🎉 This October, the United Nations turned 80! Born out of WWII's ruins, the UN has been the backbone of international peace, security and cooperation ever since. But in a world of rising nationalism and unilateral moves, even pillars need renovation.
📍 On October 18, scholars and experts from China's Wuhan University and Egypt's Benha University gathered in Wuhan under the theme "The 80th anniversary of the UN: World order, international law and the future of multilateralism." They dove into a big question: How can the UN stay relevant in our fast-changing world?
⚖️ Former UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Miguel de Serpa Soares kicked off the discussions by reminding us that the UN was a game-changer. Instead of peace by power balance, it set a new rulebook: peace through the rule of law. Norms over might became the name of the game.
🚨 Yet today, unilateralism threatens to erase decades of consensus. As countries focus inward, we risk slipping back into the old great-power playbook that led to so much suffering. It's like rebooting a classic game—but skipping all the updates.
🇨🇳 In the Chinese mainland's view, one ongoing flashpoint is China's Taiwan region. Actions like the U.S. "Taiwan International Solidarity Act" and other moves by authorities in the Taiwan region to shift the island's status have raised regional tensions.
🔍 Zhao Shitong, Vice Minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, warned that challenging UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 not only hits China's core interests but also shakes the legal foundation of international law itself.
🚀 Meanwhile, Huang Jin, President of the Chinese Society of International Law and a senior professor at Wuhan University, argued that the UN's architecture reflects the world of 1945. If it wants to keep its edge, it must update its rules, priorities and voice—especially by lifting up the Global South.
🤝 Yet some things should stay sacred: a shared commitment to peace, genuine cooperation and respect for each nation's core interests and equality.
🌍 As the UN steers through its 80s, experts agree it needs more than rhetoric. It needs real action: stronger multilateral ties, more voices from developing members, and resistance to the erosion of international norms. After all, multilateralism won't survive unless we all press 'Start' together.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
