The path forward: A reformed United Nations

3 November 2023

Dear fellow South Africans,

Today, I’d like us to discuss a topic of utmost importance - the reforms of the United Nations. The United Nations, founded in the aftermath of World War II, was established to bring stability, and promote peace in a world torn apart by conflict. It was an institution conceived in a vastly different era, with geopolitical realities that have significantly evolved over the years. In 2023, it is evident that these realities have shifted dramatically, and it is time for the United Nations to adapt and reform to meet the challenges of our modern world.

The Historical Context: The UN's Inception

At its inception in 1945, the United Nations represented a beacon of hope in a world ravaged by the most devastating conflict in history. It was conceived as a forum where nations could come together to resolve their disputes peacefully, and it held the promise of preventing future global conflicts. The United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), was designed to be the cornerstone of international security.

However, it is essential to recognize that the world in 1945 was vastly different from the world we live in today. The colonial era was in full swing, and many African nations were under the yoke of colonial powers. Apartheid was on the horizon in South Africa, casting a long shadow over the continent's future. The geopolitical landscape was defined by the victorious Allied powers of World War II, namely the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and China, which assumed the roles of permanent members of the Security Council with veto power.

The Imperative for Reform: A Changing World

Fast forward to 2023, and the world has undergone profound changes. The colonial era is long gone, and apartheid in South Africa has been dismantled. New nations have emerged, and the dynamics of power and influence have shifted considerably. The United Nations, in its current form, cannot adequately address the challenges of the modern world. We are faced with a pressing need for reform to bring the UN in line with contemporary global realities.

Discontinuing the Veto Power

One of the most crucial reforms that the United Nations must undertake is related to the issue of the Security Council veto. When the UN was established, the veto power was granted to a select group of nations. These nations, as permanent members of the Security Council, hold significant sway over international decisions. However, this system was conceived at a time when the balance of power was very different from what it is today.

The veto power, which allows any of the five permanent members to block a resolution, has often led to deadlock and inaction in the face of critical global issues. It has, at times, allowed national interests to take precedence over the global good. This inequality in power undermines the principles of fairness, equity, and democracy that the United Nations stands for.

To address this issue, it is imperative that the veto vote be discontinued. This would ensure a more equitable distribution of power and decision-making in the international community. Whilst the status quo of the five permanent members would remain, the discontinuation of the veto power would prevent any single nation from using it to block resolutions that are in the common interest of the global community.

The UN Security Council must be a body of equals where the will of the majority prevails; in this regard the veto power exists as a counter democratic mechanism in matters of world peace and global security.

Moving Beyond Historical Baggage

Another aspect of reform pertains to the historical baggage carried by the United Nations. It is vital to acknowledge that the UN was founded at a time when colonialism was rampant in Africa. African nations were under foreign rule, and their struggles for independence were met with mixed reactions within the UN. The organization, shaped by the power dynamics of that era, did not always serve as a supportive platform for the decolonization process.

Additionally, apartheid in South Africa was a glaring violation of human rights. The world watched as this abhorrent system of racial segregation and discrimination unfolded. While the United Nations took steps to condemn apartheid, it could not prevent its inception or dismantling.

In the context of the 21st century, we must reform the United Nations to reflect the realities of our modern global world, free from the remnants of past injustices. This entails addressing historical issues and rectifying past wrongs to create an organization that truly champions the principles of justice, equality, and self-determination for all nations.

The Challenge of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

The United Nations, with its mandate to maintain international peace and security, has often found itself embroiled in complex and long-standing conflicts. One such example is the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The failure of the peace process in this region is an indictment on the United Nations. It highlights the need for reform that goes beyond political interest or consideration.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has persisted for decades, leading to immense human suffering and instability in the Middle East. The United Nations, through various resolutions and peacekeeping missions, has tried to mediate and find a resolution to this conflict. However, these efforts have been met with limited success, primarily due to the deeply entrenched political interests and the lack of a unified international approach.

