UN Reforms

for the
Changing
World Order
Conference Report

1
Introduction
Venue: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was established after World War II to
Wassenaar, The uphold international peace and security through the peaceful settlement of
Hague, Netherlands disputes. However, the UNSC has faced criticism for institutional drift and
ineffectiveness in addressing modern challenges. Despite changes in global
dynamics, the UNSC's composition has remained stagnant since the 1960s, reflecting
Date:
its inability to adapt to the realities of the 21st century.
May 3, 2023
According to scholar John Ikenberry, international organizations serve to promote
Time: the norms of powerful nations and encourage compliance from others. The
10.00- 17.00 establishment of the UN aimed to enforce liberal norms and establish a new global
order. States tend to accept imposed rules if they see incentives and if the imposing
states also abide by them.
Attendees:
100+ In the post-Cold War era, Western Europe and North America embraced norms of
free trade and neoliberalism, while other states complied due to the benefits of
participating in global trade networks. The legitimacy of UN reform lies in
maximizing gains for all member states, requiring the agreement of the P5
(permanent members of the UNSC) who must weigh the costs and benefits of
relinquishing some of their power.
In the current world order, there is a growing contestation of dominant norms as the
influence of Eastern norms rises. However, the dominant states, particularly the veto
holders, have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and have shown little
initiative in supporting UN reform efforts.
The FCCI conference on "UN Reforms for the Changing World Order" provided a
platform for diverse state representatives to express their perspectives on the
detailed report on UN reforms presented by FCCI. The report summarizes the
statements of these representatives and analyzes their implications.
Ambassadors of several nations were present, to express the opinions of their state,
along with their personal ideas regarding the need for UN reforms. In addition to
ambassadors, panelists included top executives, judges of the International Court of
Justice, and diplomats, among others.
1
Event schedule
Registration/ Meet & Greet (Tea-Coffee)

Specific instructions by the Master of Ceremony

Mrs. Sonia Sodhi, Director of Media Communications, FCCI
Opening and welcome address
Mr. Jasbir Singh, President FCCI.
Welcome to the city of Wassenaar
Mr. Ritske Bloemendaal, Deputy Mayor of Wassenaar, the Netherlands
Theme presentation, “United Nations reforms for the changing world order”
Mr. Ram Lakhina, President Emeritus, FCCI & Founder of GOPIO International
FCCI Vision on, “UN reforms -with special focus on United Nations Security Council”
Dr. Pramod Agrawal, Vice President Programs, FCCI
Inaugural address by UN official / representative of G20 chair
Mrs. Reenat Sandhu
Part I: Panel Discussion / Q&A session on ‘UN reforms for the changing world order
Moderated by Mr. Jasbir Singh
Part II: Panel Discussion / Q&A session on ‘UN reforms for the changing world order
Moderated by Mr. Harjit Sandhu
Closing remarks & Vote of thanks
Drs. Badri Madan, former President FCCI

2
Opening and Welcome
The meeting was officially
inaugurated by Mr. Jasbir
Singh, President of FCCI.
He briefly introduced the
foundation and its
commendable work in
the 40 years since its
inception. He concluded
by elucidating the
importance of the
conference and its timing
while stressing the need
for FCCI to have taken up
such a project.

Following this, Mr. Ritske

Bloemendaal, the Deputy
Mayor of Wassenaar, the
Netherlands, welcomed
the dignitaries and
participants to the
location of the event-
Kasteel Wassenaar, as 3
well as the province. He
shared the history of the
province and its record of
hosting important events.
 Presentations

The conference progressed with a talk titled "United Nations Reforms for the changing world order" by Mr.
Ram Lakhina, President Emeritus of FCCI and founder of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin
(GOPIO). His expertise in international political science and years of experience in delegation, international
relations, and UN policies facilitated his clear outline for UN reforms. He qualitatively emphasized global
challenges and their implications, with reference to the roles that UN agencies play and how timely reforms
can assist that.

