Is the United Nations still able to perform its intended role as forum for global deliberation, negotiation, and policymaking? 

Multilateralism seems in crisis precisely when it is needed most. Challenges are multifaceted and originate from established, emerging and declining powers. 

In his address to the UN Security Council in April 2022, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine said: “It is now clear that the goals set in San Francisco in 1945 during the creation of a global international security organization have not been achieved. And it is impossible to achieve them without reforms. Therefore, we must do everything in our power to pass on to the next generations an effective UN with the ability to respond preventively to security challenges and thus guarantee peace.”

What reforms could revitalise the UN and what are the prospects of them being enacted? 

Meet our speakers and chair  

Dr Martin Binder is Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading. His current research focuses on the authority of international organisations, UN decision making, and rising powers.

Dr Devika Hovell (@DCHovell) is Associate Professor in Public International Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Her current research includes an investigation of the UN Security Council’s authority and decision-making. 

Dr Mathias Koenig-Archibugi is Associate Professor of Global Politics in the Department of Government and Department of International Relations at LSE. His research interests focus on the governance of global issues, especially in the area of health and labour rights, and on the possibility of democratising global politics. 

Karen E Smith is a Professor of International Relations and Head of the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

More about this event  

This event is part of the LSE Festival: How Do We Get to a Post-COVID World? running from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 June 2022, with a series of events exploring the practical steps we could be taking to shape a better world.

Now in its 94th year, the Department of International Relations at LSE (@LSEIRDept) is one of the oldest as well as largest IR departments in the world, with a truly international reputation. We are ranked 2nd in the UK in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2021 tables for Politics and International Studies.

Twitter hashtags for this event: #LSEFestival