If you could speak before the United Nations, what issue would you want to address? If you had the world’s attention, what would you say? What impact would you hope your words could have?

Questions for Writing and Discussion

Read the article, then answer the following questions:

1. The United Nations Charter begins, “We the peoples of the United Nations.” Why, according to this article, is this opening statement notable in 2019? What were the primary pledges of the charter? How relevant are they today?

2. How does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed in 1948, remain “aspirational?” Which of the rights enumerated in the declaration are most meaningful to you?

3. What are the structure and purpose of the General Assembly? What does the writer mean by “In principle, nations small and large, rich and poor, have equal voice in the Assembly. But the genuine power resides elsewhere”? Why is the General Assembly “the arena where largely symbolic diplomatic jousts are won and lost”?

4. How does the Security Council differ from the General Assembly? Why is it “powerful” but often “paralyzed”? Why do critics say it is the “most anachronistic part” of the United Nations? Do you agree? What changes to the existing structure would you recommend?