The Role of the United Nations Amid Global Challenges- Author — Satish Mehra
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana-Pawan Kumar Bansal
By our enlightened reader Satish Mehra ।(United Nations Day – 24 October Special:
The Role of the United Nations Amid Global Challenges- Author — Satish Mehra
Every year, 24 October is celebrated worldwide as “United Nations Day.” It was on this day in 1945 that the UN Charter came into force. This day is not merely a historical remembrance but a global message — that all nations must work together for peace, equality, human rights, and development. After witnessing the devastation of the Second World War, the world realized that a platform was needed where nations could resolve their disputes through dialogue and peace rather than conflict and destruction. Out of this realization, the United Nations was born.
The UN Charter incorporated fundamental principles such as justice, human rights, social and economic development, and global cooperation. Therefore, the celebration of United Nations Day on 24 October is not a formality — it is a symbol of the shared pledge made by all 193 member states to uphold these values. This day reminds us that the global challenges of today — such as climate change, poverty, pandemics, migration, and unequal development — are not confined to one country alone. Their solutions are possible only through collective effort.
Today’s world is more complex and interconnected than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that national borders cannot contain a crisis of humanity. The global vaccination campaign and humanitarian relief efforts demonstrated the relevance of platforms like the United Nations. Similarly, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has raised concerns about privacy, security, and employment. To address these issues, international rules and ethical guidelines are essential. In March 2024, the UN adopted its first-ever global resolution on AI, marking a new step toward safeguarding humanity’s interests.
In several parts of the world today, wars, oppression, refugee crises, and human rights violations are on the rise. In such times, the UN’s human rights mechanisms, numerous conventions, and monitoring systems act as a global shield. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015 reaffirm that development is not merely economic — it is equally about social and environmental balance. Achieving these goals by 2030 is a shared responsibility of humankind.
We are not just citizens of individual countries but global citizens. Our challenges are shared, and so must be our solutions. United Nations Day teaches us that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and compassion. Although political disagreements, institutional limitations, and resource shortages have often hindered the UN’s efficiency, its existence continues to be a beacon of hope for humanity.
“In the Indian context, the ideals of the United Nations are deeply connected to the spirit of the Indian Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of our Constitution, enshrined the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity — the very same ideals embodied in the UN Charter. For a nation as diverse as India, where differences of religion, caste, language, and class coexist, the UN’s cooperative approach serves as an inspiration for both national unity and global responsibility.
Today, the true measure of a country’s development is not merely its GDP, but its commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and inclusiveness.”
In the current international landscape, the United Nations faces several grave challenges — such as the Russia–Ukraine war, the Israel–Hamas conflict, global trade inequalities, and the growing threat of terrorism.
In the Russia–Ukraine war, the UN is engaged in peace talks, ceasefire efforts, and humanitarian aid. In the Israel–Hamas conflict, it is working to ensure civilian safety and deliver relief through humanitarian corridors. Against terrorism, the UN’s Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy provides a framework for financial monitoring, information-sharing, and collective policies to counter extremism. The common objective of all these efforts remains the same — resolution through dialogue, protection of humanity, and establishment of lasting peace.
As the world grapples with unprecedented crises like climate change, technological upheaval, economic inequality, and political instability, 24 October reminds us that unity is our greatest strength.
The oath taken by every member of the United Nations —> “I will exercise in all loyalty, discretion, and conscience the functions entrusted to me, and will discharge these functions solely in the interests of the United Nations” —
reminds us of our collective responsibility.
If we can put this spirit into practice — by understanding one another, sharing resources, and creating fair opportunities — we can truly realize the vision of that ‘United Nations’ established eighty years ago for the welfare of humankind. What is needed today is not only hope, but practical cooperation, policy commitment, and a global perspective.
Hence, United Nations Day is not merely a date on the calendar — it is a symbol of global resolve: that peace, development, and human rights should not remain lofty ideals, but become the real experiences of every individual’s life.