Jaishankar Advocates for UN Reform to Ensure Representation in a Diverse Global Landscape

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for reforming the United Nations, emphasising that it should not remain outdated. He highlighted the need for the UN to be more representative and relevant in today's world. "The global order is inherently pluralistic and diverse. The UN began with 51 members. We are now 193. The world has changed profoundly, and so have its concerns and its opportunities," Jaishankar stated during his address at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

Jaishankar stressed that the UN must serve as the primary platform for addressing global challenges and finding common ground. However, he warned that this cannot happen if the UN remains stuck in the past. "Large parts of the world cannot be left behind when it comes to deciding the key issues of our times. An effective and efficient UN, a more representative UN and a UN fit for purpose in the contemporary era is essential," he said.

Reforming Multilateralism

The minister underscored the importance of reforming multilateralism, noting that it is crucial for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity. He pointed out that these goals cannot be achieved by a divided UN facing issues like conflict, terrorism, and violence. Additionally, access to essential resources such as food, fuel, and fertiliser must not be compromised.

Jaishankar also highlighted how unrestrained market capture harms livelihoods and social structures. He criticised developed nations for evading climate responsibilities, which undermines growth in developing countries. He urged the UN to reflect on how these issues have arisen due to structural flaws, political motives, self-interest, and neglect of those left behind.

India's Role in Security Council Reform

India has been advocating for Security Council reforms for years, including expanding both permanent and non-permanent categories. The current 15-member Council, established in 1945, does not align with today's geopolitical realities. India argues that it deserves a permanent seat at this influential table.

Experts note that a divided Security Council has struggled to address current peace and security challenges. Conflicts like the Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas tensions have exposed divisions among Council members. India last held a non-permanent seat on the Council in 2021-22.

Pact of the Future

World leaders recently adopted the Pact of the Future by consensus, committing to reforming the Security Council to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable. The pact aims to address historical injustices against Africa while improving representation for under-represented regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

The pact also calls for enlarging the Security Council to better reflect current UN membership and global realities. It stresses balancing representativeness with effectiveness in an expanded Council.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that when established nearly 80 years ago, the United Nations had 51 member states; today it comprises 193 nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasised that reforms in global institutions are vital for peace and development worldwide.

The language used in the Pact of the Future regarding Security Council reforms has been described as significant by UN officials. The agreement seeks to intensify efforts towards consensus on membership categories through intergovernmental negotiations.