Reader Opinion: How Can the UN Better Respond to Modern Challenges?

The United Nations, a cornerstone of multilateralism and peaceful diplomacy, is facing a critical juncture. As we observe the International Day of Multilateralism and Peace Diplomacy, the need for global cooperation is more apparent than ever, yet it is precisely this cooperation that has been eroding. The rise in armed conflicts globally, a stark reality since World War II, coupled with ongoing wars of aggression, is undermining international trust and the very foundation of a rules-based order.

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The need for the UN has not diminished – it has grown. Global challenges do not stop at borders, as wars, climate change extreme phenomena, and economic fluctuations affect us all. That is precisely why we need common rules and institutions and solutions.

From our perspective here in Finland, a small nation, the absence of the UN would be a far graver crisis than its current perceived shortcomings. The UN provides an essential forum for dialogue and problem-solving. Without it, we would face a world without common rules or a negotiation arena, where the interests of major powers would dictate the course of events. While the UN's structure still mirrors the power dynamics of the post-World War II era, and issues like the Security Council veto power present significant challenges, its reform is not just desirable but essential.

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The UN reflects the post-World War II power dynamics. Therefore, its reform is essential.

We cannot overlook the UN's undeniable achievements. Efforts to combat ozone depletion and eradicate smallpox stand as testaments to successful global collaboration. UN peacekeeping operations have saved countless lives. Perhaps most importantly, the UN has been instrumental in establishing international norms, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, principles that resonate within our own national legislation and daily lives, like the prohibition of child labor. These achievements underscore why, despite its imperfections, the UN remains indispensable. The need for it has not diminished; it has grown, as global challenges like wars, climate change, and economic volatility transcend borders, demanding collective solutions and institutions.

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Without the UN, the world would not look like a safer place – quite the opposite, especially for a small country like Finland. It would be a world without common rules and a negotiation arena, where the interests of major powers would determine the direction of development.