A thorough, hard-headed look at UN programs and agencies is needed, former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta told Trend. The former ambassador emphasized that there is a strong sense around the world that the UN needs reform and needs it now. The United Nations has severe budgetary problems.
Some countries want changes to the Security Council. There is also the reality that the UN is really subject to the will of its member countries, not the other way around. And there is the reality that countries enjoying certain roles and prerogatives today do not want to give them up,” he explained.
According to Cekuta, widespread recognition of the problems facing the UN and the multilateral system today, and the election of a new secretary-general, means there might be a chance for meaningful, concrete reforms/changes. With those thoughts in mind, I would suggest a thorough, hard-headed look at UN programs and agencies. Most, if not all, were created because members wanted them; but numerous experts complain there are often a number of agencies doing the same thing, that some are more efficient/effective than others, and that some may have outlived their usefulness.
Secretaries-general themselves have said this. So, tackle this situation first,” he added. The former U.S. ambassador believes it is necessary to show member countries measurable progress.
During the “SCO Plus” meeting held on September 2 in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, the necessity of reforming the UN was widely discussed. Speaking at the event, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the development of appropriate mechanisms is required for the swift implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. Thus, the South Caucasus region, which was a long-standing conflict zone, is becoming a zone of peace.
Four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 were implemented three years ago, 30 years later. Azerbaijan is already supplying petroleum products to Armenia and providing transit for third-country cargo. Together with Armenia, we are working to increase the volume of mutual trade, expand the range of goods, and create new overland transport links.
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