United Nations Day: The Role of the UN in a World Shaped by Conflict
Every 24 October, United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. More than eight decades later, the purposes established in the Charter of the United Nations – maintaining international peace and security, promoting cooperation among States and encouraging respect for human rights – remain central to the work of the Organization.
Today, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and geopolitical divisions continue to test the UN’s ability to fulfil these objectives. During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026, these challenges shaped much of the debate. At the opening of the session, the President of the General Assembly stressed the need for the United Nations to deliver concrete results and respond effectively to current challenges.
Against this background, United Nations Day offers an opportunity to ask: what role can the UN play today in protecting human rights, promoting peace and contributing to the resolution of international conflicts?
A Forum for Dialogue in an Increasingly Divided World
During the 81st General Debate, peace emerged as the central concern, while conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar highlighted the consequences of prolonged violence for civilians and the international system.
In his opening address, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that geopolitical divisions have deepened while international law and human rights are under increasing pressure. He stressed that peace, development and human rights are interconnected pillars of the United Nations.
The General Assembly cannot end armed conflicts or enforce political settlements. However, it gives all Member States a forum to present their positions, debate crises and call for civilian protection, humanitarian access, accountability and respect for international law. Its role therefore remains important for diplomacy and for keeping the human consequences of conflicts on the international agenda.
Protecting Human Rights During Armed Conflict
Beyond the General Assembly, the UN also addresses conflicts through its human rights mechanisms. During the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, Sudan remained an important concern. The Council adopted a resolution on the human rights and humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, with 28 States voting in favour, 10 against and nine abstaining.
This illustrates the UN’s role in keeping serious human rights situations under international scrutiny. At the same time, the divided vote reflects a recurring challenge: Member States do not always agree on how the international community should respond. The effectiveness of these mechanisms therefore depends strongly on political support and cooperation.
Peace and Security: Between Action and Political Division
The Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It can call on parties to settle disputes peacefully, impose sanctions and, in certain circumstances, authorize the use of force.
On 16 October 2026, the Council held an open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, allowing States to discuss the conflict and its consequences for regional and international peace.
At the same time, the Security Council illustrates the limits of international cooperation. Decisions on substantive matters require nine votes and can be blocked by a negative vote from any of the five permanent members. Geopolitical divisions can therefore prevent collective action even during serious crises. The UN has important tools for peace and security, but their effectiveness ultimately depends on the willingness of Member States to cooperate.
An Indispensable but Limited Role
The General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the Security Council show the different roles the United Nations can play by providing a forum for political dialogue, keeping human rights violations on the international agenda and responding to threats to peace and security.
However, the UN cannot act independently of its Member States. Political disagreements, national interests and institutional rules can limit its ability to respond quickly or decisively. This tension between ambition and political reality remains a central challenge.
Nevertheless, the principles set out in the UN Charter remain highly relevant. In a world marked by armed conflict and geopolitical division, the United Nations cannot guarantee peace on its own, but it continues to provide an essential framework for diplomacy, accountability, human rights and international cooperation.
United Nations Day is therefore not only an opportunity to commemorate the creation of the Organization, but also to reflect on the responsibility of Member States to make multilateral cooperation effective.
