One of the most important issues in world politics this year is the proposed reform of the United Nations to be decided at a summit in September. The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has set out his plans in an ambitious document, entitled In Larger Freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all.
It deals with each of these matters, which form an integrated package. They are the most far-reaching reform proposals put to the organisation since its foundation 60 years ago. Ireland's commitment to the UN has been marked by Mr Annan's nomination of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern as one of his five envoys to argue the reform case.
The most difficult issue politically is reform of the Security Council to bring it into line with contemporary international realities - a matter of high politics. Considerable progress has been made, in the hope it can be agreed well before September so that the development and human rights issues can also be resolved. Four states demanding permanent Security Council seats by virtue of their size and influence - Germany, Japan, Brazil and India - are to present a resolution to the UN General Assembly next month proposing six new permanent members and four non-permanent members. They hope at least 50 countries will sponsor the resolution and that it will be adopted by the required two-thirds majority. Japan and Germany this week indicated they will drop their previous condition that they must have a veto.
This issue remains contentious with other states which believe they have an entitlement to permanent membership or which support alternative proposals. And since the Security Council makes gravely important decisions it is essential that its new structures are got right. Among Mr Annan's proposals gathering substantial support is one for a Peacebuilding Commission to help countries make the transition from war to lasting peace. It would fill a real gap in the UN's machinery by bringing together resources and skills for peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, rehabilitation and the rule of law. More effective means to prevent conflict before it breaks out are also being discussed, as is a new approach towards protecting universally agreed and applicable human rights, which could get around the barrier of state sovereignty.
Mr Annan's document insists quite correctly that such political and legal changes will prove to be ineffective unless they are accompanied by clear commitments to implement the eight Millennium Development Goals agreed by government leaders in 2000. They cover the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, the achievement of universal primary education, empowering women, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating major diseases, environmental sustainability and long-term development. Detailed and concrete targets to achieve them were agreed and governments have made a solemn vow to renew them in September. With the diminution of the UN on the Iraq war, now is the time for public opinion to call in these pledges.