Dr. Yamini J. Singh, the Secretary

General of FCCI, supplemented the
words of Mr. Ram Lakhina.
She spoke of the differences in
economic and developmental
differences between the post-World
War times and the current scenario. 4
She summarized the importance of
pushing for well-represented UN
bodies.
This was followed by a detailed presentation on FCCI's white paper proposing specific and quantified reforms
to the status quo of the UN, by Dr. Pramod Agrawal, Vice President of Programs, FCCI. It was entitled- "UN
reforms - with special focus on United Nations Security Council". His talk touched upon the following ideas,
along with qualitative suggestions for specific amendments:

• The need for UN reforms

• Delays in reforms and their causes
• Repercussions of stalling UN reforms
• Importance of initiating UN reforms specifically with the UN Security Council
• Challenges and roadblocks in future attempts to implement reforms

5
Details of this presentation are available in the white paper constructed by FCCI titled- “FCCI’s Vision and
Framework Construction On United Nations Reforms For The Changing World Order With a Special Focus on
United Nations Security Council”
 Inaugural address
India's Ambassador to the Netherlands and representative of the G20 chair, Mrs. Reenat Sandhu, discussed
India's perspective on the need for UN reform. She highlighted the significant differences between the current
world order and that of the 1940s, citing economic, technological, and cultural factors. Mrs. Sandhu
emphasized the challenges posed by new technologies, global issues like climate change, and the strain on
principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which require a reformed multilateral system.

The ambassador critiqued the existing world order and stressed the urgency of UN reform. She presented two
main arguments: the challenges faced by the current multilateral order and the proposed reforms to enhance
the UN's effectiveness. Mrs. Sandhu also addressed the obstacles to UN reform and emphasized India's
position as a leader in advocating for necessary changes. Highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the ambassador
discussed the inequalities exposed within the international system, particularly regarding vaccine distribution
between the Global North and Global South. She pointed out that the outdated structure of the UN Security
Council, last reformed in the 1960s, fails to address contemporary global challenges. The ambassador 6
highlighted the three-step requirement for UN reform as a significant obstacle to implementation:
(i) Approval by a two-thirds majority in the UN General Assembly;
(ii) 9 members voting for reform in the UN Security Council, and 0 veto holders voting against;
(iii) Ratification of UN reform by member state parliaments.
The difficult and lengthy process of UN reforms has made it practically impossible to implement them. Even if
the first two requirements are met, the nature of international law presents a significant challenge in fulfilling
the third criterion.
The ratification of international legislation by states varies in complexity due to their national constitutional
processes. Ratification approaches can be monist or dualist, with some states falling in between. Monist
systems view international and national law as unified, while dualist systems emphasize a separation between
the two. In dualist systems, international legislation undergoes a bureaucratic ratification process, such as
parliamentary majority support or judicial approval. This introduces a de facto fourth step in the UN reform
process, requiring national democratic approval.
Achieving near-universal ratification is extremely challenging due to the large number of actors involved. The
Ambassador highlights the difficulties faced by veto holders, Russia and China, in changing their names in the
UN Charter. However, both countries found ways to navigate the reform process through Customary
International Law and UNGA Resolution 2758, allowing them to transfer their veto powers to new entities. This
demonstrates the complexities and flexibility within the UN reform process. Building from the tedious nature
of the three-step requirement for UN reforms, the Indian Ambassador also affirmed that the
Intergovernmental Negotiation (IGN) process for UN reforms has been unproductive due to the following-
(i) The lack of time frame for potential reform implementation;
(ii) The lack of record-keeping for the negotiation process;
(iii) The requirement for formal negotiation to start after consensus is reached by regional clusters.
While the expressed need for UN reform is near-universal, the conversion of that need into tangible
negotiation outcomes has been lacking, as insinuated by the Ambassador. Furthering the need for a successful
and ongoing IGN process, the ambassador emphasized that a text-based approach with concrete outcomes
and a fixed time frame is the only way to progress on UN reforms.
India also takes credit for accelerating the IGN process during its tenure as a non-permanent member in the
UNSC, thereby positioning itself as one of the spearheads of the IGN process. The ambassador suggested that
reforming the UNSC system from within proved to be difficult as consensus is virtually impossible, especially
when working without a draft paper. India also furthers the case for an accelerated IGN process using the
normative-legal argument of democracy and representation, citing majority support in the UNGA for UNSC
expansion, alongside the UN Charter’s sovereign equality clause. Drawing attention to UN Charter Article 23,
which states:
“The General Assembly shall elect ten other Members of the United Nations to be non-permanent members of 7
the Security Council, due regard being specially paid, in the first instance to the contribution of Members of
the United Nations to the maintenance of international peace and security and to the other purposes of the
Organization, and also to equitable geographical distribution;”
and UN Charter Article 2 (1):
“The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.”
The two articles present conflicting viewpoints on equitable geographical distribution and sovereign equality
within the UN. Equitable geographical distribution would require weighting member states' votes based on
population, promoting a more representative and democratic voting system. On the other hand, sovereign
equality adheres to a one-country, one-vote principle, which disproportionately favors Western states with
lower population-to-vote ratios compared to larger populations in groups like G77. The granting of veto power
to the P5 members further undermines sovereign equality, as it grants special privileges to these states. The
Indian Ambassador argues that sovereign equality contradicts the democratic foundations of the UN. As part
of India's proposed reforms, they suggest expanding UNSC membership to around 25 to 30 seats and
enhancing the veto through a secret ballot vote. India's credentials, such as its significant contributions to UN
Peacekeeping forces, strong economy, and history as a functioning democracy, make it a suitable candidate for
possessing the veto. The Ambassador emphasizes India's experience in consensus building as a diverse
democracy.

