Challenges facing UN reform

Over the past 68 years, the UN has increased in worldwide influence. Amidst rapid changes and complications, the global body is now facing problems of trust and is at risk of being pushed aside the world political arena. Reforming the organization to embrace the new context is of critical importance. 

Arising problems

Since its foundation, the UN has played an important role in maintaining peace and international security. It has contributed greatly to preventing another world war, reducing 80% of conflicts, 80% of genocides and political purges, promoting decolonialization, and enabling autonomous regions to become independent countries.

But in the context of rapid globalization, an imbalance of international law due to the increasing influence of world powers, and a changing concept of national sovereignty, UN activities have not been able to keep pace. Conflicts, acts of terrorism, the use of chemical weapons and nuclear tests keep occurring in multiple regions of the world with no effective solutions. In addition, the prestige and effectiveness of the UN is being seriously undercut by delays and inefficiencies in its humanitarian activities and an ineffective peace keeping force.

Saudi Arabia recently refused to become a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council in protest of the UN’s powerlessness to resolve conflict in Syria. According to an official statement from the Ryad government, the crisis in Syria broke out in March 2011, but due to opposition by Russia and China, it wasn’t until September 27, 2013 that the UN managed to reach a consensus on a resolution demanding that Damascus eliminate its chemical weapons.

Many countries were surprised by Saudi Arabia’s decision- the first time a country ever refused to increase its prestige, role and voice in the international arena. But others said this decision was understandable because it reflects the decline of trust in the global organization.

Reform for common interests

In its 68-year history, the UN has been reformed three times, but these reforms aimed only at expanding its agencies, including the Economics-Social Council and the Security Council. Since the early 1990s, the UN has had an ambition reforming itself in three areas: developing and implementing Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), overhauling the UN organization, and updating the Secretariat and its operations. However, in 20 years, very little has accomplished. Legal obstacles and political realities have obstructed the reform process. First, there are binding regulations in the UN Charter including the regulations on Permanent Membership and Voting Rights.

Although most countries agree it is time to reform the UN, this cannot be done within the current legal framework. Any changes to the UN Charter require approval by the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council. These five countries appear satisfied with current regulations because they don’t impact their own interests. They are not interested in proposed reforms and have the right to veto any resolution, so the legal obstruction is formidable. Second, the current political reality is one of bitter conflicts between regions and between different interest groups. Reform and progress will languish while the divisions between UN members are so sharp.

UN reform is needed in the interest of all regions and all countries, but the task is unfeasible without reconciling the differences between interest groups and competing national interests. Reforming the UN has a long way to go.