Next UNSG's top task, UNmaking irrelevance

Three months are left before secretary general Antonio Guterres hands over the keys of the UN to his successor. There are 7    candidates in the fray. To get the job, one must garner support of 9 of the 15 UNSC members, including a yes-vote from all 5 permanent members. There's talk of dark horses, and of an understanding between Xi and Trump on who takes over from Guterres. But whoever comes in will have the daunting task of steering the 81-yr-old organisation through escalating geopolitical tensions and fragmentation, complex global challenges like AI proliferation, climate change, debt, increased defence spending, unresolved developmental challenges, as well as funding shortfalls. And, above all, to make UN relevant.

Seen largely as a bully pulpit for rival or antagonistic nations or blocs to snipe at each other 'politely', UN as Virtue Signalling Central is apparent even to its staunchest supporters. It is now all gums, no teeth. Which is why the next UNSG needs to be equal-parts diplomat, advocate, civil servant and CEO. Making the UN relevant again will require leveraging the changed world through its still-unmatched reach and convening power. That means looking beyond the conventional to make the UN fit for purpose. Reforms will be tough in the current geopolitical climate. But that should, paradoxically, make its role of trust-builder clearer and more pragmatic.

India must be an active player in this effort. Even as it keeps up the pressure for UN reforms, it must engage in making possible the small yet real changes that will make the UN not a 'mock United Nations'. New Delhi must not just articulate a 'global south' PoV, but also work across aisles to develop approaches that reflect and negotiate the world as it is.