Question

Describe any four steps suggested by the heads of all the member states in 2005, to be taken to make the United Nations more relevant in the changing context.

Hint:

Major 2005 UN World Summit Reforms: 1. Establishment of Peacebuilding Commission . 2. Creation of UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) . 3. Acceptance of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) . 4. Setting up of UN Democracy Fund . 5. Explicit, total condemnation of international Terrorism .

Answer 1

Concept: In September 2005, world leaders gathered at the United Nations World Summit to celebrate the $60^{\text{th}}$ anniversary of the UN. In light of dramatic changes in the post-Cold War geopolitical environment, global terrorism, and transnational threats, member states passed landmark resolutions suggesting key structural and operational reforms to make the UN more effective, responsive, and relevant in the $21^{\text{st}}$ century. Detailed Description of Four Steps Suggested at the 2005 UN Summit:
• Creation of a Peacebuilding Commission:
• To establish a dedicated intergovernmental advisory body specifically focused on post-conflict recovery.
• Its purpose is to assist war-torn countries transitioning from conflict to sustainable peace by coordinating reconstruction, institutional rebuilding, and long-term development.
• Establishment of a Human Rights Council:
• To replace the outdated and heavily criticized UN Commission on Human Rights with a more accountable, standing body—the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) (operationalized in 2006 in Geneva).
• Its objective is to systematically monitor, address, and prevent human rights violations globally.
• Acceptance of the Principle of 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P):
• Formal recognition that the international community, through the UN, has a fundamental moral responsibility to step in and protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity if national governments fail to protect their own citizens.
• Condemnation of Terrorism in All Its Forms and Manifestations:
• A clear, unanimous agreement to condemn terrorism unequivocally, regardless of who commits it or its underlying motivations, and to work towards a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
• Establishment of a Democracy Fund:
• Creating a UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) to provide financial and technical assistance to member nations seeking to strengthen democratic institutions, hold free elections, and promote democratic governance.