You think Whataboutcelebrating anniversary of the UN?

OVER the past few weeks we have been reminded of the outcome and events of the Second World War.

The nation has celebrated VE Day, VJ Day, the Battle of Britain and the miracle of Dunkirk to mention a selection; but one outcome of that global conflict has hardly been mentioned: the setting up of the United Nations organisation which was founded 75 years ago.

Due to Covid-19 the leaders of 193 separate countries were unable to meet at the HQ in New York to mark this anniversary. However, many of the world leaders have addressed the General Assembly by video link and surely their views are important to the planet we all share.

In the international press it has been suggested that few believe the UN still functions as a beacon of hope. It was set up when it was felt it was a vehicle for humanity to come together, live in peace and co-operate to improve the life of everybody on Earth. No more wars, confrontations or disputes which could all be settled by agreement in that august body, overseen by the Security Council and all members.

The conventional pessimistic wisdom that the UN is dead, or at the very least in its death throes, is wrong.

Covid-19 has sent all people on this planet a very clear message: that there is one organisation that is indispensable and that is the UN.

A simple analogy is that we are 193 countries with 7.7 billion people all in one boat, even if we live in different class cabins, and this is why the virus spread one end of the planet to the other in such a short space of time.

The one problem I see with this picture is that individual governments take care of each cabin – some are luxury class and others remain steerage, just about hanging on for the ride. We have no strong institutions of global governance to manage our global boat as a whole which we look to be displayed in the UN.

The United States has become disillusioned with the UN. President Trump has announced plans to withdraw the US from the World Health Organisation, while the US has withdrawn from efforts to get a nuclear weapons agreement with Iran. Why is this? Well, I suggest it is because the USA has recognised it is not going to be the number one country for ever, and in the very near future will be number two as China takes over as the major economy in the world.

The only functional global parliament will be the United Nations General Assembly which will create a world with rules, partnership and habits of behaviour continually reviewing its operation. Finally, the funding of the institution must be considered. At present the West and others, representing only 12% of the world’s population, contribute 50% of the UN budget. This should change. Asian countries, representing 50% of the population, should pay more. China is in a position to do this and could provide some quiet leadership in UN reforms.

MJ Crouch

Tonteg

It was set up when it was felt it was a vehicle for humanity to come together...

MJ Crouch Tonteg