The United Nations headquarters in New York recently hosted the Summit of the Future, a precursor to the high-level UN General Assembly week. This event, initiated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, aimed to address global challenges and reform the UN system.
The summit, occurring 79 years after the UN's founding in 1945, highlighted ongoing tensions within the international community. Russia's delegation attempted to introduce a last-minute amendment to the summit's outcome document, the Pact for the Future. This move underscored the challenges facing the UN, an organization that has won the Nobel Peace Prize 12 times for its peacekeeping efforts since its first operation in 1948.
The 56-page Pact for the Future covers a wide range of topics, reflecting input from all 193 UN member states. It addresses issues such as artificial intelligence and gender equality, echoing the UN's commitment to its 17 Sustainable Development Goals set for 2030. However, the document faced opposition from 19 countries, particularly those reliant on fossil fuels, who sought to weaken its stance on climate change.
On Sunday, September 22, 2024, the UN General Assembly convened to consider Russia's proposed amendment. In a significant diplomatic setback for Moscow, only seven countries supported the amendment, while 143 voted against its consideration. This outcome mirrored previous UN votes following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, demonstrating Russia's continued isolation on the international stage.
The Summit of the Future and the subsequent General Assembly week feature speeches from various world leaders. Joe Biden is set to address the assembly for the last time as U.S. President on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. New faces at the podium will include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both elected in July 2024.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to speak at multiple events, including the Summit of the Future, a Security Council session on Ukraine, and the General Assembly. His appearances come as the conflict in Ukraine, now in its third year, continues to shape global politics.
The UN's challenges extend beyond diplomatic tensions. António Guterres has publicly addressed the organization's financial struggles, urging member states to fulfill their financial obligations. This plea comes amidst a hiring freeze and budget cuts, reflecting the strain on the UN's $3 billion annual operating budget.
"The secretary-general of the United Nations has very limited power, and it's also absolutely true that he has very little capacity to mobilize financial resources. So, no power and no money."
The Summit of the Future and the General Assembly week also shine a spotlight on other global conflicts. The Security Council, comprising 15 members including 5 permanent members with veto power, will hold an open debate on peace and security, addressing the often-overlooked conflict in Sudan.
As world leaders convene in the iconic UN General Assembly Hall, which can seat all 193 member state delegations, the event serves as a reminder of the organization's founding principles. The UN Charter, signed by 50 countries on June 26, 1945, established the six main organs of the UN: the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and Secretariat.
Despite the challenges and criticisms faced by the UN, the organization continues to play a crucial role in global governance. From its peacekeeping operations to its promotion of human rights, as enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948, the UN remains a vital forum for international cooperation and dialogue.
As the world grapples with complex issues ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence, the UN's ability to adapt and reform will be crucial. The outcomes of this year's Summit of the Future and General Assembly week may well shape the organization's trajectory in the years to come, determining its effectiveness in addressing the global challenges of the 21st century.