External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for UN reforms at a ministerial session, expressing growing frustration within the international community over lack of progress and advocating for democratic decision-making.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed growing frustration among member states over the lack of progress on reforming the United Nations. He made these remarks at a ministerial session titled ‘Ruptures & Ramparts: Building Bridges for a Changing World’ on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. The Minister stated that there is a growing feeling that the UN must change and better reflect the realities of the world today. He also rejected the idea that UN reform can be achieved through unanimity, advocating for democratic decision-making where countries should be free to put forward their views, after which decisions should be taken through voting.
Dr Jaishankar stressed that meaningful reform requires a concrete text that can be negotiated. He also noted a greater willingness among countries of the Global South to work together on this issue. The Minister highlighted that countries are increasingly willing to engage with one another and work together, which is a positive development as it helps break old dependencies and contributes to a more democratic and balanced world.
His remarks follow UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for reform of the Security Council, citing the need for better representation of today’s world and greater legitimacy to address current geopolitical challenges. India has long advocated reform of the Security Council, including expansion of both its permanent and non-permanent membership, as the 15-member Council, created in 1945, does not adequately reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Source:
Akashvani News
