UN at 81: Where is the peace?

M Santhananaban

We are fortunate that our country remains an oasis of peace and stability. It offers a level of predictability and prosperity that attracts both foreign investors and workers.

The hard reality is that parts of the world have become more unliveable, fractured and fragile.

Today, as we mark the 81st anniversary of the founding of the UN, insecurity, starvation and suffering are widespread in some regions.

Power has taken on overwhelming significance. This is especially true of nuclear power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council. Their veto powers weaken basic principles of international law.

The UN’s main aim is to maintain international peace and security. That aim is under constant threat. It is often tested by the permanent five or their closest allies.

For the past eight months, the US and its main regional ally, Israel, have intensified a war against Iran. It has killed and maimed thousands of people and destroyed infrastructure. It has also heightened global tensions, disrupted transport and logistics, sharply raised food and fuel prices and caused widespread shortages and suffering.

The overwhelming majority of the UN’s 193 member states want peace and security. Yet that remains elusive. At least one of the permanent five appears increasingly swayed by a much smaller state.

Let us hope 2027 brings better prospects for peace and security.

Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with over 45 years of public sector experience.