Reference News Network, July 1 report: The Associated Press published an article on June 25 analyzing the future of the United Nations, which is now 80 years old and facing a decline in global influence. Excerpts from the article are as follows:

The United Nations - the dream of global cooperation born from the ruins of World War II - will mark its 80th anniversary this month (On June 26, 1945, representatives from 50 countries signed the UN Charter in San Francisco, USA, laying the foundation for the establishment of the United Nations. On October 24, after being approved by the majority of signatory countries, the UN Charter came into effect, officially establishing the United Nations - note from the website). However, it has little to celebrate.

The United Nations' influence on the world stage is no longer what it once was. Due to significant cuts in funding provided by the United States and other member states, the United Nations has been forced to lay off staff and address long-delayed reform issues. Its long-held "multilateralism" creed is under attack. Its most authoritative body, the Security Council, has been paralyzed and has been unable to take action to end the two wars in Ukraine and Gaza. In the midst of the conflict between Israel and Iran, the United Nations has merely stood by.

After 80 years, when it tries to draw a new path forward, a question troubles the organization and its nearly 150,000 staff members: Can the United Nations remain relevant in a world that is increasingly controversial and divided? As the dream of cooperation moves further away, can it continue to survive?

The UN Charter opens with a clear statement of the primary goals of its member states: "To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General Guterres reiterated this theme: "After 80 years, one can point out the direct link between the founding of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war."

In an era that used landline telephones, radios, and propeller planes, only 50 countries initially signed the UN Charter - mostly from Latin America and Europe. For decades, the number of UN member states has almost tripled, reaching 193, with African countries now being the largest group. The UN system has also expanded significantly.

Malik Al-Khatib, who served twice as Singapore's permanent representative to the United Nations, believes that the UN has successfully prevented a third world war so far. He said that although wars still exist, the number of deaths has shown a long-term downward trend, and "overall, the world is much more peaceful than before."

Scholars like Malik Al-Khatib also mention the achievements of the UN's 71 peacekeeping operations since 1948, including in Angola, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

The specialized agencies of the United Nations have also received widespread praise, especially those dealing with hunger, refugees, and children's affairs, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Telecommunication Union.

Every September, world leaders will have a global platform at the UN General Assembly. Diplomats meet daily to discuss a wide range of issues, from conflicts to climate change, as well as efforts toward gender equality and quality education. The Security Council is the only place where Russia and Ukraine can still engage in face-to-face confrontation after the war broke out in 2022. Malik Al-Khatib said, "The United Nations should celebrate the fact that it is still alive and has not died."

Ian Bremmer, president of the political risk consulting firm Eurasia Group, pointed out that the Trump administration's attempts to undermine the UN would make China more important. He said that as the US withdrew from the World Health Organization and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, China would become the "most influential and financially strongest" supporter of these two organizations. (Translated by Cao Weiguo)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7522053819497202239/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion below using the [upvote/downvote] buttons.