Gujarat National Law University

(2023-2028)
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International Law and Global Security
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Suggesting reforms to UN for better cooperation between member
states and to improve the provision of security to populations
around the world.
Submitted to:
Dr Alexander Gilder
Visiting Foreign Professor at GNLU
Submitted by:
Aryan (BA.LLB, Sem I)
 INDEX

 Abstract

 Objectives of the Paper

 Why do we need reforms?

 Reform 1
 Representation of developing and least developed
countries in the UN Security Council

 Reform 2

 Development and Financing

 Reform 3
 Reforms in Peacekeeping Operations

 Conclusion

 References
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We express our profound gratitude to our visiting professor, Dr. Alexander

Gilder, for granting us this opportunity to present a paper on this topic. We
extend our sincere thanks to him for his expert guidance and constant
encouragement.
We also wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr. S. Shanthakumar, Director,
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar for providing us with all the
necessary facilities.
Suggesting reforms to UN for better cooperation between member
states and to improve the provision of security to populations
around the world.
Abstract
United Nations was set up 75 years ago and has been successful in the
decolonization process and preventing another world war. However, the 21st
century world is very different from that 20th century and poses many new
problems and realities. This paper attempts to address the reforms in the UN for
better cooperation between the member states and to improve the provision of
security to populations around the world. It also tries to explain the need for
reforms and how they will bring significant changes in the current system of
UN. It addresses three reforms in detail and explains it and gives the reason for
its need.
Objectives of the Paper
The objective of the paper is to suggest reforms in the current system of United
Nations which will ensure the cooperation between member states and improve
the provision of security to the population around the world. The paper deals
with three major reforms, the major points to be discussed are as follows:
 Why do we need reforms?
Reforms:
 Representation of developing and least developed countries in the UN
Security Council
 Development and Financing
 Reforms in Peacekeeping Operations
Why do we need Reforms in the UN?
The need for reforms in the UN is quite significant and of utmost importance.
There are various reasons which can explain why reforms are needed, some of
them are as follows:
1. Representation
One of the key concerns is the representation of countries within the UN,
mainly in decision making bodies like the Security Council. It’s been
more than 75 years since the establishment of United Nations but the
structure of the body is still the same like the post World War-II era. The
current structure does not represent the geopolitical realities of today.
 Reforming representation could make the UN more inclusive and
reflective of the diversity of member states.