8
 Panel Discussions
Two group discussions were organized with the topic- ‘UN reforms for the
changing world order’, each with a set of dignitaries on stage, moderated
by a subject expert. Each group discussion was followed by a Q&A session,
wherein

9
Panel Discussion 1

Session 1 | Moderated by Mr. Jasbir Singh, President, FCCI

1. H.E. Mrs. Reenat Sandhu
Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
2. H.E. Mr. Paulo Roberto Caminha de Castilhos França
Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands.
3. H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela
Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands.
4. Mr. Grigory Orlov
Minister-Counsellor, and charge d’affaires of the Russian Embassy to the Netherlands.
5. H.E. Mr. Jamal Al Musharakh
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Netherlands.
6. H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan
Ambassador of Armenia to the Netherlands.
7. Mrs. Edith Nordmann
Attorney-at-Law, member of B20 (official G20 dialogue forum) & Chairman of NICCT, 10
Netherlands.
8. Mr. Ram Lakhina
President Emeritus, FCCI & Former Chairman of Origin GOPIO International.
 Panel Session 1
H.E. Mr. Paulo Roberto Caminha de Castilhos França, Ambassador of Brazil
The Ambassador of Brazil highlighted the need for caution when discussing sensitive and specific issues related
to UN reforms. Brazil expressed its commitment to reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC) through
collaboration with India in the G4 grouping. The perspective of Brazil is that peace and security should be
addressed collectively as a public good. The concept of collective action problems, as described by political
economist Elinor Ostrom, was referenced to illustrate the challenges faced in achieving peace and security
when some actors engage in free-riding behavior. Incentives and disincentives were identified as tools to
address these problems.
Brazil's proposed reforms include an increase in the number of seats on the UNSC for regional groupings,
totaling 25 seats as suggested by the G4. This would involve the introduction of six new permanent members
from various regions. A review mechanism after 15 years was also proposed, during which new permanent
members would commit to not using the veto power. Brazil believes that giving at least one veto to each
regional grouping can mitigate concerns expressed by countries opposing the veto. Brazil emphasized the need
to break from the status quo and reform the international system to achieve a balanced and inclusive decision-
making process within the UNSC. The country argued that only an expanded and representative council can
effectively address the interests of the international community.

