The UN General Assembly votes on the "New York Declaration on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine" in September 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York City (©UN via Kyodo)
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The United Nations (UN), the premier forum where sovereign nations come together to deliberate on global issues, celebrated its 80th anniversary on October 24.
The number of member states has grown from 51 at its inception in 1945 to 193 today. However, the reality is that the UN's functions are severely limited. Authoritarian states such as China and Russia are permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Furthermore, democracy has not taken root in many of its member states.
Nevertheless, the existence of the world body is important as a forum where countries can come together to discuss various issues facing the international community.
Addressing the UN's Impotence
Today the UN is facing unprecedented challenges. It has proved powerless during Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. Nevertheless, we would like to see it become an organization that contributes, even if only a little, to "maintain international peace and security," as stated in its charter.
The UNSC has five permanent members. They are, namely, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia. After the end of the Cold War, there was a period when people hoped that the Security Council could actively contribute to international peace. Now, however, as during the Cold War, the veto power of the five permanent members has paralyzed what should be the premier peacemaking body.
Overcoming the 'Victorious Nations' Mindset
In Japan, the English name "United Nations" is translated as Kokusai Rengo. Literally, it means "International Union," a name derived from the Allied Powers of World War II. So it is fair to say that the United Nations Security Council was established as a "club of victorious nations."
But limiting the number of permanent members to five has become an anachronism. There is a pressing need to enhance the effectiveness and representativeness of the UNSC.
Japan joined the United Nations in 1956. Then-Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu delivered Japan's accession speech to the UN General Assembly. It was met with thunderous applause from representatives of each country.
During World War II, Shigemitsu had served as foreign minister. He was instrumental in organizing the Greater East Asia Conference, the world's first summit of nations of color. Also, he played a leading role in the adoption of the Joint Declaration of the Greater East Asia Conference, which championed racial equality.
Thus, Japan had already demonstrated its commitment to racial equality. After joining the United Nations, it has contributed to world peace and stability through various international cooperation efforts. Today, Japan should cooperate with like-minded countries that share values such as freedom and democracy and aim to become a permanent member of the UNSC.
The Arbitrary 'Enemy State Clauses'
At the same time, Japan must take the lead in realizing the abolition of the "enemy state clauses" in the UN Charter. Those terms were applied to countries, including Japan, defeated 80 years ago in World War II, but not to aggressors in conflicts in 2025.
Some observers argue that these outdated clauses have become a dead letter. However, China is a permanent member of the UNSC. As long as those clauses remain in the UN Charter, the risk remains that it could abuse these clauses and attack Japan during a contingency involving the Senkaku Islands or Taiwan.
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Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
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