The relevance of the United Nations for stability in the world | Sigrid Kaag | TEDxKMA

Summary

The speaker reflects on the United Nations' 70-year history, emphasizing its mission to prevent atrocities like the Holocaust from recurring. Despite criticisms of inefficiency and lack of transparency, the UN has achieved significant accomplishments, such as establishing UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The speaker calls for a renewed commitment to the UN's values, particularly in the 21st century, to address global challenges like terrorism, poverty, and displacement. They highlight the importance of international cooperation and the need for member states to support the UN's efforts, citing the chemical weapons mission in Syria as an example of the UN's ability to achieve the unexpected when political will and resources align.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The United Nations (UN) was established post-World War II with a mission to prevent global atrocities and promote human rights.
• 📜 The UN Charter emphasizes 'We the People', highlighting a collective responsibility towards humanity.
• 🎥 The film 'The Mission' critiques the UN for issues like lack of accountability and transparency, yet acknowledges its 70 years of accomplishments.
• 👶 UNICEF, WHO, and the World Food Program are examples of UN agencies that have made significant contributions to global welfare.
• 🌱 The speaker advocates for a world of opportunity for all, emphasizing the UN's role in providing hope and security.
• 🌍 Challenges like terrorism, poverty, and displacement are global issues that require international cooperation and cannot be solved unilaterally.
• 🏛️ The UN's voice represents the international community, advocating for values beyond geographical or religious boundaries.
• 🛡️ The chemical weapons mission in Syria exemplifies the UN's ability to achieve the unprecedented, demonstrating political will and international collaboration.
• 💡 The speaker calls for innovation, leadership, and the courage to pursue international solutions to global problems.
• 🔄 Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is crucial for the UN to evolve and effectively address complex global challenges.

Q & A

What was the primary motivation behind the establishment of the United Nations?

The United Nations was established in the wake of the Second World War, following the tragedy of the Holocaust and widespread human suffering. The motivation was to ensure that such atrocities do not happen again, with the charter speaking of 'We the People' and aiming to prevent future global conflicts.

What does the UN aim to achieve in the 21st century?

In the 21st century, the UN aims to continue its mission of promoting peace, security, and human rights for all, while adapting to new challenges such as terrorism, poverty, migration, and conflict. It seeks to provide a platform for collective action and to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard.

How does the UN address the criticism of lack of accountability and transparency?

The UN acknowledges the criticisms and strives to improve accountability and transparency. It works towards professionalizing its operations, being more efficient, and ensuring that member states are actively engaged in making the system work effectively.

What role does the UN play in humanitarian aid and protection?

The UN plays a significant role in humanitarian aid and protection through organizations like UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the World Food Program. These organizations work to feed children, protect people from famine and conflict, and provide hope to those in need.

Why is the UN's involvement in conflict prevention and management important?

The UN's involvement in conflict prevention and management is crucial because it tackles problems at their root, requires political courage, and often involves addressing issues that no single country can solve alone. It ensures a collective approach to global challenges.

What was the significance of the chemical weapons mission in Syria?

The chemical weapons mission in Syria was significant because it was an unprecedented effort to lead a mission during wartime to destroy chemical weapons by removing them from the country. This action was aimed at making Syria safer and providing an entry point for a political solution.

How does the UN demonstrate its commitment to 'We the People'?

The UN demonstrates its commitment to 'We the People' by advocating for human rights, access to education, health, employment, and equal rights for all, regardless of where they are born. It works to ensure that the most vulnerable have a voice and access to the resources they need.

What is the importance of international solutions to global problems according to the script?

International solutions to global problems are important because local issues have become global, and no single country can address them alone. The UN provides a platform for collective action, allowing countries to work together to find solutions that respect human rights and promote global stability.

How does the UN approach the issue of failure in its operations?

The UN views failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. It encourages a culture of innovation, leadership, and the courage to tackle challenges, even when the odds are against success. This approach allows the organization to adapt and grow in the face of adversity.

What is the role of the Ministry of Defense in the context of the UN's work?

The Ministry of Defense plays a role in supporting UN missions, such as providing resources and personnel for peacekeeping and security operations. It is part of the broader effort to ensure collective security and to uphold the values enshrined in the UN Charter.

Why is it essential for member states to invest in the UN system?

Member states must invest in the UN system because it reflects and speaks for all of them, advocating for shared values based on human rights for all. Investment is necessary to ensure the system's effectiveness in addressing global challenges and to uphold the collective interests of the international community.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The United Nations: A Journey of 70 Years

The speaker takes the audience on a journey through the 70-year history of the United Nations, emphasizing its establishment post-World War II as a response to the Holocaust and widespread human suffering. The UN's founding principle is 'We the People,' highlighting its mission to prevent such atrocities from recurring. Despite criticisms of the UN's bureaucracy and lack of transparency, the speaker points out the organization's significant accomplishments, such as the creation of UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the World Food Program, which have provided aid, protection, and hope to millions. The speaker calls for a renewed commitment to the UN's values in the 21st century, focusing on shared humanity and the need for a different, better world for all. The challenges of the modern era, including terrorism and conflict, are addressed, with the speaker arguing for a collective, international response rather than isolationism. The importance of investing in the UN system and holding it accountable is also stressed, as it is a reflection of shared values and a platform for those without a voice.

