Recover, redefine, revamp

The UN, at the core of multilateralism, must go on for another 80 years with better global governance

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year, the remark is mixed with celebrations and concerns about its relevance for the future. The UN has been fundamental in supplying global public goods such as protecting refugees and providing critical humanitarian relief. However, in some situations, the UN has encountered challenges to resolve conflicts, mitigate environmental degradation and provide sufficient support to those in need.Now the overall performance of the UN in addressing global challenges is limited to its advocates.

On a more serious note, this mixed record indicates that multilateralism, with the UN at its center, is under severe strain. The paralysis of some UN institutions is the prime symptom of multilateralism's malfunction in the face of direct challenges to maintain international peace and security in Europe and the Middle East. The structural cause of this paralysis lies in the great-power rivalry, reminiscent of the division between the Global West and the Global East during the Cold War.

The UN stands at crossroads, as the world is undergoing rapid transformations in all aspects of human life — social, economic, political and environmental. A single misstep may create irreversible consequences. A perfect storm of existential threats against humanity is gathering force from three different directions: the specter of a nuclear winter; the intensifying climate and ecological crisis; and the unknown risks of uncontrolled emerging technologies. Without the help of others, these threats cannot be dealt with by individual countries, no matter how powerful they are. Multilateral approaches among nations are the only viable solution as these threats do not respect national borders. Unfortunately, multilateralism is being replaced by unilateralism and bilateralism as the main means of managing relations among nations. As a result, international action continues to fall far short of what is needed to address existential threats, which are expanding in both scope and severity. In recent times, this gap has been widening at an accelerating pace.

The way forward is clear. Multilateralism should be renewed.Despite mounting criticism and disappointment, the UN, at the core of multilateralism, must go on. But humanity needs a better UN. The UN must be reformed to do more and better with less. We must reimagine the UN from the inside out.The structural causes behind its malfunctions must be addressed through the following three Rs: recover, redefine and revamp.

Our foremost priority is to recover fading global consensus. In order to achieve this goal, it is essential to bridge the existing division between nations — the Global West versus the Global East as well as the Global South versus the Global North. Middle powers can play a facilitating role to help find common ground between major powers, including the permanent five members of the UN Security Council, on pressing global challenges, such as climate change and ecological crisis. The Global South should step up to the plate as the voice of the global majority, commensurate with its rising share in the aggregate global wealth and power.

The second is to redefine the purpose of the UN. The ideals and principles enshrined in the UN Charter need to be reaffirmed, but this will not be sufficient. We should go one step further. Concepts of peace must be enlarged to cover not only peace in the human world but also peace with the natural world. Planetary peace must be pursued to ensure the sustainable coexistence of all living things on Planet Earth.In a similar vein, concepts of security must also be enlarged to cover not only national security but also human and natural security.Enlarged peace and security must be sought in a collaborative and inclusive manner, as the tasks go beyond national borders.

Last but not least is to revamp the hardware of the UN. Institutional reform is overdue in some of the key intergovernmental organs.Moreover, to enable planetary governance, multilateralism should be updated with multilayers of spokes with the UN as the hub, connecting a diverse ecosystem of institutions, networks and processes at different levels and domains. To support multilayered multilateralism, change management of the UN Secretariat must continue to make it fit for purpose and agile in meeting demands.

These tasks are easier said than done. Given the current divisive geopolitical climate, they are nearly impossible to execute. But they are not totally impossible, either. There could be some chances of success, however slim they may be, but only if we try. The answer depends on whether and how humanity as a whole can work together.

Humanity needs a new blueprint of action for reimagining the UN for the next 80 years. Failure is not an option. Humanity cannot afford to bear its unacceptable consequences, which means a further slide into self-induced extinction. World War III must be prevented at all costs. As Albert Einstein once said, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

The primary responsibility rests with national governments of all members of the UN. But the intergovernmental track has structural constraints. It must be supplemented by global partnerships with all stakeholders, including civil society, academia and businesses. Public-private partnerships must be the driver for promoting planetary peace and ensuring a sustainable future for all. We must also listen to the voices of the next generation.The digital-native youth should be amplified through new multilateral platforms where they can shape solutions on climate, technology and peace. Only by engaging the energy and creativity of younger generations can the UN remain relevant for its next 80 years.

Above all, hope must guide us.The Paris Agreement showed that consensus is possible; pandemic cooperation demonstrated the power of science and solidarity; and the sustainable development goals remain a common language for humanity's aspirations. These imperfect but real successes prove that collective action can work.

The UN at 80 must not only look back with pride but forward with courage. Failure of reform is not an option. Humanity cannot afford to retreat into unilateralism or paralysis. A renewed UN — recovering consensus, redefining its mission, and revamping its institutions — offers the best chance for planetary peace and a sustainable future. The next 80 years depend on it.

The author is former under-secretary-general of the United Nations.The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.