WPS NewsUnited Nations: 81 Years Later
By Cliff Potts, CSO, and Editor-in-Chief of WPS News
Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines — June 26, 2026
The Charter of the United Nations was signed on June 26, 1945 in San Francisco, marking the beginning of an international institution designed to prevent another global war and coordinate cooperation among nations emerging from the devastation of World War II (United Nations, 1945). Eighty-one years later, the United Nations remains one of the central forums for diplomacy and international coordination. Yet its ability to respond quickly to crises, enforce international law, and deliver practical benefits to ordinary people is frequently questioned. If the UN’s most enduring role is keeping the world’s governments talking, the next step may be ensuring that this global conversation produces more practical results for the people who ultimately live with the consequences of international decisions.
Below are ten reforms frequently discussed by diplomats, policy analysts, and international organizations that could strengthen the United Nations’ ability to serve the global community.
Reform the Security Council Veto
The United Nations Security Council remains the organization’s most powerful body for maintaining international peace and security. However, the veto power held by its five permanent members—the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France—can halt action even during major humanitarian crises (United Nations Security Council, 2023). Limiting veto use in cases of genocide or requiring multiple vetoes to block action could reduce paralysis in moments when international response is most needed.
Expand Security Council Representation
The Security Council’s permanent membership reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than the current international system. Countries such as India, Japan, Germany, and Brazil are often cited as candidates for expanded representation (Weiss & Daws, 2018). A broader membership could make the council appear more legitimate to developing nations and improve acceptance of its decisions.
Establish a Standing Rapid Response Force
United Nations peacekeeping missions currently rely on troops volunteered by member states, which can delay deployment during emerging crises. A permanent UN rapid-response force—limited in size but professionally trained—could intervene quickly in humanitarian emergencies, ceasefire violations, or collapsing state situations (Bellamy & Williams, 2013).
Modernize Peacekeeping Doctrine
Many UN peacekeeping frameworks were developed during the Cold War and are poorly suited for modern conflicts involving insurgencies, militias, or hybrid warfare. Updating mandates, strengthening intelligence capabilities, and expanding surveillance tools could improve mission effectiveness while better protecting civilian populations.
Strengthen Global Health Monitoring
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly infectious diseases can spread in an interconnected world. Strengthening international health monitoring through the World Health Organization—including faster reporting requirements and expanded outbreak investigation authority—could improve early detection and response to future pandemics (World Health Organization, 2022).
Improve Disaster Response Logistics
Natural disasters increasingly affect large populations across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Expanding logistical coordination through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs could allow faster delivery of food, medical supplies, and emergency shelter after earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other disasters.
Increase Financial Transparency
Like many large international organizations, the United Nations faces criticism over bureaucratic inefficiencies and opaque budgeting. Stronger auditing procedures, open financial reporting, and clearer performance metrics for programs could build trust among member states and taxpayers who ultimately fund UN operations.
Coordinate Maritime Security
Global trade depends on safe sea lanes through strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the South China Sea. Expanded UN frameworks for maritime coordination could improve information sharing among naval forces and help protect international shipping from piracy, sabotage, or regional conflict.
Strengthen International Crime Cooperation
Transnational criminal networks involved in cybercrime, human trafficking, and financial fraud increasingly operate across borders. Enhancing coordination between the United Nations and organizations such as INTERPOL could improve intelligence sharing and strengthen enforcement against global criminal activity.
Invest in Conflict Prevention
The most effective peacekeeping operation is the one that never becomes necessary. Expanding diplomatic mediation teams, early warning systems, and regional conflict monitoring could allow the United Nations to intervene politically before crises escalate into wars requiring costly military or humanitarian responses (United Nations, 2023).
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References
Bellamy, A. J., & Williams, P. D. (2013). Providing peacekeepers: The politics, challenges, and future of United Nations peacekeeping contributions. Oxford University Press.
United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations. San Francisco Conference on International Organization.
United Nations. (2023). United Nations peacekeeping operations: Principles and guidelines. Department of Peace Operations.
United Nations Security Council. (2023). Structure and voting procedures of the Security Council. United Nations.
Weiss, T. G., & Daws, S. (2018). The Oxford handbook on the United Nations (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
World Health Organization. (2022). Strengthening global health security: Lessons from COVID-19. WHO Press.
United Nations, session. New York by libraryofcongress is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0
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