05:01

🛡️ The Power of International Cooperation: Chemical Weapons and Beyond

The speaker discusses the UN's role in unprecedented missions, such as the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria during wartime, which was a collaborative effort that defied the odds. This mission, undertaken without a pre-existing plan due to its novelty, exemplifies the UN's capacity to achieve the unexpected with political will, support, and resources. The speaker expresses pride in the Netherlands' contribution to this mission and emphasizes the importance of international solutions to global problems. The necessity of thinking and working internationally is underscored, as local issues have become global, and no single country can address them alone. The speaker calls for innovation, leadership, and the courage to act, acknowledging that failure is a part of learning and growth. The UN's role in conflict prevention and management is highlighted, with a call for investment in these areas as a means to address problems at their roots.

10:04

🌟 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success

In this segment, the speaker reflects on the importance of embracing failure as a necessary part of tackling the unthinkable or the unknown. The courage and leadership required to face such challenges are emphasized, with the speaker advocating for a shift towards international solutions rather than isolation. The role of the Ministry of Defense as a strong partner in international efforts is recognized, and the speaker calls for investment not only in physical protection but also in conflict prevention and management. The message is clear: solutions to global issues are not easy and require negotiation, but change is inevitable. The speaker concludes by celebrating the work done for 'We the People,' in collaboration with the private sector, civil society, and networks of courageous individuals, whose efforts, though often unrecognized, are essential in honoring the flag and the principles it represents.

Keywords

💡United Nations (UN)

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote international cooperation and to create and maintain international order. In the video, the UN is described as a collective journey for humanity, established to prevent the recurrence of global tragedies like the Holocaust. It is portrayed as an entity that embodies the values of 'We the People' and has been instrumental in establishing various organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization to address global issues.

💡Humanity

Humanity in the context of the video refers to the collective identity and shared values of all human beings. It is used to emphasize the UN's mission to serve all people, regardless of nationality, and to promote peace, security, and human rights. The speaker mentions that the UN's charter speaks of 'We the People,' highlighting the organization's commitment to the welfare and dignity of every individual.

💡Accountability

Accountability in the video is discussed in relation to the need for the UN and its member states to be responsible for their actions and decisions. It is mentioned as a classic critique of the organization, suggesting that there is a need for greater transparency and responsibility in the UN's operations. The speaker argues for a more professional approach to the UN's work, emphasizing the importance of results and efficiency.

💡Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. The video emphasizes the UN's role in promoting and protecting these rights globally. It is mentioned that the UN's work is based on the principle that human rights should be accessible to all, not just those living in developed countries, and that the organization's mission is to ensure equal rights for all, including women, LGBT individuals, and marginalized groups.

💡Conflict and Security

Conflict and security are central themes in the video, which discusses the UN's role in addressing global security threats and conflicts. The speaker mentions the need for collective security and the importance of the UN's work in preventing and resolving conflicts. Examples from the script include the chemical weapons mission in Syria, which aimed to destroy chemical weapons during a time of war, demonstrating the UN's commitment to disarmament and peace.

💡International Community

The international community, as used in the video, refers to the global network of nations and peoples working together to address common challenges. The UN is described as the voice of this community, advocating for collective action and shared responsibility. The speaker emphasizes that the UN's work is not just about individual nations but about serving the broader interests of the international community.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in the video is discussed in the context of long-term solutions to global challenges such as poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation. The speaker argues that investing in the UN and its programs is an investment in sustainability, as it helps to create a safer, more secure, and better world for all. The video suggests that sustainable development is a key goal of the UN's work.

💡Innovation

Innovation is mentioned as a necessary component for addressing the complex challenges faced by the world today. The video suggests that the UN and its member states need to be innovative in their approaches to problem-solving, particularly in areas like conflict prevention and management. The speaker calls for leadership and the courage to embrace new ideas and methods in the pursuit of global solutions.

💡Political Will

Political will is discussed in the context of the commitment and determination of political leaders to achieve certain goals. The video highlights the importance of political will in driving the UN's work, particularly in securing the necessary resources and support for missions like the chemical weapons mission in Syria. The speaker emphasizes that political will is crucial for the success of the UN's efforts to promote peace and security.

💡Global Challenges

Global challenges refer to the wide range of issues that affect people across the world, such as terrorism, poverty, migration, and climate change. The video discusses how these challenges require global solutions and cannot be addressed by individual countries alone. The speaker argues that the UN is essential for coordinating international responses to these challenges and for promoting collective action.

