The United Nations Security Council is the body responsible for maintaining peace and security in the world, according to the UN Charter. Composed of 15 members, of which five are permanent and ten are elected by the General Assembly, the Council makes decisions by a positive vote of at least nine of its members, without a veto from the five permanent members.
Raquel Barras, a professor of International Relations, emphasizes that the Security Council has become a diplomatic battleground between Western democracies and autocratic powers. She points out that the UN faces the need to reform itself to remain relevant in today's times, as its structure reflects the power distribution of 1945. Reforming the Security Council is difficult, but it is vital to address urgent global challenges.
The organization Project Syndicate warns about the potential loss of relevance of the UN due to its stagnant composition in the Security Council and its lack of capacity to tackle issues like climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and disruptive technologies. The positive role of the UN in areas such as development, humanitarian assistance, and the climate crisis is also highlighted, although the need for structural reforms to be more effective is recognized.
The UN faces criticism for its ineffectiveness in resolving global challenges due to the obstruction of the five permanent members of the Security Council with veto power. Although its importance as a multilateral forum is acknowledged, urgent reform is needed to adapt to the current world and restore trust. In this regard, Kal Raustiala, a professor of international law, spoke about the necessity for the UN to fulfill its mission to maintain its relevance.
Founded in 1945, the UN is the only place where all countries can discuss common problems and seek solutions for the benefit of humanity. The importance of reforming this institution to adapt to current global challenges and maintain its relevance in an increasingly complex and changing world is emphasized.
