UN's 'Pact for the Future' Is Packed With Bad Ideas

Every September, world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where significant discussions and agreements take place. This year, the Summit of the Future is set to endorse a new global initiative aimed at enhancing global governance with the U.N. at its core. However, skepticism surrounds the U.N.'s ability to fulfill its existing responsibilities, particularly in light of the ongoing gridlock within the Security Council, which has hindered responses to critical global issues like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the actions of North Korea and Iran. The U.N. has faced increasing criticism regarding its peacekeeping operations, with many member states questioning their effectiveness and calling for their withdrawal. Additionally, the Human Rights Council has been accused of bias, particularly against Israel, while failing to address human rights violations by countries like China and Saudi Arabia. This selective condemnation raises concerns about the U.N.'s commitment to its foundational principles of self-determination and human rights. Moreover, the organization has struggled with internal issues, including allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse among its staff. These challenges have led to a perception that the U.N. is unable to self-regulate effectively. The proposed Pact for the Future appears to be an attempt by the secretary-general to expand the U.N.'s authority and resources, despite the organization's ongoing failures. In conclusion, while the initiative aims to reinvigorate global governance, the lack of trust in the U.N.'s capabilities and its historical shortcomings raise significant doubts about its potential success and the willingness of member states to support such an expansion.