Forever adaptable: The United Nations system at 70

Abstract

The United Nations (and the associated specialized agencies, commissions, and committees that make up the “UN system”) turns 70 this year and, as it has at every major anniversary, it faces another round of demands for its reform. Looking back at its history, it is clear that the UN is not as good at “reform” as it is at “adaptation”—reinventing itself with each generation to meet changing global challenges. Indeed, it could be argued that because the organization responds to the demands of its members and focuses its attention on those issues selected by the members, since 1945 the UN has always reflected its time—and the interests of its member-governments—and adapted to the changing world around it. It is likely to continue doing so in the future and, in this way, it remains forever adaptable.