October 30, 2005

Remarks by Heather Sensibaugh

This time last year, the UN was under siege. Still reeling from disputes over going to war in Iraq, the world struggled to come together after the release of the first Volcker Commission report detailing mismanagement of the Oil-for-Food Program. By December, reports of sexual abuse by UN Peacekeepers in the Congo were all over the news. It was in this context that I started working with the Task Force on the United Nations at the U.S. Institute of Peace. The Task Force was charged by Congress to look at UN Reform from an American perspective.

“Reform” is perhaps the most overused word in the English language, but in the UN context, I mean it to be synonymous with “desired change.”

I won’t elaborate on our specific recommendations except to say that the bi-partisan Task Force did reach consensus on recommendations for UN reform. Consensus was reached because of two reasons.

The first is that, Americans on both sides of the political spectrum share a fundamental belief that a strong United Nations is in America’s national interest.

The second is due to the leadership of the two co-chairs. Imagine a room with 7 liberal Democrats and 7 conservative Republicans. Of course, everyone is talking. Senator Mitchell, on one side, “Yes. Ok, Right, I’m listening to what each of you is saying. If I understand correctly, we should [revisit this topic in a week or so].” On the other side, Newt Gingrich, “Well, those who are more radical than me say [crazy things]; But I’m not radical so we should [do what I propose].

Reconciliation is truly at the heart of what the United Nations stands for.

What I wish to elaborate on is that the strength and endurance of the UN at Age 60 is a marvel because - despite setbacks, it seems to continue to grow stronger with every passing year. The world is an increasingly integrated place, with integrated challenges that require integrated solutions.

The UN is unique in that it provides a global forum where member states can use diplomatic offices to find common interests and effect change under the umbrella of legitimacy that the UN provides. The UN has a strong core and yet, it has a noticeable degree of flexibility too. “Reform” is always on the agenda. Little by little, desired changes are implemented that help strengthen the UN in important ways.

For example, at the recent General Assembly summit, all member states endorsed the Millennium Development Goals. This has huge implications for the relationship between developed countries and the developing world. The world now agrees that development is a partnership, if the developing countries do their part, the developed countries will do theirs.

Nations also agreed to endorse a responsibility of states to protect people living within their borders from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. States must do their part to enjoy the sovereignty they exercise at the UN. If not, the international community may take action through the Security Council, its allied coalitions, or other coalitions.

But the international community doesn’t always take action when it should. Thousands of people are still dying in Darfur. Making incremental improvements is not always enough. There is still more to be done to achieve desired change.

Here, my friends, is where the next generation comes in. With our education, whether working for the UN or just with the UN, we can help make it even more effective in achieving its stated goals.

In the next sixty years, we will need Security Council reform. Either it will become more representative and effective, or it will cease to play the role that it has played in the past.

Management reform is long overdue. I personally look forward to the day when my fellow Tufts students who have had classes in management will work for the UN. They will be uniquely capable to help implement much needed internal reforms that have, until now, escaped the sixty-year long reform process.

So Everyone! I hope you take from this, that as citizens of the world, you can help continue reform at the United Nations. But keep in mind, that in the sixty years before you - lots has already been done. Some was accomplished by individuals standing in this audience.

As we celebrate UN Day today, let us keep in mind that what once unified the world in founding the UN still unifies us today. That is - In President Truman’s words, “a hope for ultimate world peace”. The last 60 years shows that the United Nations is strong, enduring, and capable of making desired changes to achieve “world peace.” I am thankful that it does!

Posted by jessica at October 30, 2005 04:07 PM