UN Paralysed Facing Division, Conflict Can't Ensure Peace: EAM S Jaishankar's Bold Remark At UNGA

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, on Saturday, during his powerful address at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), took the members of the United Nations through a reality check of the objective, for which the organisation was formed. He said that the formation of the UN was centred around measures to ensure world peace, which couldn't be delivered by the UN paralysed facing division, conflict, terrorism and violence. The EAM said, “The problems arise from a combination of structural shortcomings, political calculations, naked self-interest and yes, disregard for those left behind.”

Counting the objectives behind the establishment of the UN, EAM S Jaishankar, while addressing the UNGA, said, “Almost exactly eight decades ago, the first steps towards the formation of the UN were taken near here, at Dumbarton Oaks. Refined thereafter at the Yalta Conference, they were finally approved in San Francisco. The debates of that era were centred around how to ensure world peace, a prerequisite for global prosperity.” 

Both Peace And Prosperity Equally Endangered: External Affairs Minister

“Today, we find both peace and prosperity equally endangered. And that is because trust has eroded and processes have broken down. Countries have extracted more from the international system than they have put into it, enfeebling it in the process,” Jaishankar stated.

“We see that vividly in every challenge and every crisis. Reforming multilateralism is, therefore, an imperative. Leaving no one behind means advancing peace, ensuring sustainable development and strengthening human dignity. This cannot be delivered by a UN paralysed when faced with division, conflict, terrorism and violence. Nor can it be advanced if access to food, fuel and fertilizer is jeopardized," the External Affairs Minister emphasized. 

Former Indian diplomat, Jaishankar asserted, "When capturing markets lacks restraint, it damages the livelihood and social fabric of others. Evasion of climate action responsibilities by the developed undermines the growth prospects of the developing. Indeed, when resource crunch limits the very pursuit of SDG targets, it is not just economies but human dignity itself that is imperilled. If the world is in such a state, this body must ask itself: how has this come to pass? The problems arise from a combination of structural shortcomings, political calculations, naked self-interest and yes, disregard for those left behind.

‘…Only Going To Get Worse’: Jaishankar

“It is natural to feel overwhelmed by what we confront now. After all, there are so many dimensions, different moving parts, issues of the day and the changing landscape. But every change must begin somewhere. And there is no better place than where it all started. We, the members of the United Nations, must now seriously and purposefully address ourselves to that task. Not because it is a competition for influence or a squabble for positions, but because, if we carry on like this, the state of the world is only going to get worse and that could mean that more of us are going to be left behind,” the EAM calls for collective efforts for to fulfill the objectives. 

EAM Calls For More Representatives At UN

During his address, Jaishankar voiced to bring other countries together on the global stage to ensure that no one is left behind. “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. Let's, therefore send out a clear message from this UNGA session, we are determined not to be left behind. By coming together, sharing experiences, pooling resources and strengthening our resolve, we can change the world for the better,” he emphasized.