Eight decades after its founding, the United Nations faces mounting pressure to adapt to 21st-century geopolitical realities while preserving its founding principles. Academics and policymakers from 15 countries gathered at Wuhan University this week to debate the future of multilateralism during a high-level symposium commemorating the UN's 80th anniversary.
"The UN's greatest achievement lies in replacing power politics with rule-based governance," said Miguel de Serpa Soares, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, in his keynote address. However, participants warned that rising unilateralism threatens to unravel decades of international cooperation.
The discussion took particular note of challenges to the post-WWII international order, including recent legislative moves affecting cross-strait relations. Zhao Shitong of China's Taiwan Affairs Office emphasized that attempts to undermine UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 – which recognizes the People's Republic of China as China's sole legitimate representative – "threaten the foundation of international law."
Professor Huang Jin of Wuhan University argued for structural reforms: "The UN must better reflect developing nations' voices while maintaining its core mission. Our global institutions should evolve alongside shifting economic and political realities."
Participants agreed that strengthening multilateral cooperation remains critical in addressing contemporary challenges, from climate change to regional conflicts. The symposium concluded with a call for greater Global South representation in UN decision-making processes and renewed commitment to conflict resolution mechanisms.
