Press Release
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, delivered an address entitled “A World in Turmoil – A Test for the UN and its Member States” and led a discussion with experts, students, fellows, and members of the public on September 10 as part of the Future of Diplomacy Project’s first public event for the 2014-2015 academic year. He explored the state of the world after a perceived summer of crisis. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the UN’s advancement of its three pillars – Peace and Security, Development, and Human Rights – as well as positive global trends existing today.
Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson highlighted the test facing UN member states. Admitting the limitations and problems in the UN, he questioned “the political will amongst member states.” He noted that the recent crises in Ukraine, West Africa, and the Middle East demonstrate “a test that nation states face, a test of institutions,” and put into question the level of trust in international organizations such as the UN. "In the end a good international solution is in the national interest,” he said. “Once we reach that goal we can make a qualitative breakthrough to international relations.”
Exploring the notion of a “world in turmoil,” Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson cited the rise of terrorists and extremist organizations such as ISIS in Iraq and Boko Haram in Nigeria. He expressed that he was “most concerned about growing primordial religious, ethnic, and tribal identities, which are now more important than national identities.”
Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson praised the advancement and empowerment of women and youth and the great progress made by science and international organizations. He argued that the UN was an important part of these positive trends. “The United Nations is a reflection of the world as it is and the world as it should be,” he reflected.