In a recent address at the Rotary Institute 2023 in Bengaluru, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took a dig at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), likening it to an “old club” where existing members are reluctant to admit new ones. He expressed that the UNSC, akin to a longstanding institution, prefers to retain control and avoid scrutiny of its practices.
“The Security Council is like an old club, where there are set members who don’t want to let go of the grip. They want to keep control over the club. Not very keen to admit more members, not keen to have their practices questioned,” Jaishankar remarked during the event.
Highlighting concerns over the UN’s diminishing effectiveness due to a lack of reforms, Jaishankar stated, “In a way, it’s a human failing. But I think today it is harming the world. It is harming the world because, on key issues confronting the world, the UN is getting less and less effective.”
Earlier this year, Jaishankar had emphasized the need for reforms in the UN, stating that it no longer reflected the current reality of the world. He drew parallels, stating, “It is really a bit like a company. It is like the shareholders have changed, but the management has not.”
During the G20 Leaders Summit, Prime Minister Modi echoed similar sentiments, advocating for global systems aligned with the “realities of the present.” He specifically cited the UNSC, emphasizing the need for reforms in its structure.
Jaishankar’s recent comments underscore the challenges posed by the existing structure of international organizations and the growing demand for reforms to address contemporary global dynamics.
