India’s external affairs minister calls for reformed multilateralism to reflect current global realities, while the UN marks its 81st anniversary…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) and its founding charter, calling for reformed multilateralism to reflect contemporary global realities on the occasion of the organisation’s 81st anniversary.
In a post on X on Saturday, Jaishankar said India would continue to support international peace and security, global cooperation and the aspirations of the Global South. “Reaffirm India’s enduring commitment to the @UN and the UN Charter on the 81st UN Day today. Underscore the need for reformed multilateralism that reflects contemporary global realities. In the UN, India will continue to champion international peace and security, global cooperation and the aspirations of the Global South,” Jaishankar wrote.
India has consistently called for reforms to international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, arguing that global governance structures should better reflect contemporary political and economic realities. New Delhi has also advocated greater representation for developing countries and emerging powers in international decision-making. The issue of reforming multilateral institutions remains part of India’s wider diplomatic engagement with the United Nations.
Jaishankar’s statement comes as the organisation marks United Nations Day on October 24, an annual occasion commemorating the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.
UN Geneva highlights founding charter
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office at Geneva marked the occasion by highlighting the original manuscript of the UN Charter’s Preamble, including handwritten notes from the drafting process. In a post on X ahead of United Nations Day, the office drew attention to the historical document and the principles behind the establishment of the organisation after the Second World War.
“‘We the peoples of the United Nations…’ Ahead of the #UNDay, discover the original manuscript of the United Nations Charter’s Preamble, complete with handwritten notes,” the UN Geneva office stated. The office recalled how 50 nations came together in San Francisco 81 years ago with a shared vision of promoting peace, prosperity and human rights.
The founding charter established the framework for international cooperation and set out the organisation’s purposes and principles. These include maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting cooperation on economic, social, cultural and humanitarian issues.
United Nations Day is observed every year on October 24 to mark the anniversary of the Charter’s entry into force in 1945. The document took effect after ratification by the required majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council.
The date marks the formal establishment of the United Nations, which was created in the aftermath of the Second World War to provide a forum for international dialogue and cooperation.
United Nations Day provides an opportunity for member states and the wider international community to reflect on the organisation’s role and renew their commitment to the principles set out in its founding document.
As the UN marks its 81st anniversary, questions surrounding multilateral cooperation and institutional reform remain central to discussions about its future role in addressing international challenges.
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