Alanna O'Malley and Joris Larik Discuss Reinventing the United Nations in Dutch Newspaper Parool
The United Nations (UN) have been in existence for 75 years. It has definitely had time to become an established organisation. For Alanna O'Malley and Joris Larik the 75-year existence is no reason to sit back and relax. On the contrary, the UN should continue to reinvent itself.
Alanna O'Malley, Professor by special appointment United Nations Studies in Peace and Justice at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs and Joris Larik, Assistant Professor at Leiden University College (LUC) believe that, now more than ever, it is important for the UN to keep up with current events. The 75th anniversary takes place during the corona crisis. 'The most challenging crisis since WOII', according to Secretary General António Guterres. Now is the time to invest in redeveloping the UN and mobilise the political will that will enable the organisation to tackle not only pandemics but also other global challenges such as climate change.
Younger generation
According O'Malley and Larik the younger generation have a crucial role to play in the innovation process of the UN. 'They (the younger generation) are not only waiting to inherit the UN and those global challenges but they also contribute ideas, actively engage with social forces and influence public opinion'. Students from schools and universities from all over the Netherlands presented their vision for the upcoming 75 years at the UN during the UN75 Discussion at the Peace Palace that took place on 24 October. Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok and the President of the International Court were among those present.
You can read the full article (in Dutch) on the website of Het Parool.