Currently, there are various international organizations that have been formed across the globe to perform and achieve certain goals and objectives. One of the main bodies is the United Nations (UN) founded in 1945 in Francisco in a meeting attended by representatives from 50 countries. The discussion led to the signing of the UN Charter, which has 193 nations as member states, with some nations including Japan, the United States, India, China, Israel, Jamaica, Pakistan, and Algeria. As the world is rapidly changing, the UN has to adapt to its day-to-day problems to create a conducive environment. The UN has remained one place where all nations can gather to discuss common problems and look for possible solutions that can benefit all humanity.
Since its formation, the UN has made numerous achievements, such as maintenance of peace and security by sending peacekeeping missions to affected areas. Additionally, the UN has implemented strategies to support disarmament to mitigate threats among warring parties. It has further promoted human rights, for example, the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 that helped to enact several binding agreements on economic and social rights (Ogorugba 85). The human rights declaration has helped in fostering democracy and in ending apartheid in South Africa. Besides human rights, the UN has made crucial milestones in health and the environment. Some of the health concerns encountered are; fighting tropical diseases, eradicating polio, fighting HIV/AIDS, and promoting reproductive and maternal health. The environment has constantly been conserved through the banning of toxic chemicals, for example, the Stockholm convention of 2001 sought to get rid of all dangerous chemicals ever created in the world.
Currently, the main challenge encountered by the UN member states is the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the world’s economy. The pandemic outbreak which took place in March of 2020 made some of the member states fail to get into an agreement. Lack of proper diplomacy has made it hard for a common ground to be formed due to tension among member states especially China and the United States’ suspicion of the origin of the pandemic. In addition, the UN is facing significant political instabilities in most countries (Fröhlich 176). Increase in civil war due to political stance is making the organization to experience demand in promoting peace in the affected states.
Despite the accomplishments and challenges over the years, the goals of the UN remain clear in plans such as upholding international law, especially against international criminals by ensuring prosecution at the International Court of Justice. Climate change should get attention especially global warming and increasing seawater levels. Furthermore, in most drought and hunger-prone areas, delivery of humanitarian aid including relief food and clothing by the army to affected persons is an issue that the UN has prioritized. In addition, maintaining international peace and security is a continuous fight since it is the main objective of the organization and has constantly become a threat.
The UN is an international agency tasked with a number of responsibilities including maintain peace among its member states. It has further advocated for the protection of the environment which is sensitive to the wellbeing of the people. Being the world’s largest body its responsibilities are crucial for economic development, building democracy, and addressing climate change. By ensuring most of the global problems are addressed globally among the member states, the UN’s goals are achieved, and the organization will have done great for humanity.
Works Cited
Fröhlich, Manuel. “The United Nations.” Understanding Global Politics. Routledge, 2019, pp. 171-183.
Ogorugba, Omozue. “Roles of the United Nations and International Legal Instruments in the Protection of Women’s Rights.” The Nigerian Juridical Review, vol. 16, 2021, pp. 79-102.