In a recent session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a powerful statement against Russia, accusing the nation of committing genocide in Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s remarks were not just a mere accusation; he proposed a “peace formula” to address the ongoing conflict between the two nations. This formula, which he termed as the “3D formula,” encompasses three main pillars: “De-occupation,” “De-militarization,” and “De-bureaucratization.” Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of international support, especially from the UN, to ensure peace and stability in the region. His statements were reported by Firstpost.
Parallelly, US President Joe Biden took the UN stage with a stern warning against appeasing Russia. Biden’s address to the 193 nations gathered at the UNGA was a call for unity and collective action. He reiterated the importance of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, foundational principles of the UN Charter. His stance was clear: the world must resist Russia’s brutal onslaught against Ukraine. This was covered in detail by The Hindu.
However, while Biden’s words resonated with the ideals of international cooperation and unity, they might not be enough to bring about the desired change. The world has observed Biden’s challenges both domestically and in the context of Ukraine. The increasing political rifts within the US and the rise of “minilateralism” – smaller blocs competing against each other – indicate the challenges of multilateralism. Biden’s address, though filled with hope and determination, was overshadowed by the din of global conflicts and the skepticism of cynics, as analyzed by Moneycontrol.
The UNGA’s 78th session could have been an opportunity to highlight America’s role as the guardian of the liberal international order established post World War II. Notably, the leaders of the other four permanent members of the UN Security Council – Russia, China, France, and the UK – were absent, giving Biden an exclusive platform. Yet, the world’s refusal to align unanimously against Moscow, the increasing global challenges like climate change, poverty, and health crises, and the internal divisions within the US, cast a shadow over the assembly.
The UN, with its sustainable development goals (SDGs), aims to address the shared challenges of humanity. From climate change mitigation to poverty alleviation and gender equality, these goals are a testament to the global commitment to a better future.
