India Calls for UN Reforms Amid Global Challenges

The United Nations marks its 79th anniversary today, October 24th, commemorating the signing of the UN Charter in 1945 which brought the organization into existence. The charter was ratified by a majority of the world's nations, including India and the five permanent members of the Security Council.

The UN has played a pivotal role in global governance since its inception, growing to 193 member states today. However, the organization's effectiveness in addressing modern global challenges has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the September Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters, stressed the urgent need for reform within multinational organizations like the UN. He argued that such reforms are crucial for these institutions to maintain relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing world.

India has been a vocal advocate for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, recently reaffirmed India's commitment to this cause. He emphasized the UN's importance in addressing today's challenges, such as climate change, and the need for the organization to evolve to meet current global needs.

Established with the core objectives of maintaining peace, protecting human rights, and promoting social and economic progress, the UN's mandate has broadened over the years to encompass complex issues like climate change. Despite its significant contributions, the UN's ability to decisively handle global conflicts and challenges remains a subject of debate, fueling ongoing calls for comprehensive reforms, particularly within the UNSC.