Reforming the United Nations is not a luxury, but an imperative necessity. A vision for the reform of the United Nations

Undoubtedly, the United Nations, founded on the principles of peace and justice, is no longer capable, in its current form, of addressing the complexities of the 21st century. It seems constrained by bureaucracy and the interests of major powers, which hampers its ability to effect meaningful change. Revitalizing the UN necessitates a fundamental reform that restores its core mission and ensures that it is more representative and equitable for its member states, rather than being dominated by the interests of great powers.

Over the years, through my work in the organization, leading IT and communications teams, the UN Global Alliance for Information and Technology, the UN Global Compact, and other initiatives, I have gained firsthand experience of these challenges and recognized the substantial gap between the stated goals and the practical realities. As a result, I am preparing to launch a new book that explores how to transform this institution into a more effective and equitable body, one that truly reflects the interests of the people, rather than serving as a tool for dominant powers.

One of the central issues I will discuss in my book is the complex bureaucracy that has caused the United Nations to become disconnected from the people it is intended to represent. Rather than functioning as a global platform for safeguarding human rights and ensuring justice, it has frequently transformed into a forum for ruling elites, where decisions are made behind closed doors, while the voices of the majority of world population remain ignored.

However, bureaucracy is not the sole issue, as the Security Council remains one of the most significant barriers in the way of achieving international justice. The veto power granted to the five permanent members turns the Council into a mechanism for safeguarding their interests, rather than serving as a guarantor of global peace. This absolute centralization of decision-making perpetuates an imbalance within the organization, a flaw that cannot be ignored if we are to pursue genuine reform.

I believe that the reform of the United Nations will remain incomplete without restructuring the Security Council to make it more democratic and representative of the entire world. In my book, I will propose expanding the permanent membership to include countries from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, reflecting contemporary geopolitical changes and ensuring a more equitable distribution of power. Additionally, I will advocate for the abolition or the reduction of veto powers, so that the Council's decisions become more responsive to the collective will of the international community, rather than the interests of select member states.

However, reform should not be confined to political aspects alone; it must also encompass the development of new avenues for people to engage in international decision-making. In this regard, in my book, I propose the idea of establishing a global digital platform that enables individuals from various countries to voice their opinions and participate in international decisions. This platform could serve as the foundation for a "Global Digital Parliament," providing people with a say in critical issues, rather than leaving decisions exclusively in the hands of governments.

Reform should also encompass the United Nations' role in addressing major global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and inequality. These issues pose a significant threat to the future of humanity, yet the United Nations lacks the necessary tools to effectively tackle them.

Therefore, I will propose the establishment of a Global Environment and Climate Council with extensive executive powers, allowing it to implement effective international environmental policies. I will also call for enhancing the independence of the World Health Organization, ensuring its ability to respond to health crises without political or financial interference.

As global challenges continue to mount, U.S. influence remains a critical factor in shaping the future of the United Nations. As the organization's largest financial contributor, the United States wields substantial influence over its decisions, positioning itself as a key player in the direction of reform. However, the increasing discussions surrounding the potential U.S. withdrawal from the United Nations raise a fundamental question: Would this withdrawal jeopardize the continuity of the organization, or offer an opportunity to reshape it on a more just and independent foundation?

In my book, I will propose new alternatives for financing the United Nations, such as implementing global taxes on international financial transactions or carbon emissions, which would reduce the organization’s reliance on the support of major powers and enable it to function independently, responding to the needs of the people rather than the interests of dominant powers.

Therefore, reforming the United Nations is not a choice, but an essential imperative. An organization founded to uphold peace cannot remain impotent in the face of conflict, and an organization that champions justice cannot operate according to unjust standards. What I propose is not merely theoretical suggestions, but a practical vision for revitalizing the United Nations, grounded in justice, transparency, and public participation.

I am thoroughly convinced that the United Nations has the potential to evolve into a more effective and equitable entity, but this can only happen if there is a true commitment to its reform.

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh