United Nations Organisation@80: Interrogating Relevance and exploring its Prospects for the Future

This study investigates the relevance of the United Nations Organization (UNO) after 80 years of existence under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.” The study examines the extent to which the United Nations has achieved its primary objectives of sustaining global peace, protecting human rights, and promoting development in the contemporary world order. In recent years, the organization’s effectiveness has been called into question due to structural limitations, veto power politics in the Security Council, financial crises, and a perceived inability to respond decisively to global conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine wars. The study examines the underlying causes of the UN’s diminishing relevance and considers prospects for regaining its legitimacy and effectiveness in a fast changing, globalised world. The study is based on the Constitutional Theory of International Organizations, which emphasizes legality, legitimacy, and institutional functionality within global governance. It employs historical, functional, and analytical approaches and draws on secondary data sources. The study concludes that extensive reforms of the UN’s structure, particularly the Security Council, financial autonomy, and renewed commitment to member state equality are required to restore the organization’s function as a credible platform for international peace, security, and cooperation.