United Nations Day, celebrated every year on October 24th, marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

Since then, the UN has remained the cornerstone of multilateralism, standing as the only global organization with unparalleled legitimacy, convening power, and the ability to set norms and standards that guide international relations.

Today, more than ever, the United Nations is crucial in maintaining world peace, promoting human rights, and fostering sustainable development.

“However, as the world faces evolving challenges, the UN must adapt to remain effective in delivering the future we all hope for,” states Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff.

The United Nations plays a pivotal role in ensuring global stability and progress in an increasingly interconnected world.

One of the UN's most vital functions is to maintain international peace and security.

Since its inception, the UN has facilitated peacekeeping missions in over 70 countries, helping to prevent conflicts and resolve them through diplomacy.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Force, consisting of over 87,000 personnel from 121 countries, is one of the most visible symbols of its efforts to manage conflicts globally.

Moreover, the UN is indispensable in addressing global crises that transcend national borders.

The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the importance of global cooperation, where agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were central in coordinating international responses and delivering resources to vulnerable countries.

Beyond health, the UN is the driving force behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a roadmap for ending poverty, reducing inequality, and combating climate change.

The UN's ability to convene countries to address these global challenges emphasizes its unmatched role in creating a more just and equitable world.

The United Nations’ commitment to human rights is another pillar of its relevance today.

Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the UN has been a global advocate for fundamental human freedoms.

The UN’s Human Rights Council, along with various special rapporteurs and committees, works tirelessly to hold governments accountable for violations and to promote the rights of marginalized communities.

The United Nations' work goes beyond peacekeeping and human rights; it also plays a fundamental role in delivering humanitarian aid and promoting sustainable development.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for example, provides essential services such as education, clean water, and vaccinations to millions of children in need worldwide.

In 2023 alone, UNICEF delivered life-saving assistance worth $5.24 billion in goods and services in zones of conflict and crisis.

Despite its achievements, the United Nations is not without its critics.

One of the most significant criticisms relates to the structure of the Security Council, which grants disproportionate power to its five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France.

The veto power of these nations has often led to gridlock, especially in times of major international crises.

For instance, Russia’s use of its veto on the conflict in Ukraine has sparked debate over whether this privilege hinders the UN's ability to act impartially and effectively.

Yet, now United Nations Day serves as a reminder of the organization's enduring legacy in promoting global peace, security, and human dignity.

While it has undoubtedly achieved a great deal, from peacekeeping missions to its advocacy for human rights and sustainable development, the UN must also address its shortcomings to remain effective.

“Calls for reform, particularly in the Security Council, highlight the need for the UN to adapt to 21st-century challenges,” says Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff.

Despite the criticisms, the world still needs the United Nations as a forum for multilateral cooperation, a promoter of human rights, and a provider of humanitarian aid.

In a world increasingly defined by complex global challenges, the UN’s role as a platform for dialogue and action remains indispensable.