s the world faces unprecedented challenges—climate change, poverty, conflicts, health emergencies and more —the United Nations must evolve to remain relevant. These interconnected challenges demand an international institution capable of both responding and anticipating. To serve as the cornerstone of global cooperation, the UN must reform its structures, broaden its focus, and prioritize inclusivity over bureaucracy.
At the heart of any long–term solution is education. To tackle the crises of today and tomorrow, the UN must prioritize education systems that equip children with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Education underpins economic stability, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. The UN should lead in fostering adaptive, inclusive, and forward-thinking education systems.
Equally crucial is ensuring young people have a central role in decision making. Today’s youth are not only the most affected by global crises but also the ones who will inherit the consequences. Their voices must be heard, not as token representatives but as genuine contributors shaping policies. The UN must create spaces where young people actively influence discussions on climate, peace, and development.
Beyond education and youth engagement, the UN must become less bureaucratic and more representative. The decision making processes, particularly in the Security Council, are dominated by outdated power dynamics. Including more diverse voices—both from member states and civil society—would lead to more equitable solutions. Bureaucracy should not stand in the way of swift, decisive action. Streamlining procedures and increasing transparency would help build trust.
Inclusion must be at the heart of the UN’s future. This means not just engaging governments but ensuring grassroots organizations, young people, and marginalized communities have a seat at the table. The UN must move beyond its top–down approach, creating platforms where all voices are heard and acted upon.
In ten years, the UN should aim to be a more agile, inclusive, and responsive body. By prioritizing education, embracing youth leadership, and cutting through bureaucracy, it can regain the trust and relevance needed to guide the world through the complexities of the 21st century.
a global affairs media network
A United Nations fit for the future
Photo by Terry Mosley on Unsplash.
September 20, 2024
To serve as the cornerstone of global cooperation, the UN must reform its structures, broaden its focus, and prioritize inclusivity over bureaucracy, writes Euan Wilmshurst.
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s the world faces unprecedented challenges—climate change, poverty, conflicts, health emergencies and more —the United Nations must evolve to remain relevant. These interconnected challenges demand an international institution capable of both responding and anticipating. To serve as the cornerstone of global cooperation, the UN must reform its structures, broaden its focus, and prioritize inclusivity over bureaucracy.
At the heart of any long–term solution is education. To tackle the crises of today and tomorrow, the UN must prioritize education systems that equip children with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Education underpins economic stability, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. The UN should lead in fostering adaptive, inclusive, and forward-thinking education systems.
Equally crucial is ensuring young people have a central role in decision making. Today’s youth are not only the most affected by global crises but also the ones who will inherit the consequences. Their voices must be heard, not as token representatives but as genuine contributors shaping policies. The UN must create spaces where young people actively influence discussions on climate, peace, and development.
Beyond education and youth engagement, the UN must become less bureaucratic and more representative. The decision making processes, particularly in the Security Council, are dominated by outdated power dynamics. Including more diverse voices—both from member states and civil society—would lead to more equitable solutions. Bureaucracy should not stand in the way of swift, decisive action. Streamlining procedures and increasing transparency would help build trust.
Inclusion must be at the heart of the UN’s future. This means not just engaging governments but ensuring grassroots organizations, young people, and marginalized communities have a seat at the table. The UN must move beyond its top–down approach, creating platforms where all voices are heard and acted upon.
In ten years, the UN should aim to be a more agile, inclusive, and responsive body. By prioritizing education, embracing youth leadership, and cutting through bureaucracy, it can regain the trust and relevance needed to guide the world through the complexities of the 21st century.
