A stronger, more effective world organization.

"... A stronger, more effective world organization"

THE GATHERING here of 11 Presidents of the General Assembly, to apply their wisdom and experience to an assessment of the functioning of the United Nations is truly a unique occasion. I would like at the outset to welcome each of you--or, more accurately, to welcome you back--and to express, in behalf of the entire Organization the most sincere appreciation of your participation. The conclusions reached in this meeting can add a great deal to the lasting significance of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations by contributing to a stronger, more effective world organization.

Developments that occurred 40 years ago when the United Nations was founded were of a nature to require profound changes in the structure of international relations, in the policies of Governments, and, indeed, in human thinking.

The devastation brought by the world conflagration that ended in 1945 was such as to make clear that recurrence would entail an unacceptable risk to survival. World peace was perceived--perhaps for the first time--not only as a desirable, even sacred objective, but as an absolute necessity. The revelation of the enormous power of the atom reinforced this perception and, at the same time, highlighted the unprecendented possibilities for improvement in human existence which scientific and technological advances promised.

The establishment of the United Nations represented the response of nations to the necessity of peace. It reflected, moreover, a new understanding that peace requires co-operation among nations in behalf of economic and social advancement, justice and equality for all people, the reduction of arms, and an effective system of collective security. Peace, it was seen, involved common engagement in the betterment of the human condition. This became a central principle of the United Nations.

It was recognized by the drafters of the Charter that, given the general will to preserve the structure of sovereign States, there were bound to be limits on the power of the new multilateral organization. There were, however, two overriding considerations substantiating the hope and conviction with which the Charter was signed.

First, the purposes and principles therein defined provided a vision and standard for international conduct that, if honoured, could realistically be expected to lead to a secure and peaceful world. Second, any imperfection in the structure of the United Nations would perforce be overcome in practice, because failure to meet the responsibilities for which it was created would entail unacceptable risk for the future of the world community.

Clearly, events of the past 40 years have done nothing to lessen the necessity of peace. Rather, the contrary, violence and conflict have retained an unfortunate immediacy. The further development and deployment of nuclear weapons have given the most persuasive warning of the impermissibility of global war.

Yet, to a certain extent, the very opposite of what was anticipated at San Francisco has been happening. The difficulties inherent in a system of collective security and the unavoidable imperfections in the functioning of the United Nations have been magnified rather than overcome, and allowed negatively to influence perceptions of the Organization's potential.

All here are familiar with the substantial progress made through multilateral means in these past 40 years in achieving the improved conditions of life on which stable peace ultimately depends. To recognize that much more needs to be done, and could be done, should not obscure what has been accomplished.

The United Nations can also be highly effective in the resolution of disputes and in keeping peace. The regrettable and dangerous fact that conflict persists must not be accepted as evidence that the concept of collective security is unworkable, but rather as a warning that it must be made to work more effectively. The basic requirement is committed and consistent support of the United Nations by Member States.

If public and governmental confidence in the United Nations is to be sustained and enhanced, it is of major importance to assure that the Organization functions with the greatest possible effectiveness. As Secretary-General I have sought to contribute to his by calling attention to action needed to overcome weaknesses in performance, by enhancing the means for preventive diplomacy and by exercising maximum efficiency in the utilization of resources. The United Nations must not lose the commitment of Government because of an appearance of extravagance or administrative irresponsibility. Information is contained in the background paper prepared by UNITAR for this meeting on concerns I have expressed and specific suggestions I have made in the annual reports I have submitted to the General Assembly.

One of the great functions which the Assembly serves is to provide a universal forum in which, through the exchange of views and the explanation of perceived needs, attitudes of Governments can be harmonized in the interest of the resolution of world problems. Unrestrained and prolonged rhetoric can seldom contribute to this objective. The authority which resolutions of the General Assembly should enjoy can be prejudiced by duplication and needless repetition.

I consider the reports submitted by the Secretary-General to the major organs of the United Nations in response to their requests to be one of his most important responsibilities, deserving of the most thoughtful and detailed preparation. The significance of these reports can decline if they are routinely requested in the absence of any other practical action or real expectation that they can contribute towards progress on a particular problem.

The experience of the very distinguished General Assembly Presidents who are here today, when taken together, spans an important portion of the 40-year history of the United Nations. Each of you has observed at different times, from the highest vantage point, such critical aspects of the functioning of the United Nations as the relationship between the General Assembly and the other organs of the United Nations, the role of the regional groups, the operation of the many Committees, the drafting of resolutions, the support provided by the Secretariat and, most importantly, the interests of Member States. To use this knowledge in assessing the first 40 years of the United Nations is to contribute substantially to prospects of the future.