The system
- 6 principal organs (GA, SC, ECOSOC, ICJ, Trusteeship, Secretariat).
- 15+ specialised agencies (WHO, UNESCO, ILO, IMF, World Bank).
- Funds & programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, UNEP).
UNSC reform
- G4 (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) vs Uniting for Consensus.
- Ezulwini Consensus (African Union) — 2 permanent + 5 non-permanent seats.
- IGN process largely stalled; India's Common African Position at G20 anchors reform push.
India's contribution
- Largest cumulative troop contributor to peacekeeping (>2,75,000).
- UN Democracy Fund, ISA, CDRI (India-led coalitions).
- Voice of the Global South Summits (2023, 2024).
Way forward
- UN75 Declaration + Summit of the Future 2024.
- Financing reform — assessed vs voluntary contributions.
- Digital-age mandates — AI governance, cyber norms.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not confuse organs with agencies; do not confuse permanent members' veto with a 'right of first refusal'.
FAQs
- One reform-blocking phrase?
- 'The permanent five are gatekeepers of their own reform' — captures the veto paradox.
UPSC Mains PYQs on this microtheme
- “The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.📅 2025 · 📌 15
- Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security’. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Commit- tee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.📅 2024 · 📌 15
- ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.📅 2023 · 📌 15
- Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.📅 2020 · 📌 10
- ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the state- ment in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.📅 2019 · 📌 10
- What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.📅 2017 · 📌 10
- What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?📅 2016 · 📌 12.5
- Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.📅 2015 · 📌 12.5