💡Courage

Courage in the video is portrayed as the willingness to take risks and face challenges in the pursuit of a better world. The speaker discusses the importance of courage in leadership, particularly in the context of the UN's work in conflict zones and crisis situations. The video suggests that courage is necessary for leaders to make difficult decisions and to stand up for the values and principles of the UN.

Highlights

The United Nations was established in the wake of the second world war to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

The UN Charter speaks of 'We the People', emphasizing the organization's focus on serving humanity.

Criticism of the UN system includes a lack of accountability and transparency, but there are also 70 years of accomplishments to consider.

The UN's mission is to save humanity from the worst, not to lead it to perfection.

UNICEF, WHO, and the World Food Program are examples of organizations that have made a significant impact on the ground.

The UN is about values and hope, aiming for a better world for all.

The world's complexity is not an excuse for inaction; the UN must address global issues like terrorism, poverty, and conflict.

Religion is often misused to justify conflicts; the UN stands for a voice of peace and unity.

The UN's voice represents the international community, advocating for those without a voice.

The UN needs to be more accountable and professional in its operations.

Member states, including the Netherlands, must believe in and support the UN system to make it work effectively.

The chemical weapons mission in Syria was an unprecedented success, demonstrating the UN's ability to act in challenging circumstances.

Political will, support, and resources are crucial for the UN to achieve its goals, as shown by the Netherlands' role in the Syria mission.

The UN can lead by example where no single country can act alone, particularly in addressing global issues.

Local problems have become global, necessitating international solutions and collective action.

The UN's work is ultimately an investment in sustainability, security, and a better world for all.

Innovation, leadership, and the courage to act are required to achieve the UN's ambitious agenda.

Acceptance of failure is part of the courage needed to tackle the unthinkable or the unknown in international work.

The UN's work is for 'We the People', and it requires the support of individuals and nations to honor its mission.

Transcripts

[Music]

