In a tumultuous world, we rely on the United Nations more than ever – but it is failing | Jamal Benomar

There should be leadership but instead we see grandiose initiatives and a reluctance to address fundamental flaws

• Jamal Benomar is a former UN undersecretary general

The United Nations Summit of the Future has concluded, but the real and present world remains on fire. With the UN general assembly now meeting - an annual ritual where dozens of heads of state descend on New York - key questions about the role and future of the United Nations remain unanswered. Israel's devastating war in Gaza has spilled into Lebanon, 25 million are facing the possibility of starvation in conflict-torn Sudan, and the deadly war in Ukraine marches on. Created nearly 80 years ago to maintain international peace and security, the UN is failing to prevent or mediate any of these conflicts.

The outcome document of the summit, the Pact for the Future, was agreed after lengthy and often acrimonious negotiations. It covers everything from culture and sports, the climate crisis and sustainable development goals to human rights, gender equality, ending poverty, social cohesion and peace and security. It extends to science and technology, youth, financial institutions reform, data governance, artificial intelligence and, believe it or not, even outer space.

Jamal Benomar is a former UN under secretary general and former special envoy for Yemen

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