Global Leaders Demand UN Reforms Amid Eroding Confidence

Confidence in the United Nations (UN) has plummeted to unprecedented lows, prompting world leaders to question the organisation’s ability to effectively address contemporary global challenges. During the recent General Assembly in New York, leaders voiced their frustrations regarding the UN’s perceived shortcomings, highlighting a growing sentiment that it has become too outdated and divided to function effectively.

On September 23, United States President Donald Trump articulated his concerns, stating that the UN has “tremendous potential” but has not fulfilled it. He described the organisation’s efforts as “empty words” and criticized its inaction on crucial issues, adding, “The only thing that solves war and wars is action.” This sentiment resonated throughout the assembly, where other leaders echoed similar critiques.

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar questioned the UN’s effectiveness, asking, “How has the UN lived up to expectations?” He pointed to the state of the world as evidence of the UN’s failure to make a significant difference. Additionally, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called for an end to the Security Council’s “humiliating paralysis,” while Botswana President Duma Boko expressed frustration that African nations have long been treated with “affable indifference” by the body.

In a less confrontational tone, Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan urged reforms to curb the increasing use of veto powers by the Security Council’s permanent members, advocating for a more inclusive and representative UN. He acknowledged that while the multilateral system has allowed smaller nations to thrive, it is imperative that the UN reflects current global realities.

Frustration Over Security Council Dynamics

The escalating criticisms underscore a widespread frustration with the UN’s inability to tackle pressing international crises, including climate change, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the war stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While critiques of the UN’s bureaucracy are not new, the tone at this year’s assembly was notably sharper. Many leaders highlighted that the Security Council, the UN’s most influential organ, no longer mirrors today’s geopolitical landscape.

The Security Council comprises five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—along with ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Each member has one vote, but the permanent members hold veto power, enabling any of them to block substantive resolutions, regardless of the support from other members.

Recent events have illustrated this pattern. In June 2023, the US vetoed a resolution advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, despite unanimous backing from the other 14 members. Similarly, in March 2024, Russia and China exercised their vetoes against an immediate ceasefire resolution, reflecting a trend where nations turn to the UN for assistance, only to encounter stalled efforts.

Experts and former diplomats, including Dr. Ilango Karuppannan, have noted that the pervasive decline in trust towards the UN largely stems from the Security Council’s actions. Dr. Karuppannan remarked that the veto power has become “a symbol of paralysis,” having been invoked nearly 300 times since 1945, often to obstruct actions related to the Middle East. He argued that this selective use of veto power has fostered perceptions that the UN is neither impartial nor fair.

Calls for Reform and the Path Forward

Despite the recognition of its flaws, experts assert that reforming the UN is essential for revitalizing its credibility. Suggestions for restructuring the Security Council have gained traction, with proposals advocating for a framework that better reflects today’s multipolar world. Dr. Karuppannan argued that the current structure, which maintains five permanent members with veto power, is outdated and does not represent the global balance of power in 2023.

One innovative proposal, dubbed the “7-7-7 formula,” suggests seven permanent members from major powers, seven semi-permanent members from mid-sized countries, and seven rotating seats for smaller states. This idea has garnered support from various diplomats who advocate for greater representation from the Global South, including nations from ASEAN, Brazil, and several African countries.

Beyond enhancing representation, calls have emerged to restrict or abolish the veto powers held by the permanent members. Some experts propose adopting a majority-vote system on critical global issues to mitigate paralysis. Dr. Karuppannan noted that vetoes have frequently been used to block actions on urgent crises, including those in Syria, Palestine, and Ukraine.

The financial contributions of member states also pose a significant challenge. Dr. Karuppannan emphasized the modesty of the UN’s regular budget, projected at approximately US$3.7 billion for 2025, which is less than the annual budget of the New York Police Department. Delays in financial contributions undermine the UN’s capacity to deliver humanitarian aid, deploy peacekeepers effectively, and implement development programs.

As the UN faces these challenges, experts assert that many of the sharpest criticisms come from nations that have not fully met their obligations to the organization. For instance, the US owes around US$1.5 billion in unpaid dues to the UN’s regular budget.

Despite the daunting obstacles, experts argue that there is still value in strengthening and preserving the UN as the sole global multilateral organization. While meaningful reform may take time, the consensus among experts is that the UN remains a crucial platform for smaller and medium-sized states.

Ultimately, the UN’s existence provides these nations with a voice on the international stage and a means to hold larger powers accountable. As Dr. Koh noted, “If the UN didn’t exist, we would have to invent it.”

In conclusion, while the road to reform may be challenging, the need for a revitalized and effective UN is more pressing than ever. Global leaders must recognize the importance of collaboration and commit to fostering an organization that can better address the complex issues facing our world today.