Relevance for UPSC (Paper & Subject): GS Paper II (International Relations – Global Governance, UN Reforms) and Essay Paper (Multilateralism and World Order).

As the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary, it faces one of the most critical tests in its history — the gap between its founding ideals and its present capacity to uphold them. Created in 1945 to prevent wars and promote peace, the UN today struggles with protracted conflicts, geopolitical divisions, and institutional fatigue. The UN Security Council (UNSC), designed to act swiftly during crises, often responds too late and withdraws too early.

To remain relevant in the 21st century, the UN must reform not only its structure but also its approach — from crisis management to sustained peacebuilding.

The Problem: Design, Not Intention

The UN’s challenge is less about will and more about institutional design.

• The UNSC can authorise peacekeeping missions but rarely sustains political engagement once active conflict ends.

• Peace agreements are signed, but transitions to peace often stall, leading to relapse.

• The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), created to coordinate post-conflict reconstruction, lacks the mandate and authority to steer political transitions effectively.

As a result, the UN loses momentum, context, and continuity. Peace becomes an episodic effort — reactive rather than preventive.

Why Reform Is Urgent

Debates around Security Council reform — expanding permanent membership or changing veto power — have continued for decades. But waiting for this structural overhaul before introducing meaningful reform would be a strategic mistake.

Instead, functional reform — using the UN’s existing powers to improve its response to conflicts — is both possible and necessary.

Under Article 22 of the UN Charter, the General Assembly (UNGA) has the authority to create subsidiary bodies to carry out its work. This provision can be revived to create a new, nimble mechanism dedicated to maintaining political continuity during peace transitions.

The Proposal: A Board of Peace and Sustainable Security (BPSS)

The proposed Board of Peace and Sustainable Security (BPSS) would bridge the gap between peacekeeping and long-term peacebuilding.

• It would not challenge the UNSC’s authority or national sovereignty.

• Instead, it would complement existing structures by engaging where peace remains fragile.

• It would maintain political accompaniment — continuous engagement with governments, communities, and regional actors during transitions from war to stability.

Functions and Mandate of BPSS

1. Sustained Political Engagement
   The BPSS would ensure that peace efforts continue after a ceasefire. It would link diplomacy with development, working alongside the Peacebuilding Commission to support long-term political reconciliation.

2. Rotating Representation
   The board would have a rotating membership of 6–8 states, nominated by regional groups and endorsed by the General Assembly. No permanent members — ensuring flexibility and fairness.

3. Regional Participation
   Regional bodies like the African Union, ASEAN, and European Union would be integrated to ensure context-specific engagement and avoid centralised decision-making from New York.

4. Accountability and Transparency
   The BPSS would function as a working institution, not a symbolic one. It would track peace commitments, assess progress, and prevent long-term disengagement once global attention fades.

5. Institutional Continuity
   It would embed political accompaniment into the UN system — ensuring continuity without confrontation and cooperation without coercion.

Why It Matters

The proposed board would not redistribute power but restore purpose. It would:

• Bridge the UN’s biggest gap — the absence of sustained political support after conflict.

• Reassure nations that sovereignty and peace can coexist.

• Align peace efforts with sustainable development and governance, making peace durable rather than temporary.

• Rebuild trust in the UN by demonstrating that it can adapt to modern realities without abandoning its principles.

At a time when conflicts from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan expose the paralysis of global institutions, the BPSS could renew the UN’s credibility by focusing on implementation and follow-through, not just resolutions.

Important Terms

1. UNSC (United Nations Security Council): The principal organ responsible for maintaining global peace and security, criticised for its limited representation and veto politics.

2. UNGA (United Nations General Assembly): A deliberative body of all member states, each with one vote.

3. Peacebuilding Commission (PBC): A UN body that coordinates post-conflict recovery efforts and capacity-building.

4. Article 22 (UN Charter): Allows the UNGA to create subsidiary organs to carry out its functions.

5. Political Accompaniment: Continuous political engagement and dialogue during post-conflict recovery.

6. Sustainable Peace: A condition in which peace is supported by inclusive governance, justice, and economic stability.

Key Takeaways

• The UN’s biggest weakness lies in its inability to sustain peace once conflict ends.

• A Board of Peace and Sustainable Security could institutionalise long-term peace efforts without waiting for Security Council reform.

• The board would focus on continuity, inclusivity, and accountability, ensuring political engagement doesn’t end with ceasefires.

• Reforming the UN is not about changing its power structure but revitalising its moral authority and purpose.

• True reform lies in giving peace a process, not just a resolution.

UPSC Mains Question: “The absence of political continuity in peace processes has weakened the UN’s credibility. Discuss the significance of creating a Board of Peace and Sustainable Security to strengthen global governance.”

One-Line Wrap: UN reform must move from power politics to purpose — lasting peace needs constant presence, not momentary intervention.