This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. 

Over the past eight decades, the UN has served as a cornerstone for international cooperation, security and peace.

Yet in today's rapidly changing world, this 80-year-old multilateral institution also faces mounting challenges, from weakening multilateralism and rising protectionism to ongoing global conflicts.

So, what kind of United Nations does the world need today, and how must it evolve to remain fit for purpose in the decades ahead?

Liu Baocheng and Emmanuel Matambo share their insights.

UN's foundational role

Liu Baocheng described UN's establishment as "really a homework in the entire human history that is a departure from barbarian state." He highlighted its success in "preventing the great power war" and, crucially, in giving "newly independent countries a strong voice in the world global political decisions, leading to the greater representation of the Global South."

Emmanuel Matambo argued, for Africa, the UN's greatest achievement lies not in security, but in global health. "The biggest achievement for me that the United Nations has had is not actually in the military sphere, it is in the health sphere." 

China: a constructive contributor

Discussing China's role over eight decades, Liu Baocheng outlined a journey from a victim of Western bullying to a key stakeholder. "China has benefit a great deal from the United Nations," he said, and now reciprocates as the second-largest funder, a major contributor to peacekeeping, and a partner in policy initiatives like the Belt and Road, which align with UN goals.

He distinguished China's approach as pragmatic and focused on "capacity building." He noted, "We provide the infrastructure, support, technical assistance and enhance the voices and initiatives of the Global South."

Africa's underrepresentation and the push for a Security Council seat

Emmanuel Matambo called for Africa's greater influence in the United Nations. He championed the African Union's "Ezulwini Consensus," which demands at least two permanent African seats with veto power on the Security Council. He argued, this is essential not just for conflict resolution but for broader challenges. "The African continent still remains disproportionately challenged by global pandemics and by issues such as climate change. So we need a much more influential voice," he emphasized.

Relevance and reform

Both experts agreed the UN remains indispensable. Emmanuel Matambo called it a "mixed bag of success and failure," citing failures in Rwanda but stressing that "the damage would have been more had it not been for the intervention of the United Nations." "It is so relevant that if we did not have a body such as the United Nation, we probably would have to create it," he concluded.

Liu Baocheng was unequivocal: "Undoubtedly there is not any other single institution that can replace the functionality of the United Nations." He cited its universal legitimacy, operational reach, and rule-making process as unique strengths.

On the "UN80" reforms, Dr. Matambo believed they are "long overdue." He argued the UN must "move in lockstep with the current realities."

Professor Liu stated that the "nations needs to better unite." This requires boosting efficiency, securing better financing, and enhancing operational capacity. Crucially, it must "build better representation in the positions and post decision powers of the Global South," who are now "the great contributors to this global justice and also equality."