The United Nations: A Legacy of Peace or an Outdated Dream?

The United Nations in the Spotlight

As the United Nations takes center stage in issues like climate change, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the Israel-Palestine crisis, it's worth exploring its origins, purpose, and evolving role on the world stage. Who are the "Blue Helmets" we often hear about? How did the UN come to be? And does it still hold power in shaping global peace?

The Birth of the UN: Learning from Past Mistakes

The United Nations arose from the ashes of the League of Nations, which was established on January 10, 1920, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. The League’s primary goal was to maintain world peace through collective security and disarmament.

Despite its noble intentions, the League of Nations struggled to prevent conflicts, ultimately failing when World War II broke out on September 1, 1939. The need for a stronger international body became clear, leading to the formation of the United Nations (UN).

On October 24, 1945, the UN was officially established. Representatives from 50 countries signed the UN Charter at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco. The goal? To promote international cooperation, peace, and security—preventing another catastrophic global war.

The UN’s Structure and Key Players

Today, the UN consists of 193 member states, with two observer states: the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine. Palestine’s recognition as a non-member observer state was granted on November 29, 2012, but its full membership remains blocked, primarily due to the veto power of the United States.

The UN has two key governing bodies:

1. The General Assembly

All 193 member states are part of the General Assembly, where they discuss and vote on global issues.

2. The Security Council

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of:

• Five Permanent Members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (who hold veto power).

• Ten Non-Permanent Members: Elected for two-year terms to ensure diverse regional representation.

Current Non-Permanent Members (2024-2025): Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

Canada’s Role in UN Peacekeeping

Canada has historically played a significant role in UN peacekeeping missions. The country has served on the Security Council as a non-permanent member eight times, with its last term ending in 2000. While some praised Canada’s advocacy for peace and human rights, others felt it did too little—or too much.

Canada’s first involvement in peacekeeping was in 1954 with the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East. Since then, Canada has participated in missions worldwide, including:

• Cyprus (1964-1993): Over 28,000 Canadians served.

• Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Mali, Haiti, Israel, and Egypt: Canadian peacekeepers have provided aid and security in numerous conflict zones.

• The United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) (1956-1967): A mission along the Egypt-Israel border where 22 Canadians lost their lives.

Despite its peacekeeping reputation, Canada’s involvement has decreased in recent years, leading some to question whether the country should renew its commitment.

The UN Today: Challenges and Controversies

Peacekeeping remains one of the UN’s most visible functions. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been in place since 1978, monitoring hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite being targeted by attacks and caught in crossfire, UNIFIL peacekeepers—currently from 48 different countries—continue their mission.

Some of the biggest challenges facing the UN today include:

• Climate Change: Coordinating global efforts to combat the climate crisis.

• Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza: Mediating between world powers and warring nations.

• Security Council Reform: Many argue that the UN's structure, particularly the veto power of the five permanent members, prevents it from acting effectively.

Is the UN Still Relevant?

The world was shattered by the barbarism of World War II and resolved to find better ways to resolve disputes. Before the UN, land was acquired through conquest, treaties (often imposed under duress), colonialism, and occupation. The UN was meant to shift humanity from a "might equals right" mentality to one based on cooperation and diplomacy.

However, as conflicts rage on, critics argue that the UN is becoming increasingly ineffective, trapped by bureaucracy and political rivalries. Will humanity rely on the UN to overcome global crises, or will we return to old patterns where the strongest prevail?

One thing remains certain: The UN is a reflection of its member states, and those governments, in turn, are accountable to their people. We do not work for politicians—they work for us.

So, what do you think? Does the UN still have the power to shape a more peaceful world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.