Promises To Be Met

By Prem N. Kakkar

The UN Millennium Summit must be remembered for the very fact that 185 member states attended and that 147 were represented by their head of state or government. It created ripples in the sense that the very basic concerns of humanity as such came to be the focus.

In fact, in its glorious 55 years of existence, the United Nations, despite some inherent shortcomings, has dedicated itself to offer its help and even interventions at times in almost every sector. No country can deny that nothing has been achieved by this international body.

It may be another story to say that in over half a decade, total solution to every problem faced by the member states may not have been the outcome. Yet, what must be remembered is that UN offers the table or rather the forum where issues can be discussed and negotiations arrived at. This is the reason that UN has been a reliable "partner" when it comes to searching for solutions to the ills, some rather grievous, that afflict a majority of the countries of the world.

Just because UN has not been able to perform its best does not mean that it has no importance. And the very fact that almost all the members of the global body attended the meet suggests that though it is not perfect or is able to fully address all the woes faced by the members yet this is the only one that we have at present.

The world has gone a sea change since the end of the Second World War. The nations that were devastated have risen from the ashes and have become what they are today. But going back to the past alone does not make sense as the focus and the line of action to be taken is to be taken today.

The suggestions so forcefully put forth by many leaders belonging to different nations does have truth. The reference is to the restructuring of UN so that it will be able to meet the challenges of the new millennium. It is only when the reforms take place that will further strengthen the mechanism through which UN moves ahead to tackle the problems or disputes among its members.

The task is not easy. After all it must be acknowledged that it is at this forum that the concerned parties sit down for talks. In between come mediation from others. This plainly makes it clear that no one wants a state of uncertainty and everyone, as in this historic summit, have pledged to do everything possible from their side to do the utmost to free the world from war, poverty and work for democracy and the implementation of the rule of law. The Millennium Declaration is itself significant in that it is the common will of all. The demarcation that divides countries geographically or politically is not taken into consideration when the goal is the maximum good of all of humanity.

Certain goals have been set. As UN Secretary General put it, the goals can be achieved when modern technology and resources are at hand and strong commitment as well. The only thing is to be borne in mind is that the poorer nations have to be helped in this fast changing scenario brought in by globalisation. Globalisation may have proved to be of great help as far as the already developed countries are concerned but the developing world is reeling under the effects.

In this context, what Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said at the meet holds true, that is the root cause of conflict in almost all the cases are poverty and exclusion. Nepal too has firm faith in the world body and its charter. Now, with entry into the 21st century the target is to reach the benefits to the people in general and this requires optimum effort on the part of all. The helping hand of the richer nations would do much good. It is a case where universal brotherhood is the key to success on all fronts.