Thiruvananthapuram- In a compelling address to students at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the pressing need for reform within the United Nations (UN). He cautioned that the UN’s reluctance to adapt to the changing global landscape could render it anachronistic, pushing nations to seek alternative solutions.
Drawing a vivid analogy, Dr. Jaishankar likened the UN’s current structure to passengers on a bus, with permanent members of the UN Security Council occupying seats they are unwilling to vacate. He stressed that the mounting pressure for change on the UN must not go unnoticed, urging the global body to heed this message.
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted significant disparities within the UN, such as the absence of representation for 54 African nations, a lack of Latin American membership, and the exclusion of the world’s most populous country and the fifth-largest economy. He underlined the urgency of reform, warning that failure to do so would drive nations to seek alternatives, posing the risk of gradual irrelevance for the UN.
This plea for UN reform echoes India’s consistent advocacy on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the G20 Leaders Summit, emphasized the need to align global institutions with current realities. He specifically referenced the UN Security Council, whose composition remains largely unchanged since its inception, despite significant transformations in the world.
PM Modi’s call for a more adaptive global structure resonated with Dr. Jaishankar’s message, emphasizing the necessity for institutions to evolve with the times or risk losing their relevance. This stance underscores India’s commitment to driving meaningful reform on the international stage.
As the world grapples with evolving challenges, the call for UN reform gains momentum, with India at the forefront of this critical dialogue.
Source ANI
