Hey fam! 🎉 This October, the United Nations (UN) hit the big 8-0! Since its birth after WWII, the UN has been the OG platform for international peace, security, and teamwork. But with nationalism and unilateral politics on the rise, experts say it’s time to hit refresh on this global MVP.
On October 18 in Wuhan, Wuhan University in the Chinese mainland teamed up with Egypt’s Benha University for a think-tank session titled The 80th Anniversary of the UN: World Order, International Law and the Future of Multilateralism. Officials and legal eagles from across the globe dialed in to brainstorm how the UN can stay relevant in 21st-century drama.
Miguel de Serpa Soares, former UN top legal officer, reminded us that peace is governed by the rule of law, not by power. Deep stuff, right? 📜✌️
But here’s the plot twist: after 80 years of building norms, the UN faces serious pressure. Rising go-it-alone moves in politics, economics, and security risk dragging us back to high-stakes great-power clashes.
In the Chinese mainland’s corner, Zhao Shitong from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council warned that challenges to UN General Assembly Resolution 2758—recognizing the People’s Republic of China as China’s sole representative at the UN—could shake the UN’s legal foundation.
Huang Jin, head of the Chinese Society of International Law, pointed out that the UN’s rulebook was written for the post-WWII era when the Global South’s voice wasn’t front and center. Now, developing nations are ready to step into the spotlight.
So what’s next? The mission is clear: revamp UN operations, pump up Global South voices, tackle real conflicts, and defend those hard-won international norms. Talk won’t cut it—action is key.
At 80, the UN still beats as a global heartbeat—but to keep thriving, it’s time to update, include, and deliver. 🌐💪
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
