On 24 October 2026, the world observes “United Nations Day” amid a profound test of international cooperation. Wars threaten civilians, geopolitical rivalries obstruct collective action, human rights remain unevenly protected, and climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.
The United Nations (UN) was founded after the Second World War. Its goal was to avoid future conflicts with conversation, diplomacy, and teamwork. Eighty-one years after its Charter entered into force, that ambition remains indispensable. Yet the widening gap between its founding ideals and present realities raises a critical question: can the UN still deliver on its promise?
A Universal Institution, Yet an Unequal Voice
The UN has 193 member states and two non-member observer states: the Vatican and the State of Palestine. Founded by 51 countries, the organization came into existence on 24 October 1945. Bangladesh joined on 17 September 1974, while South Sudan became its 193rd member in 2011.
Although every member state has an equal vote in the General Assembly, influence remains unequal, particularly in the Security Council. The challenge is not whether the world needs the UN, but whether it can become more effective, representative and accountable.
Peace Cannot Remain a Distant Promise
The Security Council can struggle to make decisions because of conflicts between countries and the veto power held by its five permanent members. When strategic interests prevail over collective responsibility, the credibility of the international system suffers – and civilians pay the price. Families lose their homes, children are deprived of education, and millions are forced to flee.
Peace must mean more than the absence of fighting. It must allow people to return home safely, live without fear and rebuild their lives with dignity.
The UN must strengthen preventive diplomacy, early-warning mechanisms and mediation before tensions escalate into violence. Security Council reform is equally urgent. Increasing representation for neglected regions and limiting the veto during major atrocities would boost the organization’s credibility. Such reforms, however, require genuine political will from influential member states.
Restoring Faith in Multilateralism
Rising nationalism, political polarization, and a deficit in public trust are hindering international cooperation. Some governments see international agreements as limits on their power, while others wonder if multilateral groups treat everyone fairly. Restoring trust requires fairness, transparency, and tangible results. Powerful states must adhere to the same standards of accountability that they demand of others.
These divisions were evident during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. On 23 September 2026, Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, said in a report by The Times of Israel that the United Nations is a “failing organisation” and its officials are “proud parasites.” Meanwhile, as reported by Anadolu Agency, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for reform of the Security Council and the abolition of the veto power.
Restrictions imposed based on political considerations can disrupt humanitarian aid and essential services. The aim is not to make the multilateral system weaker, but to improve trust and cooperation by being clear and keeping promises. Challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and cyber threats demonstrate that no single nation can address major global issues on its own. Responsible multilateralism serves to protect both national interests and the common interests of humanity.
Human Rights Must Be Universal
The *Universal Declaration of Human Rights* established a common standard for dignity, freedom, and equality. Yet its principles are not upheld equally everywhere. Governments often use sovereignty to protect themselves from criticism. At the same time, surveillance, online censorship, and digital control create new dangers to basic freedoms.
The credibility of the United Nations depends on its consistent protection of human rights, free from political bias. The safety of citizens, the right to speak freely, and equal treatment under the law should never be used as trade-offs in political deals. It is very important to have fair investigations and hold people accountable for serious human rights violations. This way, justice does not rely on political pressure.
Global Solidarity for Sustainable Development
The ‘2030 Agenda’ and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a clear plan to tackle poverty, inequality, lack of healthcare, gaps in education, and damage to the environment. Yet, economic crises, debt burdens, and climate change consistently hinder progress. Often, the populations least responsible for environmental catastrophes are the ones left to face their devastating consequences with the fewest resources. Bangladesh needs help from other countries to get affordable climate money, useful technology, skill training, and a fairer economy. Priority must be given to reforming the global financial architecture and alleviating unsustainable debt burdens. Furthermore, wealthy nations must translate their climate-related commitments into concrete action.
However, international assistance alone cannot guarantee development. Effective national leadership, good governance, and accountability are equally crucial. The United Nations should support national priorities while ensuring that the benefits of development reach those populations most at risk of being left behind.
From Declarations to Delivery
The 81st session’s priority theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,” captures the challenge. Trust must be earned through tangible improvements in people’s lives. The UN needs stronger coordination among its agencies and greater accountability for results. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance early-warning systems and public services, but its use must be guided by human rights safeguards.
Responsibility is shared. An organization established by governments cannot overcome international divisions without their cooperation. Civil society, young people and journalists also play vital roles in holding institutions accountable and translating global commitments into local action. Bangladesh and other developing countries need to form partnerships, call for fairer global rules, and ensure that vulnerable people have a real say in decisions that affect them.
A Renewed Commitment to Humanity
`United Nations Day` should be more than an anniversary. It should prompt reflection on the distance between the world we aspire to build and the realities people experience. The UN is far from perfect, but the need for a forum where nations can negotiate and cooperate remains undeniable. Abandoning multilateralism would not resolve global problems; it would make collective responses even more difficult.
As UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih stated, “Peace must be measured not only by agreements signed, but by lives changed.”
At 81, the UN needs strong support for its core beliefs, real changes in structure, and member countries to put people before their own political goals. To measure its success, we should look at how much it helps with war suffering, supports human rights, gives opportunities to developing countries, and cares for the planet for future generations.
The world needs a United Nations that does more than speak on behalf of all; it needs one that delivers for all. Global leaders need to work together to rebuild trust, improve cooperation between countries, and turn promises into real, helpful actions.
The author, – Nicholas Biswas,
is a media freelancer and recipient of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Media Award.
