Plenary Session on the Relevance of the United Nations

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November 17, 2009

This session scheduled on June 26, 2003 was called into place in order to re-evaluate the relevance of the UN in a changed world, a world characterized by increasingly aggressive acts of terrorism. There are aspects of the UN that have been undoubtedly successful, namely those that confront humanitarian causes; but their purpose of confronting threats to peace and security are lax. The UN has also successfully regulated trade between states, as there has also been much development in improving international criminal laws. Some believe that the world has forever been changed with the falling of the Twin Towers, a world that can no longer profit from the creation of international coalitions. First, the UN needs to be updated from its 1945 organization to account for a world made up of states with not only national ties, but also global ones. Second, it needs to appear more transparent, legitimate, and encouraging of participation. Third, all of its member must act selflessly, leading to a more efficient coalition. The key is creating greater accountability among member states in their local, national, and international levels. NGOs are only unsuccessful when used to make military campaigns. Mary Robinson speaks more for the importance of the UN as an enforcer of humanitarian rights, rather than one of security between nations.