2. Responsiveness
The whole world argues on the point that UN can sometimes be slow in
responding to urgent crises due to bureaucratic processes and consensus-
based decision-making. Reforms could streamline decision making
procedures and enable the organizations to act more swiftly when faced
with humanitarian crisis, emergencies, conflicts or other critical
situations.
3. Transparency and Accountability
Ensuring transparency in decision making processes and accountability
for actions taken is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the UN.
Reforms could focus on improving mechanisms for oversight and
reporting on UN activities.
4. Budget and Funding
The UN’s funding model has faced challenges with some member states
not fulfilling their financial commitments. There are issues even in the
allotment of funds to various countries. Reforming the funding
mechanism could lead to a more equitable distribution of financial
responsibilities and resources.
5. Peacekeeping and conflict resolution
The UN’s peacekeeping operations have been both praised and criticized.
Reforming these operations could lead to a better training resources and
coordination among peacekeepers enabling them to be more effective in
preventing and resolving conflicts.
The report on implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for the
Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024
(document A/73/297) showed landlocked developing countries still only
represent 1 per cent of global merchandise trade. These are few important
reasons for the need for Reforms. There are many more reasons which can
explain the need for reforms. The UN has faced many criticisms and calls for
reforms to address various challenges and shortcomings so, it is the right time to
bring the change.
Reform I – Representation of developing and least developed
countries in the UN Security Council
Increasing the representation of developing and least developed countries within
the UN is a crucial and complex matter that stems for equity, inclusivity and
global cooperation. The representative of Egypt, speaking on behalf of the
“Group of 77” developing countries and China, noted that least developed
nations have yet to receive the full benefits of globalization. Let’s start with
some of the main reasons which will explain the need for the reform. The
principles of equity and inclusivity are central to the functioning of the United
Nations. The Security Council deals with matters which affects all nations but
the participation of developing and least developed countries are close to none.
Permanent membership and veto power of the 5 permanent members (P-5),
China, The United Kingdom, The United States, France and Russia are seen as
outdated because they don’t reflect the proper distribution of power. There is a
call for more representation from emerging powers like the G-4(Group of four),
which includes India, Japan, Germany and Brazil, because of their strong
economy, political clout and growing influence on the global stage. The
representation of least developed countries in the UNSC is limited due to the
non-permanent nature of the seats. For more equitable representation of the
council countries like Niger and Ethiopia should be given a permanent seat as
they have been elected for non-permanent earlier. Their participation will ensure
that the decisions made are inclusive and representative of the global
community. These countries often face security challenges that differs
significantly from those of more developed countries. Their inclusion brings the
diversity of perspectives to the Security Council’s discussions leading to a more
comprehensive understanding of global security issues like poverty, inequality,
and underdevelopment which are also linked to security challenges. Their
representation not only allows to address the symptoms but also the underlying
causes of conflict and instability. Many conflicts and crises emerge in
developing and least developed countries, often with consequences that extend
beyond their borders. Having these countries at the table ensures that Security
Council decisions are well informed and can contribute to preventing and
resolving conflicts. Many security issues such as terrorism, conflict prevention
and humanitarian crises have a global impact and require the collaboration of all
nations. Developing and least developed countries can offer valuable insights
into these issues and contribute to crafting effective solutions. Also, the
participation of these countries enhances the legitimacy of the council’s actions.
So, the representation of developing and least developed countries in the UN
Security Council is crucial for creating a more just, inclusive and effective
international system. Their participation ensures that UN Security Council is
making decisions on account of the diverse realities and challenges faced by
nations across the world leading to more balanced and impactful outcomes. No
reform of the UN would be complete without reform of the Security Council.
Reform II- Development and Financing
A reform of development and financing within the UN is necessary to ensure
that the organization’s efforts to address global development challenges are
effective, equitable and sustainable. Here are some of the key reasons which
will explain the need for this reform. The UN has set a very ambitious target for
the 2030 Agenda through its 17 SDGs for sustainable development. To achieve
these goals, there is a need to reform development and financing strategies to
align resources, efforts and policies towards the targets outlined in SDGs.
Reforms can help in ensuring that the resources are allocated efficiently and
effectively to the areas where they are most needed. This includes direct funding
toward projects that have the greatest impact on poverty reduction, gender
equality, health, education, environmental sustainability and other important
matters. Reforms can help in exploring innovative financing mechanisms such
as impact investing, public private partnerships and leveraging private sector
resources to complement traditional aid flows as traditional forms of financing
