Without comprehensive reforms, UN faces 'crisis of confidence', says PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the United Nations is facing a crisis of confidence and asserted that the world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today’s realities. Modi was addressing the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. 

“We cannot fight today’s challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence,” he said, adding that multilateralism must lend a voice to all stakeholders and focus on human welfare.

Meanwhile, the heads of state and governments also observed that the body was different than what it was when it was created 75 years ago.  “Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms by the Secretary General. We reiterate our call for reforms of three of the principal organs of the United Nations.

We commit to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council,” they said in the declaration.

Modi said 75 years ago, an institution was created for the entire world. “As a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which sees all creation as a family,” the PM said. Modi also paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the UN flag.