On October 24, 2026, the world observes United Nations Day amid a profound test of international cooperation. Wars threaten civilians, geopolitical rivalries obstruct collective action, human rights remain unevenly protected, and climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.

Established in the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations (UN) embodied a historic ambition: to prevent future conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy, and collective action.

Eighty-one years after its Charter entered into force, that ambition remains indispensable. Yet, the widening gap between its founding ideals and present realities raises a critical question: Can the UN still deliver on its promise?

Although every member state holds an equal vote in the General Assembly, influence remains unequal, particularly within the Security Council. The challenge is not whether the world needs the United Nations, but whether the organization can become more effective, representative, and accountable.

The Security Council’s ability to act decisively is frequently constrained by geopolitical rivalries and the veto power of its five permanent members. When strategic interests prevail over collective responsibility, the credibility of the international system suffers, causing civilians to pay the price as families lose their homes, children are deprived of education, and millions are forced to flee.

Peace must mean more than merely the absence of fighting, ensuring that people are able to return home safely, live without fear, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

Greater representation for underrepresented regions and meaningful restraint in the use of the veto during mass atrocities would strengthen the organization’s legitimacy. Such reforms, however, require genuine political will from influential member states.

Rising nationalism, political polarization, and declining public confidence are straining international cooperation. Some governments view international agreements as constraints on sovereignty, while others question whether multilateral institutions apply their principles consistently.

Restoring trust requires fairness, transparency, and measurable results, and powerful nations must accept the same accountability they demand of others.

These divisions were evident during the 81st session of the General Assembly. On September 23, Argentine President Javier Milei described the UN as an “ineffective organization” and its officials as “arrogant parasites.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, by contrast, called for Security Council reform and the abolition of the veto.

Restrictions driven by political considerations can undermine humanitarian assistance and essential services. The answer is not weaker multilateralism, but more credible and dependable cooperation, supported by transparency and honoured commitments.

Pandemics, climate change, and cyber threats demonstrate that no country can adequately address major global challenges alone. Responsible multilateralism serves national interests as well as humanity’s shared interests.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights established a common standard of dignity, freedom, and equality. Yet its principles remain unevenly upheld.

Governments sometimes invoke sovereignty to deflect criticism, while surveillance, online censorship, and digital repression create new threats to fundamental freedoms.

The UN’s credibility depends on defending human rights consistently, without political selectivity. Civilian protection, freedom of expression, and equality before the law must never become bargaining chips in geopolitical alliances.

Credible investigations and accountability for serious violations are essential to ensuring that justice does not depend on political influence.

The 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a shared framework for tackling poverty, inequality, inadequate healthcare, educational disparities, and environmental degradation. However, economic shocks, debt distress, and climate change continue to obstruct progress.

Communities that have contributed least to environmental pressures often possess the fewest resources to withstand their consequences.

For Bangladesh, international cooperation is vital to securing affordable and predictable climate finance, accessible technology, capacity-building, and fairer economic arrangements.

Reforming the global financial architecture and addressing unsustainable debt must remain priorities. Wealthier nations must also translate their climate commitments into tangible action.

Nevertheless, international assistance alone cannot guarantee development. Effective national leadership, sound governance, and accountability are equally important.

The United Nations should support national priorities while ensuring that development reaches communities most at risk of being left behind.

The priority theme of the 81st session, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,” addresses the core challenge facing the organization. Trust must be earned through tangible improvements in people’s lives, requiring stronger coordination among UN agencies and greater accountability for results.

Responsibility is shared, as an organization established by governments cannot overcome international divisions without their cooperation. Civil society, young people, and journalists also play vital roles in holding institutions accountable and translating global commitments into local action.

Bangladesh and other developing countries should establish coalitions, advocate for fairer international regulations, and guarantee that vulnerable communities maintain a meaningful voice in global decision-making processes.

This day should prompt reflection on the distance between the world we aspire to build and the realities people experience.

Although the UN is far from perfect, the need for a forum where nations can negotiate and cooperate remains undeniable. As UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih stated, “Peace must be measured not only by agreements signed, but by lives changed.”

At 81, the UN needs renewed commitment to its founding principles, meaningful institutional reform, and a willingness among member states to place humanity above narrow political interests.

Its success must be measured not by the resolutions it adopts, but by its ability to alleviate the suffering caused by war, protect human rights, expand opportunities for developing countries, and safeguard the planet for future generations.

The world needs a United Nations that does more than speak on behalf of all; it needs one that delivers for all.

Nicholas Biswas, is a media freelancer and recipient of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Media Award.

Why it matters

The commentary underscores how UN reform and climate finance commitments directly affect Bangladesh's ability to address climate vulnerability and achieve sustainable development.