may not be sufficient to meet the growing demands of global development
challenges. After the 2010 earthquake, international aid poured into Haiti but
issues with coordination, transparency and accountability led to limited impact.
This highlighted the need for coordination among countries to ensure that the
aid is effectively utilized. Reforms can help developing countries in improving
their tax systems, reduce corruption and increase domestic revenue generation
making them less dependent on external aid. It can only help in ensuring that
the fund reaches the intended beneficiaries and has positive impact on the
ground. Reforms can facilitate the provision of global public goods like health
security, biodiversity conservation and disaster resilience. These goods benefit
all countries but their financing often requires international cooperation and
coordination. Many African countries face challenges in accessing international
markets due to trade barriers, unequal agreements, and limited infrastructure.
Reforms are needed to address these issues and promote more equitable trade . A
reformed development and financing framework can empower developing
countries to take ownership of their development paths and priorities. This can
lead to more sustainable and contextually relevant solutions. Reforms will also
increase the transparency and accountability of financing as to ensure that the
funds are used for intended purpose, progress is measured transparently and that
outcomes are reported accurately.
So, reforming development and financing within the UN is crucial to address
the complex and interconnected challenges facing the world.
Reform III- Reforms in Peacekeeping Operations
Reforms in peacekeeping operations within the UN are important for several
reasons, they are trying to enhance the effectiveness, credibility and
accountability of UN peacekeeping efforts. Peacekeeping plays an important
role in maintaining international peace and security and these reforms help
ensure that peacekeeping missions can adapt to evolving challenges and deliver
their mandate. Adaptation to complex conflict environments. Conflict dynamics
have evolved over time like using non state armed groups, transnational threats
and intricate local disputes. The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization
Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) operates in a challenging environment with
unconventional threats. Reforms could focus on providing specialized training
for these complex situations. Reforms allow peacekeeping missions to adapt
their strategies and approaches to effectively address the complex challenges.
Protection of civilians, one of the primary mandates of all peacekeeping
missions. Reforms help develop better strategies for identifying and responding
to threats against civilians, reducing the risk of violence and abuse in conflict
zones. Improved Training and capacity building. The rapid deployment of the
UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the 1994 genocide was
hindered by logistical challenges. Reforms will enhance the readiness of
peacekeepers to perform their duties so that they understand the complexities of
the conflict environment and act accordingly. Reforms will also help in
preventing misconduct ensuring that the peacekeepers adhere to high standards
of behaviour. They will also ensure the integration of modern technologies such
as drones, data analytics and communication tools into peacekeeping strategies.
Clear and achievable mandates are essential for the success of peacekeeping
missions. Reforms aim to ensure that mandates are well defined, realistic and
aligned with the specific needs of the conflict situation. Reforms emphasize the
importance of evaluating peacekeeping missions to learn from success and
failures. Lessons learned can help in the future missions.
By adapting the evolving conflict dynamics upholding human rights, improving
accountability and engaging with the local communities, these reforms enable
peacekeeping operations to better contribute to the goal of maintaining
international peace and security.
Conclusion
To conclude, all I can say is that it’s high time and we need quick responses to
several issues and problems faced by the whole world, this is the appropriate
time to introduce reforms in the UN for the smooth and better functioning of the
body. The world is developing on a higher rate so is its problem and issues,
these reforms can help in the smooth development of the country and can try to
resolve their issues in a faster way. Following the current system will only delay
the problems instead of resolving it in a quick manner. There are many more
reforms which are equally important but these three are the major ones and in
the current requirement which can accelerate and improve the function of
United Nations.
References
1. Reforming peacekeeping. (n.d.). United Nations
Peacekeeping. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/reforming-
peacekeeping#:~:text=In%20the%20more%20than%20seventy,and
%20security%20over%20the%20years.
2. GO, A. (2018, July 9). Global Observatory Series: A4P. IPI Global
Observatory. https://theglobalobservatory.org/2018/07/five-reform-areas-
effective-peacekeeping-performance/
3. The UN Turns Seventy-Five. Here’s How to Make it Relevant Again. (n.d.).
Council of
Councils. https://www.cfr.org/councilofcouncils/global-memos/un-turns-
seventy-five-heres-how-make-it-relevant-again
4. MOFA: Reform of the United Nations.
(n.d.). https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/pamph96/reform.html
5. Pai, N. (2023, May 7). The UN needs structural reform to establish its
relevance again |
Mint. Mint. https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/the-un-s-
irrelevance-in-a-world-of-conflicts-a-call-for-restructuring-and-alternative-
platforms-for-global-governance-11683483119998.html
6. Least developed nations lagging behind on attaining sustainable
development, speakers say, as second committee debates countries in
special situations | UN Press. (2018, October
22). https://press.un.org/en/2018/gaef3504.doc.htm