In doing so, should the UN try to be popular?

It is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations.

- Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 

The criteria for judging the popularity of the United Nations can differ widely at any time, depending on whether the assessment is made by the peoples of the world, the Governments of the world, or the global information media. The general public is more likely, especially when considering major concerns of an international nature, to be objective and compassionate in its evaluation. Governments and the media often have extraneous professional considerations to accommodate. Accordingly, the support of the peoples of the world is more readily forthcoming, provided clear conviction exists that the United Nations is acting without favouritism and in the best interests of the global community. From its very conception, the Organization received the overwhelming support and endorsement of a war-weary and cynical mankind.

The early arrival of the "cold war", revealing conflicts of ideology and political interests between the major Powers, placed a serious dampening effect on the work of the United Nations. Its ratings in the world began to suffer despite the dedication of the Secretariat. Fortunately, for the United Nations and its many supporters, the cold war unexpectedly and rather abruptly ended, thereby changing significantly the global political scene.

The entry into the membership of the United Nations of a large number of newly independent States afforded an opportunity for the Organization to regain momentum and popular support especially from those whose interests were directly or indirectly affected. For the United Nations, it meant placing greater emphasis on helping the newly independent and developing countries to help themselves in improving their economic, social and human rights conditions - a goal that could only bring commendation and support from all progressive peoples. The related expansion of existing programmes and the introduction of new ones, with their resultant increase in expenditure, drew criticism from some quarters, but, generally speaking, reaction was favourable and positive towards the United Nations in the humanitarian endeavours.

The example set by the Secretary-General in leadership, integrity, neutrality, dedication and diplomacy has always played a major part in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Organization.

The conduct of the Secretary-General percolates down through the Secretariat and influences the attitude and morale of the staff at all levels. It also radiates out to Member States, the global information media and the public at large. If the Secretary-General is respected, trusted and competent, then the United Nations gets high marks from the peoples of the world and its performance reflects this high profile. When such a situation agreeably prevails, however, caution invariably is needed to guard against the inevitable envy and professional jealousy that occurs and often manifests itself in efforts to diminish the importance of the accomplishments and ultimately to isolate the secretary-General and lower the prestige of the Organization.

As with all large enterprises, the tendency towards bureaucracy is always present. This breeds incompetence, complacency and inefficiency, thus eroding the high profile reputation. Accordingly, to retain the high ratings desired, it is necessary to review and periodically reform management and readjust priorities. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's recent joint undertakings with Member States is illustrative of this need and the great benefits achievable. Exercises of this nature also help to convince supporters of the United Nations of its commitment to excellence and its continuing search for a performance that will win the respect of all peoples. Gaining and retaining the respect of vital support of Governments is a more elusive undertaking since it becomes the victim of personal political preference, national bipartisan politics and bilateral interests. When multinational interests are at stake, the normally accepted democratic process of majority rule often proves unacceptable.

While, therefore, the United Nations strives for high performance ratings and has obtained a reasonable record of success, considering its relatively short history and challenging responsibilities, it has also learned that it is often harder to retain popularity than to achieve it. While the nature of the various major activities undertaken by the Organization and the prevailing global political atmosphere have a definite bearing on its performance ratings, the two most important ingredients required to ensure a "high profile" are the sustained moral and financial support of Member States and a competent and respected Secretary-General. The first has so far proved unattainable, the second a reality. The peoples of the world still live in hope, for despite the undulations in the fortunes of the United Nations, it is increasingly their only possible salvation.