Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar shared candid insights into the limitations of the United Nations (UN) in addressing contemporary global challenges. Drawing parallels between the UN and an “old company,” Dr. Jaishankar explained how the organization, while still significant, is increasingly becoming inadequate in resolving today’s most pressing issues.

UN’s Role in Global Governance

Dr. Jaishankar pointed out that the United Nations, despite its historical importance, has struggled to keep pace with modern global developments. “The United Nations is like an old company, not entirely keeping up with the market, but occupying the space,” he said. The EAM highlighted that even though the UN remains a key player in multilateral diplomacy, its response to major global crises has been lackluster in recent years.

Referring to COVID-19 and other significant global conflicts, he added, “When it doesn’t step up on key issues, countries figure out their own ways of doing it.” This remark underscores a growing sentiment that nations are increasingly seeking alternatives to the UN’s traditional mechanisms when dealing with crises of global magnitude.

The UN’s Role During COVID-19

One of the starkest examples Dr. Jaishankar used to illustrate the UN’s inadequacy was its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Think about what the UN did on COVID. I think the answer is not very much,” he noted. While the pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge for the world, the UN, according to the minister, failed to lead or provide meaningful solutions to countries in need.

Dr. Jaishankar highlighted initiatives like COVAX, which were led by a group of countries, not the UN. He emphasized that while some countries banded together to fight the pandemic, it was largely a global effort outside the UN’s direct involvement. The success of such initiatives highlights a shift toward alternative multilateral mechanisms, bypassing the traditional UN framework.

The UN and Modern Conflicts

The External Affairs Minister also addressed the current geopolitical conflicts, stressing that the UN has been a passive observer in some of the most crucial conflicts unfolding today. “You have two conflicts going on in the world today. Where is the UN on them? Essentially a bystander,” he said, signaling the global body’s diminished role in dealing with pressing international conflicts.

The Rise of Alternative International Collaborations

In light of these limitations, Dr. Jaishankar suggested that a new era of international collaboration is emerging, where countries form their own partnerships to address key issues. “When it comes to the big issues of the day, I think increasingly you find combinations of countries who come together and say, let’s agree on this and let’s go and do it,” he remarked.

While the UN will continue to exist, Dr. Jaishankar stressed that “increasingly there’s a non-UN space, which is the active space.” This observation points to a growing trend where countries and coalitions are bypassing the UN’s mechanisms to collaborate on solutions for global challenges.

Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks at the Kautilya Economic Conclave have sparked a discussion on the relevance of the United Nations in today’s world. His insights reflect a growing concern about the UN’s inability to address modern challenges and the rise of alternative platforms for international cooperation. While the UN remains a cornerstone of multilateral diplomacy, its diminishing effectiveness is pushing countries toward new avenues for collaboration, allowing them to tackle global crises more proactively.