(Representative of ) H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands
The representative of South Africa emphasized the need for African perspectives to be included in the UNSC
reform process, highlighting their absence in the current discussions. They criticize the lack of negotiating text,
which has hindered progress on reforms. South Africa argues that reforms should be the norm rather than the
exception, as institutions need to evolve to address modern global challenges. They discuss the concept of
"institutional drift," where outdated statutes and frameworks limit an organization's ability to tackle
contemporary problems, affecting its legitimacy. South Africa calls for 7 additional seats in the UNSC for Africa,
including 2 permanent members and 5 non-permanent members, representing Africa's sub-regional groupings.
They suggest alternatives to the veto system, such as consensus-based or majority-based decision-making
processes, to enhance representation and effectiveness within the UN.
His remarks also revolved around ensuring a fair allocation of veto powers. They emphasized that the global
landscape has evolved significantly since 1945, and with the approaching 80th anniversary of the UN, the
11
necessity for reforms becomes apparent. These reforms should be regarded as regular proceedings within the
UN rather than extraordinary occurrences. The challenge posed by the veto power lies in its potential to hinder
decision-making processes. Therefore, the priority should be placed on upholding legitimacy. As an
organization representing all its member states, the UN should reflect proportional and equitable membership.
Mr. Grigory Orlov, Minister-Counsellor, and charge d’affaires of the Russian Embassy to the Netherlands
Cautious in his remarks, His Excellency highlighted the complexity and significance of the UN reform agenda,
emphasizing the necessity of establishing fundamental reform parameters before progressing to concrete
textual proposals. He expressed support for augmenting the representation of African, Asian, and Latin
American countries within the Security Council. Regarding the power of veto, he noted its capacity to uphold
universally recognized legal norms, enabling the council to operate within this framework. Broadly speaking,
he advocated for a harmonious system of international relations founded upon political resolutions. Upholding
such principles would objectively mitigate the controversies surrounding the issue of the veto.
Russia, as a veto holder in the UNSC, plays a significant role in shaping UN reforms. The Russian Ambassador
acknowledges the complexity of the reform process, with discussions on IGN proposals taking a considerable
amount of time. Russia believes that there is no universal solution for UN reform and that consensus-building
through near-universal ratification is impractical. They suggest a calm, transparent, and inclusive approach to
reform without an arbitrary timetable, adopting a package approach where nothing is agreed until everything
is agreed.
Russia supports a consensus-based approach to reform, emphasizing the importance of broad support for
credibility. They oppose a majority-based approach and argue for capping the number of UNSC members at
below 20 to ensure swift responses to crises. Russia also defends the veto power, stating that it acts as a
necessary safeguard against unilateral peacekeeping approaches and prevents direct military confrontation
between major powers. They assert that their claim to the veto is based on concrete legal norms and that
regional groupings can be balanced against their veto power.
Overall, Russia takes a managerial approach to UN reforms, prioritizing efficiency, state interests, and norms
over building incentives for reform. They criticize the overrepresentation of the Western bloc in the UNSC and
highlight the role of the veto in promoting compromise and balance.

H.E. Mr. Jamal Al Musharakh, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Netherlands
The UAE has assumed its non-permanent membership in the Security Council for the second time, recognizing
the significance of UN reforms in addressing threats to global peace and security. The pressing question lies in
determining how to effectively tackle these threats. Emphasizing the importance of consensus-building among
UN member states, he highlighted the need for international cooperation to drive security council reforms
across its five different dimensions. In fostering such a process, promoting dialogue between member states
becomes paramount, as it serves as the primary means of communication and engagement for achieving
desirable outcomes. 12

