The UN at 80 - Rediscovering the Courage to Lead : Shared by Richard JJ Bridle

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Richard Bricle

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I’ve seen the UN at its best. As it turns 80, with a world in crisis, it must recover its courage

By Martin Griffiths — The Guardian

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Summary

Martin Griffiths, former UN under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, warns that the United Nations, as it marks its 80th anniversary, is losing its central role in global peacemaking. While it continues to provide vital humanitarian support, he argues that the organisation has become increasingly marginalised in resolving conflicts, trapped by caution and political deadlock. This shift, he says, has left the UN addressing only the symptoms of crises in places like Ukraine, Palestine, and Sudan, rather than tackling their root causes.

Griffiths points to the 2022 Black Sea grain deal as proof of what the UN can achieve when it shows ambition and unity, crediting the secretary general’s leadership in securing agreement between Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey. He urges the UN to recapture this spirit by empowering special envoys, bringing in skilled mediators, and collaborating more closely with independent peace organisations. He also stresses the need for greater investment in mediation training and technical expertise.

While welcoming the UN80 reform initiative, Griffiths cautions that structural changes and budget cuts are insufficient without a bold vision for the UN’s future. He concludes that the organisation remains indispensable, but its greatest risk is inaction — a failure that would have devastating consequences for those trapped in conflict zones.

Quotes

• “This new lack of relevance stems from a collapse in the UN’s most precious resource: its courage.” 
• “By allowing itself to be marginalised in peacemaking, the UN has essentially become a doctor confined to treating the symptoms of disease, rather than tackling the root causes.”
• “Without the UN’s leadership, I do not believe a final deal would have been possible.”
• “The UN is stocked with incredible people. It is still an indispensable institution. As such, its only unforgivable sin is inaction.” — Martin Griffiths