Last Friday, we visited the United Nations again.
Inside the United Nations Headquarters, I couldn’t help but feel a profound irony as I stood in front of the bust of Count Folke Bernadotte, the Swedish nobleman and diplomat.
In 1945, Bernadotte was credited with rescuing 15,000 people from Nazi concentration camps. Later, he was appointed as the UN Security Council's mediator in the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1947-1948. Tragically, he was assassinated in Jerusalem in 1948 by the paramilitary Zionist group, Lehi. The bust, gifted by the Swiss government to the United Nations in 1998, marks the 50th anniversary of his assassination, honoring his dedication to peace.
The irony lies in the fact that the United Nations was established during World War II with the mission to prevent wars, promote peace, and uphold human rights. Yet, since its inception, the UN has often been unable to prevent major conflicts, from the Korean War and Vietnam War to the Gulf War, and more recently, the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and today’s conflict in the Middle East.
The Security Council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, includes five permanent members— the U.S., Russia, China, France, and the UK— each wielding veto power. This has often led to gridlock when these powers' interests clash, as seen in Gaza, where vetoes have repeatedly blocked resolutions for peace.
Competing national interests make it difficult for the UN to prioritize global peace over the agendas of its most powerful member states. Countries often use the organization as a tool to further their own political, economic, or strategic objectives. For example, in 2003, the UN did not authorize the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, but it occurred regardless, undermining the UN’s authority.
One of the UN’s greatest limitations is its lack of enforcement mechanisms. Even when resolutions are passed or ceasefires are called for, the UN often lacks the means to enforce them. It relies on the military and financial support of its member states, and without full backing, it struggles to intervene effectively.
However, there is a brighter side to the UN’s work. Despite its failures in preventing all wars, the UN has achieved significant successes in peacekeeping and conflict resolution in certain regions. It has also played a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones, including in Gaza today, helping to alleviate the human suffering caused by war.
A Chinese saying best describes the United Nations, particularly in light of its aspirations and limitations, “心有余而力不足” (xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú) "One wants to do it but lacks the energy or resource to do it."
Despite the UN's noble intentions and efforts to promote peace and prevent conflict, it often lacks the necessary power or resources to fully achieve its goals. There is a gap between the UN's desire to fulfill its mission and the practical challenges that hinder its effectiveness.
Standing before Folke Bernadotte's bust, I reflected on the United Nations' enduring struggle. While it has often fallen short in preventing conflict, the UN remains a vital platform for diplomacy and humanitarian aid. The sacrifices of its peacekeepers remind us that the pursuit of peace, though fraught with challenges, is a noble endeavor worth pursuing. Perhaps this is the very purpose of the UN's openness to the public: to inspire collective cooperation and dialogue, holding the promise of a brighter future for all.