Its pre-eminent position in the past aside, the United Nations face many challenges due to the changing geo-political situation across the world. But still, there is no alternative to this world body, experts believe.
“The principal donor (the USA) is led by a president (Donald Trump) who has never hidden his contempt for international bodies. Huge cuts are proposed by the Trump administration. It would be disingenuous for us to believe that UN is same as before,” Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, speaking during the release of book on UN-India connect. Tharoor was part of the eminent panelists who have previously served in the United Nations. He had served as under-secretary-general for communications and public information at the UN.
Tharoor went on to add that there was no alternative to the UN. But it can be improved.
To mark the 70 years of the UN foundation, a 70-chapter book analysing the various aspects of India-UN relations was released.
Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, who has served in many UN peacekeeping missions and was also police advisor to secretary-general of the United Nations, recalled her association with the world body.
“The challenge before the UN is not just about US participation. It also has to devise means to tackle terrorism if it wants to remain relevant,” Bedi said.
Lieutenant General Satish Nambiar, who served as force commandor of United Nations protection force in Yugoslavia, said developed countries were withdrawing from peacekeeping missions. He also hit out at the “lack of will” on part of the international leaders to resolve issues.
Chinmaya Gharekhan, who served in varying capacities in UN, said, “the Western media has a lot of influence in shaping opinion. They are the ones who post correspondents in conflict zones. This influences the line in UN.”
Nitin Desai, who earlier served as under-secretary-general for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, said, “Sustainable development goals were formulated by the UN. Now they have been adopted world over by governments. The country needs them more than the UN."
Virendra Dayal, who served in several capacities, including Chef de Cabinet to then secretary general, recalled his days and said there was never pressure from the government of India to toe a particular line.