The UAE, as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, shares a supportive stance towards UN reform. They
believe that the UN needs to be modernized to effectively address current global challenges. Similar to Russia,
the UAE emphasizes the importance of consensus in UN reforms and highlights the need for cooperation
among all member states. The UAE advocates for cross-group dialogue, aligning with their foreign policy that
prioritizes open discussions. While acknowledging the limited progress on reforms, the UAE suggests that
consensus-building through dialogue can pave the way for practical solutions.
H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia to the Netherlands
Armenia has expressed criticism of the veto power, highlighting its impact on the effectiveness of the UNSC in
upholding the UN charter. The country has raised concerns about the post-Cold War order and its perceived
failure to effectively resolve conflicts, citing the Nagorno Karabakh conflict as an example. Armenia suggests
that the veto power can be undemocratic and repressive, potentially silencing press statements. Additionally,
Armenia criticizes the alleged disregard for the provisional order of the ICJ by Azerbaijan and the UNSC's
perceived ineffectiveness in implementing it.
As a victim of the misuse of the veto power, Armenia supports UN reforms that promote inclusivity in the
proposed UNSC. It aligns with the views presented in the FCCI document, considering it a valuable blueprint for
the reform process. Armenia also appreciates India's efforts in restoring peace and stability in the Nagorno
Karabakh region and supports India's role in leading a collective voice due to its shared historical experiences
with small and middle powers. This aligns with the perspective of IR scholar Daniel Quah, who emphasizes the
importance of appealing to the interests of smaller states in the Global South to foster consensus building.
Mr. Balayan emphasized the need to recognize that the post-World War II international legal order system has
reached its limits. Strengthening the capabilities of the UN and the Security Council to effectively prevent and
respond to challenges is crucial for fulfilling the objectives, purposes, and goals outlined in the UN Charter.
The erosion of multilateralism and the decline of the legal world order, coupled with the failure of nations to
uphold their commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means, have resulted in catastrophic
consequences. His country has been subjected to continuous attacks and violations of its territorial integrity
since 2020. Regrettably, the Security Council has not responded adequately. This goes against the foundations
of the international legal system and contradicts the core principles of the UN Charter. Armenia supports
endeavors aimed at reforming multilateral institutions and making the Security Council more inclusive and
effective in addressing current and emerging challenges and threats to international peace and security.
In the realm of diplomacy, it holds great significance to not only raise a problem or a claim but also propose
viable solutions. Today, he believes that his colleagues in the UN and their multilateral working groups can
view this as a blueprint for shaping their approach. In this context, he emphasized India's recent actions in
their region, specifically in the South Caucasus, which demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility towards
international peace and the global order, particularly in restoring regional balance. He further emphasized the
importance of upholding the integrity and independence of UN bodies and entities. Strengthening their
capacity to effectively contribute to peace, security, justice, the rule of law, and human rights is of utmost
importance.

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Mrs. Edith Nordmann, Attorney-at-Law, member of B20 (official G20 dialogue forum), and the Chairman of
NICCT, the Netherlands
She stated that the UN Security Council carries the primary responsibility of upholding global peace and
security through its peacekeeping and peacebuilding endeavors. Nonetheless, maintaining momentum in
achieving these objectives poses a significant challenge. In this regard, the concept of empowerment emerges
as a promising solution. The G20 report, presented by India this year with the theme of "one earth, one family,
one future," presents a commendable approach. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of the
global community and emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration in working towards a shared
future.
By empowering nations and nurturing a collective sense of responsibility, the UN Security Council can enhance
its capacity to effectively preserve global peace and security while sustaining the momentum necessary for
progress. However, it is crucial to adopt a cautious and measured approach to implementing these initiatives.

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 Q&A with Panel 1
Question 1:
Ms. Shital Dixit represents a Biotech company in the Netherlands
“The majority of member states want reform, so why UN has not given any deadline? So can the member
states put the deadline and then we will create a new platform? so that it would pressurize the UN. So is it
possible?”

Discussion regarding question 1:

