Article 2: Overweight and weak
Why in news: The 81st UN General Assembly session is significant amid rising conflicts, geopolitical divisions and calls for UN reform. It also marks António Guterres’s final session as Secretary-General.
Key Details
- Global conflicts: The UN faces an increasingly fragmented international environment, with wars, geopolitical rivalry and nuclear risks weakening multilateral cooperation.
- UN reform: The session has renewed discussion on making the UN more representative, effective and responsive to contemporary global challenges.
- New leadership: Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is presiding over the 81st UNGA session, giving South Asia greater visibility in the organisation.
- India’s role: India is campaigning for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2028–29, making its approach to multilateral diplomacy particularly significant.
- Multilateralism: Initiatives such as the Partnership for Multilateralism seek greater cooperation beyond dominance by major powers, amid growing pressure on the rules-based international order.
UNGA 81st Session
- The 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA) is taking place amid an unusually high number of global conflicts, geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises.
- The session is significant as it marks the final UNGA session of Secretary-General António Guterres.
- The UN faces growing challenges from wars, climate disasters, pandemics, nuclear threats and the rapid development of AI.
Crisis of Multilateralism
- Growing polarisation and geopolitical rivalry have weakened international cooperation and confidence in the UN system.
- Conflicts and unilateral measures have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the UN Charter and rules-based international order.
- The session highlights the need for institutional reform and stronger multilateral cooperation.
Selection of the Next UN Secretary-General
- The appointment of the next UN Secretary-General is particularly important because the new leader will guide the organisation through the coming decade.
- Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, as President of the 81st UNGA session, has an important role in overseeing the selection process.
- The next Secretary-General will face the challenge of strengthening the UN amid geopolitical divisions and declining trust in multilateral institutions.
India’s Role at the UN
- India is campaigning for a second two-year non-permanent term on the UN Security Council for 2028–29.
- India has traditionally advocated dialogue, diplomacy, the UN Charter and a rules-based international order.
- India also co-sponsored the Partnership for Multilateralism (P4M) initiative, aimed at strengthening cooperation beyond great-power rivalry.
Need for a Stronger Multilateral System
- The current global environment underlines the need for a more representative, effective and reformed UN.
- Greater cooperation is required to address conflicts, climate change, nuclear risks, technological disruption and global inequality.
- For India, active engagement in multilateral forums remains important to promote dialogue, strategic autonomy and a rules-based global order.
Conclusion
The UN remains the principal platform for addressing global conflicts, development and common challenges, but its institutions must reflect present-day realities. Reform should improve representation, accountability and decision-making. India can contribute through dialogue, consensus-building and support for international law. A stronger and more representative UN is essential for addressing transnational challenges and preventing global governance from becoming increasingly fragmented.