The United Nations (UN) is now over 60 years old. For much of its history it has been surrounded by controversy and in recent years, a deepening pessimism over its future.
It was not always this way, following its inception after World War II there was only optimism and great hope for the future: the UN seemed to be an entirely natural development (and necessity) in a world ravaged by six long years of war. As America’s wartime president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt had noted, the UN offered an exhausted world freedom from fear and freedom from want. It was a way for post war generations to avoid falling prey to the evils of war.
Yet unfortunately there was little time before the dreams and the aspirations of the UN’s founders soured. The outbreak of the Cold War in 1947 forever changed the UN. It undermined its ideals, subverted its institutions, and compromised its values in way that were entirely unexpected. Things remained that way for the next half century - until the end of the Cold War offered new promise for the organisation.
In fact, the importance of the UN to the security, peace and prosperity of the international system has not altered greatly over this time. In 1962, in the depths of the Cold War, another American president, John F. Kennedy said: "Our instrument and our hope is the United Nations and I see little merit in the impatience of those who would abandon this imperfect instrument because they dislike our imperfect world".
President Kennedy was right: the UN does not exist independently of the international community it is, however, reflective of it. Whatever divisions exist among nations about human rights, the environment, the rights of women, Israel’s security, climate change or a myriad of other issues, will be reflected in the membership of the UN.
To many, this reality makes the UN not just an imperfect organisation, but a positively harmful one. The reality is however, that ours would be a less civilised world were it not for the UN. For all the numerous shortcomings of the Security Council, we should not overlook the significant and valuable work of the specialised agencies. In all likelihood, the international community would be a less peaceful, a less safe, and a less prosperous place were it not for the UN..
There can be little doubt that there is need for reform in the UN. The membership of the Security Council is no longer reflective of the reality of the international community, its processes are often ponderous and the outcomes of its deliberations often disappointing. Like many international organisations, the UN is suffering from a crisis of confidence and a deficit in its legitimacy.
We cannot, however, give upon on the UN which is why I am delighted to be here today. What is particularly encouraging is that the organisers of the UN Youth Association have not given up on the future of the UN as a relevant and necessary organisation.
Most importantly, it is clear from your attendance here today that there is a new generation of young Australians, men and women just at the start of their careers who are interested in the future of the UN. The very fact that you are here today is proof that you have not given up on the future of the UN.
Today, you will contend for the 'Dag Hammarskjöld' Trophy. Dag Hammarskjöld was the 2nd Secretary General of the UN and a remarkable man, one who believed fully in the values of the UN and in its ideals.
When he died in an air crash in (now) Zambia in 1961 he was a great loss to the international community. But he left an important legacy of UN activism in world affairs. He also left us with some wise words, ones with which I will conclude my remarks this morning:
"Never look down to test the ground before your next step. Only he (we could certainly also add ‘she’) who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road."
Thank you for inviting me to participate in your activities here today. I wish you all the very best in today's competition, I trust it will be rewarding, stimulating and highly enjoyable.