Mr. Ram Lakhina provided an insightful response, clarifying that the rules of the UN cannot be altered solely by
its members. Any changes must be accepted by all five permanent members of the Security Council. However,
this limitation gives rise to numerous challenges, necessitating the establishment of a new global consensus.
In line with this, the FCCI proposes a formula that aims to foster persuasion among the five members rather
than eliminating the veto power altogether. The suggestion is to promote a more democratic approach by
allowing two or three nations to work together, rather than permitting a single nation to exercise the veto
power on its own. This proposition seeks to soften the impact of the veto power.
Dr. Mohan Gautam emphasized the importance of democratic principles in his remarks. He highlighted the fact
that the general public has limited awareness of the UN and its workings. As a result, he proposed prioritizing
support and engagement with influential individuals or elite groups before embarking on broader engagement
with the UN. While his suggestion was duly acknowledged, no specific question was raised to elicit a response.
Ambassador Arkniar posed a thought-provoking question, inquiring about the possibility of exploring
alternative organizations in addition to the UN and the UN Security Council. His suggestion involved countries
collaborating to establish a second international organization with the intention of potentially diminishing the
influence and standing of the UN.
The ambassador's inquiry initiates a discussion regarding the possible advantages and disadvantages of
diversifying international organizations and its potential impact on the role and significance of the UN.
Professor Saxena, former president of FCCI, responded to the ambassador's question by suggesting the
formation of a new organization without waiting for a new consensus to emerge. He acknowledged the UN's
two critical responsibilities: promoting peace and fostering prosperity. While acknowledging the partial success
of the UN in advancing prosperity since its establishment in 1945, he expressed concern about the
organization's recurring failures in maintaining global peace. Professor Saxena's response highlights the need 15
to evaluate the effectiveness of the UN in fulfilling its peacekeeping role while acknowledging its contributions
to global prosperity.
The representative from South Africa highlighted the crucial mandate of the UN Security Council to prioritize
peace and security. While acknowledging the emergence of alternative bodies in the global order, such as the
African Union, he cited the Union's right to intervene in member states in grave circumstances, based on
decisions by the African Union Assembly regarding crimes against humanity. He cautioned against the
proliferation of alternative solutions lacking legitimacy. In this situation, he stressed the importance of ongoing
discussions about the UN, considering the already emerging alternative solutions.
Brazil's representative began by acknowledging the global challenges we face today, such as climate change,
terrorism, and organized crime, emphasizing the need to internalize these challenges. The representative
regarded "dialogue" as the most crucial tool available to address these challenges. Drawing upon Brazil's own
experiences in resolving border disputes through negotiations, the representative highlighted the effectiveness
of dialogue, even in a multicultural context. Persuading the five countries was deemed essential, and any
further delays in this regard would only amplify difficulties for all parties involved.
Ambassador Balayan noted that some countries joined the League of Nations without thoroughly assessing
their power. He acknowledged the creation of parallel organizations and the willingness of countries and
member states to relinquish part of their sovereignty to these organizations. While the efficiency of such
alternative organizations may be debatable, there is consensus among member states regarding the need for
change. He supported the creation of alternative organizations, considering them potentially more effective
than persistently advocating for new reforms based on democratic principles and scientific approaches.
Mr. Jasbir Singh expressed his opinion against the notion of establishing an altogether new alternative
organization, highlighting that bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral organizations already exist and the cycle of
creating new ones would have no end. He firmly stated that there can be no other UNO. Instead, he
emphasized the importance of implementing reforms. He called for united opposition to countries that resist
reforms, urging forward progress in this regard.

16
Question 2:
Mr. Mishra
Veto powers are often used to block the UN. The major issues in the world are never resolved. They were
always vetoed. This raises the question of whether the veto powers can effectively be employed to address
and resolve these issues. It also prompts the consideration of whether reforms are necessary for the countries
possessing veto power.”

Discussion regarding question 2:

Mr. Jasbir Singh addressed the question by referring to the presentation made by the President of FCCI. He
then redirected the question to Mr. Ram Lakhina, who provided remarkable insights. Mr. Lakhina
acknowledged the significant achievements of the UN since its establishment in 1945. He emphasized the
importance of focusing on the positive aspects and looking at the progress made by the UN. He highlighted
that the UN has expanded human rights, facilitated international labor laws, and provided a platform for
debate. While acknowledging that not all problems have been resolved, he underscored the value of engaging
in constructive discussions, which have contributed to mitigating some of these issues. Overall, Mr. Lakhina
expressed that the UN has accomplished a great deal.
Her Excellency Mrs. Reenat Sandhu, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, acknowledged
the important role played by the UN over the years but stressed the need for reforms to enhance its
effectiveness. As the chair of the G20 this year, India is actively working towards bringing attention to the
importance of reforming the multilateral architecture in alignment with current times. Ambassador Sandhu
affirmed that multilateral reforms will remain a priority for the G20, and expressed gratitude to FCCI for
organizing the discussion on this subject.

