Baku: The 13th Global Baku Forum on the theme 'Bridging Divides in a World in Transition' featured its third panel session titled 'The UN 80+.' The session brought together prominent politicians and experts to engage in discussions regarding the UN reforms and how to make the organization more effective and more responsive to complex global challenges.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Binali Yildirim, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), addressed the session, noting the significant shift in the international situation compared to previous times and the increasing challenges. He highlighted the intensifying criticism of the UN permanent members, pointing out that in some cases, they become parties to conflicts instead of remaining neutral.
Srgjan Kerim, former Foreign Minister of North Macedonia and President of the 62nd UN General Assembly, mentioned that the UN system consists of a combination of various agencies, programs, specialized bodies, and the secretariat. He emphasized that this diversity is a reflection of strength, but warned that without effective coordination, there is a risk of duplication and inefficiency.
Volkan Bozkir, former Minister of European Union Affairs of Trkiye, remarked on the historical evolution of the UN and the veto right in the Security Council, noting that they were formed within the interests of global powers.
Miroslav Lajc¡k, Former Foreign Minister of the Slovak Republic, emphasized that the UN must adapt to become fully equipped and more effectively respond to complex global challenges today and in the future. He pointed out the importance of setting the right agenda in this regard.
Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), underscored that reforming the UN system is not only a technical but also a strategic necessity.
Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), stated that ensuring global cooperation and a unified approach in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in the UN system is key to making the organization more effective.