UN at 70

An AIR Talk

In human lives, 70 is the age at which one senses the approaching dusk and begins to evaluate the accomplishments and disappointments. But for the UN, which is meant to survive many generations, 70 is youth as yet, ready to fulfill expectations and explore new horizons. As the UN prepares for the its 7oth birthday next year, the world rejoices over its achievements, assigns new responsibilities and sets new goals. New challenges, like the Ebola virus stare the UN in the face, while the festering issues of the past defy solutions. Leaders, who addressed the 69th session of the UN General Assembly made their appraisals of the UN from their own respective perspectives and outlined its future course. Much needs to be done, much needs to be corrected, much needs to be innovated. Each added at least a new agenda item, each proposed a new initiative, a new Year, Month or Day to be designated for one cause or another.