Reforming the UN should involve revisiting the mechanisms and tools at its disposal for conflict resolution. The international community must come together to reevaluate its commitment to resolving long-standing disputes, and the UN should play a central role in this effort. Human rights must be the yardstick by which we measure UN actions and decisions, especially in situations as complex and contentious as the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Reevaluating Funding and Influence

One of the major issues plaguing the United Nations is the matter of funding. The UN's budget heavily relies on contributions from its member states, with a handful of major countries contributing the lion's share. This financial dependence has created an imbalance of power within the organization, with major contributors often wielding significant influence over UN decisions and operations.

This financial dynamic raises concerns about the impartiality and independence of the United Nations. It is imperative that we reevaluate this system to ensure that world peace is not a commodity, and influence within the UN is not a preserve of the highest bidder. The United Nations must be funded in a manner that guarantees its autonomy and neutrality.

The UN must be safeguarded from undue financial influence exerted by a select few on the basis of their contributions and enhance the UN's capacity to act in the best interests of the entire global community.

Shifting Global Dynamics: The Rise of New World Bodies

The United Nations was created as a response to the pressing issues of its time, mainly the aftermath of World War II and the need to prevent another global conflict. However, in the decades that followed, the world witnessed significant shifts in the global economy, politics, and ideologies. These changes have given rise to the creation of new world bodies and alliances, such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

BRICS represents a group of emerging powers that are reshaping the international landscape. These nations have gained substantial economic and political influence, and they have formed their own alliance to address global issues. Their rise underscores the evolving nature of power and the need for the United Nations to adapt to this changing reality.

As we contemplate the reforms required for the UN, we must consider the presence and influence of these emerging powers. They are vital players on the global stage, and their perspectives and interests must be integrated into the reformed UN to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the contemporary world.

Nations Walking Away from the UN: A Wake-Up Call

It is essential to address the issue of nations walking away from the United Nations. Over the years, we have seen nations express frustration with the UN's inability to resolve crises, implement effective peacekeeping operations, or address their specific concerns. The question arises: why are nations withdrawing from an organization designed to foster international cooperation and peace?

The answer lies in the perception that the UN is failing to address the challenges of the 21st century adequately. The institution is seen as hamstrung by bureaucracy, mired in political disputes, and lacking the capacity to enforce its own resolutions. This disillusionment has led some nations to question the value of their membership and consider alternative avenues for pursuing their interests.

This trend of nations walking away from the UN should serve as a wake-up call. It underscores the urgency of the reforms we are discussing today. If the United Nations is to remain a credible and effective institution, it must adapt to the demands of our time and address the concerns and grievances of its member states.

The Path Forward: A Reformed United Nations

In conclusion, the United Nations stands at a crossroads. The challenges of the 21st century demand a reformed and revitalized UN that can effectively address the complex issues of our modern world. The reforms discussed here are not mere suggestions but imperative steps towards shaping the United Nations into an institution that can truly serve the needs and aspirations of the world in 2023 and beyond.

To achieve this, we must work collectively to:

Discontinue the veto power within the UN Security Council to prevent its misuse and create a more balanced decision-making process.

Acknowledge the historical injustices and baggage associated with the UN's founding and rectify them to promote a more just and equitable world.

Reinvigorate the UN's role in conflict resolution, especially in protracted conflicts like the Israel-Palestine situation, by focusing on human rights and global peace.

Reevaluate the funding model to ensure the UN's financial independence and impartiality.

Incorporate emerging powers and new world bodies like BRICS into the UN's decision-making process to make it more representative of the current global order.

Address the concerns of nations walking away from the UN by implementing reforms that make the organization more effective and responsive to the needs of its member states.

The United Nations was founded on the noble principles of peace, cooperation, and human rights. It is our responsibility to ensure that it lives up to these ideals and remains a beacon of hope for a world in need of unity and shared solutions. The reforms we discuss today are not only a way forward; they are a call to action to create a UN that is truly fit for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Thank you.

Issued by Velenkonisini Hlabisa, President, IFP, 3 November 2023