17
Panel Discussion 2

Session 2 | Moderated by Mr. Harjit Sandhu, Director of India Affairs, FCCI

1. H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem
Ambassador of Yemen to the Netherlands.
2. H.E. Mr. Rajendre Khargi
Ambassador of the Republic Suriname to the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
3. H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento
Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
4. H.E. Mr. Gamaliel Nkuruziza
Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Netherlands.
5. H.E. Mrs. Salima Abdelhak
Ambassador of Algeria to the Netherlands.
6. H.E. Ms Frances-Galatia Lanitou Williams
Ambassador of Republic of Cyprus to the Netherlands.
7. H.E. Mr. Ron Keller
International expert on Geopolitics, Finance, Trade, and Investment. Ex Ambassador of 18
the Netherlands to China, Russia, Ukraine, & Turkey.
8. Mr. Sudip Lahiri
Executive Vice President & Head - Europe, Financial Services at HCL Technologies.
9. Dr. Pramod Agrawal
Vice President Programs, FCCI
 Panel Discussion 2
Harijit Sandhu, Director of India affairs- FCCI
When the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials took place in 1945, it was believed that the establishment of the UN
would lead to a world free from war. However, subsequent events like the Rwandan war have shown that this
expectation did not materialize, and the world continues to face the threat of conflict. While the UN has
accomplished significant achievements, it is evident that more needs to be done.
Two well-known sayings reflect different perspectives on addressing global challenges: "Think local, Act global"
and "Think global, Act local." An African proverb states that when elephants fight, the grass suffers,
emphasizing the impact of conflicts on vulnerable parties. With this in mind, Mr. Sandhu turned the discussion
to H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen to the Netherlands.

Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen

Ms. Ghanem expressed her gratitude for organizing the insightful discussion and thanked the organizers for the
invitation. She emphasized the importance of considering not only the perspectives of powerful entities but
also the impact on ordinary people, symbolized by the grass in the African proverb. Ms. Ghanem highlighted
that UN work often focuses on two parties in conflict, neglecting the underlying issues in Yemen.
She underscored Yemen's adherence to the UN and the Security Council and stressed the significance of the
UN's work. Rather than advocating for the creation of a new organization, she advocated for fixing the existing
system, drawing on the Eastern cultural approach of repairing what is broken. Ms. Ghanem acknowledged the
investments made in the UN, emphasizing the value of human rights, openness between nations, and
multilateralism in promoting communication and exchange.
She cautioned against taking these achievements for granted, emphasizing that the proposed reforms aim to
enhance the unity and effectiveness of the organization, rather than replacing it. Ms. Ghanem also highlighted
the challenges faced by smaller countries like Yemen and emphasized the need for a democratic system that
considers the interests of small nations. Overall, she expressed support for UN reforms and rejected the idea of
creating a new organization, emphasizing that it would not be in the best interest of smaller countries.

H.E. Mr. Rajendre Khargi, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname in the Netherlands
19
He expressed appreciation for the "One World" approach and praised the FCCI. As a small developing country,
Suriname seeks not only UN Security Council reform but also reform of the entire multilateral system. The
ambassador highlighted that smaller nations like Suriname suffer when powerful countries engage in conflicts.
He agreed with the perspective that the whole system should not be discarded, expressing support for India's
aspiration to become a Security Council member.
H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Netherlands
He thanked the FCCI and the Ambassador of India. He endorsed India's ancient philosophy of "Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam" as wise and broader than the UN Security Council. He emphasized the importance of power
being shared and the need for better representation from different regions, including Africa, Latin America,
and Asia. The security council should achieve a better balance and address the concerns of small and
intermediate developing countries. He highlighted the significance of addressing global challenges, such as
water concerns, and called for more action in these areas.

H.E. Mr. Ron Keller, Ex-Ambassador of the Netherlands to China, Russia, Ukraine, & Turkey.
Mr. Keller expressed his appreciation for the event and described it as an excellent conference. He emphasized
the need for peaceful international cooperation to address global challenges, such as climate change and the
preservation of natural resources. He acknowledged that the current state of the UN is insufficient to meet the
needs of future generations, and reform is necessary.
He highlighted the importance of empowering the UN with sufficient resources and funding, suggesting a
reduction in military expenditures as a potential funding source. He supported the idea of comprehensive
reforms beyond just the Security Council, addressing issues of equitable representation and effective decision-
making across all parts of the UN. He emphasized the need for practical and pragmatic approaches and the
empowerment of the UN with both resources and a stronger mandate. Mr. Keller underscored the significance
of executive powers within the UN to ensure consistency and effective implementation of agreements. He
highlighted the limitations of consensus-based decision-making and called for greater executive authority to
drive meaningful action.

