NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

The United Nations Enjoys Unique Legitimacy

The President of the 192-member Assembly said today that the United Nations and its General Assembly have a central role to play in shaping a global governance structure that is efficient, open and representative.

"The United Nations enjoys unique legitimacy. The UN is a Charter-based organization, with purposes and principles, membership and organs, and a budget that are clearly defined."- President Joseph Deiss, General Assembly

At the same time, Mr. Deiss, who made reaffirming the UN's central role in global governance the theme of last year's General Debate in New York, added that there are several aspects to consider for the UN to fulfil its central role in the global governance system and thus avoid being marginalized.

First, a strong UN requires a decisive effort to revitalize the General Assembly, to reform the Security Council and review the work of the Human Rights Council.

A second aspect is to strengthen the UN's economic bodies, particular the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Thirdly, it is necessary to find the appropriate means of communicating, consulting and cooperating with the new actors that have emerged from the private sector, civil society and academic bodies and think tanks, which are playing an increasing role in shaping today's global world.

Mr. Deiss announced that he will convene an informal debate of the Assembly in June to further reflect on the architecture and the functioning of the global governance system.

Source: United Nations