Baku: "There is a certain contradiction in the structure of the United Nations," stated Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and former President of Latvia, during the opening ceremony of the 13th Global Baku Forum, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Vike-Freiberga noted the diminishing influence of the principles that underpinned the establishment of the UN post-World War II. These principles were intended to create a rules-based world order, defining what was considered right or wrong and acceptable or unacceptable in both domestic governance and international relations. Observers have pointed out that these rules were primarily shaped in the Western world, despite centuries of resistance.

Reflecting on historical events, Vike-Freiberga shared her personal experiences, recalling life in refugee camps in Germany and the subsequent hardship endured until various countries began accepting refugees. She highlighted the absence of a rule of law during that time, as exemplified by the defeat of Nazi Germany's dictatorship while another, under Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union, persisted. The idea of universal justice seemed elusive.

Vike-Freiberga drew attention to the inherent contradiction within the UN structure, which recognizes the sovereign rights of member states that must adhere to international law. However, the Security Council's composition, with its five permanent members wielding veto power, somewhat undermines this principle. This arrangement grants greater authority to the victors of World War II, notwithstanding the changed distribution of global population and economic power.