Mr. Sudip Lahiri, Executive Vice President & Head - Europe, Financial Services at HCL Technologies
He expressed his appreciation for the discussion and praised the relevant content that addresses the current
global challenges. He highlighted India's contributions in various fields such as yoga and IT, and specifically
represented the IT industry. He mentioned the success of Western IT companies and emphasized the
importance of collaboration between government organizations and private entities to create sustainable and
innovative systems.
Mr. Lahiri raised concerns about the challenges brought by digitization, such as cybersecurity, and emphasized
the need for dialogue and agreements to address these concerns. He highlighted the story of Aadhar in India, a
government-controlled system with private participation, as an example of a successful and smooth 20
implementation.
He stressed the significance of collaboration between the government and private sector in creating effective
systems, while also acknowledging the need for safeguards and mechanisms. Mr. Lahiri emphasized the
importance of India's inclusion in the UN Security Council, considering India's status as one of the world's
largest economies. He highlighted the consensus-driven decision-making approach in the Netherlands and
expressed agreement with the idea of enforcement in situations involving multiple players and opinions.
Mr. Ritske Bloemendaal, Deputy Mayor of Wassenaar
As a retired navy person, he emphasized the importance of enforcement of any rules or regulations. He agreed
that without enforcement, there would be emptiness and no progress. He commended FCCI for encouraging
outside-the-box thinking, as it helps improve results and promotes growth. Mr. Bloemendaal drew upon his
experience in the military, highlighting the need to strike a balance between internal cohesion and external
innovation. He stressed the importance of keeping everyone on board and avoiding resistance.
Mr. Bloemendaal expressed his belief that the UN should take a more proactive role and allocate resources
accordingly. He suggested that investing in initiatives that contribute to a peaceful world, through the UN,
would be beneficial. He encouraged adopting an approach of outside thinking within established frameworks
and procedures.

21
 Q&A with Panel 2
Question 1:
Dr. Ameya
“During the discussion, there were statements made about not involving nations as well as the private sector.
Then how would an organization such as the UN function? What, in your opinion would be the source of
funds?”

Discussion regarding question 1:

H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Kingdom of the
Netherlands, addressed the question by highlighting the government's tendency to prioritize saving banks
during financial crises. He also stated examples such as Ayurvedic medicine and expressed concerns that the
Western pharmaceutical industry may hinder its progress.
H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen to the Netherlands, commented on the impact of the private
sector, noting that it can have a potentially dangerous agenda. She suggested that the UN should explore ways
to encourage innovative contributions from the private sector while maintaining financial accountability and
effective monitoring.
Mr. H.E. Mr. Ron Keller emphasized the importance of fairness and effectiveness, suggesting that weight should
be placed on these aspects when considering the role of the private sector in the UN's work.

Question 2:
Mr. Sachin Soni
“Who is the one person/ nation that would lead the security council?”

Discussion regarding question 1:

Mr. Pramod Agrawal responded by highlighting India's stance on multilateralism and emphasizing the need for
a collective approach rather than relying on individual perspectives.
Mr. Sudip Lahiri discussed the risks associated with individual control and emphasized the importance of
implementing mechanisms to manage and enforce decisions for the benefit of all. 22
H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento acknowledged the concept of "One World" but emphasized the need to
strike a balance between individuality and the collective nature of society.
Mr. Jasbir Singh mentioned that in democratic systems, the highest power lies with the parliament rather than
the executives. He pointed out the role of the general assembly, comprising all 193 countries, in decision-
making processes but noted some challenges related to specific articles.
Conclusion

23
 Mrs. Sonia Sodhi, the Director of
Media Relations at FCCI, served
as the Master of Ceremony for
the event. With her
introductions, she ensured that
the event proceeded punctually
and adhered to the allotted
timeframe.

Ms. Subhadra Pathak thanked

the speakers and summarized
the outcomes of the conference,
while mementos were
distributed to the dignitaries.

The meeting
concluded with
a vote of thanks
by Drs. Badri 24
Madan, former
President FCCI.