ONU : grands enjeux, grands absents - Le dessous des cartes - L'essentiel | ARTE

Summary

The video discusses the challenges faced by the United Nations during its annual gathering in New York, highlighting key global issues such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and extreme poverty. Despite these significant topics, many world leaders are absent, including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. The piece examines the structure of the UN Security Council and its ineffective decision-making due to veto power, and suggests the need for reform, questioning why key countries like India, Brazil, and African nations lack representation. The video suggests that regional organizations are increasingly taking precedence over the UN.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United Nations (UN) annual meeting in New York gathers global leaders to address critical world issues.
• 😀 Major topics at the meeting include the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and extreme poverty.
• 😀 Out of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, only Joe Biden was present; Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were absent.
• 😀 The UK and France's leaders, Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron, were also absent due to their busy schedules, including visits from the King of England and Pope Francis.
• 😀 The UN faces criticism over potential 'fatigue' or inefficiency due to the lack of attendance from key global leaders.
• 😀 The UN General Assembly includes 193 member states, but decision-making power lies in the hands of the five permanent members of the Security Council.
• 😀 The five permanent members (Russia, the US, UK, France, and China) each have veto power, making cooperation crucial for the UN’s effectiveness.
• 😀 The use of vetoes by Security Council members has been frequent: Russia (148), the US (86), the UK (30), France (18), and China (19) since 1946.
• 😀 China has often partnered with Russia to use its veto power, highlighting geopolitical alliances and tensions within the Council.
• 😀 There's ongoing debate over whether the UN Security Council should be reformed to include countries like India, Brazil, Germany, or Japan, or to address African representation issues.
• 😀 Regional organizations like NATO, the African Union, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are becoming more prominent as countries turn to alternatives to the UN for international cooperation.

Q & A

What is the main event discussed in the script?

The main event discussed is the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York, where global leaders gather to address major world issues.

Which world issues are highlighted in the script?

The script highlights key global issues, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and extreme poverty.

Who is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council present at the event?

The only permanent member of the UN Security Council present is U.S. President Joe Biden.

Which major leaders are absent from the United Nations General Assembly?

Absent leaders include Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Rishi Sunak of the UK, and Emmanuel Macron of France.

What notable events are taking place in France during the same week?

During the same week, French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting King Charles III of the UK at Versailles and Pope Francis in Marseille.

How many member states are part of the United Nations in 2023?

In 2023, the United Nations consists of 193 member states.

How does the UN Security Council operate in terms of decision-making?

The UN Security Council operates with five permanent members: Russia, the U.S., the UK, France, and China. Each member has veto power, making it essential for them to reach agreements for the Council to function effectively.

Which countries have used the most vetoes in the UN Security Council from 1946 to 2023?

The Soviet Union (now Russia) has used the most vetoes with 148, followed by the United States with 86, the UK with 30, France with 18, and China with 19.

What is the main challenge in reforming the UN Security Council?

The main challenge in reforming the Security Council lies in the reluctance of China to accept a seat for its rivals, India and Japan, and the disagreement among African states about which country should represent them.

What alternative to the UN are countries increasingly favoring for international cooperation?

Countries are increasingly favoring regional organizations such as NATO, the African Union, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization over the UN.