United Nations marks 81st anniversary amid calls for reform

The United Nations marks its 81st anniversary following the entry into force of its Charter on October 24, 1945. As the organization commemorates its founding, global leaders and officials are emphasizing the need for renewed multilateralism to address modern crises.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a return to diplomacy and international law to resolve escalating global conflicts. He highlighted the urgent need to protect civilians, combat inequality, and address the climate crisis, noting that the organization is more necessary than ever in a fractured world.

Various regional perspectives have emerged during the anniversary. In Cuba, officials have called for the strengthening of the UN to counter imperialist doctrines, while UN representatives in the country expressed commitment to supporting Cuba's economic and social transformations. In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged for a more just and inclusive reform of the Security Council to better reflect the modern international community.

Despite its historical achievements in human rights, poverty reduction, and peacekeeping, the UN faces significant challenges, including geopolitical divisions, the impact of new technologies, and debates regarding the effectiveness of the Security Council's veto power.