I'd just like to take you as the film

will show as well I'd like to take you

on a brief moment in time on a journey a

journey which is our Collective Journey

which is for Humanity whether you work

nationally or internationally but it's

based on values the journey is one of 70

years 70 years of un you may recall it

was established in the wake of the of

the second world war following the

tragedy of the Holocaust and Humane and

human suffering all over Europe and

Beyond um the in camps of internment uh

in Asia etc etc humans decided we

politicians decided this cannot happen

again this is for Humanity the charter

was established and it spoke of We the

People the UN was always meant to be

about We the People long before before

we got this colossal Machinery many of

you and I think I haven't yet seen the

film The Mission but if I look by the

trailer I think there's some critique

and criticism of the system the

organization the lack of the lack of

accountability transparency a whole list

of sort of pretty classic Dutch

complaints if I may say so however

there's another world there's a world of

70 years of accomplishment if we go back

to Doug hmer who said the UN was not

established to lead mankind into heaven

but to save it from hell we have to go

back to that basic particularly in the

21st century 70 years however when

UNICEF was established World Health

Organization world food program many

many organizations that maybe you have

seen in the field that you know that

actually fed children protected people

from famine protected people from

conflict and gave them hope I believe

and I think also Ministry of Defense

colleagues we're in the business of

values and hope but what will it take to

succeed to achieve that different and

better world for all if we think and I

fundamentally believe the UN is always

about We the People a different world a

world of opportunity for everybody

everywhere at the same time how do we

need to work now in the 21st century we

know that the easy way out particularly

in Europe but not only is to say the

world is too complex I can't understand

understand it well they're fighting in

the Middle East oh dear oh dear it must

be religion well I think as our

colleague before who spoke before me has

shown no not quite it's not about

religion religion is manipulated is

exploited is is De demonstrating to

people as if it's the only way there for

the extremist way no such thing the

voice of the UN is the voice of the

International Community it's about

yourselves spending time here today it's

about the voters it's about politicians

it's about the people who have no voice

we the people of the UN Charter is about

that shared Humanity but particularly of

those who have no access no voice no

means but what will it take to do a

better job for all of them if the

classic choic is let's stay at home

let's not travel there let's not take

the car to Luxembourg I I hear it's

dangerous back there fine we you are

lucky to live in a safe place but as

today's challenges have shown the 21st

century Brussels Beirut bamako and the

next Terror or extremist attack will

happen it's not a matter of if it's a

matter of when so if our security and

our shared Humanity means we need to

share and do things differently we also

need to invest in that very system and I

hate to say system here now that

actually reflects and speaks for all of

us that has shared value is based on

human rights for all not just living in

the Benelux or in an oecd or EU country

human rights for all access to education

Access to Health employment opportunity

equal rights for women LGBT there's a

whole agenda that we are comfortable

with in the Netherlands and yet we think

others could just wait a little longer

that is the UN however what we fail to

do as a system is perhaps to act quickly

be prompt be efficient particularly that

nice Dutch efficiency be task oriented

have the results is that a system error

to some extent yes we need to be much

more accountable we need to

professionalize the way we do business

but we also need to know that those who

own us member states Netherlands and the

192 others they really believe and make

that system work to the best of its

ability because others need it want it

there is no choice but to stand for that

blue flag hopefully not need the helmet

but when you have to put on the helmet

or Ministry of Defense colleagues

volunteer to go and wear that helmet for

the sake of others it is because it is

for them but also for a collective sense

of security and Humanity I'd like to

take a step out because there was

mention of the chemical weapons Mission

and it was an example of where the

system the United Nations which is

really all of us can actually do

something something that was

unprecedented leading a mission at a

time of War destroying chemical weapons

by taking them out of Syria at a time of

war against the odds without a plan

actually and I think that's kind of

uncomfortable there was no plan because

it hadn't been done before uh there was

no plan to destroy it at Sea because it

never happened before we didn't know

what we started but all we knew was

there was a mission there was a goal and

somehow in between it has to happen

because it made Syria we hoped a little

bit safer and it provided that entry

point to a political solution that was

so desperately needed in Syria so

disarmament was about the political

solution for Syria and the region why

did we do it because we had political

support unequivocally from the security

Council and also from countries like the

Netherlands my own country made me feel

very proud that I got the staff the

resources Ministry of Defense was always

a phone call away to say what do you

need this demonstrates political will

support assets and money the United

Nations we the people can do the

unexpected the unprecedented and can

lead by example where no country can go

it alone and do it alone most of the

countries in the world are too small

they need to participate and be part of

that family of Nations to in order to

have their voice heard but also to

influence change at the same time the

bigger countries like to be part of the

family of Nations because it's not seen

as setting an agenda so my ask of course

is if the example of disarmament and

that the Ebola Mission unir known to

some of you and again the Netherlands

also played an important role if we can

do it in this way how can we change and

push politically an operationally to

achieve the change we want to see I

believe that there is no other way but

to think and work internationally two

reasons one of them local problems have

become Global as the scorge of terrorism

has shown but poverty uh migration out

of poverty conflict which drives the

biggest ever displacement and Refugee

crisis that we've seen in modern day

from Syria and the region no bilateral

solution helps European responses

bilateral are insufficient and they may

actually be counter human rights

treaties we always always pride

ourselves on thinking collectively

working collectively is the only way to

arrive at that point where you can go

back and say we serve the community of

Nations we believe that human rights are

equal and everywhere regardless of where

you are born but precisely because you

are born in a place which is not the

Netherlands which is not EU which

doesn't have sort of the happiness index

at the highest ranking we are here for

you and this is ultimately also for the

Netherlands the best investment in

sustainability security safety and that

better world that we need but it needs

Innovation it needs leadership and the

courage to walk the talk and that would

be my last Point failure we always pred

ourselves that we've done so well I mean

I think the public sector in the

Netherlands is sort of the same we fear

the criticism when something hasn't gone

quite well oh let from Parliament the

minister has to respond I know that's

would be the Dutch national example in

the UN it's the same questions by the

security Council journalists member

states donors that say hang on a minute

I have to justify this to my taxpayers

but without failure we don't learn and

the Syria chemical weapons example

Frankly Speaking 99% of the odds were

stacked stacked against any success I

would look back and say I remember at

the time when the Secretary General

called me to say Miss KAG we'd like to

offer you this leadership position I

said yes and when I arrived later on to

sort of start to establish first thing I

did was call my husband and said didn't

think about this very well I have no

clue and it wasn't about the fact that I

knew nothing about chemical weapons is

was I that I understood that nobody else

knew what to do as well however I said

yes and in classic fashion I think what

you said what you sort of

what I don't know how that translates at

the moment so

um and then you just put your heart into

it but with support but an acceptance of

failure when you try to do the

unthinkable or the unknown is part of

actually the courage that we need and

the leadership models that we require

going it bilaterally to me is just not

even a question to answer there is no

alternative but if we believe in

international solutions to questions

that no longer are just local or let's

look away because it will just disappear

think internationally and I believe the

ministry of defense is one of those very

strong Partners the believe it if you

believe in international Solutions

you've got to invest not just in the

helmet you've got to invest in Conflict

prevention in Conflict Management you've

got to tackle problems at their roote

and that is tough and that requires

political courage to basically deliver

the message that the solutions are never

easy and need to be negotiated but

change is coming and I believe we are

working for we the people with the

private sector with civil society with

networks of courageous individuals we

whose names we'll never know but they

deserve to be covered with the flag

because they honor their flag and it's

about we the people and thank you very

[Music]

much

[Music]