United Nations at 80

The United Nations (UN) turns 80 today on 24 October 2025. It was created in 1945 to prevent war, protect human lives, and promote cooperation among nations. For decades, it has helped maintain peace, provide humanitarian aid, and uphold human rights. Today, however, the UN faces serious challenges.

The war in Gaza shows the UN’s limits. As of October 2025, over 67,000 Palestinians have died, and nearly a third are children. Homes, schools, and hospitals have been destroyed. Over 417,000 people have been displaced. The UN has tried to provide aid, but political divisions and lack of enforcement have made its efforts weak.

The war in Ukraine has also caused immense suffering. By September 2025, the UN reported 50,597 civilian casualties, including 14,383 deaths. Millions have fled their homes. Peace efforts have been blocked by vetoes in the Security Council.

These conflicts reveal a major flaw in the UN. The Security Council has five permanent members with veto power. One country can block action even when millions are at risk. This system reflects post-World War II power, not today’s global realities. It often leads to inaction in crises.

Poverty and marginalization worsen the problems. Over 700 million people live in extreme poverty. Many lack education, healthcare, and basic services. Marginalized groups—women, children, and minorities—suffer the most. Climate change adds to the crisis. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves destroy homes and livelihoods. Global pandemics show how vulnerable health systems remain.

The UN must reform. The Security Council should include more countries. Veto power must be limited, especially in cases of mass killings. Decisions should reflect the world’s needs, not a few countries’ interests. The UN must be transparent and accountable.

Operationally, the UN must act faster. Humanitarian aid should reach those in need. Climate action, refugee protection, and poverty reduction need better coordination. The Sustainable Development Goals provide a roadmap, but success requires resources, political will, and cooperation.

Despite weaknesses, the UN is essential. Peacekeeping saves lives. Humanitarian aid reaches millions. International law sets standards for human rights. The UN proves that nations can work together.

At 80, the UN faces a critical moment. Wars, famine, poverty, climate disasters, and inequality demand urgent action. Reform is necessary. The UN must be democratic, accountable, and capable of quick action.

The UN’s founding mission—peace, justice, and human dignity—is still vital. Its effectiveness will decide whether the world can face 21st-century challenges. Strengthening the UN is not just a political need; it is a moral duty. Millions of lives depend on it.

Sabzar Ahmad Bhat is an independent researcher with a Ph.D. from Central University Gujarat.