At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, addressed global leaders on an array of critical issues, including terrorism, trade disputes, and the UN's overall effectiveness. His remarks prompt reflection on the instances where the UN has truly made a difference, as well as areas where it has fallen short.
Countering Terrorism
Jaishankar strongly criticized Pakistan as the "epicenter of global terrorism," emphasizing the need to curb terror financing and support. The UN has indeed made efforts to counter terrorism through various initiatives. In 2006, the General Assembly adopted a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, built on addressing conditions conducive to terrorism, preventing and combating terrorism, assisting states in their capacity to address terrorism while ensuring human rights and the rule of law are respected. The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), established in 2017, promotes international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and supports member states in implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Despite these efforts, terrorism remains a global threat, with groups evolving and spreading, necessitating continuous adaptation of counter-terrorism strategies.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Jaishankar also addressed trade disputes and the need to defend the multilateral trading system. The UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), established in 1966, plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade and investment by harmonizing international trade laws. UNCITRAL's mandate includes dispute resolution, electronic commerce, and the sale of goods, contributing to the modernization of international business practices. The World Trade Organization (WTO) also plays a pivotal role in resolving trade disputes among member countries. However, rising protectionism and tariff volatility continue to pose challenges to the multilateral trading system.
Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution
The UN has a long history of peacekeeping operations, with successes in countries like Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mozambique, Namibia, and Tajikistan. UN peacekeeping missions have helped end conflicts, foster reconciliation, and support political transitions. They significantly reduce civilian casualties, shorten conflicts, and help make peace agreements stick. Since 1948, UN peacekeepers have been deployed in 71 operations. However, peacekeeping operations have also faced challenges and failures, such as the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica, where the UN failed to intervene effectively. Other challenges include allegations of misconduct by peacekeepers and limitations in preventing violence escalation. These failures have provided important lessons for improving future peacekeeping efforts.
Humanitarian Assistance and Development
The UN has made significant contributions to humanitarian assistance and development through various agencies such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization. These organizations provide food and cash assistance to millions of people and have contributed to a decline in the number of people dying from famine. The UN also plays a role in decolonization and promoting human rights. However, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a "sorry picture," according to Jaishankar, indicating the need for renewed efforts to achieve these goals.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its successes, the UN faces several challenges. These include institutional shortcomings, financial constraints, and the need for greater representation and reform. The Security Council's veto power can also hinder action in critical situations. Additionally, the UN's response to conflicts has sometimes been criticized as being slow or ineffective.
In conclusion, the UN has made a difference in various areas, including peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, trade facilitation, and humanitarian assistance. However, it has also faced failures and challenges, highlighting the need for continuous improvement and reform. As Jaishankar stated, it is essential to ask how the UN has lived up to expectations and to address the shortcomings to ensure that the organization can effectively meet the challenges of the 21st century.
