The UN at 80: Can It Still Deliver World Peace?

Dear Sir,

The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945 to maintain global peace and foster international cooperation. As it marks its 80th anniversary, ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine force us to ask: can the UN still deliver on its founding promise?

While the UN excels at providing humanitarian aid and conducting peacekeeping missions in crisis zones, its ability to prevent or stop major wars remains severely limited. The main barrier is the veto power held by the Security Council’s five permanent members, which frequently paralyses decisive action despite overwhelming international consensus. Moreover, the organisation lacks independent enforcement power when member states ignore international law.

To remain effective, the UN needs urgent structural reforms that address veto misuse and strengthen conflict prevention. Eighty years on, its mission remains vital, but lasting peace depends on whether world leaders will show the political courage to turn promises into action.