By Yael Tangir, Staff Writer
A few weeks ago, not so far from the Beren campus, students experienced heightened activity and security. That week, a significant number of dignitaries from various nations gathered at the United Nations for the annual UN General Assembly to discuss the 2030 agenda, which aims to address global conflicts and promote the future well-being of the world.
At this assembly, Argentine President Javier Milei strongly criticized the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the 79th General Assembly, calling the organization “a supranational government program of socialist nature.”
This assembly occurred during political, economic, and social uncertainty across all continents. Many politicians publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the UN and warned the world about the dark future it is leading us towards. President Milei, a controversial and much talked about figure, stood at the UN podium before the assembly, expressing his concern for the world’s future. He described the UN as an organization that “obeys privileged interests” and the abandonment of the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations, which has distorted the role of this institution and set it on the wrong path.
The UN was born out of the horrors of humanity’s bloodiest conflict, World War II and its mission is grounded in the Declaration of Human Rights, which was created as a foundation of moral and ethical principles for every nation and individual. This organization is based on the principle that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” But at some point, as often happens with most bureaucratic structures created by humans, this organization ceased to uphold the principles in its founding declaration as it began to change.
An organization that was originally conceived as a shield to protect the world has transformed into a “Leviathan…that seek[s] to dictate not only what each nation must do but also how all citizens of the world should live,” President Milei said. The UN has transitioned from an organization that pursued peace to one that imposes an ideological agenda on its members.
President Milei went on to accuse the UN of corruption and hypocrisy, stating that the very walls that claimed to defend human rights had allowed “bloody dictatorships like those of Cuba and Venezuela” into the Human Rights Council without the slightest criticism. They had permitted countries that “punish their women for showing skin” to join the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. It is in this very place that has systematically voted against the State of Israel, which he stated to be “the only country in the Middle East that defends liberal democracy” while simultaneously demonstrating “the total incapacity to repress terrorism.”
Growing up in Venezuela, I witnessed firsthand the UN’s involvement in conflict zones plagued by poverty and crime. The organization’s presence was often visible through its logos and banners, prominently displayed in areas of need. However, this visibility frequently felt superficial, as if the UN’s role was more about maintaining appearances than affecting real change. In many instances, the UN’s interventions seemed to serve as mere backgrounds for pictures, rather than providing substantial aid or solutions. This superficial engagement was frustrating to observe, especially when the circumstances of these communities demanded genuine and effective action.
The organization appeared riddled with corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency in fulfilling its only mission. Instead of alleviating the suffering of third-world countries, the UN’s actions often seemed to exacerbate the very issues it claimed to resolve. Resources that were meant to aid the vulnerable were frequently misused. The disparity between the UN’s stated goals and its actual impact was stark. While the organization professed a commitment to peace, development, and human rights, the reality on the ground often told a different story.
If the UN decides to return to the principles that gave it life and re-adapt its role for which it was conceived, we can build a better world. I hope the world can see that it is time to steer away from this path. We have the ability to shape global conduct and must believe in the defense of life and freedom of expression for everyone.
As Jews, our mission in this world is to bring light and maintain a strong moral compass to discern what is right and what is wrong. Regardless of our background or nationality, we must believe in freedom for all peoples from tyranny and oppression, no matter who they are.
Photo Caption: The United Nations
Photo Credit: Matthew TenBruggencate / Unsplash