It is felt that the UN has done little in this session and shown ineffectiveness in addressing some pressing global concerns.
What are the shortfalls?
North Korea - The UN’s actions in response to North Korea’s missiles and nuclear tests come out to be just another round of sanctions.
Sanctions in many countries had only helped isolate their populations from the world, thereby further strengthening the country's resolve to disregard the UN.
Also, earlier experiences show the ineffectiveness of the sanctions as a deterrent and moreover in many cases they only impact the country’s poor.
US - The US's decision to walk out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran nuclear deal) and Paris deal (climate change agreement) sets a wrong precedence.
The UN's failure to comment on this, would possibly reduce the world nations' trust and confidence in the UN.
It further renders meaningless the efficacy of the UN in guaranteeing various international and multinational deals signed in general interest.
Myanmar - The Rohingya issue, as called by the UN Human Rights chief, is taking the form of ethnic cleansing.
Nearly half a million Rohingya fled for their lives from Rakhine villages, and the UN which is to prevent such ethnic displacement, has not taken any action even after its occurrence.
India - For India's concern, the UN has exhibited powerlessness to enforce even the basic restrictions against the terrorists it had imposed sanctions on.
Hafiz Saeed and associates planning to stand for public office in Pakistan, and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi receiving bail despite UN financial sanctions are showing UN's ineffectiveness on the issue of terrorism.
Cyber warfare - UN Secretary General has recorded concern for the increasing number of cyber-attacks from non-state actors.
However, it is important for UN to take note of those carried out by the states.
Ex: Both Russia and the U.S. have been known to use cyber warfare and also new-age warfare - use drones, robotic soldiers and remote killings
These need more regulation from the international community.
Inequality - Eight men represent as much of the world’s wealth as half of all humanity.
UN must take note of this serious global inequality conditions and focus more on human developmental activities, overcoming the narrow individual national interests.
What is the way ahead?
The United Nations has a range of issues before it that need attention, for ensuring world peace and dignified individual living.
It is high time that UN understand its significance not just as an international structure but that of carrying a shared ideal, and work accordingly.
