Ideas for Peace Series – United Nations 75th Anniversary

This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, and the Rector of the University for Peace, Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena, wrote a piece that was included in Volume 20 of Foreign Affairs Latin America.

Dr. Rojas argues that in 75 years the organization has significantly strengthened its fundamental values (peace and security) while promoting and defending human dignity. However, the international context has radically changed. UN’s structure is not appropriated to face new and even old challenges, including nuclear tensions, economic crises, and climate change. Furthermore, COVID-19, along with the new multilateral system, poses several insecurities to the main international actors. State sovereignty is retaking its importance,  and it seems to be adapting to the consequences of interdependence. For that reason, states are seeking to reduce it to preserve national values and interests. UPEACE’s Rector highlights that this situation increases the need to observe the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and create new paradigms that allow states to achieve the goals. No state has the capability or conditions required to address all of the challenges without cooperation; which also manifests the relevance of international organizations to promote and ensure the participation of national and international stakeholders. Multilateralism continues to be an excellent tool to promote tolerance, inclusion, diversity, and even the emergence of a new leadership.

We invite you to read this special issue of the Ideas for Peace Series, in Spanish (original) and its translation into English here (Translated by Florencia Prieto)