The UN should stop trying to be everything to everyone
Its next secretary-general must cut overlap after decades of unchecked mandate expansion, argues Rafael Grossi, a candidate for the job
The United Nations, as described by its second secretary-general Dag Hammarskjöld, was created to save humanity from catastrophe, not to bring about a utopia. The upcoming secretary-general must realistically assess the current state of the world and the UN's capabilities. This means accepting that the UN should do less, but do it better. As a candidate, the writer emphasizes a pragmatic approach, eschewing idealism and technocracy.
In a world where power dynamics and conflicts persist, multilateralism and the UN remain essential. However, the organization must navigate a landscape where trust and cooperation have fractured, particularly among major powers. The writer highlights the need for the next secretary-general to recognize the historical context of rivalries and national interests, which were present even during the UN's founding.
Despite the challenges, the writer underscores the value of shared vulnerability in fostering cooperation. The UN, with its broad membership, including nations exposed to economic and institutional fragility, plays a crucial role in preventing devastating cycles of failure. The organization's diverse mandate—from peacekeeping to humanitarian aid—benefits all, even the most powerful nations.
The writer shares personal experiences from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where multilateral efforts have led to positive outcomes. Negotiations with world leaders facilitated the IAEA's presence at nuclear facilities in Ukraine and Syria, demonstrating the organization's capacity to address complex issues and secure access to critical sites. The writer also emphasizes the UN's achievements in decolonization, eradicating smallpox, protecting the ozone layer, and providing essential services to millions.
However, the writer warns that unchecked mandate proliferation has led to diminishing returns for the UN's resources. The organization needs a reset, focusing on its core mission—peace and security, human rights, and development—while delegating other tasks to more suitable entities. The secretary-general must build credibility, foster relationships, mitigate risks, and serve as a neutral mediator to bring parties back to the negotiating table.
In conclusion, the UN's founders recognized the importance of balancing realism with optimism. A future secretary-general must embody this philosophy, addressing the UN's challenges with a clear, constructive vision for the organization's future.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
