Mobilise G20 to propel long-delayed UN reform
Hindustan TimesThe central contradiction of our times is the persistence of nation-States on the one hand and the compulsions imposed by an increasingly globalised and deeply interconnected world on the other. Despite cyber security threats impacting countries worldwide, there is no set of commonly agreed norms, let alone legally enforceable international agreements. In 2004, a major initiative was launched to achieve permanent membership of the UNSC for India, Brazil, Germany, Japan and South Africa based on their rising international profile and role. Developing countries in the category of middle powers, such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico, for example, could reverse the domination of the UN system through enhanced contributions. In the 21st century, the disconnect between the nature of cross-national and cross-cutting challenges the world confronts and the enfeeblement of the spirit of international solidarity that is indispensable to making multilateralism work can only be addressed through the urgent and meaningful reform of the UN and its associated system.