Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Is the United Nations toothless in ending wars?” which was published in the Hindu. The two challenging conflicts, Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia-Ukraine War have in recent times led to questions about the effectiveness of the UN in bringing about peace.

United Nations (UN)

• Organization for Peace and Security: UN is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations. 
• Founded: On 24th October 1945
• Headquarters: New York, United States

Also Read: United Nations Day

Declining Ability of the United Nations (UN)

• Limited Membership: Divergent interests among major powers have paralyzed the UN’s decision-making bodies, like the UNSC.
  • The UNSC, with its provision of vetoes, does not provide any hope for addressing any international issue.
• Lack of Multilateral Forum in a Multipolar World: After 2008 we have seen a multipolar world. However, the new order that should serve a multipolar world hasn’t yet come into existence. So, multipolarity without multilateralism only leads to an exercise of force and chaos.

The Path Ahead

• Reforms in UN: There is a need for reforms in UN structure for which the veto challenges should be resolved.
• Multilateral Diplomatic Efforts: With the evolving nature of the World, there is an urgent need to strengthen multilateral diplomatic efforts for conflict resolution. 
• Multilateral Forum: There is a need for an international forum that is set as per current multilateral needs and can resolve the ongoing conflicts.

Also Read: UNSC Reforms for a New Era; What the World Think