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international

multilateralism. It shows that even in a fractured
world, nations can unite around the survival of
humanity.”

A Platform for Diplomacy
Sometimes, the UN’s success lies not in dramatic
breakthroughs but in its role as a permanent
platform for dialogue. The General Assembly
and the Security Council bring adversaries to the
same table, keeping channels of communication
open even in times of tension. From nuclear arms
Kofi Annan
control talks to climate negotiations, the UN
has offered neutral ground where agreements
could be forged that might otherwise have been
impossible.

Dag Hammarskjöld, the UN’s second Secretary-
General, summarized it best:
“The United Nations was not created to take
mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from
hell.”

Looking Ahead
As the UN turns 80, it faces an increasingly
fractured world: great power rivalry, climate
emergencies, and technological disruptions.
Critics are right to highlight its inefficiencies and
slow response in crises. Yet, its history shows
that progress is possible when nations commit
to working together.

The end of apartheid, the independence of
Namibia, the eradication of smallpox, the
protection of human rights, and the defense
of our planet’s environment are not small
achievements—they are milestones that shaped
the modern world.

The challenge now is to adapt to the 21st century.
Christiana Figueres But as history has shown, when the UN delivers,
it delivers in ways no other organization can.
Its successes remind us why, despite flaws and
frustrations, the world still needs the United
Dag Hammarskjöld Nations.

Peace and Security
• Namibia’s independence (1990): The UN
Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) helped
oversee free elections and the peaceful transition
to independence after years of conflict.
• East Timor (1999– 00 ): The UN organized
and supervised the referendum that led to
independence from Indonesia, then administered
the territory until it became sovereign.

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