As the geopolitical landscape shifts dramatically, the urgency to reform the United Nations has never been greater. The recent actions of the United States, including the controversial abduction of Venezuela’s president and threats towards Greenland, have underscored the UN’s diminishing power to uphold international law. This growing crisis demands not a retreat from the UN’s functions, but a robust revitalisation of its structure and mandate.
A Shambolic State of Affairs
The dawn of 2026 has been marked by a series of unsettling events that challenge the very fabric of international governance. Donald Trump, the former US President, has long decried the UN as an irrelevant entity, using this narrative to justify unilateral actions that sidestep established global protocols. His establishment of a so-called Board of Peace, a private venture with sweeping powers, exemplifies a dangerous trend of undermining collective security mechanisms in favour of national interests.
Prominent figures in global politics, such as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have begun to openly recognise the fragility of the post-World War II order. They acknowledge that the foundations of international cooperation are eroding, paving the way for a world where might overshadows right, and the prospect of conflict looms larger than ever. This evolving landscape could force nations into military confrontations, leaving the UN powerless to intervene effectively.
The UN’s Historical Significance
Established in the aftermath of the Second World War, the United Nations was designed to prevent the recurrence of global conflict through a framework of agreed-upon rules. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in averting nuclear warfare, promoting human rights, and facilitating decolonisation efforts. The organisation has contributed to significant advancements in public health and poverty reduction, aided by the financial commitments of its member states.
However, the UN is not without its flaws. As Dag Hammarskjöld, the organisation’s second secretary-general, once remarked, its purpose was not to usher humanity into paradise but to shield it from the horrors of war. Yet, in recent times, the UN’s failure to protect vulnerable populations in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan has cast doubt on its efficacy, leading to a perception of an institution merely spinning its wheels amid crisis.
A Path Forward: Reforming the UN Charter
Despite these challenges, there exists a potential path for renewal. The original framers of the UN Charter understood that the institution must adapt to the changing global landscape. In 1945, President Harry Truman suggested that the Charter would be subject to expansion and improvement as necessary. Yet, nearly eight decades later, this promise remains unfulfilled, as calls for a review have consistently been brushed aside.
However, the current geopolitical climate presents a unique opportunity to reconsider and reshape the UN Charter. As nations such as Brazil and South Africa support the call for a review, the UN General Assembly can convene a conference to discuss amendments—an action that cannot be obstructed by the vetoes of the permanent members of the Security Council. This initiative could address critical shortcomings within the UN framework, including the misuse of veto power, the need for enforcement mechanisms, and the delicate balance between national sovereignty and global interdependence.
Imagine a Security Council that prioritises peace and security over the national interests of its five permanent members. Picture a UN capable of enforcing international law effectively. Such a transformation could pave the way for collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges, from climate change to technological governance.
Navigating Risks and Opportunities
While some may fear that revising the UN Charter amidst rising global tensions could exacerbate existing divisions, the risk of maintaining the status quo is increasingly untenable. Skeptics argue that powerful nations will continue to flout international norms regardless of reforms. However, the majority of the world’s population—many of whom were excluded from the original negotiations—stands to benefit from a stronger collective voice in shaping a future that reflects contemporary realities.
The momentum for reform is building. By initiating a review process, nations can forge a new vision for the UN, one that resonates with the needs of a global populace that has evolved since the mid-20th century.
Why it Matters
The fate of the United Nations hangs in the balance as we confront an increasingly fragmented world. Revitalising the UN is not merely an administrative task; it is a fundamental necessity for establishing a more just and stable global order. In this moment of crisis, the international community has the chance to reclaim the UN’s original purpose, ensuring it is not a relic of the past, but a dynamic force for peace and cooperation in the 21st century.
