AMMAN — To mark the 79th anniversary of the United Nations, diplomats and experts gathered in Amman for a forum titled “Multilateralism and the UN Charter: Strengthening Global Cooperation for Humanity,” where they discussed the UN’s role in tackling global challenges amid growing scrutiny over its ability to address contemporary issues.
As conflicts like the ongoing Gaza crisis intensify, concerns about the UN’s effectiveness in navigating today’s complex geopolitical landscape are "mounting".
Critics argue that the UN, once a cornerstone of peace and humanitarian aid, is struggling to meet modern demands, with the war in Gaza, referred to by various international observers as “genocide,” becoming a central focus in debates on the future of multilateral cooperation.
“The world has shifted from a bipolar Cold War order to a more fragmented, multipolar system,” said Charles Petrie, former senior UN official, highlighting how the UN’s structure and operations were designed for a bygone era.
As regionalism and bilateral agreements gain traction, the UN’s ability to function effectively faces growing challenges.
Hasan Momani, dean of the Prince Hussein Faculty for International Studies at the University of Jordan, pointed to the rising influence of regional powers like the European Union, India, and the US, which often act independently of the UN, further complicating its role as a universal governing body.
These challenges are "starkly" evident in Gaza. Scott Anderson, the UN’s deputy humanitarian coordinator, noted that delivering aid is impossible without the political will of member states.
“When you don’t have access, you see what you see now in Gaza,” he said, referring to the severe food insecurity and lack of basic necessities.
Anderson also noted that political conflicts often sideline humanitarian efforts, with military operations and national interests obstructing the UN’s ability to provide aid, which leaves the UN vulnerable to accusations of ineffectiveness and bias, further damaging its credibility.
Marwan Muasher, vice president for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, highlighted Jordan’s crucial role in supporting the UN’s mission in Gaza and the broader Middle East, working closely with agencies like UNRWA.
“Jordan has been a good student of multilateralism,” he said.
Muasher noted that Jordan’s stability and strategic position make it a key partner in delivering humanitarian aid, emphasising the critical role of regional cooperation when the UN’s authority is limited by local political dynamics.
He also stressed that while the UN’s foundational values are crucial for addressing global challenges, substantial reform is necessary.
“The dominance of a few nations with veto power has created a power imbalance, limiting the UN’s ability to respond effectively to global crises,” he said.
He specifically criticised the “outdated and unrepresentative” structure of the UN Security Council, arguing that reforms are essential to restore the institution’s credibility, especially as emerging powers demand a larger role in global decision-making.
Petrie echoed these concerns, underscoring that the UN’s principles remain vital in the “civilising project” of global governance.
“Multilateralism at the global level is facing a serious crisis,” he said, highlighting both new challenges and the fact that many states no longer wish to follow the established rules.
Petrie noted how the UN was founded after World War II with great optimism about the future of international cooperation, but “unlike 1945, there is no redo possible.”
Petrie stressed that the key factors lie in individual countries and the UN's presence there. Despite the crisis in global multilateralism, he believes reforms and national support can make the UN’s role more significant and vital to democratic governance.
“It is a storm, and that’s the reality of the storm,” he said. “We don’t control it, we just have to get through it.”
