak, its moral authority remains a critical reference point for international conduct.
4. In essence, the UN mirrors humanity’s aspirations, holding the world accountable to its highest ideals.

Strategic Autonomy and Relevance in a Divided World

1. In an era marked by great-power rivalry and technological competition, many nations pursue strategic autonomy.
2. Yet, the UN continues to provide the only universal platform where nations, big or small can negotiate, deliberate, and seek compromise.
3. Its relevance endures because it symbolises the possibility of dialogue over domination, even when consensus is hard to achieve.

Way Forward

To remain effective and legitimate, the UN must adapt to 21st-century realities:

1. Reform the Security Council: Expand its membership to include emerging powers and ensure geographical equity and reform the veto system to enhance accountability and democratic legitimacy.
2. Improve Agility and Efficiency: Streamline bureaucratic procedures, empower field operations, and embrace digital tools for faster crisis response.
3. Reclaim Credibility and Moral Voice: Uphold universal values and combat misinformation, nationalism, and polarisation through transparency and fairness.
4. Strengthen Independence: Broaden financial support and reduce political manipulation of humanitarian actions to ensure impartiality.

Conclusion

At eighty, the UN is both a work in progress and a symbol of human aspiration. Its achievements in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and norm-setting cannot be dismissed, even as its limitations are glaring. The institution’s future depends on its willingness to reform, adapt, and reclaim moral leadership.